Relationship between leukocyte counts and large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke

Abstract Background Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and peripheral leukocyte counts have proved to be independent predictors of stroke severity and outcomes. Clinical significance of large vessel occlusion (LVO) in AIS is increasing, as these patients are potential candidates for endovascular thrombectomy and likely to have worse outcomes if not treated urgently. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between on admission leukocyte counts and the presence of LVO in the early phase of AIS. Methods We have conducted a cross-sectional, observational study based on a registry of consecutive AIS patients admitted up to 4.5 h after stroke onset. Blood samples were taken at admission and leukocyte counts were measured immediately. The presence of LVO was verified based on the computed tomography angiography scan on admission. Results Total white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in patients with LVO than those without LVO (P < 0.001 respectively). After adjustment for potential confounders total WBC counts (adjusted OR: 1.405 per 1 × 109/L increase, 95% CI: 1.209 to 1.632) and neutrophil counts (adjusted OR: 1.344 per 1 × 109/L increase, 95% CI: 1.155 to 1.564) were found to have the strongest associations with the presence of LVO. Total WBC and neutrophil counts had moderate ability to discriminate an LVO in AIS (AUC: 0.667 and 0.655 respectively). No differences were recorded in leukocyte counts according to the size of the occluded vessel and the status of collateral circulation in the anterior vascular territory. However, total WBC and neutrophil counts tended to be higher in patients with LVO in the posterior circulation (p = 0.005 and 0.010 respectively). Conclusion Higher admission total WBC and neutrophil counts are strongly associated with the presence of LVO and has moderate ability to discriminate an LVO in AIS. Detailed evaluation of stroke-evoked inflammatory mechanisms and changes according to the presence of LVO demands further investigation.

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Relationship Between Leukocyte Counts and Large Vessel Occlusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke

10.21203/rs.3.rs-76213/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Gábor Tárkányi ◽

Zsófia Nozomi Karádi ◽

Zsófia Szabó ◽

István Szegedi ◽

László Csiba ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Status ◽

Leukocyte Counts ◽

The Relationship

Abstract Background: Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and peripheral leukocyte counts have proved to be independent predictors of stroke severity and outcomes. Clinical significance of large vessel occlusion (LVO) in AIS is increasing, as these patients are potential candidates for endovascular thrombectomy and likely to have worse outcomes if not treated urgently. The aim of our study was to assess the relationship between on admission leukocyte counts and the presence of LVO in the early phase of AIS.Methods: We have conducted a cross-sectional, observational study based on a registry of consecutive AIS patients admitted up to 4.5 hours after stroke onset. Blood samples were taken at admission and leukocyte counts were measured immediately. The presence of LVO was verified based on the computed tomography angiography scan on admission.Results: Total white blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in patients with LVO than those without LVO (P<0.001 respectively). After adjustment for potential confounders total WBC counts (adjusted OR: 1.405 per 1x109/L increase, 95% CI: 1.209 to 1.632) and neutrophil counts (adjusted OR: 1.344 per 1x109/L increase, 95% CI: 1.155 to 1.564) were found to have the strongest associations with the presence of LVO. Total WBC and neutrophil counts had moderate ability to discriminate an LVO in AIS (AUC: 0.667 and 0.655 respectively). No differences were recorded in leukocyte counts according to the size of the occluded vessel and the status of collateral circulation in the anterior vascular territory. However, total WBC and neutrophil counts tended to be higher in patients with LVO in the posterior circulation (p= 0.005 and 0.010 respectively).Conclusion: Higher admission total WBC and neutrophil counts are strongly associated with the presence of LVO and has moderate ability to discriminate an LVO in AIS. Detailed evaluation of stroke-evoked inflammatory mechanisms and changes according to the presence of LVO demands further investigation.

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Detailed severity assessment of Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale to detect large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke

10.21203/rs.3.rs-23229/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Gábor Tárkányi ◽

Péter Csécsei ◽

István Szegedi ◽

Evelin Fehér ◽

Ádám Annus ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Favourable Outcome ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Severity Assessment ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Auc Value

Abstract Background Selecting stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) based on prehospital stroke scales could provide a faster triage and transportation to a comprehensive stroke centre resulting a favourable outcome. We aimed here to explore the detailed severity assessment of Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) to improve its ability to detect LVO in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was performed in a prospectively collected registry of consecutive patients with first ever AIS admitted within 6 hours after symptom onset. On admission stroke severity was assessed National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the presence of LVO was confirmed by computed tomography angiography (CTA) as an endpoint. A detailed version of CPSS (d-CPSS) was designed based on the severity assessment of CPSS items derived from NIHSS. The ability of this scale to confirm an LVO was compared to CPSS and NIHSS respectively. Results Using a ROC analysis, the AUC value of d-CPSS was significantly higher compared to the AUC value of CPSS itself (0.788 vs. 0.633, p < 0.001) and very similar to the AUC of NIHSS (0.795, p = 0.510). An optimal cut-off score was found as d-CPSS ≥ 5 to discriminate the presence of LVO (sensitivity: 69.9%, specificity: 75.2%). Conclusion A detailed severity assessment of CPSS items (upper extremity weakness, facial palsy and speech disturbance) could significantly increase the ability of CPSS to discriminate the presence of LVO in AIS patients.

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Detailed severity assessment of Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale to detect large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke

10.21203/rs.3.rs-23229/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Gábor Tárkányi ◽

Péter Csécsei ◽

István Szegedi ◽

Evelin Fehér ◽

Ádám Annus ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Favourable Outcome ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Severity Assessment ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Auc Value

Abstract Background Selecting stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) based on prehospital stroke scales could provide a faster triage and transportation to a comprehensive stroke centre resulting a favourable outcome. We aimed here to explore the detailed severity assessment of Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) to improve its ability to detect LVO in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was performed in a prospectively collected registry of consecutive patients with first ever AIS admitted within 6 hours after symptom onset. On admission stroke severity was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the presence of LVO was confirmed by computed tomography angiography (CTA) as an endpoint. A detailed version of CPSS (d-CPSS) was designed based on the severity assessment of CPSS items derived from NIHSS. The ability of this scale to confirm an LVO was compared to CPSS and NIHSS respectively. Results Using a ROC analysis, the AUC value of d-CPSS was significantly higher compared to the AUC value of CPSS itself (0.788 vs. 0.633, p <0.001) and very similar to the AUC of NIHSS (0.795, p=0.510). An optimal cut-off score was found as d-CPSS≥5 to discriminate the presence of LVO (sensitivity: 69.9%, specificity: 75.2%). Conclusion A detailed severity assessment of CPSS items (upper extremity weakness, facial palsy and speech disturbance) could significantly increase the ability of CPSS to discriminate the presence of LVO in AIS patients.

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Abstract TMP5: The Smoking-Thrombolysis Paradox in Large Vessel Occlusion Acute Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Endovascular Therapy

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.48.suppl_1.tmp5 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Mehdi Bouslama ◽

Leticia C Rebello ◽

Diogo C Haussen ◽

Jonathan A Grossberg ◽

Shannon Doppelheuer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Endovascular Therapy ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion

Background and Purpose: The smoking-thrombolysis paradox has been well described in myocardial infarction. However, its existence in the stroke population remains elusive. In the past decade, several studies have investigated the phenomenon with mixed results. We sought to determine whether clinical outcomes differ between smokers and non-smokers with acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular therapy. Methods: We reviewed our prospectively collected endovascular database at a tertiary care academic institution. All patients who underwent endovascular therapy for acute large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke were categorized into current smokers and non-smokers. Baseline characteristics, procedural radiological as well as outcome parameters where compared. Results: A total of 968 patients qualified for the study of which 189 (19.5%) were current smokers. Smokers were younger (60.78±11.95 vs. 66.41±15.05 years, p<0.001), had higher rates of dyslipidemia (49.7% vs 31.7%, p<0.001) and posterior circulation strokes (13.2% vs 7.8%, p=0.02,) and lower rates of atrial fibrillation (21.1% vs 37.9%, p<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of stroke severity (as assessed by NIHSS), baseline CT perfusion core and hypoperfusion volumes, CT angiogram collateral scores as well as procedural variables. On univariate analysis, smokers had higher rates of good outcomes at 90 days (modified Rankin scale, mRS 0-2: 53.8% vs 42.8%, p=0.01) and similar rates of successful reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3) (92.1% vs 87.7%, p=0.09), parenchymal hematomas (4.2% vs 4%, p=0.84) and mortality at 90 days (20.2% vs 25.7%, p=0.14). Multivariate analysis showed that smoking was not independently associated with good outcomes. Stratifying for (1) stroke etiology and (2) anterior vs. posterior circulation topology yielded similar results. Conclusion: In stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy, smoking does not seem to be associated with outcomes regardless of stroke subtype or location.

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Abstract WP110: Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With Large Vessel Occlusion and Mild Stroke Severity

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.51.suppl_1.wp110 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Georgios Tsivgoulis ◽

Nitin Goyal ◽

Aristeidis H Katsanos ◽

Konark Malhotra ◽

Michael T Frohler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Neurological Deficits ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Safety Outcomes

Introduction: We investigated the effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) and mild neurological deficits defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores <6 points (mELVO). Methods: The primary efficacy outcome was three-month functional independence (FI; mRS-scores of 0-2) that was compared between patients with and without IVT treatment. Other efficacy outcomes of interest included three-month favorable functional outcome (FFO; mRS-scores of 0-1) and mRS-scores distribution at discharge and at 3 months. The safety outcomes comprised all-cause 3-month mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), asymptomatic ICH and severe systemic bleeding. Results: We evaluated 336 AIS patients with mELVO (mean age: 63±15 years, 45% women). Patients treated with IVT (n=162) had higher FI (85.6% vs. 74.8%, p=0.027) with lower mRS scores at hospital discharge (p=0.034) compared to the rest. Three-month mRS-scores tended to be lower in the IVT group (p=0.069). No differences were detected in any of the safety outcomes including symptomatic ICH, asymptomatic ICH, severe systemic bleeding and 3-month mortality (p>0.1). IVT was associated with higher likelihood of 3-month FI (OR=2.19, 95%CI: 1.09-4.42), 3-month FFO (OR=1.99, 95%CI: 1.10-3.57) and functional improvement at discharge [cOR (per 1-point decrease in mRS-score)=2.94, 95%CI: 1.67-5.26] and at 3 months (cOR=1.72, 95%CI: 1.06-2.86) on multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders including mechanical thrombectomy. Conclusion: IVT is independently associated with higher odds of improved discharge and three-month functional outcomes in AIS patients with mELVO. IVT does not increase the risk of systemic or intracranial bleeding.

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Capability of stroke scales to detect large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke : A pilot study

Ideggyógyászati Szemle ◽

10.18071/isz.74.0099 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 74 (3-4) ◽

pp. 99-103

Author(s):

Gábor Tárkányi ◽

Zsófia Nozomi Karádi ◽

Péter Csécsei ◽

Edit Bosnyák ◽

Gergely Fehér ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Area Under The Curve ◽

Arterial Occlusion ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Screening Methods ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Stroke Centre

Rapid changes of stroke management in recent years facilitate the need for accurate and easy-to-use screening methods for early detection of large vessel occlusion (LVO) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Our aim was to evaluate the ability of various stroke scales to discriminate an LVO in AIS. We have performed a cross-sectional, observational study based on a registry of consecutive patients with first ever AIS admitted up to 4.5 hours after symptom onset to a comprehensive stroke centre. The diagnostic capability of 14 stroke scales were investigated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Area under the curve (AUC) values of NIHSS, modified NIHSS, shortened NIHSS-EMS, sNIHSS-8, sNIHSS-5 and Rapid Arterial Occlusion Evaluation (RACE) scales were among the highest (>0.800 respectively). A total of 6 scales had cut-off values providing at least 80% specificity and 50% sensitivity, and 5 scales had cut-off values with at least 70% specificity and 75% sensitivity. Certain stroke scales may be suitable for discriminating an LVO in AIS. The NIHSS and modified NIHSS are primarily suitable for use in hospital settings. However, sNIHSS-EMS, sNIHSS-8, sNIHSS-5, RACE and 3-Item Stroke Scale (3I-SS) are easier to perform and interpret, hence their use may be more advantageous in the prehospital setting. Prospective (prehospital) validation of these scales could be the scope of future studies.

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D-Dimer as Predictor of Large Vessel Occlusion in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/strokeaha.120.031657 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Anna Ramos-Pachón ◽

Elena López-Cancio ◽

Alejandro Bustamante ◽

Natàlia Pérez de la Ossa ◽

Mònica Millán ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Independent Predictor ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Predictive Values ◽

D Dimer

Background and Purpose: Improving prehospital triage of large vessel occlusion (LVO) would reduce time to reperfusion therapies. We aimed to study early predictors of LVO in acute ischemic stroke to identify candidates for endovascular treatment. Methods: The Stroke-Chip was a prospective observational study conducted at 6 Stroke Centers in Catalonia. Blood samples were obtained in the first 6 hours from symptom onset of consecutive patients. Stroke severity was evaluated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and LVO was assessed. Independent association of multiple blood biomarkers with LVO was evaluated using logistic regression models adjusted by covariates. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were assessed for NIHSS and the combination of NIHSS and selected serum biomarkers levels. Results: One thousand three hundred eight suspected strokes were enrolled for a 17-month period. LVO was not assessed in 131 patients. One thousand one hundred seventy-seven patients were selected for analysis (mean age 69.3 years, 56% men, median baseline NIHSS of 6, and median time to blood collection 2.5 hours). LVO was detected in 262 patients. LVO patients were older, had higher baseline NIHSS, history of atrial fibrillation, and lower time from stroke onset to admission. After logistic regression analysis, D-dimer remained an independent predictor of LVO (odds ratio, 1.59 [1.31–1.92]). Specificity and positive predictive value to exclude or detect LVO were higher when using combined D-dimer levels and NIHSS score assessment rather than NIHSS alone. Conclusions: Early D-dimer levels are an independent predictor of LVO and may be useful to better optimize prehospital patient transport to the appropriate stroke center.

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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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Emergency medical dispatchers’ ability to identify large vessel occlusion stroke during emergency calls

Scandinavian Journal of Trauma Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine ◽

10.1186/s13049-021-00914-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 29 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Pauli E. T. Vuorinen ◽

Jyrki P. J. Ollikainen ◽

Pasi A. Ketola ◽

Riikka-Liisa K. Vuorinen ◽

Piritta A. Setälä ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Emergency Call ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Emergency Response System ◽

Emergency Medical ◽

Cortical Ischemia

Abstract Background In acute ischemic stroke, conjugated eye deviation (CED) is an evident sign of cortical ischemia and large vessel occlusion (LVO). We aimed to determine if an emergency dispatcher can recognise LVO stroke during an emergency call by asking the caller a binary question regarding whether the patient’s head or gaze is away from the side of the hemiparesis or not. Further, we investigated if the paramedics can confirm this sign at the scene. In the group of positive CED answers to the emergency dispatcher, we investigated what diagnoses these patients received at the emergency department (ED). Among all patients brought to ED and subsequently treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) we tracked the proportion of patients with a positive CED answer during the emergency call. Methods We collected data on all stroke dispatches in the city of Tampere, Finland, from 13 February 2019 to 31 October 2020. We then reviewed all patient records from cases where the dispatcher had marked ‘yes’ to the question regarding patient CED in the computer-aided emergency response system. We also viewed all emergency department admissions to see how many patients in total were treated with MT during the period studied. Results Out of 1913 dispatches, we found 81 cases (4%) in which the caller had verified CED during the emergency call. Twenty-four of these patients were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. Paramedics confirmed CED in only 9 (11%) of these 81 patients. Two patients with positive CED answers during the emergency call and 19 other patients brought to the emergency department were treated with MT. Conclusion A small minority of stroke dispatches include a positive answer to the CED question but paramedics rarely confirm the emergency medical dispatcher’s suspicion of CED as a sign of LVO. Few patients in need of MT can be found this way. Stroke dispatch protocol with a CED question needs intensive implementation.

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