Timing of Recanalization and Functional Recovery in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose Although onset-to-treatment time is associated with early clinical recovery in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the effect of the timing of tPA-induced recanalization on functional outcomes remains debatable.Methods We conducted a multicenter, prospective observational cohort study to determine whether early (within 1-hour from tPA-bolus) complete or partial recanalization assessed during 2-hour real-time transcranial Doppler monitoring is associated with improved outcomes in patients with proximal occlusions. Outcome events included dramatic clinical recovery (DCR) within 2 and 24-hours from tPA-bolus, 3-month mortality, favorable functional outcome (FFO) and functional independence (FI) defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores of 0–1 and 0–2 respectively.Results We enrolled 480 AIS patients (mean age 66±15 years, 60% men, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 15). Patients with early recanalization (53%) had significantly (<i>P</i><0.001) higher rates of DCR at 2-hour (54% vs. 10%) and 24-hour (63% vs. 22%), 3-month FFO (67% vs. 28%) and FI (81% vs. 39%). Three-month mortality rates (6% vs. 17%) and distribution of 3-month mRS scores were significantly lower in the early recanalization group. After adjusting for potential confounders, early recanalization was independently associated with higher odds of 3-month FFO (odds ratio [OR], 6.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.88 to 9.88) and lower likelihood of 3-month mortality (OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.67). Onset to treatment time correlated to the elapsed time between tPA-bolus and recanalization (unstandardized linear regression coefficient, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.19).Conclusions Earlier tPA treatment after stroke onset is associated with faster tPA-induced recanalization. Earlier onset-to-recanalization time results in improved functional recovery and survival in AIS patients with proximal intracranial occlusions.

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Abstract P488: The Impact of First Pass Effect on Acute Ischemic Stroke Clinical Outcomes: Why We Need to Continue to Improve Mechanical Thrombectomy?

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p488 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Ameer E Hassan ◽

Mahmoud Dibas ◽

Amr Ehab El-Qushayri ◽

Sherief Ghozy ◽

Adam A Dmytriw ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

First Pass Effect ◽

Improved Outcomes ◽

First Pass ◽

The Impact

Background: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has significantly improved outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). The first-pass effect (FPE), defined as achieving complete reperfusion (mTICI3/2c) with a single pass, was reported to be associated with higher functional independence rates following EVT and has been emphasized as an important procedural target. We compared MT outcomes in patients who achieved FPE to those who did not in a real world large database. Method: A retrospective analysis of LVO pts who underwent MT from a single center prospectively collected database. Patients were stratified into those who achieved FPE and non-FPE. The primary outcome (discharge and 90 day mRS 0-2) and safety (sICH, mortality and neuro-worsening) were compared between the two groups. Results: Of 580 pts, 261 (45%) achieved FPE and 319 (55%) were non-FPE. Mean age was (70 vs 71, p=0.051) and mean initial NIHSS (16 vs 17, p=0.23) and IV tPA rates (37% bs 36%, p=0.9) were similar between the two groups. Other baseline characteristics were similar. Non-FPE pts required more stenting (15% vs 25%, p=0.003), and angioplasty (19% vs 29%, p=0.01). The FPE group had significantly more instances of discharge (33% vs 17%, p<0.001), and 90-day mRS score 0-2 (29% vs 20%, p<0.001), respectively. Additionally, the FPE group had a significant lower mean discharge NIHSS score (12 vs 17, p<0.001). FPE group had better safety outcomes with lower mortality (14.2% vs 21.6%, p=0.03), sICH (5.7% vs 13.5, p=0.004), and neurological worsening (71.3% vs 78.4%, p=0.02), compared to the non-FPE group. Conclusion: Patients with first pass complete or near complete reperfusion with MT had higher functional independence rates, reduced mortality, symptomatic hemorrhage and neurological worsening. Improvement in MT devices and techniques is vital to increase first pass effect and improve clinical outcomes.

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Abstract 3274: Early Symptom Onset to Arterial Puncture Time in the Endovascular Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke Predicts Successful Revascularization

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.43.suppl_1.a3274 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Richard S Jung ◽

Jitendra Sharma ◽

Tanzila Shams ◽

Numthip Chitravas ◽

Kristine A Blackham

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Hospital Mortality ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Endovascular Management ◽

Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Flow Improvement ◽

Relationship Of

Background: As is seen in the early door-to-needle times of intravenous thrombolysis in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), prior endovascular management trials have demonstrated early revascularization can lead to improved outcomes. We aimed to study the relationship of the time from acute stroke onset to the time of arterial groin puncture (OTP) as a possible predictor of successful revascularization. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 149 patients who presented to our hospital with AIS and underwent emergent endovascular treatment from January 1, 2008 to March 31, 2011. Charts were reviewed for baseline characteristics, OTP times, and endovascular therapies employed. Primary outcomes included successful revascularization (TIMI 2 to 3 flow), improvement of baseline NIHSS ≥ 4, symptomatic ICH (increase of NIHSS ≥ 4), in-hospital mortality, and mRS two or less at discharge. We excluded patients with OTP times greater than eight hours to ensure consistency with approved usage of mechanical thrombectomy devices. Independent samples T-tests were performed to determine relationships of OTP with our primary outcomes. Results: Of the 149 patients who underwent endovascular therapy, 120 had OTP times less than eight hours. Of these 120, 44% were male, median age was 73 years (range 17, 93), median baseline NIHSS was 18 (range 5, 28), 53% received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), 69% received intra-arterial tPA, and mechanical thrombectomy was performed in 69%. Internal carotid artery occlusions were seen in 32% of patients, 50% had M1 segment occlusions, and only five patients had posterior circulation occlusions. Successful revascularization was achieved in 70% of interventions, 10% of patients had mRS ≤ 2 at discharge, symptomatic hemorrhage was 18%, and in-hospital mortality was 24%. Patients with TIMI 2 to 3 flow had significantly shorter mean OTP times (3.9 vs 4.5 hours; p=0.024). No significant associations of mean OTP times were found with symptomatic hemorrhage rate (4.4 vs 4.0; p=0.628), in-hospital mortality (4.0 vs 4.0; p=0.677), improvement in NIHSS (3.9 vs 4.2; p=0.283), or a mRS ≤ 2 at discharge (3.7 vs 4.1; p=0.185). Conclusions: The recanalization rate in our study is comparable to prior endovascular trials. Patients with OTP times less than 3.9 hours were more likely to result in successful revascularization. Onset to groin puncture did not predict in-hospital mortality, symptomatic hemorrhage, or condition at discharge in our study. Further study is needed to determine if advanced perfusion imaging prior to intervention may impact treatment time and ultimately clinical outcome.

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Thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke in nonagenarians compared with octogenarians

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2019-015147 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (3) ◽

pp. 266-270 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Eric S Sussman ◽

Blake Martin ◽

Michael Mlynash ◽

Michael P Marks ◽

David Marcellus ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Inclusion Criteria ◽

Related Factors ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Endovascular Thrombectomy ◽

Improved Outcomes ◽

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

The Difference

IntroductionMultiple randomized trials have shown that endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) leads to improved outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). Elderly patients were poorly represented in these trials, and the efficacy of EVT in nonagenarian patients remains uncertain.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study at a single center. Inclusion criteria were: age 80–99, LVO, core infarct <70 mL, and salvageable penumbra. Patients were stratified into octogenarian (80–89) and nonagenarian (90–99) cohorts. The primary outcome was the ordinal score on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included dichotomized functional outcome (mRS ≤2 vs mRS ≥3), successful revascularization, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and mortality.Results108 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 79 octogenarians (73%) and 29 nonagenarians (27%). Nonagenarians were more likely to be female (86% vs 58%; p<0.01); there were no other differences between groups in terms of demographics, medical comorbidities, or treatment characteristics. Successful revascularization (TICI 2b–3) was achieved in 79% in both cohorts. Median mRS at 90 days was 5 in octogenarians and 6 in nonagenarians (p=0.09). Functional independence (mRS ≤2) at 90 days was achieved in 12.5% and 19.7% of nonagenarians and octogenarians, respectively (p=0.54). Symptomatic ICH occurred in 21.4% and 6.4% (p=0.03), and 90-day mortality rate was 63% and 40.9% (p=0.07) in nonagenarians and octogenarians, respectively.ConclusionsNonagenarians may be at higher risk of symptomatic ICH than octogenarians, despite similar stroke- and treatment-related factors. While there was a trend towards higher mortality and worse functional outcomes in nonagenarians, the difference was not statistically significant in this relatively small retrospective study.

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Intra-arterial treatment for acute ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis

International Archives of Medicine ◽

10.3823/2291 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

Author(s):

Shaheen E Lakhan ◽

McClellan M Walther ◽

David R Morganstein ◽

Truc Nguyen

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Significant Benefit ◽

Large Vessel ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Improved Outcomes ◽

Tissue Plasminogen ◽

Study Heterogeneity

Objective: To assess the potential benefit of treating patients with acute ischemic stroke using intra-arterial methods. Methods: A meta-analysis of published randomized controlled trials that compared standard therapy with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IVtPA) for thrombolysis to intra-arterial therapies in patients with acute stroke was performed. All studies reported were analyzed as one group and studies documenting patients with large vessel obstruction were analyzed as a second group. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and the odds ratio (OR) of the dichotomized outcomes of Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of these trials was calculated. Results: Nine trials were identified with 2,711 patients treated. Meta-analysis of all studies, with and without large vessel obstruction documented, showed a significant benefit with intra-arterial therapy (SMD: 0.22 + 0.041; P=0.003). The dichotomized outcomes of mRS of these trials showed significant improvement (OR: 1.66 -2.43 in four of the five treatment arm groups examined). Meta-analysis of all publications with large vessel obstruction documented as an entry criteria showed a greater significant benefit with intra-arterial therapy (SMD: 0.35 + 0.05; P<0.001). The dichotomized outcomes of mRS of these trials showed significant improvement (OR: 1.36 -2.38 in all five treatment arm groups examined). Some heterogeneity was observed between studies. Conclusion: Treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke was associated with improved outcomes as measured by mRS. Patient selection, standard treatment, and study treatment factors contributed to the statistical evaluation of inter study heterogeneity and may have contributed to different study outcomes.

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Initial experience with the CatchView thrombectomy device for acute ischemic stroke

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2020-016784 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. neurintsurg-2020-016784

Author(s):

Murat Velioglu ◽

Yilmaz Onal ◽

Abdulbaki Agackiran ◽

Pelin Dogan Ak ◽

Hakki Muammer Karakas

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Clinical Outcomes ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Initial Experience ◽

Nihss Score ◽

Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator ◽

Thrombectomy Device ◽

The Mean ◽

Baseline Characteristics

BackgroundWe report our initial experience with the CatchView (CV) thrombectomy device in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).MethodsA retrospective analysis of 53 of 284 AIS patients (mean age 66.6±14.8 years, range 37–94) treated with a CV device between January 2019 and February 2020 was performed. The baseline characteristics (gender, age, comorbidities, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) administration, and occlusion localization) of these subjects were recorded. Modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) scores of 2b and 3 were considered to indicate successful recanalization, and subjects with a modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2 on day 90 was considered a good clinical outcomes.ResultsThe mean NIHSS score was 12.3±3. Successful recanalization was achieved in 45 subjects (84.90%), and the rate of good clinical outcomes on day 90 was 43.39%. The secondary distal embolus rate was 5.66%. Symptomatic hemorrhage was observed in 3.77% of the subjects, and the mortality rate was 13.2%.ConclusionsMechanical thrombectomy devices include a wide array of endovascular tools for removing clots in AIS patients. In terms of successful recanalization and good clinical outcomes on day 90, our initial experience with the CV devices was encouraging.

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Advanced Neuroimaging Preceding Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Is Safe and Effective

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10132819 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (13) ◽

pp. 2819

Author(s):

Klearchos Psychogios ◽

Apostolos Safouris ◽

Odysseas Kargiotis ◽

Georgios Magoufis ◽

Athina Andrikopoulou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Treatment Time ◽

Intravenous Thrombolysis ◽

Neurological Status ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Nihss Score ◽

Prior Use ◽

Study Population ◽

Important Means

Advanced neuroimaging is one of the most important means that we have in the attempt to overcome time constraints and expand the use of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). We assessed whether, and how, the prior use of advanced neuroimaging (AN), and more specifically CT/MR perfusion post-processed with RAPID software, regardless of time from symptoms onset, affected the outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who received IVT. Methods. We retrospectively evaluated consecutive AIS patients who received intravenous thrombolysis monotherapy (without endovascular reperfusion) during a six-year period. The study population was divided into two groups according to the neuroimaging protocol used prior to IVT administration in AIS patients (AN+ vs. AN−). Safety outcomes included any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and 3-month mortality. Effectiveness outcomes included door-to-needle time, neurological status (NIHSS-score) on discharge, and functional status at three months assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Results. The rate of IVT monotherapy increased from ten patients per year (n = 29) in the AN− to fifteen patients per year (n = 47) in the AN+ group. Although the onset-to-treatment time was longer in the AN+ cohort, the two groups did not differ in door-to-needle time, discharge NIHSS-score, symptomatic ICH, any ICH, 3-month favorable functional outcome (mRS-scores of 0–1), 3-month functional independence (mRS-scores of 0–2), distribution of 3-month mRS-scores, or 3-month mortality. Conclusion. Our pilot observational study showed that the incorporation of advanced neuroimaging in the acute stroke chain pathway in AIS patients increases the yield of IVT administration without affecting the effectiveness and safety of the treatment.

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Sertraline for Functional Recovery After Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Observational Study

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.734170 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Isabella Stuckart ◽

Timo Siepmann ◽

Christian Hartmann ◽

Lars-Peder Pallesen ◽

Annahita Sedghi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Regression Analysis ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Observational Study ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Functional Recovery ◽

Prospective Observational Study ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Motor Deficit ◽

Control Group ◽

Stroke Patients

Background: Neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects have been postulated for selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). We hypothesized that sertraline, which is characterized by less severe adverse effects and more stable pharmacokinetics than classic SSRI, is associated with improved functional recovery in acute ischemic stroke patients with motor deficits.Methods: Prospective observational study of consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients who received sertraline for clinically suspected post-stroke depression (PSD) or at high risk for PSD. Eligibility comprised acute motor deficit caused by ischemic stroke (≥2 points on NIHSS motor items) and functional independence pre-stroke (mRS ≤1). Decision to initiate treatment with SSRI during hospital stay was at the discretion of the treating stroke physician. Patients not receiving sertraline served as control group. Favorable functional recovery defined as mRS ≤2 was prospectively assessed at 3 months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the effects of sertraline on 3-months functional recovery. Secondary outcomes were frequency of any and incident PSD (defined by BDI ≥10) at 3 months.Results: During the study period (03/2017–12/2018), 114 patients were assigned to sertraline (n = 72, 62.6%) or control group (n = 42, 37.4%). At study entry, patients in sertraline group were more severely neurologically affected than patients in the control group (NIHSS: 8 [IQR, 5–11] vs. 5 [IQR, 4–7]; p = 0.002). Also, motor NIHSS scores were more pronounced in sertraline than in control group (4 [IQR 2–7] vs. 2 [IQR 2–4], p = 0.001). After adjusting for age and baseline NIHSS, multivariable regression analysis revealed a significant association between sertraline intake and favorable functional outcome at 3 months (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.02–9.41; p = 0.045). There was no difference between both groups regarding the frequency of any depression at 3 months (26/53 [49.1%] vs. 14/28 [50.0%] patients, p = 0.643, BDI ≥10). However, fewer incident depressions were observed in sertraline group patients compared to patients in control group (0/53 [0%] vs. 5/28 [17.9%] patients, p = 0.004).Conclusions: In this non-randomized comparison, early treatment with sertraline tended to favor functional recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke. While exploratory in nature, this hypothesis needs further investigation in a clinical trial.

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Frontline ADAPT therapy to treat patients with symptomatic M2 and M3 occlusions in acute ischemic stroke: initial experience with the Penumbra ACE and 3MAX reperfusion system

Journal of NeuroInterventional Surgery ◽

10.1136/neurintsurg-2017-013233 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 434-439 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

Jens Altenbernd ◽

Oliver Kuhnt ◽

Svenja Hennigs ◽

Ruediger Hilker ◽

Christian Loehr

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Functional Independence ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Complication Rates ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

First Pass ◽

Symptomatic Intracranial Hemorrhage ◽

Distal Vessel

BackgroundAfter a series of positive studies for mechanical thrombectomy in large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke, the question remains, can symptomatic patients with distal vessel occlusion benefit from mechanical thrombectomy?PurposeTo assess the safety and efficacy of the 3MAX reperfusion system as frontline therapy for M2 and M3 occlusions.MethodsThis study retrospectively collected data on 58 patients treated for M2 and M3 occlusions between January and September 2016. Of these 58 patients, 31 had an isolated M2 or M3 occlusion. Eligible patients were treated with 3MAX by adirect first pass aspiration (ADAPT) technique within 6 hours following stroke onset. Effectiveness was defined by functional independence (90-day modified Rankin Scale core 0–2) and revascularization to modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b–3 scores adjudicated by a core laboratory, while complication rates were used to determine safety of the device and the procedure.ResultsPatients with an isolated M2 or M3 occlusion had a mean age of 68.6±13.3 years (range 18–90 years), a median National Institutes of Health Stroke Score of 15 (IQR 9–19), and ASPECTS score of 9 (IQR 8–10). After intervention, 100% (31/31) of patients were revascularized to mTICI 2b–3; 77.4% (24/31) of patients showed revascularization to mTICI 3. Aspiration alone led to revascularization in 83.9% (26/31) of patients. At 90 days, 96.8% (30/31) of patients had achieved functional independence. The incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was 0% (0/31).ConclusionsResults suggest that the 3MAX reperfusion system is safe and effective in achieving successful revascularization and functional independence for patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to M2 and M3 occlusions using ADAPT, either as frontline monotherapy, or in combination with adjunctive devices.

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Abstract W P5: “No Turn Back Approach” to Reduce Treatment Time for Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.45.suppl_1.wp5 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 45 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Adnan I Qureshi ◽

Hossam Egila ◽

Malik M Adil ◽

Harris Siddiqi ◽

Nidaullah Mian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Endovascular Treatment ◽

Ct Scan ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Treatment Time ◽

National Institutes Of Health ◽

Time Interval ◽

Ct Scanner ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Computed Tomographic

Background: A delay in endovascular treatment is less likely if acute ischemic stroke patients proceed from emergency department(ED) to computed tomographic (CT) scanner and directly to angiographic suite (no turn back approach). We determined the feasibility of the “no turn back approach” and its effect on treatment times and patient outcomes. Methods: The primary outcomes were procedures performed with a time interval: 1) between ED arrival and microcatheter placement of <120 minutes; and 2) between CT scan acquisition and microcatheter placement of <90 minutes. We determined the affect of the “no turn back approach” on favorable outcome at discharge. Results: There was a significantly higher rate of CT scan acquisition and microcatheter placement time of <90 minutes in patients in whom “no turn back approach” was used (57.6% versus 31.6%, p=0.0007). There was a significantly higher rate of ED arrival to microcatheter placement time of <120 minutes in patients in whom “no turn back approach” was used (31.8% versus 13.7%, p=0.004). In the exploratory analysis, there was a trend towards higher rate of favorable outcomes (OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.9-2.8, p=0.07) among those treated with “no turn back approach” after adjusting for age, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score strata, congestive heart failure and diabetes mellitus. Conclusions: The “no turn back approach” appeared to be feasible and reduced the time interval between ED arrival and microcatheter placement in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment.

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Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Analysis of the STRATIS Registry, Systematic Review, and Meta-Analysis

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2021.663058 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Hubert Lee ◽

Ayman M. Qureshi ◽

Nils H. Mueller-Kronast ◽

Osama O. Zaidat ◽

Michael T. Froehler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Mechanical Thrombectomy ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Systematic Evaluation ◽

Vessel Occlusion ◽

Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator

Background: The indications for mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke continue to broaden, leading neurointerventionalists to treat vessel occlusions at increasingly distal locations farther in time from stroke onset. Accessing these smaller vessels raises the concern of iatrogenic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) owing to increasing complexity in device navigation and retrieval. This study aims to determine the prevalence of SAH following mechanical thrombectomy, associated predictors, and resulting functional outcomes using a multicenter registry and compare this with a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.Methods: Data from STRATIS (The Systematic Evaluation of Patients Treated with Neurothrombectomy Devices for Acute Ischemic Stroke) registry were analyzed dichotomized by the presence or absence of SAH after thrombectomy. Only patients with 24-h post-procedural neuroimaging were included (n = 841). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify significant predictors of SAH. A systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis was also conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) protocol.Results: The prevalence of post-thrombectomy SAH was 5.23% in STRATIS with 15.9% (1.84% overall) experiencing neurological decline. Distal location of vessel occlusion (OR 3.41 [95% CI: 1.75–6.63], p < 0.001) and more than 3 device passes (OR 1.34 [95% CI: 1.09–1.64], p = 0.01) were associated with a higher probability of SAH in contrast to a reduction with administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) (OR 0.48 [95% CI: 0.26–0.89], p = 0.02). There was a trend toward a higher discharge NIHSS (8.3 ± 8.7 vs. 5.3 ± 6.6, p = 0.07) with a significantly reduced proportion achieving functional independence at 90 days (modified Rankin Score 0–2: 32.5% vs. 57.8%, p = 0.002) in SAH patients. Pooled analysis of 10,126 patients from 6 randomized controlled trials and 64 observational studies demonstrated a prevalence of 5.85% [95% CI: 4.51–7.34%, I2: 85.2%]. Only location of vessel occlusion was significant for increased odds of SAH at distal sites (OR 2.89 [95% CI: 1.14, 7.35]).Conclusions: Iatrogenic SAH related to mechanical thrombectomy is more common with treatment of distally-situated occlusions and multiple device passes. While low in overall prevalence, its effect is not benign with fewer patients reaching post-procedural functional independence, particularly if symptomatic.

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