Does stroke etiology influence outcome in the posterior circulation? An analysis of 107 consecutive acute basilar occlusion thrombectomies

OBJECTIVE Acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) harbors a more guarded prognosis after thrombectomy compared with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion. Whether this is a function of a greater proportion of atherosclerotic/intrinsic lesions is not well studied. The authors aimed to elucidate the prevalence and predictors of intracranial intrinsic atherosclerotic disease in patients with acute BAO and to compare angiographic and clinical outcomes between patients with BAO secondary to embolic versus intrinsic disease. METHODS A prospectively maintained stroke database was reviewed for all patients presenting between January 2013 and December 2019 to a tertiary care academic comprehensive stroke center with acute, nontandem BAO. Patient data were extracted, subdivided by stroke mechanism and treatment modality (embolic [thrombectomy only] and intrinsic [thrombectomy + stenting]), and angiographic and clinical results were compared. RESULTS Of 107 patients, 83 (78%) had embolic occlusions (thrombectomy only) and 24 (22%) had intrinsic disease (thrombectomy + stenting). There was no significant difference in patient age, presenting National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, time to presentation, selected medical comorbidities (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation), prior stroke, and posterior circulation Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score. Patients with intrinsic disease were more likely to be active smokers (50% vs 26%, p = 0.04) and more likely to be male (88% vs 48%, p = 0.001). Successful recanalization, defined as a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade of 2b or 3, was achieved in 90% of patients and did not differ significantly between the embolic versus intrinsic groups (89% vs 92%, p > 0.99). A 90-day good outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–2) was found in 37% of patients overall and did not differ significantly between the two groups (36% vs 41%, p = 0.41). Mortality was 40% overall and did not significantly differ between groups (41% vs 36%, p = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS In the current study, demographic and clinical results for acute BAO showed that compared with intrinsic disease, thromboembolic disease is a more common mechanism of acute BAO, with 78% of patients undergoing thrombectomy alone. However, there was no significant difference in revascularization and outcome results between patients with embolic disease and those with intrinsic disease.

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Abstract 1122‐000137: Characteristics and Utilization of Acute Reperfusion Therapy after Transfer of In‐Hospital LVO Strokes

Stroke: Vascular and Interventional Neurology ◽

10.1161/svin.01.suppl_1.000137 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (S1) ◽

Author(s):

Rahul Rao ◽

Conor Kelly ◽

Shashvat Desai ◽

Ashutosh Jadhav

Keyword(s):

Tertiary Care ◽

Reperfusion Therapy ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Primary Stroke Center ◽

Comprehensive Stroke Center ◽

Stroke Center ◽

Iv Tpa

Introduction : Acute repercussion therapy for acute ischemic stroke is a crucial tool in the tertiary care setting for patients presenting with large vessel occlusion (LVO). While strokes that present from the community have favorable outcomes compared to in‐hospital strokes, it is unclear if this is because of greater access to endovascular therapy. We aim to characterize the utilization of endovascular reperfusion therapy for in‐house LVO and compare outcomes of in‐house LVOs to those presenting from the community. Methods : From the period of December 2013 to December 2019, all stroke patients with an LVO who presented to a primary stroke center (“spoke” hospital) who were transferred to a comprehensive stroke center (“hub”) were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes. Results : A total of 181 in‐house strokes were transferred from a peripheral center to our comprehensive stroke center. About 16% (29) received IV‐tPA at the OSH and 2 additional patients received IV‐tPA at the CSC [17%; n = 31]. 163 patients harbored an intracranial acute vessel occlusion. Anterior LVO (ICA, M1,M2) and basilar artery occlusion was observed in 64% (n = 116) patients and 6% (n = 11) patients, respectively [Total LVO‐ 70%; n = 127]. 20% (n = 27) of LVO received IV‐tPA and 72% (n = 91) of LVO underwent thrombectomy. Reasons for not receiving included symptoms improved (25%), repeat imaging made reperfusion inadvisable (72.2%) and poor baseline (2.8%). Rates of mRS 0–2 in patients with ICA/M1/M2 receiving EVT were 13% (13/100) and the mortality rate was 45% (46/103). Rates of mRS 0–2 were significantly lower [13% vs 38%, p<0.01] and mortality was significantly higher [45% vs 18%, p<0.01] amongst anterior LVO in‐house transfer patients receiving EVT compared to all anterior LVO patients receiving EVT in the given time period. Conclusions : A relatively large proportion of in‐house LVO stroke patients underwent thrombectomy (70%). Most common cause of not receiving thrombectomy was imaging findings showing completed or large infarct. Compared to their community stroke counterparts, in‐house LVO strokes had lower efficacy outcomes and higher mortality. Further study in required to understand these findings.

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Posterior Circulation Endovascular Thrombectomy for Large Vessels Occlusion in Patients Presenting with NIHSS Score ≤ 10

Life ◽

10.3390/life11121423 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 1423

Author(s):

Andrea M. Alexandre ◽

Iacopo Valente ◽

Arturo Consoli ◽

Pietro Trombatore ◽

Luca Scarcia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Volume ◽

Female Gender ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Endovascular Thrombectomy ◽

Nihss Score

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is currently the gold standard treatment for ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, the evidence of clinical usefulness of MT in posterior circulation LVO (pc-LVO) is still doubtful compared to the anterior circulation, especially in patients with mild neurological symptoms. The database of 10 high-volume stroke centers in Europe, including a period of three year and a half, was screened for patients with an acute basilar artery occlusion or a single dominant vertebral artery occlusion (“functional” BAO) presenting with a NIHSS ≤10, and with at least 3 months follow-up. A total of 63 patients were included. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that female gender (adjusted OR 0.04; 95% CI 0–0.84; p = 0.04) and combined technique (adj OR 0.001; 95% CI 0–0.81; p = 0.04) were predictors of worse outcome. Higher pc-ASPECTS (adj OR 4.75; 95% CI 1.33–16.94; p = 0.02) and higher Delta NIHSS (adj OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.16–3.65; p = 0.01) were predictors of better outcome. Delta NIHSS was the main predictor of good outcome at 90 days in patients with posterior circulation LVO presenting with NIHSS score ≤ 10.

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Endovascular treatment for acute basilar artery occlusion: descriptive analysis of the experience in a comprehensive stroke centre

10.22514/sv.2021.038 ◽

2021 ◽

Keyword(s):

General Anaesthesia ◽

Basilar Artery ◽

Endovascular Therapy ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Epidemiological Characteristics

Objectives: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in Aragón, and to compare its anaesthetic management, technical effectivity, security, and prognosis with those of anterior circulation. Methods: 322 patients from the prospective registry of mechanical thrombectomies from Aragon were assessed: 29 with BAO and 293 with an anterior circulation large vessel occlusion. Baseline characteristics, procedural, clinical and safety outcomes variables were compared. Results: Out of 29 patients with BAO that underwent endovascular therapy (62.1% men; average age 69.8 ± 14.05 years) 18 (62.1%) received endovascular therapy (EVT) alone and 11 (37.9%) EVT plus intravenous thrombolysis. Atherothrombotic stroke was the most common etiology (41%). The BAO group had longer Door-to-groin (160 vs 141 min; P = 0.043) and Onset-to-reperfusion times (340 vs 297 min; P = 0.005), and higher use of general anaesthesia (60.7% vs 14.7%; P < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was found for Procedure time (60 vs 50 min; P = 0.231) nor the rate of successful recanalization (72.4% vs 82.7%; P = 0.171). Functional independence at 90 days was significantly worse in the BAO group (17.9% vs 38.2%; P < 0.01). Conclusions: Patients with basilar artery occlusion had higher morbimortality despite similar angiographic results. Mechanical thrombectomy for BAOs is a safe and effective procedure in selected patients. A consensus about the effect of anaesthesia has yet to be reached, for BAO general anaesthesia remains the most frequently used technique.

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Abstract WP1: Thrombectomy Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke due to Middle Cerebral Artery M2 Occlusion with Stent-Retriever, Aspiration, MERCI: Multi-Center Experience

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.48.suppl_1.wp1 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Kunakorn Atchaneeyasakul ◽

Amer M Malik ◽

Dileep R Yavagal ◽

Mehdi Bouslama ◽

Diogo C Haussen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Middle Cerebral Artery ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Cerebral Artery ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Stent Retriever ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage ◽

Significant Difference

Introduction: Recent trials demonstrated that mechanical thrombectomy improve functional outcome in anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to emergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1 segment. However, such data regarding AIS due to MCA M2 segment ELVO is limited. Analysis of the STAR, SWIFT, and SWIFT-PRIME trials found thrombectomy in MCA M2 occlusion to be feasible in achieving successful reperfusion. The most optimal technique and/or device used for such reperfusion is not clearly defined. We aim to compare the outcome for the contemporary techniques and devices used for thrombectomy of AIS patients due to MCA M2 ELVO. Methods: A retrospective review of AIS patients with MCA M2 ELVO receiving thrombectomy from three tertiary care academic medical centers was conducted. Thrombectomy technique and thrombectomy device utilized were recorded. Outcomes were successful angiographic reperfusion (TICI ≥2b), favorable modified Rankin Scale (mRS≤2) at discharge and at 90 days, and rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). Results: From October 1999 through June 2016, 253 AIS patients underwent thrombectomy for MCA M2 ELVO. Thrombectomy methods utilized were Stent-retriever (n=118), Aspiration only [manual or Penumbra device] (n=83), and MERCI retriever (n=52). Table 1 shows rate of outcomes measured. There was no difference in baseline NIHSS or in stroke onset to groin puncture time. Stent-retriever group showed a significantly higher recanalization rate, lower sICH rate, and favorable 90-day mRS versus Aspiration group or MERCI group, respectively. No significant difference was seen in discharge mRS between the groups. Conclusions: Thrombectomy for AIS patients with MCA M2 ELVO with Stent-retriever appears to be feasible with a significantly higher rate of recanalization, lower sICH rate, and favorable 90-day mRS when compared to Aspiration and MERCI.

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Mechanical thrombectomy for basilar artery occlusion: efficacy, outcomes, and futile recanalization in comparison with the anterior circulation

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2018-014516 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. 1174-1180 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Thomas Raphael Meinel ◽

Johannes Kaesmacher ◽

Panagiotis Chaloulos-Iakovidis ◽

Leonidas Panos ◽

Pasquale Mordasini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Basilar Artery ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Favorable Outcome ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Stroke Severity ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Link Type ◽

Significant Difference

BackgroundPerforming mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is currently not evidence-based.ObjectiveTo compare patients’ outcome, relative merits of achieving recanalization, and predictors of futile recanalization (FR) between BAO and anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (ACLVO) MT.MethodsIn the multicenter BEYOND-SWIFT registry (NCT03496064), univariate and multivariate (displayed as adjusted Odds Ratios, aOR and 95% confidence intervals, 95%-CI) outcome comparisons between BAO (N=165) and ACLVO (N=1574) were performed. The primary outcome was favorable outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale, mRS 0-2). Secondary outcome included mortality, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and FR. The relative merits of achieving successful recanalization between ACLVO and BAO were evaluated with interaction terms.ResultsMT in BAO was more often technically effective and equally safe in regards to mortality and sICH when compared to ACLVO. When adjusting for baseline differences, there was no significant difference between BAO vs ACLVO regarding rates of favorable outcome (aOR 0.986, 95%-CI 0.553 – 1.758). However, BAO were associated with increased rates of FR (aOR 2.146, 95%-CI 1.267 – 3.633). Predictors for FR were age, stroke severity, maneuver count and intracranial stenting. No significant heterogeneity on the relative merits of achieving successful recanalization on several outcome parameters were observed when comparing BAO and ACLVO.ConclusionsIn selected patients, similar outcomes can be achieved in BAO and ACLVO patients treated with MT. Randomized controlled trials comparing patient selection and interventional strategies seem warranted to avoid FR.Trial registration numberNCT03496064

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Roadmap Guided Direct Percutaneous Vertebral Artery Puncture for Mechanical Thrombectomy of Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion: A Technical Case Report and Review of the Literature

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.789347 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Jawed Nawabi ◽

Georg Bohner ◽

Eberhard Siebert

Keyword(s):

Vertebral Artery ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Case Reports ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Target Vessel ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Direct Puncture ◽

Safety Issues

Access techniques for mechanical thrombectomy normally include percutaneous puncture of the common femoral or, more recently, the radial artery. Although target vessel catheterization may frequently not be devoid of difficulties via both routes, the vast majority of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) cases can be successfully managed. However, in a significant minority of cases, a stable target vessel access cannot be reached resulting in futile recanalization procedures and detrimental outcomes for the patients. As such, in analogy to direct carotid puncture for anterior circulation MT, direct vertebral artery (VA) puncture (DVP) is a direct cervical approach, which can constitute the only feasible access to the posterior circulation in highly selected cases. So far, due to the rarity of DVP, only anecdotal evidence from isolated case reports is available and this approach raises concerns with regard to safety issues, feasibility, and technical realization. We present a case in which bail-out access to the posterior circulation was successfully obtained through a roadmap-guided lateral direct puncture of the V2 segment of the cervical VA and give an overview of technical nuances of published DVP approaches for posterior circulation MT.

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Evaluation of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Basilar Occlusion in a State-Wide Prospective Stroke Registry

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.678505 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Katharina Gruber ◽

Björn Misselwitz ◽

Helmuth Steinmetz ◽

Waltraud Pfeilschifter ◽

Ferdinand O. Bohmann

Keyword(s):

Endovascular Therapy ◽

Binary Logistic Regression ◽

Population Based ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Stroke Registry ◽

Best Medical Treatment ◽

Subgroup Analyses

Context: Despite overwhelming evidence for endovascular therapy in anterior circulation ischemic stroke due to large-vessel occlusion, data regarding the treatment of acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) are still equivocal. The BASICS trial failed to show an advantage of endovascular therapy (EVT) over best medical treatment (BMT). In contrast, data from the recently published BASILAR registry showed a better outcome in patients receiving EVT.Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of EVT plus BMT vs. BMT alone in acute BAO.Methods: We analyzed the clinical course and short-term outcomes of patients with radiologically confirmed BAO dichotomized by BMT plus EVT or BMT only as documented in a state-wide prospective registry of consecutive patients hospitalized due to acute stroke. The primary endpoint was a favorable functional outcome (mRS 0–3) at hospital discharge assessed as common odds ratio using binary logistic regression. Secondary subgroup analyses and propensity score matching were added. Safety outcomes included mortality, the rate of intracerebral hemorrhages, and complications during hospitalization.Results: We included 403 patients with acute BAO (2017–2019). A total of 270 patients (67%) were treated with BMT plus EVT and 133 patients (33%) were treated with BMT only. A favorable outcome (mRS 0–3) was observed in 33.8% of the BMT and 26.7% of the BMT plus EVT group [OR.770, CI (0.50–1.2)]. Subgroup analyses for patients with a NIHSS score > 10 at admission to the hospital revealed a benefit from EVT [OR 3.05, CI (1.03–9.01)].Conclusions: In this prospective, quasi population-based registry of patients hospitalized with acute BAO, BMT plus EVT was not superior to BMT alone. Nevertheless, our results suggest that severely affected BAO patients are more likely to benefit from EVT.

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Clinical results of a new concept of neurothrombectomy coverage at a remote hospital—“drive the doctor”

International Journal of Stroke ◽

10.1177/1747493018765267 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 696-699 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Fatih Seker ◽

Markus A Möhlenbruch ◽

Simon Nagel ◽

Christian Ulfert ◽

Silvia Schönenberger ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Clinical Results ◽

University Hospital ◽

Large Vessel Occlusion ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Remote Hospital ◽

After Hours ◽

Tertiary Care Hospitals

Background Many tertiary care hospitals cannot provide a continuous thrombectomy service due to the lack of a neurointerventionalist. Aims In this study, we present procedural and clinical results of a new concept in which neuroradiologists of a university hospital provide neurointerventional stroke service to a remote hospital (“drive the doctor”). Methods All consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation treated with mechanical thrombectomy after hours at a remote hospital (distance of about 100 km) between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. These patients were compared to a group of patients referred to the above mentioned university hospital for MT over a comparable distance (“drip and ship”). Results A total of 60 patients were treated by “drive the doctor” and 66 patients were treated by “drip and ship.” Time from onset to imaging was similar in both groups (77 vs. 70 min, P = 0.6847). However, time from imaging to groin puncture was significantly lower in the “drive the doctor” model (112 vs. 232 min, P < 0.0001). Nonetheless, recanalization rate and clinical outcome were similar in both cohorts. Conclusions “Drive the doctor” is a feasible concept of neurothrombectomy coverage at remote hospitals. The presented data suggest that “drive the doctor” is not inferior compared to established stroke concepts such as “drip and ship” regarding recanalization rate and outcome. However, larger and prospective studies are necessary to confirm this finding.

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Equivalent favorable outcomes possible after thrombectomy for posterior circulation large vessel occlusion compared with the anterior circulation: the MUSC experience

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2017-013420 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (8) ◽

pp. 735-740 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Ali Alawieh ◽

Jan Vargas ◽

Raymond D Turner ◽

Aquilla S Turk ◽

M Imran Chaudry ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Volume ◽

Female Gender ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Anatomical Location ◽

Anterior Circulation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Good Outcome ◽

Posterior Group ◽

Significant Difference

IntroductionIn acute ischemic stroke (AIS), posterior circulation large vessel occlusions (LVOs) have been associated with poorer outcomes compared with anterior circulation LVOs. The outcomes of anterior versus posterior circulation thrombectomy for LVOs were compared at a high volume center employing a direct aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT).MethodsWe retrospectively studied a database of AIS cases that underwent ADAPT thrombectomy for LVOs. Cases were grouped by anatomical location of thrombectomy (posterior vs anterior circulation), and analysis was performed on both entire sample size.ResultsA total of 436 AIS patients (50.2% women, mean age 67.3 years) underwent ADAPT thrombectomy for LVO during the study period, of whom 13% of had posterior circulation thrombectomy. Patients with posterior circulation thrombectomy did not show a significant difference in preprocedural variables, including age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and onset to groin time, compared with anterior circulation (P>0.05). There were also no differences in procedural variables between the two groups. Patients in the posterior group were found to have a similar likelihood of good outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0—2) at 90 days compared with the anterior group (42.9% vs 43.2%, respectively), and a small but not significant increase in mortality at 90 days. Multilogistic regression analysis showed that the anatomical location (anterior vs posterior) was not an independent predictor of good outcome or mortality after thrombectomy. Prominent predictors of outcome/mortality included age, female gender, procedure time, and baseline NIHSS.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that when patients are carefully selected for thrombectomy, those with posterior circulation LVOs can achieve similar outcomes compared with anterior circulation thrombectomy, indicating comparable safety and efficacy profiles.

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Tenecteplase Thrombolysis in Posterior Circulation Stroke

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.678887 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Fana Alemseged ◽

Bruce C. V. Campbell

Keyword(s):

Basilar Artery ◽

Endovascular Therapy ◽

Artery Occlusion ◽

Posterior Circulation ◽

Basilar Artery Occlusion ◽

Bolus Administration ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Practical Advantage ◽

Posterior Circulation Stroke ◽

Proven Efficacy

One in five ischaemic strokes affects the posterior circulation. Basilar artery occlusion is a type of posterior circulation stroke associated with a high risk of disability and mortality. Despite its proven efficacy in ischaemic stroke more generally, alteplase only achieves rapid reperfusion in ~4% of basilar artery occlusion patients. Tenecteplase is a genetically modified variant of alteplase with greater fibrin specificity and longer half-life than alteplase, which can be administered by intravenous bolus. The single-bolus administration of tenecteplase vs. an hour-long alteplase infusion is a major practical advantage, particularly in “drip and ship” patients with basilar artery occlusion who are being transported between hospitals. Other practical advantages include its reduced cost compared to alteplase. The EXTEND-IA TNK trial demonstrated that tenecteplase led to higher reperfusion rates prior to endovascular therapy (22 vs. 10%, non-inferiority p = 0.002, superiority p = 0.03) and improved functional outcomes (ordinal analysis of the modified Rankin Scale, common odds ratio 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–2.8, p = 0.04) compared with alteplase in large-vessel occlusion ischaemic strokes. We recently demonstrated in observational data that tenecteplase was associated with increased reperfusion rates compared to alteplase prior to endovascular therapy in basilar artery occlusion [26% (n = 5/19) of patients thrombolysed with TNK vs. 7% (n = 6/91) thrombolysed with alteplase (RR 4.0 95% CI 1.3–12; p = 0.02)]. Although randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results, tenecteplase can be considered as an alternative to alteplase in patients with basilar artery occlusion, particularly in “drip and ship” patients.

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