Background: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is frequently associated with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), which is an independent predictor of poor outcome. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between ICH volume and anatomic location to IVH, and to determine if ICH decompression into the ventricle is truly beneficial.
Background and Purpose-The optimal approach for acute ischemic stroke patients who do not respond to intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV rt-PA) is uncertain. This study evaluated the safety and response to intra-arterial thrombolytics (IATs) in patients unresponsive to full-dose IV rt-PA. Methods-A case series from a prospectively collected database on consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients treated with IATs after 0.9 mg/kg IV rt-PA during a 7-year interval was collected. Primary outcome measures included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality. As indicators of response, secondary outcome measures were recanalization and discharge disposition. Results-Sixty-nine patients (meanϮSD age, 60Ϯ13 years; range, 26 to 85 years; 55% male) with a median pretreatment National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 18 (range, 6 to 39) were included. IV rt-PA was started at 124Ϯ32 minutes (median, 120 minutes) and IAT, at 288Ϯ57 minutes (median, 285 minutes). IATs consisted of reteplase (nϭ56), alteplase (nϭ7), and urokinase (nϭ6), with an average total dosage of 2.8 U, 8.6 mg, and 700 000 U, respectively. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 4 of 69 (5.8%) patients; 3 cases were fatal. Recanalization was achieved in 50 (72.5%) and a favorable outcome (home or inpatient rehabilitation) in 38 (55%). Conclusions-IAT therapy after full-dose IV rt-PA in patients with persisting occlusion and/or lack of clinical improvement appears safe compared with IV rt-PA alone or low-dose IV rt-PA followed by IAT. A high rate of recanalization and favorable outcome can be achieved. (Stroke. 2007;38:80-84.)
Background and Purpose-Studies have established a relation between recanalization and improved clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients; however, intra-arterial clot size has not been routinely assessed. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of intra-arterial thrombus burden on intra-arterial treatment (IAT) and clinical outcome. Methods-A retrospective review of our IAT stroke database included procedure time, recanalization, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score Ն4 at discharge), and mortality.
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