Abstract P263: Do Different Sites of Vessel Occlusion Dictate the Need for Intubation Prior to Endovascular Treatment and Have an Effect on Outcome?

Introduction: Endovascular treatment (EVT) is a widely proven method to treat patients diagnosed with intracranial large vessel occlusion. In order to ensure patients safety prior to and during EVT, preprocedural intubation has been adopted in many centers as a means for airway protection and immobilization. However, the correlation between site of vessel occlusion, need for intubation, and outcomes, has not yet been established. Methods: Through the utilization of a prospectively collected database at a comprehensive stroke center between 2012-2020, demographics, co-morbid conditions, intracerebral hemorrhage, mortality rate, and functional independence outcomes were examined. The outcomes and sites of occlusion between patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy (MT) treated while intubated versus those treated under conscious sedation (CS) were compared. Results: Out of 625 patients treated with MT, a total of 218 (34.9%) were treated while intubated (average age 70.3 ± 13.7, 37.2% women), and 407 (65.1%) were treated while under CS (average age 70.3 ± 13.7, 47.7% women); see Table 1 for baseline characteristics and outcomes. A higher number of patients requiring intubation had an occlusion in the basilar versus those only requiring CS. No differences were noted in regard to the proportion of patients receiving intubation or CS when treated for RMCA, LMCA, or internal carotid artery occlusions. Conclusion: Intubation + MT was associated with significantly worsened outcomes in regard to recanalization rates, functional outcome, and mortality. In anterior circulation strokes, intubation in RMCA patients were found to have poorer clinical outcome. Higher rates of intubation were also found to be needed in patients with basilar occlusions. Further research is required to determine whether site of occlusion dictates the need for intubation, and whether intubation allows for favorable outcome between R and LMCA occlusions.

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Thrombectomy 6-24 hours after stroke in trial ineligible patients

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2018-013915 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 1033-1037 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Shashvat M Desai ◽

Marcelo Rocha ◽

Bradley J Molyneaux ◽

Matthew Starr ◽

Cynthia L Kenmuir ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Time Window ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Off Label ◽

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Background and purposeThe DAWN and DEFUSE-3 trials demonstrated the benefit of endovascular thrombectomy (ET) in late-presenting acute ischemic strokes due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (ACLVO). Strict criteria were employed for patient selection. We sought to evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of patients treated outside these trials.MethodsA retrospective review of acute ischemic stroke admissions to a single comprehensive stroke center was performed during the DAWN trial enrollment period (November 2014 to February 2017) to identify all patients presenting in the 6–24 hour time window. These patients were further investigated for trial eligibility, baseline characteristics, treatment, and outcomes.ResultsApproximately 70% (n=142) of the 204 patients presenting 6–24 hours after last known well with NIH Stroke Scale score ≥6 and harboring an ACLVO are DAWN and/or DEFUSE-3 ineligible, most commonly due to large infarct burden (38%). 26% (n=37) of trial ineligible patients with large vessel occlusion strokes received off-label ET and 30% of them achieved functional independence (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) at 90 days. Rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality were 8% and 24%, respectivelyConclusionTrial ineligible patients with large vessel occlusion strokes receiving off-label ET achieved outcomes comparable to DAWN and DEFUSE-3 eligible patients. Patients aged <80 years are most likely to benefit from ET in this subgroup. These data indicate a larger population of patients who can potentially benefit from ET in the expanded time window if more permissive criteria are applied.

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Clinical and neuroimaging criteria to improve the workflow in transfers for endovascular treatment evaluation

International Journal of Stroke ◽

10.1177/1747493019874725 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (9) ◽

pp. 988-994 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Manuel Requena ◽

Marta Olivé-Gadea ◽

Sandra Boned ◽

Anna Ramos ◽

Pere Cardona ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Treatment Success ◽

Population Based ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Infarct Core ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Background Transfer protocols from primary to comprehensive stroke centers are crucial for endovascular treatment success. Aim To evaluate clinical and neuroimaging data of transferred patients and their likelihood of presenting a large infarct core at comprehensive stroke center arrival. Methods Retrospective analysis of population-based mandatory prospective registry of acute stroke patients evaluated for endovascular treatment. Consecutive patients evaluated at primary stroke center with suspected large vessel occlusion and PSC-ASPECTS ≥ 6 transferred to a comprehensive stroke center were included. PSC and CSC-ASPECTS, time-metrics, and clinical data were analyzed. Results During 28 months, 1185 endovascular treatment candidates were transferred from PC to comprehensive stroke center in our public stroke network, 477 had an anterior circulation syndrome and available neuroimaging information and were included. Median baseline NIHSS was 13 (8–19). On arrival to comprehensive stroke center, large vessel occlusion was confirmed in 60.2% patients, and 41.2% received endovascular treatment. Median interfacility ASPECTS decay was 1 (0–2) after a median of 150.7 (SD 101) min between both CT-acquisitions. A logistic regression analysis adjusted by age, time from symptoms to PC-CT, and time from PC-CT to CSC-CT showed that only a baseline NIHSS and PSC-ASPECTS independently predicted a CSC-ASPECTS < 6. ROC curves identified baseline NIHSS ≥ 16 and PSC-ASPECTS ≤ 7 as the best cut-off points. The rate of CSC-ASPECTS < 6 increased from 7% to 57% among patients with NIHSS ≥ 16 and PSC-ASPECS ≤ 7. Conclusion After a median transfer time >2 h, only 11.9% showed ASPECTS < 6 at the comprehensive stroke center. Activation of endovascular treatment teams should not require confirming neuroimaging on arrival and repeating neuroimaging at comprehensive stroke center should only be performed in selected cases.

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Abstract P159: Patients Transferred Within a Telestroke Network for Large Vessel Occlusion

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p159 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Sujan T Reddy ◽

Sean I Savitz ◽

Elliott Friedman ◽

Octavio Arevalo ◽

Jing Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vascular Imaging ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Rapid Acquisition ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

Ct Brain ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Introduction: In a telestroke network, patients at a referring hospital (RH) with large vessel occlusion (LVO) are transferred to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). However, a significant number of patients do not ultimately undergo thrombectomy after CSC arrival. Methods: Within a 17 hospital telestroke network, we retrospectively analyzed patients with suspected or confirmed LVO transferred to a CSC and characterized the reasons why these patients did not undergo EVT based on the 2019 AHA guidelines. Results: Of 400 patients transferred to our hub, 68 (17%) were based on vascular imaging at RH. Time from RH arrival to neuroimaging was significantly longer in patients that underwent both CT & CTA brain and neck compared to only CT brain (53 vs. 13 minutes, p <0.05). Accuracy of anterior circulation LVO (ACLVO) detection based on clinical suspicion was 62% (205 of 332 patients). Among 234 ACLVO patients (Table 1), overall 175 (74%) [early window group: 123 (73%) patients and late window group: 52 (80%) patients] met at least one EVT ineligibility criterion. The reasons for EVT ineligibility varied from large core infarct (aspects <6 or core volume >70cc on perfusion imaging in late window), low NIHSS (<6), distal occlusion, and poor baseline mRS (>1) (Table 2). Conclusion: Instituting rapid acquisition and interpretation of vascular imaging at referring hospitals for LVO detection and establishing benchmarks for door to vascular imaging is urgently needed for referring hospitals. Table 1: Study flowchart

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Value of repeated imaging in patients with a stroke who are transferred for endovascular treatment

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2020-017050 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. neurintsurg-2020-017050

Author(s):

Laura C C van Meenen ◽

Nerea Arrarte Terreros ◽

Adrien E Groot ◽

Manon Kappelhof ◽

Ludo F M Beenen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Clinical Improvement ◽

Treatment Delay ◽

Clinical Deterioration ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Intracranial Hemorrhages ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Quality Outcomes ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

BackgroundPatients with a stroke who are transferred to a comprehensive stroke center for endovascular treatment (EVT) often undergo repeated neuroimaging prior to EVT.ObjectiveTo evaluate the yield of repeating imaging and its effect on treatment times.MethodsWe included adult patients with a large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke who were referred to our hospital for EVT by primary stroke centers (2016–2019). We excluded patients who underwent repeated imaging because primary imaging was unavailable, incomplete, or of insufficient quality. Outcomes included treatment times and repeated imaging findings.ResultsOf 677 transferred LVO stroke, 551 were included. Imaging was repeated in 165/551 patients (30%), mostly because of clinical improvement (86/165 (52%)) or deterioration (40/165 (24%)). Patients who underwent repeated imaging had higher door-to-groin-times than patients without repeated imaging (median 43 vs 27 min, adjusted time difference: 20 min, 95% CI 15 to 25). Among patients who underwent repeated imaging because of clinical improvement, the LVO had resolved in 50/86 (58%). In patients with clinical deterioration, repeated imaging led to refrainment from EVT in 3/40 (8%). No symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages (sICH) were identified. Ultimately, 75/165 (45%) of patients with repeated imaging underwent EVT compared with 326/386 (84%) of patients without repeated imaging (p<0.01).ConclusionsNeuroimaging was repeated in 30% of patients with an LVO stroke and resulted in a median treatment delay of 20 minutes. In patients with clinical deterioration, no sICH were detected and repeated imaging rarely changed the indication for EVT. However, in more than half of patients with clinical improvement, the LVO had resolved, resulting in refrainment from EVT.

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Effect of “drip-and-ship” and “drip-and-drive” on endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion: a single-center retrospective study

Acta Radiologica ◽

10.1177/02841851211006897 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 028418512110068

Author(s):

Yu Hang ◽

Zhen Yu Jia ◽

Lin Bo Zhao ◽

Yue Zhou Cao ◽

Huang Huang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Primary Stroke Center ◽

Secondary Endpoints ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Background Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO) were usually transferred from a primary stroke center (PSC) to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) for endovascular treatment (drip-and-ship [DS]), while driving the doctor from a CSC to a PSC to perform a procedure is an alternative strategy (drip-and-drive [DD]). Purpose To compare the efficacy and prognosis of the two strategies. Material and Methods From February 2017 to June 2019, 62 patients with LVO received endovascular treatment via the DS and DD models and were retrospectively analyzed from the stroke alliance based on our CSC. Primary endpoint was door-to-reperfusion (DTR) time. Secondary endpoints included puncture-to-recanalization (PTR) time, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) rates at the end of the procedure, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. Results Forty-one patients received the DS strategy and 21 patients received the DD strategy. The DTR time was significantly longer in the DS group compared to the DD group (315.5 ± 83.8 min vs. 248.6 ± 80.0 min; P < 0.05), and PTR time was shorter (77.2 ± 35.9 min vs. 113.7 ± 69.7 min; P = 0.033) compared with the DD group. Successful recanalization (mTICI 2b/3) was achieved in 89% (36/41) of patients in the DS group and 86% (18/21) in the DD group ( P = 1.000). Favorable functional outcomes (mRS 0–2) were observed in 49% (20/41) of patients in the DS group and 71% (15/21) in the DD group at 90 days ( P = 0.089). Conclusion Compared with the DS strategy, the DD strategy showed more effective and a trend of better clinical outcomes for AIS patients with LVO.

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Abstract P539: Comparison of Transradial Artery versus Transfemoral Artery Access for Solumbra Technique in Mechanical Thrombectomy

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p539 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Taha Nisar ◽

Jimmy Patel ◽

Muhammad Z Memon ◽

Amit Singla ◽

Priyank Khandelwal

Keyword(s):

Middle Cerebral Artery ◽

Cerebral Artery ◽

Arrival Time ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Retrospective Chart Review ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Number Of Patients

Introduction: Solumbra technique involves the simultaneous use of stent-retriever and large-bore aspiration for clot retrieval in mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We aim to compare various time parameters in patients who undergo MT via solumbra technique via transradial artery (TRA) approach vs. transfemoral artery (TRF) approach. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent MT via solumbra technique for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion at a comprehensive stroke center from 7/2014 to 5/2020. We compared time to recanalization parameters, score of TICI≥2b, and functional independence (3-month mRS≤2) in patients who underwent MT via TRA vs.TRF approach via the solumbra technique. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed, controlling for age, sex, pre-treatment-NIHSS, type of anesthesia (general vs.moderate), laterality, and clot location [proximal (internal carotid or M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery) vs.distal (M2 or M3 segment of the middle cerebral artery)]. Results: A total of 98 patients met our inclusion criteria. The mean age was 63.59±14.40 years. 18 (18.37%) patients underwent MT through transradial approach. In our cohort, there was a significant association of TRA with shorter angio suite arrival-time to puncture-time (22.12±9.92mins vs.28.83±12.26mins; OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.88-1; P 0.026), but not with puncture-time to recanalization-time (84.34±61.34mins vs.63.73±35.29mins; OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1-1.03; P 0.085), angio suite arrival-time to recanalization-time (103.12±51.29mins vs.93.42±39.08mins; OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1-1.02; P 0.524), number of passes to recanalization (1.78±1.36 vs.1.68±1.05; OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.66-1.63 ; P 0.899), number of patients with TICI≥2b (83.34% vs.91.25%; OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.14-3.4; P 0.633), and functional independence (66.67% vs.78.75%; OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.13-1.86; P 0.292), when compared to TRF approach for MT using solumbra technique. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a significant association between TRA approach with shorter angio suite arrival-time to puncture-time but not with overall time to recanalization, number of patients with TICI≥2b, and functional independence, when compared to TRF approach for MT using solumbra technique.

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Abstract P562: The Safety Of Mechanical Thrombectomy In Nonagenarians In A Majority Hispanic Population

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p562 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Nura Salhadar ◽

WONDWOSSEN TEKLE ◽

Amrou Sarraj ◽

Ameer E Hassan

Keyword(s):

Primary Outcome ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Hispanic Population ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Border Communities ◽

Baseline Characteristics ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

The Impact

Background and objective: Elderly patients were underrepresented in RCTs that proved the efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in acute ischemic strokes (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). Additionally, the impact of race and socio-economics in AIS outcomes is well-reported. We sought to assess MT clinical outcomes in Hispanic Octogenarians and Nonagenarians that reside in underserved border communities. Methods: A retrospective cohort study from a prospectively collected comprehensive stroke center database was conducted. The primary outcome was discharge (mRS 0-2). Secondary outcomes were NIHSS improvement ≥4 points at discharge, sICH, mortality and length of stay (LOS). A two-tailed t-test assessed statistical significance between the two groups. Results: Of 202 included patients, 172 (85%) were octogenarians and 30 nonagenarians (17%). Nonagenarians had higher rates of females (80% vs 59%; p<0.05), similar rates of Hispanics (57% vs. 63%, p-xx) and a trend towards higher NIHS (20 vs. 17, P=0.09). Other baseline characteristics were similar (Table 1). Time last known well to arrival to MT center and to recanalization were longer in octogenarians, all other time metrics did not differ. Nonagenarians had numerically lower favorable outcomes at discharge (7% vs. 16%, p=0.11) as compared to octogenarians. Rates of clinical improvement on NIHSS were similar (27% vs. 23%, p=0.74). Mortality (23% vs. 28%, p=0.63) and sICH (7% vs 4%, p=0.46), octogenarians and nonagenarians, respectively. Octogenarians trended towards longer LOS (10 vs 6 days, p=0.05). Conclusions: Both groups had lower favorable good outcome rates than MT outcomes reported in RCTs. Nonagenarians had numerically lower favorable outcomes but mortality and sICH were similar. Further studies are warranted to further assess the impact of age and socioeconomics on MT outcomes.

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Eligibility for late endovascular treatment using DAWN, DEFUSE-3, and more liberal selection criteria in a stroke center

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2019-015382 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (9) ◽

pp. 842-847 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Stefania Nannoni ◽

Davide Strambo ◽

Gaia Sirimarco ◽

Michael Amiguet ◽

Peter Vanacker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Selection Criteria ◽

Time Window ◽

Real Life ◽

Good Health ◽

Late Time ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Stroke Registry ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center

Background and purposeThe real-life application of DAWN and DEFUSE-3 trials has been poorly investigated. We aimed to identify the proportion of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) eligible for late endovascular treatment (EVT) in our stroke center based on trial and more liberal selection criteria.MethodsAll consecutive patients in our stroke registry (2003–2017) admitted within 5–23 hours of last proof of good health were selected if they had complete clinical and radiological datasets. We calculated the proportion of patients eligible for late EVT according to trial (DAWN and/or DEFUSE-3) and more liberal clinical/imaging mismatch criteria (including lower admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score for core estimation).ResultsOf 1705 patients with AIS admitted to our comprehensive stroke center in the late time window, we identified 925 patients with complete clinical and radiological data. Among them, the proportions of late EVT eligibility were 2.5% (n=23) with DAWN, 5.1% (n=47) with DEFUSE-3, and 11.1% (n=103) with more liberal criteria. Considering late-arriving patients with large vessel occlusion (n=221), the percentages of eligible patients were 10.4%, 21.3%, and 46.6%, respectively. A favorable outcome was observed at comparable rates in treated patients selected by trial or liberal criteria (67% vs 58%, p=0.49).ConclusionsIn a long-term stroke registry, the proportion of late EVT eligibility varied greatly according to selection criteria and referral pattern. Among late-arriving patients referred to our comprehensive stroke center, we found 5.6% eligible according to trial (DAWN/DEFUSE-3) and 11.1% according to liberal criteria. These data indicate that late EVT could be offered to a larger population of patients if more liberal criteria are applied.

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Time to Reset the Definition of Successful Revascularization in Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Cerebrovascular Diseases ◽

10.1159/000491553 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 46 (1-2) ◽

pp. 40-45 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Andreia Carvalho ◽

Mariana Rocha ◽

Marta Rodrigues ◽

Tiago Gregório ◽

Henrique Costa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Study Population ◽

Large Heterogeneity ◽

Definition Of ◽

Better Than

Background: A 2013 consensus statement recommended the use of the modified Treatment In Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) scale to evaluate angiographic revascularization after endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke due to its higher inter-rater agreement and capacity of clinical outcome prediction. The current definition of successful revascularization includes the achievement of grades mTICI 2b or 3. However, mTICI 2b grade encompasses a large heterogeneity of revascularization states, and prior studies suggested that the magnitude of benefit derived from mTICI 2b and mTICI 3 does not seem to be equivalent. In a way to restrain the referred heterogeneity, Goyal et al. [J Neurointerv Surg 2014; 6: 83–86] proposed a revised mTICI scale that includes a 2c grade (rTICI). Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from consecutive cases of EVT for anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion, performed between January 2015 and July 2017. Patients with mTICI 2b or 3 grades were reclassified according to the rTICI scale, and the outcomes between the 3 revascularization grades (rTICI 2b, 2c, 3) compared. Results: Our study population of 226 patients (64 rTICI 2b, 30 rTICI 2c, 132 rTICI 3) has a mean age of 71 years, 48.2% males, median baseline NIHSS of 16 (13–19) and ASPECTS of 8 (7–9). The 3 revascularization grades are represented by homogeneous populations. Logistic regression analysis showed statistically significant higher rates of functional independence at 3 months (65.9 vs. 50.0%; adjusted OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.18–0.86), with lower rates of mortality (8.3 vs. 15.6%; adjusted OR 3.54, 95% CI 1.14–10.97) and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in rTICI 3 than 2b groups. When comparing rTICI 3 with 2c groups, there were only statistically significant differences in the total ICH rate (8.3 vs. 26.7%; adjusted OR 7.08, 95% CI 1.80–27.82) but not in symptomatic ICH. Conclusions: These results corroborate the scarce prior findings suggesting that patients with rTICI 2c grade should be reported separately, since they have similar outcomes to rTICI 3, and better than rTICI 2b patients. Therefore, we suggest resetting the angiographic revascularization endpoint to perfect revascularization (rTICI 2c or 3 grades), a target that neurointerventionalists should strive to achieve.

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Abstract WP70: Reperfusion Therapy in Posterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion With Perfusion Deficits May Be Safe and Improve Outcomes Beyond 4.5 Hours

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.wp70 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Sujan Teegala Reddy ◽

Kaushik Parsha ◽

Deep Pujara ◽

Clark Sitton ◽

Sean Savitz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ct Perfusion ◽

Reperfusion Therapy ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

To Receive ◽

Perfusion Deficits

Introduction: Whether reperfusion therapy is safe and efficacious in acute ischemic strokes (AIS) due to posterior circulation large vessel occlusions (PCLVO) beyond 4.5 hrs is unknown. Methods: A retrospective analysis of AIS due to PCLVO presenting to a comprehensive stroke center up to 24 hrs from last known well. Patients were stratified based on the treatment received into reperfusion therapy (IV-tPA and/or endovascular thrombectomy) and no reperfusion therapy. All patients received CT/CTA and CT perfusion with RAPID mismatch determination. Functional independence (90 day mRS 0-2) and sICH were primary and secondary outcomes. The two groups were compared in the overall cohort in an ordinal logistic regression and in a propensity matched analyses. Results: Between 8/2017 and 5/2019, 52 patients were included [reperfusion = 23(44%) vs no-reperfusion=29(56%)]. Reperfusion rate beyond 4.5 hours was 26% (6/23). The two groups were similar at baseline except for larger perfusion delays (Tmax>6s) volume [median (IQR), 16 (0, 46) vs. 0 (0, 25) cc, p=0.03], and higher presentation NIHSS [median (IQR), 10 (5, 21) vs. 4 (1, 8), p=0.004] in the reperfusion group. Reperfusion was associated with higher functional independence rates 10 (43%) vs. 8 (28%), p=0.23 (fig 1), and a trend for a shift towards better outcomes adj cOR 1.89, 95% CI=0.59-6.13, p=0.29. There was no difference in sICH rates 9% vs. 0%, P=0.19. In a propensity matched analysis on NIHSS and perfusion deficit of 14 pairs, reperfusion was associated with statistically significant higher mRS 0-2 rates 9 (64%) vs. 1 (7%), p=0.004 (fig 2). Functional independence rates did not differ in the reperfusion group in relation to time (47% <4.5 hrs vs. 33%≥4.5 hrs), p=0.36 for heterogeneity. Conclusion: PCLVOs with more severe strokes and large perfusion deficits were more likely to receive reperfusion which was associated with a shift towards better outcomes both earlier and beyond 4.5 hours without worsening safety outcomes.

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