Extent of Hypoattenuation on CT Angiography Source Images in Basilar Artery Occlusion

Background and Purpose— The posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (pc-ASPECTS) quantifies the extent of early ischemic changes in the posterior circulation with a 10-point grading system. We hypothesized that pc-ASPECTS applied to CT angiography source images predicts functional outcome of patients in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS). Methods— BASICS was a prospective, observational registry of consecutive patients with acute symptomatic basilar artery occlusion. Functional outcome was assessed at 1 month. We applied pc-ASPECTS to CT angiography source images of patients with CT angiography for confirmation of basilar artery occlusion. We calculated unadjusted and adjusted risk ratios (RRs) of pc-ASPECTS dichotomized at ≥8 versus <8. Primary outcome measure was favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale scores 0–3). Secondary outcome measures were mortality and functional independence (modified Rankin Scale scores 0–2). Results— Of 158 patients included, 78 patients had a CT angiography source images pc-ASPECTS ≥8. Patients with a pc-ASPECTS ≥8 more often had a favorable outcome than patients with a pc-ASPECTS <8 (crude RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 0.98–3.0). After adjustment for age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and thrombolysis, pc-ASPECTS ≥8 was not related to favorable outcome (RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.8–2.2), but it was related to reduced mortality (RR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.5–0.98) and functional independence (RR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1–3.8). In post hoc analysis, pc-ASPECTS dichotomized at ≥6 versus <6 predicted a favorable outcome (adjusted RR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.2–7.5). Conclusions— pc-ASPECTS on CT angiography source images independently predicted death and functional independence at 1 month in the CT angiography subgroup of patients in the BASICS registry.

Download Full-text

Posterior circulation CT angiography collaterals predict outcome of endovascular acute ischemic stroke therapy for basilar artery occlusion

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2015-011883 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. 783-786 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Nitin Goyal ◽

Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽

Chris Nickele ◽

Vinodh T Doss ◽

Dan Hoit ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Ct Angiography ◽

Basilar Artery ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Nihss Score

IntroductionThe natural history of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is poor. Endovascular reperfusion therapy (EVT) improves recanalization rates in patients with emergent large vessel intracranial occlusion.ObjectiveTo examine the hypothesis that good collateral patterns identified by pretreatment CT angiography (CTA) might be associated with favorable outcomes after EVT.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of patients presenting with AIS due to BAO in a tertiary care stroke center during a 4-year period. BAO was diagnosed by CTA in all cases. Admission stroke severity was documented using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. Pretreatment collateral score for posterior circulation was defined as follows: 0, no posterior communicating artery (PCOM); 1, unilateral PCOM; 2, bilateral PCOM. Favorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 at 3 months.ResultsA total of 21 patients with AIS due to BAO (age range 31–84 years, median admission NIHSS score: 18 points, range 2–38) underwent EVT. Eleven of 21 patients (52.4%) had bilateral PCOMs, while unilateral PCOM was seen in 3 patients (14.3%). Patients with bilateral PCOMs tended (p=0.261) to have less severe stroke at admission than those with absent/unilateral PCOM (median NIHSS score 18 vs 27 points). Neurological improvement during hospitalization (quantified by the median decrease in NIHSS score) and the rate of 3-month functional independence were greater in patients with good collaterals (16 vs 0 points (p=0.016) and 72.7% vs 0% (p=0.001)).ConclusionsThe presence of bilateral PCOMs on pretreatment CTA appears to be associated with more favorable outcomes in BAO treated with EVT.

Download Full-text

Posterior circulation collateral flow modifies the effect of thrombectomy on outcome in acute basilar artery occlusion

International Journal of Stroke ◽

10.1177/17474930211052262 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 174749302110522

Author(s):

Gabriel Broocks ◽

Tobias D Faizy ◽

Lukas Meyer ◽

Maximilian Groffmann ◽

Sarah Elsayed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Basilar Artery ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Poor Outcomes ◽

The Impact

Background In basilar artery occlusion stroke, the impact of the collateral circulation on infarct progression in the context of endovascular treatment is yet poorly studied. Aim This study investigates the impact of the posterior circulation collateral score (PCCS) on functional outcome according to the extent of early ischemic changes and treatment. We hypothesized that the presence of collaterals, quantified by the PCCS, mediates the effect of endovascular treatment on functional outcome in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion. Methods In this multicenter observational study, patients with basilar artery occlusion and admission computed tomography were analyzed. At baseline, Posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early Computed Tomography score (pcASPECTS) was assessed and PCCS was quantified using an established 10-point grading system. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale scores 0–2 at day 90). Results A total of 151 patients were included, of which 112 patients (74%) underwent endovascular treatment. In patients with a better PCCS (>5), the rate of good outcome was significantly higher (55% vs. 11%; p = 0.001). After adjusting for PCCS, vessel recanalization was significantly associated with improved functional outcome (aOR: 4.53, 95%CI: 1.25–16.4, p = 0.02), while there was no association between recanalization status and outcome in univariable analysis. Patients with low pcASPECTS generally showed very poor outcomes (mean modified Rankin Scale score 5.3, 95%CI: 4.9–5.8). Conclusion PCCS modified the effect of recanalization on functional outcome, particularly in patients with less pronounced ischemic changes in admission computed tomography. These results should be validated to improve patient selection for endovascular treatment in basilar artery occlusion, particularly in uncertain indications, or to triage patients at risk for very poor outcomes.

Download Full-text

Abstract P619: A Non-Linear Relationship Between Time From Onset to Endovascular Therapy and Outcomes in Patients With Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion in Clinical Practice

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p619 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Hongfei Sang ◽

Junjie Yuan ◽

Shuai Liu ◽

Weidong Luo ◽

Fengli Li ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Scale Score ◽

Basilar Artery ◽

Endovascular Therapy ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Favorable Outcome ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Objective: Faster time from onset to puncture (OPT) using endovascular therapy (EVT) in acute large-vessel occlusion of anterior circulation has been associated with better clinical outcomes. However, the relationship in acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is still not well delineated. Methods: We analyzed acute BAO patients receiving EVT from a nationwide registry of BASILAR (Endovascular Treatment for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion study). The primary outcome was favorable functional outcome (defined as modified Rankin Scale score 0-3) at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included function independence (defined as modified Rankin Scale score 0-2), mortality and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. The associations between OPT and outcomes were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression (OPT as a categorical variable) and restricted cubic spline regression (OPT as a continuous variable). Results: Among 639 eligible patients, the median age was 65 years, and median OPT was 328 mins (interquartile range, 220-490). Treatment within 4 hours were associated with higher rates of functional independence (adjusted OR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.37-0.97] and 0.46 [95% CI, 0.22-0.97], respectively) and favorable outcome (adjusted OR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.40-0.99] and 0.46 [95% CI, 0.24-0.96], respectively) compared with treatment within 4-8 hours and 8-12 hours. In the restricted cubic spline models, nonlinear relationships were consistently observed between OPT with favorable outcome, functional independence and mortality, with significant benefit loss throughout the first 10 hours but then a relative flat afterwards. However, the odds of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage did not significantly change with longer delay to EVT. Conclusion: Among patients with acute BAO in routine practice, earlier treatment with EVT was associated with better outcomes throughout the first 10 hours after onset, but benefit sustained unchanged afterwards. Future trials or pooled analysis of larger size BAO patients are needed to confirm these results.

Download Full-text

A Simplified NIH Stroke Scale for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion Treated with Endovascular Therapy

10.21203/rs.3.rs-21836/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Xu Tong ◽

Jiayi An ◽

Raynald Liu ◽

Xuan Sun ◽

Feng Gao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Basilar Artery ◽

Endovascular Therapy ◽

Interobserver Reliability ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Favorable Outcome ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Predictive Tool ◽

Assessment Time ◽

Stroke Center

Abstract Background To design a simplified NIH Stroke Scale (sNIHSS) that requires minimal training but can reflect acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) severity and is predictive for the 90-day outcome after endovascular therapy (EVT). Methods We analyzed the prospectively gathered data of acute BAO treated with EVT in a tertiary stroke center during a 6-year period. The sNIHSS (range: 0 to 20 points) consisted of 4 NIHSS items: level of consciousness - (1) questions and (2) commands; motor function - (3) arms and (4) legs. The 90-day outcomes included functional independence (mRS ≤ 2), favorable outcome (mRS ≤ 3) and death. Results Of 173 patients, 62, 83 and 36 achieved functional independence, favorable outcome and death, respectively. Interobserver reliability of sNIHSS was high (ICC = 0.95), and compared with NIHSS, sNIHSS had a significant reduction of assessment time (median: 1.5 min vs. 5 min, P < 0.01). A multivariable logistic model demonstrated that sNIHSS was independently associated with functional independence (OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.77-0.87), favorable outcome (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.81-0.92) and death (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.12-1.37). Additionally, the sNIHSS predicted 90-day outcomes almost as same discrimination as NIHSS by using DeLong test. The optimal cutoff value of sNIHSS was determined to be 12 points for predicting any outcome. Conclusions The sNIHSS reflects acute BAO severity well and predicts 90-day outcomes with reasonable accuracy. Nevertheless, the sNIHSS needs further validation before it can be applied as a predictive tool for acute BAO outcome.

Download Full-text

Abstract WP64: Perfusion Imaging Can Identify Basilar Occlusion Patients With a Favorable Response to Thrombectomy

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.wp64 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Carlo W Cereda ◽

Jeremy Heit ◽

Giovanni Bianco ◽

Marco Pileggi ◽

Abid Qureshi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multivariate Analysis ◽

Basilar Artery ◽

Perfusion Imaging ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Brain Regions ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Favorable Outcome ◽

Cerebellar Hemisphere ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion

Introduction: Perfusion imaging can identify patients who respond favorably to endovascular therapy (EVT) in the anterior circulation; no data are available for the posterior circulation. We evaluated perfusion patterns, assessed with RAPID software, in a consecutive cohort of patients with basilar artery occlusion treated with EVT and assessed the association between reperfusion and favorable clinical outcome based on the perfusion profile. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that patients with limited regions of severe hypoperfusion (Tmax > 10s) would have a favorable response (mRS 0-2) to reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3) while patients with multiple critical brain regions severely hypoperfused would have poor outcome (mRS 4-6) despite reperfusion. Methods: From a multicenter cohort of perfusion imaging in posterior circulation stroke, we included patients with basilar artery occlusion and EVT. We pre-specified a Critical Area Perfusion Score (CAPS, 0 - 8 points) to identify severe hypoperfusion (Tmax >10s) in the following regions: inferior and/or superior cerebellar hemisphere (1-4 points), pons (2 points), midbrain/thalamus (2 points). We compared the outcome between reperfusers and non reperfusers based on the CAP score with univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: 38 patients met the inclusion criteria. Mean age was 63±17, 34% female, NIHSS 17±11. In patients who reperfused (n=30, 79%) 63% had favorable outcome, while no patient without reperfusion survived, p=0.003 OR=29 (95%CI 1.5-547). Ninety percent (19/21) of reperfused patients with CAPS ≤2 had a favorable outcome, while none of the 9 with reperfusion and a score >2 survived, p<0.001, OR=148 (95%CI 6.5-3,333). In univariate analysis, favorable outcome was associated with NIHSS OR=0.87 (95% CI 0.80-0.96), p=0.003, and mismatch volume OR=0.98 (95% CI 0.97-0.997) p=0.013. In the multivariate analysis, only CAPS was an independent predictor of favorable outcome. Conclusions: Patients with limited regions of severe hypoperfusion (Tmax > 10s) had a robust response to basilar artery EVT, however, all patients with multiple critical brain regions severely hypoperfused died despite successful reperfusion. Perfusion imaging profiles may help identify optimal patients for basilar EVT.

Download Full-text

Outcomes of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Basilar Artery Occlusion

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

10.1017/cjn.2020.51 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 47 (4) ◽

pp. 479-485

Author(s):

Christopher R. Pasarikovski ◽

Houman Khosravani ◽

Leodante da Costa ◽

Chinthaka Heyn ◽

Stefano M. Priola ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Computed Tomography ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Basilar Artery ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Related Complication ◽

Endovascular Thrombectomy

ABSTRACT:Background and Purpose:Large prospective observational studies have cast doubt on the common assumption that endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is superior to intravenous thrombolysis for patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). The purpose of this study was to retrospectively review our experience for patients with BAO undergoing EVT with modern endovascular devices.Methods:All consecutive patients undergoing EVT with either a second-generation stent retriever or direct aspiration thrombectomy for BAO at our regional stroke center from January 1, 2013 to March 1, 2019 were included. The primary outcome measure was functional outcome at 1 month using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between patient characteristics and dichotomized mRS.Results:A total of 43 consecutive patients underwent EVT for BAO. The average age was 67 years with 61% male patients. Overall, 37% (16/43) of patients achieved good functional outcome. Successful reperfusion was achieved in 72% (31/43) of cases. The median (interquartile range) stroke onset to treatment time was 420 (270–639) minutes (7 hours) for all patients. The procedure-related complication rate was 9% (4/43). On multivariate analysis, posterior circulation Alberta stroke program early computed tomography score and Basilar Artery on Computed Tomography Angiography score were associated with improved functional outcome.Conclusion:EVT appears to be safe and feasible in patients with BAO. Our finding that time to treatment and successful reperfusion were not associated with improved outcome is likely due to including patients with established infarcts. Given the variability of collaterals in the posterior circulation, the paradigm of utilizing a tissue window may assist in patient selection for EVT. Magnetic resonance imaging may be a reasonable option to determine the extent of ischemia in certain situations.

Download Full-text

Functional Independence following Endovascular Treatment for Basilar Artery Occlusion despite Extensive Bilateral Pontine Infarcts on Diffusion-Weighted Imaging: Refuting a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

Interventional Neurology ◽

10.1159/000447756 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 5 (3-4) ◽

pp. 179-184 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Diogo C. Haussen ◽

Renato A.C. Oliveira ◽

Vikas Patel ◽

Raul G. Nogueira

Keyword(s):

Basilar Artery ◽

Diffusion Weighted Imaging ◽

Treatment Decision ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Decision Algorithm ◽

Operator Experience ◽

Diffusion Weighted

Background and Purpose: Extensive brainstem diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) hyperintensity has been associated with poor outcomes. We aim at documenting a series of patients with extensive DWI pontine lesions who achieved independence following endovascular therapy and aggressive medical therapy in the setting of posterior circulation basilar artery occlusion (BAO). Methods: This is a retrospective endovascular database review of a single-operator experience over a 9-year period for patients with (1) complete BAO, (2) extensive bilateral pontine DWI changes and (3) 90-day modified Rankin scale 0-2. Results: Three out of a total of 40 patients met the inclusion criteria. Case 1 was an 18-year-old male with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 32 on admission, treated 25 h after symptom onset. Case 2 was a 56-year-old male with NIHSS 19, treated 10 h after onset. Case 3 was a 73-year-old male with NIHSS 29, treated 6 h after onset. Full endovascular reperfusion was achieved in all 3 patients. A literature review identified 9 additional cases of extensive pontine DWI changes and good outcome. These patients were young (32 ± 22 years), mostly males (69%), presented with a relatively low posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (6 ± 1), were treated relatively late from last known normal (13 ± 10 h) and were mostly (84%) treated with endovascular intervention. Conclusion: Extensive bilateral pontine DWI lesions among patients with BAO are not an unequivocal indicator of poor prognosis. We advise strong caution when considering these findings in the treatment decision algorithm.

Download Full-text

Intravenous Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitor (Tirofiban) Followed by Low-Dose Intra-Arterial Urokinase and Mechanical Thrombolysis for the Treatment of Acute Stroke

The Neuroradiology Journal ◽

10.1177/197140091102400614 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 24 (6) ◽

pp. 907-913 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Y.K. Ihn ◽

J.H. Sung ◽

B-S. Kim

Keyword(s):

Acute Stroke ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Symptom Onset ◽

Cerebral Arteries ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Modified Rankin Scale ◽

Mechanical Thrombolysis ◽

Nihss Score ◽

Scale Scores

We investigated the efficacy and safety of the combined use of IV tirofiban and IA urokinase and/or mechanical thrombolysis for treating acute stroke patients. Thirteen, consecutive patients treated with IV tirofiban and IA thrombolysis with mechanical and/or local IA urokinase infusion were evaluated retrospectively. The amount of time before the beginning of treatment, urokinase dose, recanalization rates, and symptomatic hemorrhage were analyzed. Clinical outcome measures were assessed on admission, at discharge (National Institute of Health Stroke scale [NIHSS]), and three months after the end of their treatment (modified Rankin Scale scores [mRS]). There were 11 patients with internal carotid or middle cerebral artery occlusion treated within six hours of the onset of symptoms and two patients with basilar artery occlusion treated within 12 hours of their symptom onset. The median NIHSS score on admission was 18. The median amount of time from symptom onset to IV tirofiban infusion was 135 minutes, and the median time from symptom onset to IA therapy was 180 minutes. The median dose of urokinase was 200,000 U. Recanalization (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction grade 2 or 3) was achieved in 11 patients. No procedure-related complications were observed. There was one symptomatic hemorrhage. At discharge, the mean NIHSS score was 6.6 (range, 0–15). Overall, at the time of the three-month follow-up the functional outcome was favorable (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) in eight out of 13 (62%) patients. Death at 90 days occurred in two of the 13 (15%) patients. Combined IV tirofiban and IA thrombolysis with mechanical clot disruption seems to be a feasible treatment in acute stroke and may be successful in re-establishing vessel patency and result in a good functional outcome in patients with major cerebral arteries occlusions.

Download Full-text

Extent of Hypoattenuation on CT Angiography Source Images Predicts Functional Outcome in Patients With Basilar Artery Occlusion

Stroke ◽

10.1161/strokeaha.107.511162 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 39 (9) ◽

pp. 2485-2490 ◽

Cited By ~ 134

Author(s):

Volker Puetz ◽

P.N. Sylaja ◽

Shelagh B. Coutts ◽

Michael D. Hill ◽

Imanuel Dzialowski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcome ◽

Ct Angiography ◽

Basilar Artery ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion

Download Full-text

Effect of anesthesia strategy during endovascular therapy on 90-day outcomes in acute basilar artery occlusion: a retrospective observational study

BMC Neurology ◽

10.1186/s12883-020-01979-8 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Haibin Du ◽

Xu Tong ◽

Xuan Sun ◽

Zhiyong Shi ◽

Bin Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Anesthesia ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Basilar Artery ◽

Endovascular Therapy ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Favorable Outcome ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion

Abstract Background and objective The research on the effect of anesthesia on endovascular therapy (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke is mainly focused on the anterior circulation, and little is known about the data of basilar artery occlusion (BAO). This study aims to investigate the association of anesthesia strategy with 90-day clinical outcomes of patients with acute BAO treated with EVT. Methods We reviewed our prospectively collected data from the endovascular treatment database at the Beijing Tiantan Hospital. This included patients with acute BAO who had a documented 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score from January 2012 to July 2018. Options for EVT included general anesthesia (GA) and conscious sedation (CS) performed by an anesthesia care team in the institution. The recommendation of anesthesia for patients was a joint decision between anesthesiologist and neurointerventionalist according to a pre-designed scheme. Patients who required tracheal intubation for airway protection prior to EVT were excluded. The clinical outcomes we observed were functional independence (mRS ≤2), favorable outcome (mRS ≤3), and mortality at 90 days after the procedure. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between anesthesia methods and 90-day outcomes. Results A total of 187 patients with BAO were treated by EVT in this study. Nine cases requiring emergent intubation prior to EVT were excluded. 139 patients (78.1%) underwent GA and 39 patients (21.9%) underwent CS. In univariate analysis, GA was associated with less functional independence [odds ratio (OR), 0.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.13–0.59] and less favorable outcome (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.10–0.52) than was CS. After adjusting for potential confounders, multivariable analysis showed that there were still significant differences between GA and CS in functional independence (OR, 0.31; 95%CI, 0.10–0.97) and favorable outcome (OR, 0.24; 95%CI, 0.07–0.75). Conclusion Our retrospective analysis suggested that the anesthesia strategy may affect outcome, in which general anesthesia may result in less favorable outcomes. Nevertheless, future multicenter randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm our findings.

Download Full-text