Background and Purpose— After large-vessel intracranial occlusion, the fate of the ischemic penumbra, and ultimately final infarct volume, largely depends on tissue perfusion. In this study, we evaluated whether blood pressure reduction and sustained relative hypotension during endovascular thrombectomy are associated with infarct progression and functional outcome. Methods— We identified consecutive patients with large-vessel intracranial occlusion ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy at 2 comprehensive stroke centers. Intraprocedural mean arterial pressure (MAP) was monitored throughout the procedure. ΔMAP was calculated as the difference between admission MAP and lowest MAP during endovascular thrombectomy until recanalization. Sustained hypotension was measured as the area between admission MAP and continuous measurements of intraprocedural MAP (aMAP). Final infarct volume was measured using magnetic resonance imaging at 24 hours, and functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale at discharge and 90 days. Associations with outcome were analyzed using linear and ordinal multivariable logistic regression. Results— Three hundred ninety patients (mean age 71±14 years, mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 17) were included in the study; of these, 280 (72%) achieved Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2B/3 reperfusion. Eighty-seven percent of patients experienced MAP reductions during endovascular thrombectomy (mean 31±20 mm Hg). ΔMAP was associated with greater infarct growth ( P =0.036) and final infarct volume ( P =0.035). Mean ΔMAP among patients with favorable outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2) was 20±21 mm Hg compared with 30±24 mm Hg among patients with poor outcome ( P =0.002). In the multivariable analysis, ΔMAP was independently associated with higher (worse) modified Rankin Scale scores at discharge (adjusted odds ratio per 10 mm Hg, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.04–1.32; P =0.009) and at 90 days (adjusted odds ratio per 10 mm Hg, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.07–1.38; P =0.003). The association between aMAP and outcome was also significant at discharge ( P =0.002) and 90 days ( P =0.001). Conclusions— Blood pressure reduction before recanalization is associated with larger infarct volumes and worse functional outcomes for patients affected by large-vessel intracranial occlusion stroke. These results underscore the importance of BP management during endovascular thrombectomy and highlight the need for further investigation of blood pressure management after large-vessel intracranial occlusion stroke.

Purpose Transverse sinus stenosis is commonly seen in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. It is not clear whether it is the cause or the result of idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Stenting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension has been carried out in several prior series. Our goal was to evaluate the clinical and imaging follow-up results of patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension that underwent stenting for this condition at our center. Materials and Methods We reviewed the clinical, venographic and follow-up imaging data in patients who underwent elective transverse sinus stenting during the period from 2011 to 2017. Results In total, 18 patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension were identified. The mean lumbar cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure recorded was 408 mmH20. Overall, 16 patients met the inclusion criteria and underwent transverse sinus stenting. At venography, the mean pressure gradient across the dominant transverse sinus stenosis was 21 mmHg. The pressure gradient immediately after stenting in all of those measured was negligible. Following stenting, headaches improved in 10 of the 16 cases, with persistent headaches in four patients, one of which had persistent baseline migraines. All cases showed resolution of the papilledema on follow up. Follow-up imaging with computed tomography venography showed that the stents remained widely patent. The follow up in clinic was done for a mean period of 35.5 months. Follow up with computed tomography venography was done for a mean of 10.3 months. Conclusion Venous sinus stenting is a safe and effective procedure. It relieves papilledema in all cases and improves headaches in most cases.

The Casper has been an excellent stent for the treatment of internal carotid artery stenosis and its internal micromesh layer has been effective in preventing plaque prolapse. It provides the flexibility of large cell stents and the inner layer provides maximum protection against plaque prolapse.

Objective: To report a single-center experience using drug-eluting balloon mounted stents (DES) for endovascular treatment of atherosclerotic ostial vertebral artery stenosis (OVAS). Background: Posterior circulation is affected in up to 25% of strokes, 20% of them resulting from atherosclerotic OVAS. The optimal management of symptomatic OVAS remains controversial. DES have been introduced to improve restenosis rates. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from patients with dominant OVAS who underwent endovascular treatment with second-generation DES placement. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, comorbidities, stenosis severity, stent features, technical success, complications, and imaging follow-up were assessed. Results: Thirty patients were treated, predominantly male (86.6%). Sixteen patients presented with an acute stroke or TIA and fourteen were treated on an elective basis due to symptomatic chronic stenosis and contralateral occlusion. Comorbidities included hyperlipidemia (83%), hypertension (70%) and prior stroke (63.3%). Mean ostial stenosis at presentation was 80 ± 14.8%. Twenty-one patients had contralateral VA involvement. DES deployment was technically successful in all patients using everolimus eluting stents in 30 lesions and zotarolimus eluting stents in two. One technical complication (stent migration) and three (10%) minor peri-procedural complications occurred. Complications included one asymptomatic ischemic infarct in the posterior circulation, one femoral artery thrombosis and one post-procedure altered mental status secondary to contrast induced neurotoxicity. Mean imaging follow-up was 8.8 months. Two (7.6%) patients had in-stent restenosis and underwent retreatment with angioplasty. There were no procedure-related mortalities. Conclusion: Our study confirms the feasibility of deploying DES for the treatment of ostial vertebral artery stenosis with low peri-procedural risk and low medium-term rates of re-stenosis.

Background Endovascular treatment of large complex morphology aneurysms is challenging. High recanalization rates have been reported with techniques such as stent-assisted coiling and balloon-assisted coiling. Flow diverter devices have been introduced to improve efficacy outcomes and recanalization rates. Thromboembolic complications and in-device stenosis are certainly more worrisome when treatment of bilateral internal carotid arteries has been performed. This study aimed to report our experience with mid-term imaging follow-up of staged bilateral Pipeline embolization device placement for the treatment of bilateral internal carotid artery aneurysms. Methods We reviewed the clinical, angiographic, and follow-up imaging data in all consecutive patients treated with bilateral internal carotid artery aneurysms who underwent elective Pipeline embolization. Results Six female patients were treated, harboring a total of 13 aneurysms. Of these, 60% were asymptomatic. Diplopia and headache were the most common symptoms. The most common location was the paraclinoid segment (6/13), including by cavernous segment (4/13) and ophthalmic segment (2/13). Successful delivery of the device was achieved in 12 cases. Difficult distal access precluded the deployment of the device in one case. The treatment was always staged with at least eight weeks' difference between the two procedures. All aneurysm necks were covered completely. There were no periprocedural complications. Angiographic follow-up ranged between 3 and 12 months, and computed tomography angiogram follow-up ranged between 2 and 24 months. Complete aneurysm occlusion was achieved in all cases. Conclusion In our series, Pipeline deployment for the treatment of bilateral internal carotid artery aneurysms in a staged fashion is safe and feasible. Mid-term imaging follow-up showed permanent occlusion of all the treated aneurysms.

BACKGROUND Balloon‐assisted coiling (BAC) and stent‐assisted coiling (SAC) have been established as feasible approaches to manage ruptured wide‐necked intracranial aneurysms. Antiplatelet medications used with SAC theoretically increase risk of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. This study aims to evaluate safety and efficacy of SAC versus BAC for acutely ruptured wide‐necked intracranial aneurysms. METHODS We performed a 2‐center retrospective observational study of consecutive patients treated with SAC or BAC for ruptured wide‐necked intracranial aneurysms from 2015 to 2020. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, and aneurysm characteristics were collected. Primary and secondary efficacy outcomes were radiographic aneurysm occlusion at follow‐up and functional status at 3 months. Safety outcomes included periprocedural hemorrhagic/ischemic complications and symptomatic ventriculostomy tract and cerebrospinal shunt hemorrhage rates. Univariable and multivariable analyses with multiple imputations to account for follow‐up loss were performed. RESULTS A total of 112 and 109 patients underwent SAC and BAC, respectively. Median cohort age was 56 years, and 72% were female. Baseline characteristics were similar. Hydrocephalus rate was higher in the SAC group (78% versus 64%; P =0.02). Median aneurysm size was 5.1 mm. Anterior circulation aneurysms were most common (81%). Aneurysm and neck size were different, more aneurysms measuring <7 mm (80% versus 67%; P =0.02) and larger neck size aneurysms (3.7 versus 3.2 mm; P =0.02) were treated with SAC. At first follow‐up, SAC showed higher rates of complete occlusion (61% versus 45%; P =0.02) before and after adjusting for confounders. Functional outcome was not different in the multivariable models after adjustment. Coil herniation was higher in the BAC group (8% versus 2%; P =0.03). Thromboembolic, hemorrhagic, and ventriculostomy complications were not different. The use of acute antithrombotic therapy was not associated with symptomatic ventriculostomy tract hemorrhage. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that SAC may be as safe as BAC for the acute management of ruptured wide‐necked intracranial aneurysms without significant risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic complications.

Background: After large-vessel occlusion (LVO), the fate of the ischemic penumbra, and ultimately final infarct volume, largely depends on compensatory collateral perfusion. Blood pressure (BP) management is critical for avoiding cerebral hypoperfusion and further secondary neurological injury. In this study, we examined the effect of BP reductions and sustained relative hypotension during endovascular therapy (EVT) on infarct volume and functional outcome. Methods: We retrospectively studied patients with LVO stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Intra-procedural MAP was monitored using a non-invasive BP cuff or an intra-arterial catheter. ΔMAP was calculated as the difference between admission MAP and lowest MAP during EVT. Sustained hypotension (aMAP) was measured as the area between admission MAP and continuous measurements of intra-procedural MAP until recanalization was achieved or procedure was completed. Final infarct volume was measured on MRI at 24hrs. Functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at discharge and 90 days. Associations with outcome were analyzed using linear and ordinal regressions and adjusted for age, gender, admission NIHSS and TICI score. Results: 262 patients (mean age 71±16, 58% F, mean NIHSS 17) were included in the analysis. Mean admission MAP was 106 mmHg. 86% of patients experienced ΔMAP reductions during EVT (mean 25±24 mmHg). ΔMAP was associated with larger final infarct volume (n=189, p=0.042). Median ΔMAP among patients with favorable outcomes (mRS 0-3) was 19 mmHg (IQR 3-39) compared to 33 mmHg (IQR 8-49) among patients with poor outcome (p=0.024). ΔMAP was independently associated with higher (worse) mRS scores at discharge (n=255, OR 1.013, 95% CI 1.004-1.023, p=0.008) and at 90 days (n=156, OR 1.014, 95% CI 1.001-1.023 p=0.034). The association between aMAP and outcome was highly significant at discharge (p=0.003) and 90 days (p=0.018). Conclusions: BP reduction prior to recanalization may lead to larger infarct volumes and worse functional outcomes for patients affected by LVO stroke. These results underline the importance of BP management during EVT, and highlight the need for further investigation of active BP management strategies to optimize clinical outcomes.

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