Challenges in the Management of Ruptured and Unruptured Brainstem Arteriovenous Malformations: Outcome After Conservative, Single-Modality, or Multimodality Treatments

Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 155-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent Thines ◽  
Amir R. Dehdashti ◽  
Leodante da Costa ◽  
Michael Tymianski ◽  
Karel G. ter Brugge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scale Score ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Multimodality Treatment ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Cure Rates ◽  
Single Modality

Abstract BACKGROUND Brainstem arteriovenous malformations are challenging lesions, and benefits of treatment are uncertain. OBJECTIVE To study the clinical course of Brainstem arteriovenous malformations and the influence of treatments on outcome. METHODS We reviewed a prospective series of 31 brainstem arteriovenous malformations. Demographic, morphological, and clinical characteristics were recorded. Factors determining initial and final outcomes (modified Rankin Scale), results of treatments (cure rates, complications), and disease course were analyzed. RESULTS Brainstem arteriovenous malformations were symptomatic and bled in 93% and 61% of cases, respectively. Examination was abnormal and initial modified Rankin Scale score was > 3 in 71% and 86% of patients, respectively. The average follow-up time was 6.2 years, and 26% of patients rebled (5.9 %/y). Treatment modalities included conservative, radiosurgical, endovascular, surgical, and multimodality treatment in 13%, 58%, 35%, 16%, and 26% of cases, respectively. The obliteration rate was 60% overall and 39% after radiosurgery, 40% after embolization, and 75% after microsurgery, with respective complication-free cure rates of 71%, 50%, and 0%. Overall procedural mortality and morbidity were 2.3% and 18.6%, respectively. Final modified Rankin Scale score was > 3 in 77% of cases. Neurological deterioration (35%) was related to treatment complications in 74% of cases with a negative impact of surgery (P = .04), palliative embolization (odds ratio = 16), and multimodality treatments (odds ratio = 24). Radiosurgery was inversely associated with worsening (odds ratio = 0.06). CONCLUSION Brainstem arteriovenous malformations require individualized treatment decisions. Single-modality treatments with a reasonable chance of complete cure and low complication rate (such as radiosurgery) should be favored.

Abciximab Treatment Modalities for Thromboembolic Events Related to Aneurysm Coiling

2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (suppl_2) ◽  
pp. ons503-ons508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Aggour ◽  
Laurent Pierot ◽  
Krisztof Kadziolka ◽  
Philippe Gomis ◽  
Jean-Pierre Graftieaux
Keyword(s):  
Scale Score ◽  
Coil Embolization ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Parent Artery ◽  
Thromboembolic Events ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Thromboembolic Complications ◽  
Unruptured Aneurysms ◽  
Hemorrhagic Complications ◽  
Flow Restoration

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Thromboembolic complications are the most common cause of periprocedural morbidity associated with the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with detachable coils. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the safety and efficacy of using combined intra-arterial and intravenous abciximab to treat thrombi complicating endovascular cerebral aneurysm coil embolization. METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of 390 aneurysmal coiling procedures, we identified 39 patients (10.0%) with thromboembolic events related to the procedure. As the first line of treatment in 23 of these patients, abciximab was administered intra-arterially as a bolus followed by intravenous infusion over a 12-hour period. Eleven of the 23 patients were treated for ruptured aneurysms, 9 for unruptured aneurysms, and 3 for aneurysmal recanalization. Flow restoration and neurological outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Amelioration as measured by the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow grade score was achieved in 17 of 23 patients (73.9%), and no change was observed in 6 of 23 patients (26.1%). Complete recanalization was achieved in 13 patients (56.5%). A greater response to abciximab was noted for thrombi at the coil–parent artery interface, and a lesser response was noted for distal thrombi. No hemorrhagic complications were noted for any of the patients, whereas 11 patients (47.8%) showed ischemic lesions. A modified Rankin Scale score of 2 or less was achieved in 17 of 23 patients (73.9%), whereas 6 of 23 patients (26.1%) had a modified Rankin Scale score of more than 2. CONCLUSION: Combined intra-arterial/intravenous administration of abciximab is safe and effective for treating thromboembolic complications that occur during aneurysmal coil embolization with no hemorrhagic complications.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage and the female sex: analysis of risk factors, aneurysm characteristics, and outcomes

2014 ◽  
Vol 121 (6) ◽  
pp. 1367-1373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alhafidz Hamdan ◽  
Jonathan Barnes ◽  
Patrick Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Cerebral Artery ◽  
Anterior Cerebral Artery ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Poor Outcome

Object The pathophysiology of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is unclear. Sex may play a role in the outcome of patients with aSAH. Methods The authors retrospectively identified 617 patients with aSAH (April 2005 to February 2010) and analyzed sex differences in risk factors (age, hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, and family history), admission-related factors (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade and admission delay), aneurysm characteristics (site, side, location, and multiplicity), and outcomes (treatment modalities [coiling/clipping/both/conservative], complications [vasospasm and hydrocephalus], length of stay, and modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months). Results The female patients with aSAH were older than the male patients (mean age 56.6 vs 51.9 years, respectively, p < 0.001), and more women than men were ≥ 55 years old (56.2% vs 40.4%, respectively, p < 0.001). Women exhibited higher rates of bilateral (6.8% vs 2.6%, respectively, p < 0.05), multiple (11.5% vs 5.2%, respectively, p < 0.05), and internal carotid artery (ICA) (36.9% vs 17.5%, respectively, p < 0.001) aneurysms and a lower rate of anterior cerebral artery aneurysms (26.3% vs 44.8%, respectively, p < 0.001) than the men, but no side differences were noted. There were no sex differences in risk factors, admission-related factors, or outcome measures. For both sexes, outcomes varied according to aneurysm location, with odds ratios for a poor outcome of 1.62 (95% CI 0.91–2.86, p = 0.1) for middle cerebral artery, 2.41 (95% CI 1.29–4.51, p = 0.01) for ICA, and 2.41 (95% CI 1.29–4.51, p = 0.006) for posterior circulation aneurysms compared with those for anterior cerebral artery aneurysms. The odds ratio for poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 4–6) in women compared with men after adjusting for significant prognostic factors was 0.71 (95% CI 0.45–1.11, p > 0.05). Conclusions The overall outcomes after aSAH between women and men are similar.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Arteriovenous Malformations Located in Deep Critical Regions

Neurosurgery ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 70 (6) ◽  
pp. 1458-1471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gábor Nagy ◽  
Ottó Major ◽  
Jeremy G. Rowe ◽  
Matthias W.R. Radatz ◽  
Timothy J. Hodgson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Basal Ganglia ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery ◽  
Good Alternative ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Single Treatment ◽  
Cure Rate ◽  
Median Volume ◽  
Critical Regions

Abstract BACKGROUND: Radiosurgery is widely used to treat deep eloquent arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how anatomic location, AVM size, and treatment parameters define outcome. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 356 thalamic/basal ganglia and 160 brainstem AVMs treated with gamma knife radiosurgery. RESULTS: Median volume was 2 cm3 (range, 0.02–50) for supratentorial and 0.5 cm3 (range, 0.01–40) for brainstem AVMs; the marginal treatment doses were 17.5 to 25 Gy. After single treatment, obliteration was achieved in 65% of the brainstem, in 69% of the supratentorial, and 40% of the peritectal AVMs. Obliteration of lesions &lt;4 cm3 was better in the brainstem (70%) and in the supratentorium (80%), but not in the peritectal region (40%). Complications were rare (6%–15%) and mild (⩽modified Rankin scale [MRS] 2). Rebleed rate increased with size, but was not higher than before treatment. AVMs &gt;4 cm3 in the brainstem were treated with unacceptable morbidity and low cure rate. Obliteration of large supratentorial AVMs was 65% to 47% with more complications ≥MRS3. Repeat radiosurgical treatment led to obliteration in 66% of the cases with minor morbidity. CONCLUSION: Deep eloquent AVMs &lt;4 cm3 can be treated safely and effectively with radiosurgery. Obliteration of peritectal AVMs is significantly lower after a single treatment. However, morbidity is low, and repeat treatment leads to good obliteration. Radiosurgical treatment &gt;4 cm3 in the brainstem is not recommended. Supratentorial deep AVMs &gt;8 cm3 can be treated with radiosurgery with higher risk and lower obliteration rate. However, these lesions are difficult to treat with other treatment modalities, and a 50% success rate makes radiosurgery a good alternative even in this challenging group.

scholarly journals Treatment and Outcome in Stroke Patients With Acute M2 Occlusion and Minor Neurological Deficits

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomas Dobrocky ◽  
Eike I. Piechowiak ◽  
Bastian Volbers ◽  
Nedelina Slavova ◽  
Johannes Kaesmacher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle Cerebral Artery ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Cerebral Artery ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Minor Stroke ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Stroke Patients

Background and Purpose: Treatment in stroke patients with M2 segment occlusion of the middle cerebral artery presenting with mild neurological deficits is a matter of debate. The main purpose was to compare the outcome in patients with a minor stroke and a M2 occlusion. Methods: Consecutive intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) eligible patients admitted to the Bernese stroke center between January 2005 and January 2020 with acute occlusion of the M2 segment and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5 were included. Outcome was compared between IVT only versus endovascular therapy (EVT) including intra-arterial thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy (MT; ±IVT) and between IVT only versus MT only. Results: Among 169 patients (38.5% women, median age 70.2 years), 84 (49.7%) received IVT only and 85 (50.3%) EVT (±IVT), the latter including 39 (45.9%) treated with MT only. Groups were similar in sex, age, vascular risk factors, event cause, or preevent independency. Compared with IVT only, there was no difference in favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0−2) for EVT (adjusted odds ratio, 0.96; adjusted P =0.935) or for MT only (adjusted odds ratio, 1.12; adjusted P =0.547) groups. Considering only patients treated after 2015, there was a significantly better 3-month modified Rankin Scale shift (adjusted P =0.032) in the EVT compared with the IVT only group. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates similar effectiveness of IVT only versus EVT (±IVT), and of IVT only versus MT only in patients with peripheral middle cerebral artery occlusions and minor neurological deficits and indicates a possible benefit of EVT considering only patients treated after 2015. There is an unmet need for randomized controlled trials in this stroke field, including imaging parameters, and more sophisticated evaluation of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score subitems, neurocognition, and quality of life neglected by the standard outcome scales such as modified Rankin Scale and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score.

scholarly journals Adiposity and Outcome After Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 144-151
Author(s):  
Zuolu Liu ◽  
Nerses Sanossian ◽  
Sidney Starkman ◽  
Gilda Avila-Rinek ◽  
Marc Eckstein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
National Institutes Of Health ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Severely Obese

Background and Purpose: A survival advantage among individuals with higher body mass index (BMI) has been observed for diverse acute illnesses, including stroke, and termed the obesity paradox. However, prior ischemic stroke studies have generally tested only for linear rather than nonlinear relations between body mass and outcome, and few studies have investigated poststroke functional outcomes in addition to mortality. Methods: We analyzed consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke enrolled in a 60-center acute treatment trial, the NIH FAST-MAG acute stroke trial. Outcomes at 3 months analyzed were (1) death; (2) disability or death (modified Rankin Scale score, 2–6); and (3) low stroke-related quality of life (Stroke Impact Scale<median). Relations with BMI were analyzed univariately and in multivariate models adjusting for 14 additional prognostic variables. Results: Among 1033 patients with acute ischemic stroke, average age was 71 years (±13), 45.1% female, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 10.6 (±8.3), and BMI 27.5 (±5.6). In both unadjusted and adjusted analysis, increasing BMI was linearly associated with improved 3-month survival ( P =0.01) odds ratios in adjusted analysis for mortality declined across the BMI categories of underweight (odds ratio, 1.7 [CI, 0.6–4.9]), normal (odds ratio, 1), overweight (0.9 [CI, 0.5–1.4]), obese (0.5, [CI, 0.3–1.0]), and severely obese (0.4 [CI, 0.2–0.9]). In unadjusted analysis, increasing BMI showed a U-shaped relation to poststroke disability or death (modified Rankin Scale score, 2–6), with odds ratios of modified Rankin Scale score, 2 to 6 for underweight, overweight, and obese declined initially when compared with normal weight patients, but then increased again in severely obese patients, suggesting a U-shaped or J-shaped relation. After adjustment, including for baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, modified Rankin Scale score 2 to 6 was no longer related to adiposity. Conclusions: Mortality and functional outcomes after acute ischemic stroke have disparate relations with patients’ adiposity. Higher BMI is linearly associated with increased survival; and BMI has a U-shaped or J-shaped relation to disability and stroke-related quality of life. Potential mechanisms including nutritional reserve aiding survival during recovery and greater frequency of atherosclerotic than thromboembolic infarcts in individuals with higher BMI.

Fibrinolytic for treatment of intraventricular hemorrhage: A meta-analysis and systematic review

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Delaney Baker ◽  
Krissia Margarita Rivera Perla ◽  
Zhiyuan Yu ◽  
Rachel Dlugash ◽  
Radhika Avadhani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Glasgow Outcome Scale ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Intraventricular Hemorrhage ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity

Background Intraventricular hemorrhage is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Treating intraventricular hemorrhage with intraventricular fibrinolytic therapy via a catheter is becoming an increasingly utilized intervention. Aims This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the role of intraventricular fibrinolytic treatment in hypertensive intraventricular hemorrhage patients and evaluate the effect sizes for survival as well as level of function at differing time points. Summary of review PubMed, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang were searched using the terms “IVH” and “IVH and ICH” for human studies with adult patients published between January 1950 and July 2016. Seventeen publications were selected. Data analysis showed lower rates of mortality in the treatment group at 30 days ( P < 0.001), 180 days ( P = 0.001), 365 days ( P = 0.40), and overall ( P < 0.001). Pooling modified Rankin Scale and Glasgow outcome scale data, the treatment group had more good functional outcomes at 30 days ( P = 0.38), 90 days ( P = 0.04), 180 days ( P = 0.31), 365 days ( P = 0.76), and overall ( P = 0.02). Good functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 3 or a Glasgow outcome scale score of 3 to 5. Conclusions Intraventricular fibrinolytic for treatment of hypertensive intraventricular hemorrhage reduces mortality and potentially leads to an increased number of good functional outcomes. Different functional outcome scales (modified Rankin Scale or Glasgow outcome scale) produce different effect sizes. Intraventricular fibrinolytic treatment may offer intraventricular hemorrhage patients a targeted therapy that produces meaningful mortality benefit and possible functional outcome benefits.

scholarly journals Switching to Tenecteplase for Stroke Thrombolysis: Real-World Experience and Outcomes in a Regional Stroke Network

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karim Mahawish ◽  
John Gommans ◽  
Timothy Kleinig ◽  
Bhavesh Lallu ◽  
Alicia Tyson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Scale Score ◽  
Real World ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Adjusted Odds Ratio ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Safety Data ◽  
Interquartile Range ◽  
Patient Treatment ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Stroke Thrombolysis

Background and Purpose: Due to practical advantages, increasing trial safety data, recent Australian Guideline endorsement and local population needs we switched to tenecteplase for stroke thrombolysis from alteplase. We describe our change process and real-world outcome data. Methods: Mixed-methods including stakeholder engagement, preimplementation and postimplementation surveys, and assessment of patient treatment rates, metrics, and clinical outcomes preimplementation and postimplementation adjusting regression analyses for age, sex, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, premorbid modified Rankin Scale score, and thrombectomy using New Zealand National Stroke Registry data. Results: Preswitch consultation involved stroke and emergency clinicians, pharmacists, national regulatory bodies, and hospital legal teams. All survey responders (90% response rate) supported the proposed change and remained satisfied 12 months postimplementation. Between January 2018 and February 2021, we treated 555 patients with alteplase and 283 with tenecteplase. Patients treated with tenecteplase had greater odds of a favorable modified Rankin Scale using both shift (adjusted odds ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.15–2.22]) and dichotomous analyses (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2; adjusted odds ratio, 2.17 [95% CI, 1.31–3.59]) and shorter median (interquartile range) door-to-needle time (median, 53 [38–73.5] versus 61 minutes [45–85], P =0.0002). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates (tenecteplase 1.8% versus 3.4%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.13–1.64]), death by day 7 (tenecteplase 7.5% versus 11.8%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.21–0.99]), and median (interquartile range) needle to groin time for the 42 transferred regional patients (tenecteplase 155 [113–248] versus 200 [158–266]; P =0.27) did not significantly differ. Conclusions: Following stakeholder endorsement, a region-wide switch from alteplase to tenecteplase was successfully implemented. We found evidence of benefit and no evidence of harm.

scholarly journals MON-650 Glucocorticoid- Induced Hyperglycemia, Higher Mortality and Morbidity? a Retrospective Analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Neele Delfs ◽  
Tristan Struja ◽  
Sandra Gafner ◽  
Thaddäus Muri ◽  
Ciril Bächli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Endpoint ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Hospitalized Patients ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Treat To Target ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Retrospective Data Analysis ◽  
Specific Outcome

Abstract Introduction: Glucocorticoid (GC)-induced hyperglycemia is a frequent side effect in hospitalized patients. Guidelines recommend treat-to-target treatment between 6-10 mmol/l with insulin, but patient-specific outcome has not been well-studied. Methods: In this retrospective data analysis, all patient records of a Medical University Clinic from January 2014 to April 2018 were screened for GC administration. We investigated the incidence of hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients after administration of at least 10 mg prednisolone equivalents daily and a minimal length of stay of 3 days. The primary combined endpoint consisted of mortality, cardiovascular events, and infections until 30 days after admission. Results: 2424 hospitalized patients received systemic GCs and met the inclusion criteria, of which 511 patients (21%) had an underlying diagnosis of diabetes. The overall incidence for GC-induced hyperglycemia was 33.5% (812 patients) and 3.7% of patients (n=89) had at least one documented hypoglycemia during the hospital stay. Compared to normoglycemic patients, GC-induced hyperglycemia was associated with a 40% increase in the risk for the combined primary endpoint (unadjusted odds ratio 1.39, 95%CI 1.16-1.66). This was also true after adjusting the analysis for age, Charlson comorbidity index and GC dose (adjusted odds ratio 1.68, 95% CI 1.25-2.26). Hypoglycemia was also associated with a doubling in the risk for the combined primary endpoint (odds ratio 1.95, 95% CI 1.2-3.17). Discussion/Conclusion: Mortality, cardiovascular events and rate of infections were markedly higher in patients with GC-induced hyperglycemia compared to normoglycemic patients. Hypoglycemia was infrequent, but also associated with higher risk for adverse outcome. Future studies should evaluate whether glucose control with novel treatment modalities has a beneficial effect on clinical outcomes in patients with GC-induced hyperglycemia.

scholarly journals Treatment Outcomes of Unruptured Arteriovenous Malformations With a Subgroup Analysis of ARUBA (A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations)-Eligible Patients

Neurosurgery ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 76 (5) ◽  
pp. 563-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
John D. Nerva ◽  
Alessandra Mantovani ◽  
Jason Barber ◽  
Louis J. Kim ◽  
Jason K. Rockhill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Trial ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Subgroup Analysis ◽  
Arteriovenous Malformations ◽  
Preoperative Embolization ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Brain Arteriovenous Malformations

Abstract BACKGROUND: The design and conclusions of A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (ARUBA) trial are controversial, and its structure limits analysis of patients who could potentially benefit from treatment. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of a consecutive series of patients with unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs), including a subgroup analysis of ARUBA-eligible patients. METHODS: One hundred five patients with unruptured BAVMs were treated over an 8-year period. From this series, 90 adult patients and a subgroup of 61 patients determined to be ARUBA eligible were retrospectively reviewed. A subgroup analysis for Spetzler-Martin grades I/II, III, and IV/V was performed. The modified Rankin Scale was used to assess functional outcome. RESULTS: Persistent deficits, modified Rankin Scale score deterioration, and impaired functional outcome occurred less frequently in ARUBA-eligible grade I/II patients compared with grade III to V patients combined (P = .04, P = .04, P = .03, respectively). Twenty-two of 39 patients (56%) unruptured grade I and II BAVMs were treated with surgery without and with preoperative embolization, and all had a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 1 at the last follow-up. All patients treated with surgery without and with preoperative embolization had radiographic cure at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The results of ARUBA-eligible and unruptured grade I/II patients overall show that excellent outcomes can be obtained in this subgroup of patients, especially with surgical management. Functional outcomes for ARUBA-eligible patients were similar to those of patients who were randomized to medical management in ARUBA. On the basis of these data, in appropriately selected patients, we recommend treatment for low-grade BAVMs.

scholarly journals Vertebral Artery Patency and Thrombectomy in Basilar Artery Occlusions

Stroke ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 389-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Boeckh-Behrens ◽  
David Pree ◽  
Nina Lummel ◽  
Benjamin Friedrich ◽  
Christian Maegerlein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Scale Score ◽  
Basilar Artery ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Artery Occlusion ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽  
Modified Rankin Scale ◽  
Flow Conditions ◽  
Vertebral Arteries

Background and Purpose— Factors influencing recanalization success in basilar artery occlusions are largely unknown. Preliminary evidence has suggested that flow arrest in the vertebral artery contralateral to the catheter bearing vertebral artery may facilitate recanalization. The aim of this analysis was to assess the impact of anatomic variations and flow conditions on recanalization success in basilar artery occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Methods— Consecutive basilar artery occlusions treated with second-generation thrombectomy devices at a single-center were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline patients’ characteristics, occlusion length, collateral circulation, underlying stenosis, incomplete occlusions, and patency of the vertebral arteries were analyzed with regards to recanalization success. Aplastic or hypoplastic vertebral artery contralateral to the catheter position was defined as contralateral low flow condition. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between anatomic variations and flow conditions in relation to complete recanalization and the modified Rankin Scale score while controlling for several potentially confounding variables. Clinical impact was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale score of ≤3. Results— One hundred fifteen patients were included (mean age 71.5±12.8, m:f=2:1, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale =15, interquartile range =10–22). Complete recanalization was more often observed in patients with contralateral low flow conditions (80.6% versus 50.0%), which remained an independent predictor of complete recanalization in multivariable analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 5.81; 95% CI, 1.97–17.19). Patients with complete posterior recanalization had lower in-hospital mortality (16.4% versus 41.7%) and more often achieved modified Rankin Scale score of ≤3 (49.4% versus 8.3%), even after adjusting for potential confounders (adjusted odds ratio, 15.93; 95% CI, 1.42–179.00). Conclusions— Contralateral low flow condition (vertebral artery aplasia or hypoplasia) seems to be an independent factor for fewer distal emboli and complete recanalization in basilar artery occlusion patients treated by modern endovascular devices. Complete recanalization reflecting the absence of peri-interventional clot fragmentation brings clear clinical benefit. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the need for contralateral flow modulation or ipsilateral balloon guide catheter during posterior circulation thrombectomy in patients with bilaterally patent vertebral arteries.

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