Abstract P850: Four C’s Are Vital in Improving Door to Thrombolytic Administration

Background and Purpose: Thrombolytic therapy is a key link in the stroke chain of survival. Data suggests that four components are vital in decreasing door to thrombolytic administration in acute stroke patients eligible for treatment. Analysis of system data, pre and post implementation of a Door to Needle Project, afforded the opportunity to assess. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that commitment, collaboration, communication, and consistency (referred to as Four C’s) are vital in improving door to thrombolytic administration time in ischemic stroke patients. Methods: In this quantitative study, we utilized case data collected by a quality improvement team serving five emergency departments within a healthcare system. We retrospectively reviewed times of thrombolytic administration from admission to the emergency department in acute ischemic stroke patients. Cases were included based on eligibility criteria from American Heart Association’s Get With the Guidelines. Times from 2019 were compared with times through April 2020, before and after implementation of the project, which had multidisciplinary process interventions that reinforced the Four C’s. Results: The data revealed a 13.5 % reduction in median administration time. Cases assessed from 2019 had a median time of 52 minutes from door to thrombolytic administration, 95% CI [47.0, 59.0], n = 52. Cases assessed through April 2020 had a median time of 45 minutes from door to thrombolytic administration, 95% CI [39.0, 57.5], n = 18. Comparing cases through April 2020 to those of 2019, there were improvements of 38.1% fewer cases for administration in greater than 60 minutes and 27.8% fewer cases for administration in greater than 45 minutes. Conclusion: The hypothesis that Four C’s are vital in improving door to thrombolytic administration was validated by a decrease in median administration time as well as a reduction in cases exceeding targeted administration times. The impact to clinical outcomes is significant as improving administration time directly impacts the amount of tissue saved. Ongoing initiatives encompassing the Four C’s, within a Cerebrovascular System of Care, are essential in optimizing outcomes in acute stroke patients.

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Abstract P119: Factors Influencing Door to Needle Administration for Acute Stroke Patients in the Emergency Department

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p119 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Nicolle W Davis ◽

Meghan Bailey ◽

Natalie Buchwald ◽

Amreen Farooqui ◽

Anna Khanna

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Patient Outcomes ◽

Time Of Day ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Acute Stroke Care ◽

The Impact ◽

Iv Tpa

Background/Objective: There is growing importance on discovering factors that delay time to intervention for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, as rapid intervention remains essential for better patient outcomes. The management of these patients involves a multidisciplinary effort and quality improvement initiatives to safely increase treatment with intravenous thrombolytic (IV tPa). The objective of this pilot is to evaluate factors of acute stroke care in the emergency department (ED) and the impact they have on IV tPa administration. Methods: A sample of 89 acute ischemic stroke patients that received IV tPa from a single academic medical institution was selected for retrospective analysis. System characteristics (presence of a stroke nurse and time of day) and patient characteristics (mode of arrival and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (NIHSS) on arrival) were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression to address the study question. Results: The mean door to needle time is 53.74 minutes ( + 38.06) with 74.2% of patients arriving to the ED via emergency medical services (EMS) and 25.8% having a stroke nurse present during IV tPa administration. Mode of arrival ( p = .001) and having a stroke nurse present ( p = .022) are significant predictors of door to needle time in the emergency department (ED). Conclusion: While many factors can influence door to needle times in the ED, we did not find NIHSS on arrival or time of day to be significant factors. Patients arriving to the ED by personal vehicle will have a significant delay in IV tPa administration, therefore emphasizing the importance of using EMS. Perhaps more importantly, collaborative efforts including the addition of a specialized stroke nurse significantly decreased time to IV tPa administration for AIS patients. With this dedicated role, accelerated triage and more effective management of AIS patients is accomplished, leading to decreased intervention times and potentially improving patient outcomes.

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Abstract W P287: Does Comprehensive Stroke Certification Demonstrate a Significant Effect on Volume and Quality of Care?

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.45.suppl_1.wp287 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Laurie Paletz ◽

Shlee Song ◽

Nili Steiner ◽

Betty Robertson ◽

Nicole Wolber ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Quality Of Care ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Turnaround Time ◽

Joint Commission ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Number Of Patients ◽

The Impact

Introduction/Background information: At the onset of acute stroke symptoms, speed, capability, safety and skill are essential-lost minutes can be the difference between full recoveries, poor outcome, or even death. The Joint Commission's Certificate of Distinction for Comprehensive Stroke Centers recognizes centers that make exceptional efforts to foster better outcomes for stroke care. While many hospitals have been surveyed, Cedars Sinai was the 5 th hospital in the nation to receive this certification. Researchable question: Does Comprehensive stroke certification (CSC) demonstrate a significant effect on volume and quality of care? Methods: We assembled a cross-functional, multidisciplinary expert team representing all departments and skill sets involved in treating stroke patients. We carefully screened eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke We assessed the number of patients treated at Cedars-Sinai with IV-T-pa t 6 months before and then 6 months after CSC and the quality of their care including medical treatment and door to needle time. Results: In the 6 months prior to Joint Commissions Stroke Certification we treated 20 of 395acute stroke patients with t-PA with an average CT turnaround time of 31±19minutes and an average Door to needle time (DTNT) of 68±32minutes. In the 6 months since Joint Commission Stroke Certification we have increased the number of acute stroke patients treated by almost double. There were 37 out of 489(P=0.02, Chi Square) patients treated with IV t-PA with an average CT turnaround time of 22±7minutes (p=0.08, t-test, compared to pre-CSC) and an average DTNT of 61± 23minutes (not different than pre-CSC). Conclusion: We conclude that Joint Commission Certification for stroke was associated with an increased rate of treatment with IV rt-PA in acute ischemic stroke patients. We were not able to document an effect on quality of care. Further studies of the impact of CSC certification are warranted.

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In-Hospital Delays for Acute Stroke Treatment Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences / Journal Canadien des Sciences Neurologiques ◽

10.1017/cjn.2020.170 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Aristeidis H. Katsanos ◽

Danielle de Sa Boasquevisque ◽

Mustafa Ahmed Al-Qarni ◽

Mays Shawawrah ◽

Rhonda McNicoll-Whiteman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

State Of Emergency ◽

Treatment Delivery ◽

Stroke Treatment ◽

Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Before And After ◽

The Impact ◽

Central South

ABSTRACT: Background: We investigated the impact of regionally imposed social and healthcare restrictions due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to the time metrics in the management of acute ischemic stroke patients admitted at the regional stroke referral site for Central South Ontario, Canada. Methods: We compared relevant time metrics between patients with acute ischemic stroke receiving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and/or endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) before and after the declared restrictions and state of emergency imposed in our region (March 17, 2020). Results: We identified a significant increase in the median door-to-CT times for patients receiving intravenous tPA (19 min, interquartile range (IQR): 14–27 min vs. 13 min, IQR: 9–17 min, p = 0.008) and/or EVT (20 min, IQR: 15–33 min vs. 11 min, IQR: 5–20 min, p = 0.035) after the start of social and healthcare restrictions in our region compared to the previous 12 months. For patients receiving intravenous tPA treatment, we also found a significant increase (p = 0.005) in the median door-to-needle time (61 min, IQR: 46–72 min vs. 37 min, IQR: 30–50 min). No delays in the time from symptom onset to hospital presentation were uncovered for patients receiving tPA and/or endovascular reperfusion treatments in the first 1.5 months after the establishment of regional and institutional restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: We detected an increase in our institutional time to treatment metrics for acute ischemic stroke patients receiving tPA and/or endovascular reperfusion therapies, related to delays from hospital presentation to the acquisition of cranial CT imaging for both tPA- and EVT-treated patients, and an added delay to treatment with tPA.

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A Parallel Thrombolysis Protocol with Nurse Practitioners As Coordinators Minimized Door-to-Needle Time for Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke Research and Treatment ◽

10.4061/2011/198518 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Sheng-Feng Sung ◽

Ying-Chieh Huang ◽

Cheung-Ter Ong ◽

Yu-Wei Chen

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Median Time ◽

Nurse Practitioners ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Study Objective ◽

Stroke Team ◽

Computed Tomography Scanning ◽

Tomography Scanning

Introduction. Quick thrombolysis after stroke improved clinical outcomes. The study objective was to shorten door-to-needle time for thrombolysis.Methods. After identifying the sources of in-hospital delays, we developed a protocol with a parallel algorithm and recruited nurse practitioners into the acute stroke team. We applied the new protocol on stroke patients from October 2009 to September 2010. Patients from the previous two years were used for comparison.Results. For ischemic stroke patients within 3 hours of onset, the median time from arrival to computed tomography scanning was reduced from 29 to 20 minutes () and the median time from arrival to neurology evaluation decreased from 61 to 43 minutes (). For those patients who received thrombolysis, the median door-to-needle time was shortened from 68.5 to 58 minutes ().Conclusions. The parallel thrombolysis protocol successfully improved the median door-to-needle time to below the guideline-recommended 60 minutes.

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Abstract TP161: Low Free Triiodothyronine on Admission Should Be Associated With Post-stroke Infection in Acute Stroke Patients

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.48.suppl_1.tp161 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Satoshi Suda ◽

Takashi Shimoyama ◽

Yohei Takayama ◽

Takahiro Ouchi ◽

Masafumi Arakawa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Thyroid Hormone ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Free Triiodothyronine ◽

Nihss Score ◽

The Impact

Background and purpose: Post-stroke infection (PSI) is a common and it is associated with a severe prognosis. Recent studies have shown that thyroid hormones play critical roles in the immune system regulation. However, association between PSI and thyroid hormone have not been fully elucidated. We therefore investigated the impact of thyroid hormone on PSI in acute stroke patients. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 520 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke (326 male, 71.9 ± 13.2 years) admitted to our department between September 2014 and June 2016. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) were evaluated upon admission. PSI was defined as infection occurring during hospitalization. The impact of the thyroid hormone on PSI was evaluated using multiple logistic regression analysis. Separate analyses were conducted according to PSI and quartile serum FT3 concentration. Results: PSI was diagnosed in 107 patients (20.6 %). The most common infection was pneumonia with the prevalence of 65 patients (60.7 %), followed by urinary tract infection recorded in 19 patients (17.8 %). Age ( P < 0.001), body mass index ( P = 0.0044), pre-admission mRS ( P = 0.002), NIHSS score on admission ( P < 0.001), admission FT3 (2.63 ± 0.49 pg/mL vs. 2.24 ± 0.66 pg/mL, P < 0.001), and cardio-embolic stroke ( P < 0.001) were significantly associated with PSI, but no relationship between TSH (2.84 ± 8.12 mIU/L vs. 2.20 ± 1.45 mIU/L, P = 0.4610), FT4 (1.22 ± 0.21 ng/dL vs. 1.21 ± 0.28 ng/dL, P = 0.1478), and PSI were found. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, low FT3 (< 2.29 pg/mL; odds ratio [OR], 2.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61- 5.45; P = 0.0005) and high admission NIHSS score (≥ 9 points, OR, 7.65; 95% CI, 4.10-14.73; P <0.0001) were independently associated with PSI. In comparisons between PSI and FT3 quartiles (Q1 [≤ 2.25 pg/mL], Q2 [2.26-2.55 pg/mL], Q3 [2.56-2.89 pg/mL], Q4 [≥ 2.90 pg/mL]), patients with PSI were significantly more frequent in Q1 than in Q2, Q3, and Q4 after multivariate adjustment. Conclusions: Our results showed that a low FT3 at admission should be associated with PSI in acute ischemic stroke patients.

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Effect of early sleep apnoea treatment with adaptive servo-ventilation in acute stroke patients on cerebral lesion evolution and neurological outcomes: study protocol for a multicentre, randomized controlled, rater-blinded, clinical trial (eSATIS: early Sleep Apnoea Treatment in Stroke)

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-020-04977-w ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Simone B. Duss ◽

Anne-Kathrin Brill ◽

Sébastien Baillieul ◽

Thomas Horvath ◽

Frédéric Zubler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Acute Ischaemic Stroke ◽

Sleep Apnoea ◽

Resonance Imaging ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Adaptive Servo Ventilation ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is highly prevalent in acute ischaemic stroke and is associated with worse functional outcome and increased risk of recurrence. Recent meta-analyses suggest the possibility of beneficial effects of nocturnal ventilatory treatments (continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV)) in stroke patients with SDB. The evidence for a favourable effect of early SDB treatment in acute stroke patients remains, however, uncertain. Methods eSATIS is an open-label, multicentre (6 centres in 4 countries), interventional, randomized controlled trial in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and significant SDB. Primary outcome of the study is the impact of immediate SDB treatment with non-invasive ASV on infarct progression measured with magnetic resonance imaging in the first 3 months after stroke. Secondary outcomes are the effects of immediate SDB treatment vs non-treatment on clinical outcome (independence in daily functioning, new cardio-/cerebrovascular events including death, cognition) and physiological parameters (blood pressure, endothelial functioning/arterial stiffness). After respiratory polygraphy in the first night after stroke, patients are classified as having significant SDB (apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) > 20/h) or no SDB (AHI < 5/h). Patients with significant SDB are randomized to treatment (ASV+ group) or no treatment (ASV− group) from the second night after stroke. In all patients, clinical, physiological and magnetic resonance imaging studies are performed between day 1 (visit 1) and days 4–7 (visit 4) and repeated at day 90 ± 7 (visit 6) after stroke. Discussion The trial will give information on the feasibility and efficacy of ASV treatment in patients with acute stroke and SDB and allows assessing the impact of SDB on stroke outcome. Diagnosing and treating SDB during the acute phase of stroke is not yet current medical practice. Evidence in favour of ASV treatment from a randomized multicentre trial may lead to a change in stroke care and to improved outcomes. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02554487, retrospectively registered on 16 September 2015 (actual study start date, 13 August 2015), and www.kofam.ch (SNCTP000001521).

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Abstract 10: Predictors of Poor Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients after Successful Recanalization

Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes ◽

10.1161/circoutcomes.7.suppl_1.10 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 7 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Amy K Starosciak ◽

Italo Linfante ◽

Gail Walker ◽

Osama O Zaidat ◽

Alicia C Castonguay ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Cerebral Infarction ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Predictive Power ◽

Rescue Therapy ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Good Outcome ◽

Poor Outcome

Background: Recanalization of the occluded artery is a powerful predictor of good outcome in acute ischemic stroke secondary to large artery occlusions. Mechanical thrombectomy with stent-trievers results in higher recanalization rates and better outcomes compared to previous devices. However, despite successful recanalization rates (Treatment in Cerebral Infarction, TICI, score ≥ 2b) between 70 and 90%, good clinical outcomes assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 2 is present in 40-50% of patients . We aimed to evaluate predictors of poor outcomes (mRS > 2) despite successful recanalization (TICI ≥ 2b) in the acute stroke patients treated with the Solitaire device of the North American Solitaire Stent Retriever Acute Stroke (NASA) registry. Methods: The NASA registry is a multicenter, non-sponsored, physician-conducted, post-marketing registry on the use of SOLITAIRE FR device in 354 acute, large vessel, ischemic stroke patients. Logistic regression was used to evaluate patient characteristics and treatment parameters for association with 90-day mRS score of 0-2 (good outcome) versus 3-6 (poor outcome) within patients who were recanalized successfully (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction or TICI score 2b-3). Univariate tests were followed by development of a multivariable model based on stepwise selection with entry and retention criteria of p < 0.05 from the set of factors with at least marginal significance (p ≤ 0.10) on univariate analysis. The c-statistic was calculated as a measure of predictive power. Results: Out of 354 patients, 256 (72.3%) were successfully recanalized (TICI ≥ 2b). Based on 90-day mRS score for 234 of these patients, there were 116 (49.6%) with mRS > 2. Univariate analysis identified increased risk of mRS > 2 for each of the following: age ≥ 80 years (upper quartile of data), occlusion site other than M1/M2, NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥ 18 (median), history of diabetes mellitus (DM), TICI = 2b, use of rescue therapy, not using a balloon-guided catheter (BGC) or intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV t-PA), and time to recanalization > 30 minutes (all p ≤ 0.05). Three or more passes was marginally significant (p=0.097). In multivariable analysis, age ≥ 80 years, site other than M1/M2, initial NIHSS ≥18, DM, absence of IV t-PA, use of rescue therapy and three or more passes were significant independent predictors of poor 90-day outcome in a model with good predictive power (c-index = 0.80). Conclusions: Age, occlusion site, high NIHSS, diabetes, not receiving IV t-PA, use of rescue therapy and three or more passes, were associated with poor 90-day outcome despite successful recanalization.

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Abstract WP178: Acute Stroke Ischemic Symptom Onset-to-Arrival Time in Michigan Hospitals

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.47.suppl_1.wp178 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Muhammad U Farooq ◽

Kathie Thomas

Keyword(s):

African American ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Patient Outcomes ◽

Symptom Onset ◽

Arrival Time ◽

Heart Association ◽

The United States ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

White Patients

Objectives: Stroke is the fifth-leading cause of death and the leading cause of disability in the United States. One of the primary goals of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is to increase the number of acute stroke patients arriving at emergency departments (EDs) within 1-hour of symptom onset. Earlier treatment with thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke translates into improved patient outcomes. The objective of this abstract is to examine the association between the use of emergency medical services (EMS) and symptom onset-to-arrival time in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: A retrospective review of ischemic stroke patients (n = 8873) from 25 Michigan hospitals from January 2012-December 2014 using Get With the Guidelines databases was conducted. Symptom onset-to-ED arrival time and arrival mode were examined. Results: It was found that 17.4% of ischemic stroke patients arrived at the hospitals within 1-hour of symptom onset. EMS transported 69.1% of patients who arrived within 1-hour of symptom onset. During this 1-hour period African American patients (22%) were less likely to use EMS transportation as compared to White patients (72%). The majority of patients, 41.8%, arrived after 6-hours of symptom onset. EMS transported only 40% of patients who arrived after 6-hours of symptom onset. As before, during this 6-hour period African American patients (20%) were also less likely to use EMS transportation as compared to White patients (75%). Symptom onset-to-ED arrival time was shorter for those patients who used EMS. The median pre-hospital delay time was 2.6 hours for those who used EMS versus 6.2 hours for those who did not use EMS. Conclusions: The use of EMS is associated with a decreased pre-hospital delay, early treatment with thrombolysis and improved patient outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. Community interventions should focus on creating awareness especially in minority populations about stroke as a neurological emergency and encourage EMS use amongst stroke patients.

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Abstract NS6: To Rest or Mobilize... When to Start Early Mobilization in Acute Stroke: a Systematic Review

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.47.suppl_1.ns6 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 47 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Michelle Whaley ◽

Wendy Dusenbury ◽

Andrei V Alexandrov ◽

Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽

Anne W Alexandrov

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Stroke ◽

Early Mobilization ◽

Future Research ◽

Cochrane Central Register ◽

Large Artery ◽

Stroke Subtype ◽

Vascular Insufficiency ◽

The Impact

Background: Recent nursing initiatives encourage early mobilization of neurocritical care patients, but whether this intervention can be safely generalized to acute stroke is debatable. We performed a systematic review of findings from recent studies to provide direction for patient management and future research. Methods: An exhaustive literature search was performed in Medline, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify published clinical trial research using a very early mobility intervention (within 24 hours) in acute ischemic stroke patients. The primary efficacy outcome supporting the search was neurologic disability reduction or improved functional outcomes, and the primary safety outcome was neurologic deterioration. Studies were critically reviewed for inclusion by 3 separate investigators, findings were synthesized, and an overall recommendation for very early mobilization use in acute stroke was assigned according to GRADE criteria. Results: We initially identified 12 papers focused on early mobilization in acute stroke; of these, 6 observational studies were excluded, 1 study was excluded due to an ambiguous population, and 3 studies were excluded due to first initial mobilization out of bed occurring greater than 24 hours after admission. Two prospective randomized outcome blinded evaluation (PROBE) studies were retained, consisting of a total 2160 patients; ischemic stroke subtype was not disclosed in either study, limiting an understanding of the impact of very early mobilization on small versus large artery occlusion. Slower mobilization occurring beyond the first 24 hours was associated with higher rates of favorable outcome (mRS 0-2) at 90 days, whereas very early mobilization within the first 24 hours was associated with a number needed to harm of 25. Conclusions: In acute stroke, evidence supports a rested approach to care within the first 24 hours of hospitalization (GRADE: Strong recommendation, high quality of evidence). Similar to acute myocardial infarction, vascular insufficiency experienced in stroke likely warrants a more guarded approach to mobility. Additional studies exploring timing beyond 24 hours and dose of mobility interventions are warranted in discreet populations.

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Abstract 1122‐000034: Systematic CT‐Perfusion acquisition in All Suspected Stroke Patients Increases Vascular Occlusion Detection and Thrombectomy Rates

Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology ◽

10.1161/svin.01.suppl_1.000034 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (S1) ◽

Author(s):

Marta Olive‐Gadea ◽

Manuel Requena ◽

Facundo Diaz ◽

Alvaro Garcia‐Tornel ◽

Marta Rubiera ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Ct Perfusion ◽

False Negative ◽

False Negative Rate ◽

Vascular Occlusion ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Imaging Protocols ◽

The Impact

Introduction : In acute ischemic stroke patients, current guidelines recommend noninvasive vascular imaging to identify intracranial vessel occlusions (VO) that may benefit from endovascular treatment (EVT). However, VO can be missed in CT angiography (CTA) readings. We aim to evaluate the impact of consistently including CT perfusion (CTP) in admission stroke imaging protocols on VO diagnosis and EVT rates. Methods : We included patients with a suspected acute ischemic stroke that underwent urgent non‐contrast CT, CTA and CTP from April to October 2020. Hypoperfusion areas defined by Tmax>6s delay (RAPID software), congruent with the clinical symptoms and a vascular territory, were considered due to a VO (CTP‐VO). Cases in which mechanical thrombectomy was performed were defined as therapeutically relevant VO (EVT‐VO). For patients that received EVT, site of VO according to digital subtraction angiography was recorded. Two experienced neuroradiologists blinded to CTP but not to clinical symptoms, retrospectively evaluated NCCT and CTA to identify intracranial VO (CTA‐VO). We analyzed CTA‐VO sensitivity and specificity at detecting CTP‐VO and EVT‐VO respecitvely. We performed a logistic regression to test the association of Tmax>6s volumes with CTA‐VO identification and indication of EVT. Results : Of the 338 patients included in the analysis, 157 (46.5%) presented a CTP‐VO, (median Tmax>6s: 73 [29‐127] ml). CTA‐VO was identified in 83 (24.5%) of the cases. Overall CTA‐VO sensitivity for the detection of CTP‐VO was 50.3% and specificity was 97.8%. Higher hypoperfusion volume was associated with an increased CTA‐VO detection, with an odds ratio of 1.03 (95% confidence interval 1.02‐1.04) (figure). DSA was indicated in 107 patients; in 4 of them no EVT was attempted due to recanalization or a too distal VO in the first angiographic run. EVT was performed in 103 patients (30.5%. Tmax>6s: 102 [63‐160] ml), representing 65.6% of all CTP‐VO. Overall CTA‐VO sensitivity for the detection of EVT‐VO was 69.9%. The CTA‐VO sensitivity for detecting patients with indication of EVT according to clinical guidelines was as follows: 91.7% for ICA occlusions and 84.4% for M1‐MCA occlusions. For all other occlusion sites that received EVT, the CTA‐VO sensitivity was 36.1%. The overall specificity was 95.3%. Among patients who received EVT, CTA‐VO was not detected in 31 cases, resulting in a false negative rate of 30.1%. False negative CTA‐VO cases had lower Tmax>6s volumes (69[46‐99.5] vs 126[84‐169.5]ml, p<0.001) and lower NIHSS (13[8.5‐16] vs 17[14‐21], p<0.001). Conclusions : Systematically including CTP perfusion in the acute stroke admission imaging protocols may increase the diagnosis of VO and rate of EVT.

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