scholarly journals Challenging the Ischemic Core Concept in Acute Ischemic Stroke Imaging

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (10) ◽  
pp. 3147-3155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayank Goyal ◽  
Johanna M. Ospel ◽  
Bijoy Menon ◽  
Mohammed Almekhlafi ◽  
Mahesh Jayaraman ◽  
...  

Endovascular treatment is a highly effective therapy for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion and has recently revolutionized stroke care. Oftentimes, ischemic core extent on baseline imaging is used to determine endovascular treatment-eligibility. There are, however, 3 fundamental issues with the core concept: First, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, which are mostly used in the acute stroke setting, are not able to precisely determine whether and to what extent brain tissue is infarcted (core) or still viable, due to variability in tissue vulnerability, the phenomenon of selective neuronal loss and lack of a reliable gold standard. Second, treatment decision-making in acute stroke is multifactorial, and as such, the relative importance of single variables, including imaging factors, is reduced. Third, there are often discrepancies between core volume and clinical outcome. This review will address the uncertainty in terminology and proposes a direction towards more clarity. This theoretical exercise needs empirical data that clarify the definitions further and prove its value.

Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 97 (20 Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. S6-S16
Author(s):  
Vasu Saini ◽  
Luis Guada ◽  
Dileep R. Yavagal

Purpose of the ReviewTo provide an up-to-date review of the incidence of stroke and large vessel occlusion (LVO) around the globe, as well as the eligibility and access to IV thrombolysis (IVT) and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) worldwide.Recent FindingsRandomized clinical trials have established MT with or without IVT as the usual care for patients with LVO stroke for up to 24 hours from symptom onset. Eligibility for IVT has extended beyond 4.5 hours based on permissible imaging criteria. With these advances in the last 5 years, there has been a notable increase in the population of patients eligible for acute stroke interventions. However, access to acute stroke care and utilization of MT or IVT is lagging in these patients.SummaryStroke is the second leading cause of both disability and death worldwide, with the highest burden of the disease shared by low- and middle-income countries. In 2016, there were 13.7 million new incident strokes globally; ≈87% of these were ischemic strokes and by conservative estimation about 10%–20% of these account for LVO. Fewer than 5% of patients with acute ischemic stroke received IVT globally in the eligible therapeutic time window and fewer than 100,000 MTs were performed worldwide in 2016. This highlights the large gap among eligible patients and the low utilization rates of these advances across the globe. Multiple global initiatives are underway to investigate interventions to improve systems of care and bridge this gap.


Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 97 (20 Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. S178-S184
Author(s):  
Shashvat M. Desai ◽  
Ruchira M. Jha ◽  
Italo Linfante

Purpose of the ReviewMechanical thrombectomy (MT)–mediated endovascular recanalization has dramatically transformed treatment and outcomes after acute ischemic stroke caused by a large vessel occlusion (LVO). Current guidelines recommend MT up to 24 hours from stroke onset in carefully selected patients based on favorable clinical and imaging parameters. Despite optimal patient selection and low complication rates with current recanalization technology, approximately 1 in 2 patients with LVO stroke do not achieve functional independence at 3 months. This ceiling effect of MT efficacy may be explained by ischemic core expansion into the ischemic penumbra before recanalization and neuronal loss occurring after recanalization. Factors affecting the efficacy of MT, or the degree of irreversible injury, include time from symptom onset to recanalization, collateral circulation status, and differences in neuronal vulnerability. The purpose of this brief review is to discuss potential targets for neuroprotection, present and future potential pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic agents, and the data available in the literature.Recent FindingsIn experimental ischemia models, several authors reported that pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic agents are able to slow the progression of ischemic core expansion. However, in the era of unsuccessful recanalization of the occluded artery, several neuroprotective agents that were promising in the preclinical stage failed phase II/III clinical trials.SummaryProviding neuroprotection before and after recanalization of an LVO may play an important role in improving outcomes in the era of MT. Neuroprotection is classically defined as a process that results in the salvage, recovery, or regeneration of neuronal (and other supporting CNS cell) structure or function. The advent of successful recanalization of acute LVO by MT in the majority of patients may spur the growth of effective neuroprotection.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Jing ◽  
Hao Li ◽  
Shengming Huang ◽  
Min Guan ◽  
Yongxin Li ◽  
...  

AbstractEndovascular treatment (EVT) has been accepted as the standard of care for patients with acute ischemic stroke. The aim of the present study was to compare clinical outcomes of patients who received EVT within and beyond 6 h from symptom onset to groin puncture without perfusion software in Guangdong district, China. Between March 2017 and May 2018, acute ischemic stroke patients who received EVT from 6 comprehensive stroke centers, were enrolled into the registry study. In this subgroup study, we included all patients who had acute proximal large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation. The demographic, clinical and neuroimaging data were collected from each center. A total of 192 patients were included in this subgroup study. They were divided into two groups: group A (n = 125), within 6 h; group B (n = 67), 6–24 h from symptom onset to groin puncture. There were no substantial differences between these two groups in terms of 90 days favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale [mRS] ≤ 2, P = 0.051) and mortality (P = 0.083), and the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage at 24 h (P = 0.425). The NIHSS (median 16, IQR12-20, group A; median 12, IQR8-18, group B; P = 0.009) and ASPECTS (median 10, IQR8-10, group A; median 9, IQR8-10, group B; P = 0.034) at baseline were higher in group A. The anesthesia method (general anesthesia, 21.3%, group A vs. 1.5% group B, P = 0.001) were also statistically different between the two groups. The NIHSS and ASPECTS were higher, and general anesthesia was also more widely used in group A. Clinical outcomes were not significantly different within 6 h versus 6–24 h from symptom onset to groin puncture in this real world study.


2021 ◽  
pp. 028418512110068
Author(s):  
Yu Hang ◽  
Zhen Yu Jia ◽  
Lin Bo Zhao ◽  
Yue Zhou Cao ◽  
Huang Huang ◽  
...  

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.


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiya Osanai

Introduction: In Japan, endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke from large vessel occlusion should be performed by neurointerventionists. However, most hospitals in rural area , that offer treatment for cerebral vascular disease do not have access to a neurointerventionist; the rural areas are especially affected. Thus, Our University has offered support to institutions without a neurointerventionist, to perform endovascular treatment. The neurointerventionists stationed in other hospitals drive to retrieve the resultant clot since the acute ischemic stroke from large vessel occlusion. We called this the “drive and retrieve system” method, and launched the prospective trial to evaluate the validity and efficacy of this method. Herein, we report the initial results of this trial. Methods: Nine institutes across our affiliated hospitals within a one-hour drive from Sapporo City took part in this trial. Three of these 9 institutes that have a full-time neurointerventionist were registered as the source. When an episode of acute ischemic stroke requiring intervention occurred in the other 6 hospitals, the available neurointerventionist provided treatment based on the drive and retrieve method. The neurointerventionists’ schedules was updated and distributed to all participating units twice a week, so that the supported hospitals could immediately make contact when required. We analysis the data of 44 cases in this trial from July 2015 to April 2016. Results: For 41 out of 44 cases (93%), Neurointerventionaists were able to respond immediately. The median time from door-to-puncture was 90 min (interquartile range [IQR]: 72-125). The median time from puncture to recanalization was also 76 min (IQR: 57.5-99.5). The recanalization rate (TICI 2b/3) was 77 %. mRS 0-2 was 39%. Conclusion: The drive and retrieve system has the potential to support rural medical institutes that do not have access to a full-time neurointerventionist.


2022 ◽  
pp. neurintsurg-2021-018292
Author(s):  
Dapeng Sun ◽  
Baixue Jia ◽  
Xu Tong ◽  
Peter Kan ◽  
Xiaochuan Huo ◽  
...  

BackgroundParenchymal hemorrhage (PH) is a troublesome complication after endovascular treatment (EVT).ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence, independent predictors, and clinical impact of PH after EVT in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO).MethodsSubjects were selected from the ANGEL-ACT Registry. PH was diagnosed according to the European Collaborative Acute Stroke Study classification. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent predictors of PH, as well as the association between PH and 90-day functional outcome assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score.ResultsOf the 1227 enrolled patients, 147 (12.0%) were diagnosed with PH within 12–36 hours after EVT. On multivariable analysis, low admission Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS)(adjusted OR (aOR)=1.13, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.26, p=0.020), serum glucose >7 mmol/L (aOR=1.82, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.84, p=0.009), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; aOR=1.05, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.09, p=0.005) were associated with a high risk of PH, while underlying intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS; aOR=0.42, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.81, p=0.009) and intracranial angioplasty/stenting (aOR=0.37, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.93, p=0.035) were associated with a low risk of PH. Furthermore, patients with PH were associated with a shift towards to worse functional outcome (mRS score 4 vs 3, adjusted common OR (acOR)=2.27, 95% CI 1.53 to 3.38, p<0.001).ConclusionsIn Chinese patients with AIS caused by anterior circulation LVO, the risk of PH was positively associated with low admission ASPECTS, serum glucose >7 mmol/L, and NLR, but negatively related to underlying ICAS and intracranial angioplasty/stenting.Trial registration numberNCT03370939.


Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxim Mokin ◽  
Tareq Kass-Hout ◽  
Omar Kass-Hout ◽  
Erol Veznedaroglu ◽  
Fadi Nahab ◽  
...  

Background and Purpose: Acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion is associated with a poor prognosis. With no consensus about the best treatment option, various treatment modalities including conservative management, intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, and endovascular approach are currently being used. Methods: Retrospective data including demographic information, baseline NIHSS score, site of occlusion (based on CTA, MRA or angiogram), type of treatment and clinical outcomes were collected from 4 centers in the United States during the period of 2010-2011. Results: A total of 423 were included in final analysis: 175 patients received conservative medical management, 54 patients received intravenous (IV) thrombolysis alone, and 194 patients had endovascular treatment (with or without prior IV tPA). Younger patients were more likely to receive endovascular treatment (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference among the sex and co-morbid conditions among the three groups. Proximal middle cerebral artery was the most commonly involved vessel. Strokes due to basilar artery occlusion or internal carotid artery occlusion were associated with worst outcomes in all three groups. Conservative medical management had the lowest rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage but also the highest mortality rates at 3 months. Patients who received endovascular treatment within the first 3 hrs had better outcome and lower mortality rates as compared to patients with intervention during 3-8 hours or beyond 8 hrs. Conclusions: Our study represents real world experience on the management and outcomes of acute ischemic strokes due to large vessel occlusion. Our results help understand natural history of strokes with large vessel occlusion, as well as modern trends in managing these patients with intravenous and intraarterial treatment approaches.


Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Kass-Hout ◽  
Tareq Kass-Hout ◽  
Maxim Mokin ◽  
David Orion ◽  
Shadi Jahshan ◽  
...  

Background: Large vessel occlusions with a high clot burden are less likely to improve with the FDA-approved IV strategy. Endovascular therapy within the first 3 h of stroke symptom onset provides an effective alternative treatment in patients with large vessel occlusion. It is not clear if combination of IV thrombolysis and endovascular approach is superior to endovascular treatment alone. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all cases of acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion treated within the first 3 h stroke onset during the 2005-2010 period. First group received endovascular therapy within the first 3 h of stroke onset. Second group consisted of patients who received IV thrombolysis within the first 3 h followed by endovascular therapy. We compared the following outcomes: revascularization rates, NIHSS score at discharge, mRS at discharge and 3months, symptomatic hemorrhage rates and mortality. Results: Among 104 patients identified, 42 received combined therapy, and 62 received endovascular therapy only. The two groups had similar demographic (age and sex distribution) and vascular risk factors distribution, as well as NIHSS score on admission (14.8±4.7 and 16.0±5.3; p=0.23). We found no difference in TIMI recanalization rates (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction scale score of 2 or 3) following combined or endovascular therapy alone (83.3% and 79.0%; p=0.59). A preferred outcome, defined as a mRS of 2 or less at 90 days also did not differ between the combined therapy group and the endovascular only group (37.5% and 34.5%; p=0.76). There was no difference in mortality rate (22.5% and 31.0%; p=0.36) and the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (9.5% and 8.1%; p=0.73). There was a significant difference in mean time from symptom onset to endovascular treatment between the combined group (227±88 min) and endovascular only group (125±40 min; p<0.0001).Patients with good TIMI recanalization rate of 2 or 3 showed a trend of having a better mRS at 90 days in both bridging (16.67% vs. 41.18%, p-value: 0.3813) and endovascular groups (25% vs. 34.78%, p-value: 0.7326).When analyzing the correlation of mRS at 90 days with the site of occlusion, patients in the bridging group showed a trend of a better outcome when the site of occlusion was ICA (33.3% vs 30%) and MCA (66.67% vs. 27.59%) and worse outcome when the site of occlusion was in the posterior circulation (26.32% vs. 50%), however, these results were not statistically significant (p-values: 0.1735& 0.5366). Conclusion: Combining IV thrombolysis and endovascular therapy achieves similar rates of clinical outcomes, revascularization rates, complications and mortality rates, when compared with endovascular treatment alone. The combined therapy, however, significantly delays initiation of endovascular treatment. A randomized prospective trial comparing both treatment strategies in acute ischemic stroke is warranted


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thabele M Leslie-Mazwi ◽  
Syed F Ali ◽  
Sanjeeva R Onteddu ◽  
Adewumi D Amole ◽  
Mehmet S Akdol ◽  
...  

Introduction: An overwhelming benefit from endovascular treatment (EVT) of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has been shown in recent trials, making it the new evidence-based standard of care for ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. We sought to determine usage, safety and efficacy of EVT in patients ≥80 years of age. Methods: Using GWTG stroke registry data from MGH and UAMS, we analyzed 7,505 consecutive stroke admissions from 01/2009 - 06/2016. Univariate analysis was carried out to compare AIS patients < 80 vs. those ≥ 80yr. Results: Of the total 7,505 AIS patients, 3,722 presented within 12 hr of last known well and of these 334 (334/3722, 9%) underwent EVT. The majority of AIS patients undergoing EVT were younger than 80yr of age (264/334, 79%). Of the patients who underwent EVT, younger patients were more often male, Caucasian, and had stroke risk factors of atrial fibrillation, CAD, hypertension and smokers. The two groups were similar in NIHSS, initial clinical presentation, modified pre-stroke Rankin scale of ≤ 3, and initiation of tPA as a drip and ship or stroke center front-door administration. Higher rates of pneumonia were observed in younger patients while rates of sICH were similar. Younger patients were more often discharged to home/inpatient rehabilitation facility. On univariate analysis, in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients ≥ 80yr [Unadj. OR 2.50 (1.24, 5.03), p=0.01], however the strength of the association attenuated substantially after adjusting for significant covariates [Adj. OR 2.34 (0.99, 5.47), p=0.05] (Table). Conclusion: Elderly stroke patients are largely excluded from clinical trials and data are limited on the effectiveness of EVT in this cohort. Our results showed that rate of sICH and adjusted in-hospital mortality was not statistically different between those < 80yr vs. ≥ 80yr. Further studies are needed to explore the functional outcome of the elderly stroke patients undergoing EVT.


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