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BackgroundBalloon-assisted mechanical angioplasty for cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has a number of limitations, including transient occlusion of the spastic blood vessel. Comaneci is an FDA-approved device for temporary coil embolization assistance which has recently also been approved for the treatment of distal symptomatic refractory vasospasm. We aimed to report the feasibility, efficacy and safety of our experience with Comaneci angioplasty for refractory distal vasospasm (up to the second segment of the cerebral arteries) following aSAH.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis of a prospective series of 18 patients included between April 2019 and June 2021 with aSAH and symptomatic vasospasm refractory to medical therapy, who were treated using Comaneci-17-asssisted mechanical distal angioplasty. Immediate angiographic results, procedure-related complications, and clinical outcomes were assessed. Inter-rater reliability of the scores was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient.ResultsComaneci-assisted distal angioplasty was performed in 18 patients, corresponding to 31 target arteries. All distal anterior segments were easily accessible with the Comaneci-17 device. Vasospasm improvement after Comaneci mechanical angioplasty was seen in 22 distal arteries (71%) (weighted Cohen’s kappa (κw) 0.73, 95% CI 0.69 to 0.93). Vasospasm recurrence occurred in three patients (16.67%) and delayed cerebral infarction in three patients (16.67%), with a mean±SD delay between onset of symptoms and imaging follow-up (MRI/CT) of 32.61±8.93 days (κw0.98, 95% CI 0.88 to 1).ConclusionThis initial experience suggests that distal mechanical angioplasty performed with the Comaneci-17 device for refractory vasospasm following aSAH seems to be safe, with good feasibility and efficacy.

BackgroundThe number of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) passes is strongly associated with angiographic reperfusion as well as clinical outcomes in patients with anterior circulation ischemic stroke. However, these associations have not been analyzed in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO). We investigated the influence of the number of MT passes on the degree of reperfusion and clinical outcomes, and compared outcome after ≤3 passes versus >3 passes.MethodsWe used data from the prospective multicentric Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) Registry at 18 sites in France. Patients with BAO treated with MT were included. The primary outcome was a favorable outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0–3 at 90 days. We fit mixed multiple regression models, with center as a random effect.ResultsWe included 275 patients. Successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2b-3) was achieved in 88.4%, and 41.8% had a favorable outcome. The odds ratio for favorable outcome with each pass above 1 was 0.41 (95% CI 0.23 to 0.73) and for recanalization (mTICI 2b-3) it was 0.70 (95% CI 0.57 to 0.87). In patients with ≤3 passes, the rate of favorable outcome in recanalized versus non-recanalized patients was 50.5% versus 10.0% (p=0.001), while in those with >3 passes it was 16.7% versus 15.2% (p=0.901).ConclusionsWe found that BAO patients had a significant relationship between the number of MT passes and both recanalization and favorable functional outcome. We further found that the benefit of recanalization in BAO patients was significant only when recanalization was achieved within three passes, encouraging at least three passes before stopping the procedure.

BackgroundNeurointerventionists lack guidelines for the use of antithrombotic therapies in their clinical practice; consequently, there is likely to be significant heterogeneity in antithrombotic use between centers. Through a nationwide survey, we aimed to obtain an exhaustive cross-sectional overview of antithrombotic use in neurointerventional procedures in France.MethodsIn April 2021, French neurointerventional surgery centers were invited to participate in a nationwide 51-question survey disseminated through an active trainee-led research collaborative network (the JENI-RC).ResultsAll 40 centers answered the survey. Fifty-one percent of centers reported using ticagrelor and 43% used clopidogrel as premedication before intracranial stenting. For flow diversion treatment, dual antiplatelet therapy was maintained for 3 or 6 months in 39% and 53% of centers, respectively, and aspirin was prescribed for 12 months or more than 12 months in 63% and 26% of centers, respectively. For unruptured aneurysms, the most common heparin bolus dose was 50 IU/kg (59%), and only 35% of centers monitored heparin activity for dose adjustment. Tirofiban was used in 64% of centers to treat thromboembolic complications. Fifteen percent of these comprehensive stroke centers reported using tenecteplase to treat acute ischemic strokes. Cangrelor appeared as an emergent drug in specific indications.ConclusionThis nationwide survey highlights the important heterogeneity in clinical practices across centers. There is a pressing need for trials and guidelines to further evaluate and harmonize antithrombotic regimens in the neurointerventional field.

BackgroundScientific data on the safety and efficacy of flow diverter stents (FDS) for the treatment of unruptured internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms with compressive neuro-ophthalmological symptoms are scarce. We studied this subject in a retrospective international multicenter series, pooling data of 9 tertiary care neurointerventional departments.ObjectiveTo investigate, in a retrospective, multicentric cohort of patients presenting with visual or oculomotor symptoms attributed to a compressive carotid artery in an unruptured intracranial aneurysm, the safety and efficacy profiles of FDS, by analyzing neuro-opthalmologic symptom evolution following FDS placement, complications, and aneurysm obliteration rates.MethodsAll patients treated since 2015 with a FDS for an unruptured aneurysm of the ICA with signs of compressive cranial nerve symptoms (CN II, III, IV, VI) were included.ResultsWe treated 55 patients with 55 aneurysms; 21 (38.2%) patients had oculomotor and 15 (27.3%) visual symptoms only; 19 (34.5%) presented with a combination of both. Treatment-related morbidity/mortality occurred in 7.2% and 3.6%, respectively. At last imaging follow-up (13.1±10.5 months) rates of complete aneurysm occlusion, neck remnant, and aneurysm remnant were 72%, 14%, and 14%, respectively. At last clinical follow-up after 13±10.5 months, 19/51 (37.3%) patients had recovered completely and 18/51 (35.3%) had recovered at least partially from their neuro-ophthalmological symptoms. In multivariable models, a longer delay between symptom onset and treatment was associated with higher odds for incomplete recovery and lower odds for any improvement (aOR 1.03 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.07), p=0.047 and 0.04 (0–0.81), p=0.020). Incomplete recovery was independently associated with older age and fusiform aneurysms.ConclusionFDS are effective to treat patients with compressive aneurysms of the ICA causing neuro-ophthalmological symptoms, especially when treatment is initiated early after symptom onset, and aneurysm occlusion is adequate. However, serious complications are not rare.

BackgroundNon-ischemic cerebral enhancing (NICE) lesions are exceptionally rare following aneurysm endovascular therapy (EVT).ObjectiveTo investigate the presenting features and longitudinal follow-up of patients with NICE lesions following aneurysm EVT.MethodsPatients included in a retrospective national multicentre inception cohort were analysed. NICE lesions were defined, using MRI, as delayed onset punctate, nodular or annular foci enhancements with peri-lesion edema, distributed in the vascular territory of the aneurysm EVT, with no other confounding disease.ResultsFrom a pool of 58 815 aneurysm endovascular treatment procedures during the study sampling period (2006–2019), 21/37 centres identified 31 patients with 32 aneurysms of the anterior circulation who developed NICE lesions (mean age 45±10 years). Mean delay to diagnosis was 5±9 months, with onset occurring a month or less after the index EVT procedure in 10 out of 31 patients (32%). NICE lesions were symptomatic at time of onset in 23 of 31 patients (74%). After a mean follow-up of 25±26 months, 25 patients (81%) were asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic without disability (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–1) at last follow-up while 4 (13%) presented with mild disability (mRS score 2). Clinical follow-up data were unavailable for two patients. Follow-up MRI (available in 27 patients; mean time interval after onset of 22±22 months) demonstrated persistent enhancement in 71% of cases.ConclusionsThe clinical spectrum of NICE lesions following aneurysm EVT therapy spans a wide range of neurological symptoms. Clinical course is most commonly benign, although persistent long-term enhancement is frequent.

BackgroundRescue intracranial stenting (RIS) can be used in refractory large vessel occlusion (LVO) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of RIS versus a propensity matched sample of patients with persistent LVO.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed a multicenter retrospective pooled cohort of patients with anterior LVO (2015−2021) treated with MT, and identified patients with at least three passes and a modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score of 0 to 2a. Propensity score matching was used to account for determinants of outcome in patients with or without RIS. The study outcomes included 3 months modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (HT).Results420 patients with a refractory anterior occlusion were included, of which 101 were treated with RIS (mean age 69 years). Favorable outcome (mRS 0–2) was more frequent in patients with a patent stent at day 1 (53% vs 6%, PConclusionIn selected patients with a refractory intracranial occlusion despite at least three thrombectomy passes, RIS may be associated with an overall shift towards more favorable clinical outcome, and no significant increase in the odds of symptomatic HT or death.

ObjectiveOur aim was to compare the clinical outcome of patients with ischaemic stroke with anterior large vessel occlusion treated with stent retrievers and/or contact aspiration mechanical thrombectomy (MT) under general anaesthesia (GA) or conscious sedation non-GA through a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsThe literature was searched using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases to identify studies reporting on anaesthesia and MT. Using fixed or random weighted effect, we evaluated the following outcomes: 3-month mortality, modified Rankin Score (mRs) 0–2, recanalisation success (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) ≥2b) and symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhagic (sICH) transformation.ResultsWe identified seven cohorts (including three dedicated randomised controlled trials), totalling 1929 patients (932 with GA). Over the entire sample, mortality, mRs 0–2, TICI≥2b and sICH rates were, respectively 17.5% (99% CI 9.7% to 29.6%; Q-value: 60.1; I2: 93%, 1717 patients), 42.1% (99% CI 33.3% to 51.7%; Q-value: 41.3; I2: 87.9%), 82.9% (99% CI 74.0% to 89.1%; Q-value: 20.7; I2: 80.6%, 1006 patients) and 5.5% (99% CI 2.8% to 10.8%; Q-value: 18.6; I2: 78.5%). MT performed in non-GA patients was associated with better 3-month functional outcome (pooled OR, 1.35; 99% CI 1.04 to 1.76; Q-value: 24.0; I2: 9.2%, 1845 patients) and lower 3-month mortality rate (pooled OR, 0.70; 99% CI 0.49 to 0.98; Q-value: 1.4; I2: 0%, 1717 patients; fixed weighted effect model) compared with GA. MT performed under conscious sedation non-GA had significantly shorter onset-to-recanalisation and onset-to-groin delay compared with GA, and recanalisation success and sICH were similar.ConclusionNon-GA during MT for anterior acute ischaemic stroke with current-generation stent retriever/aspiration devices is associated with better 3-month functional outcome and lower mortality rates. These unadjusted estimates are subject to biases and should be interpreted with caution.

IntroductionAcute non-traumatic convexity subarachnoid haemorrhage (cSAH) is increasingly recognised in cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). We investigated: (a) the overlap between acute cSAH and cortical superficial siderosis—a new CAA haemorrhagic imaging signature and (b) whether acute cSAH presents with particular clinical symptoms in patients with probable CAA without lobar intracerebral haemorrhage.MethodsMRI scans of 130 consecutive patients meeting modified Boston criteria for probable CAA were analysed for cortical superficial siderosis (focal, ≤3 sulci; disseminated, ≥4 sulci), and key small vessel disease markers. We compared clinical, imaging and cortical superficial siderosis topographical mapping data between subjects with versus without acute cSAH, using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsWe included 33 patients with probable CAA presenting with acute cSAH and 97 without cSAH at presentation. Patients with acute cSAH were more commonly presenting with transient focal neurological episodes (76% vs 34%; pConclusionsThis probable CAA cohort provides additional evidence for distinct disease phenotypes, determined by the presence of cSAH and cortical superficial siderosis.

IntroductionThe characteristics and natural history of acute non-vitamin K antagonists oral anticoagulants (NOAC)-associated intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) are largely unknown. We performed a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to compare baseline ICH volume, haematoma expansion and clinical outcomes between NOAC-ICH versus vitamin K antagonists-ICH (VKA-ICH).MethodsWe searched PubMed and conference abstracts for observational studies comparing baseline characteristics and outcomes in patients with NOAC-ICH versus VKA-ICH using an appropriate keyword/MeSH term search strategy. Data were extracted following PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. The main outcome measures were mortality and unfavourable functional outcome (modified Rankin Score: 4–6) at discharge and at 3 months, as well as ICH volumes and haematoma expansion rates in the two groups. Random-effects models with DerSimonian-Laird weights were used for pooled estimates calculation.ResultsTwelve studies including 393 NOAC-ICH and 3482 VKA-ICH were pooled in meta-analysis. There was no difference in mean ICH-volume between the two groups (standard mean difference: −0.24; 95% CI −0.52 to 0.04, p=0.093). The rates of haematoma expansion were comparable in NOAC-ICH versus VKA-ICH (OR: 0.76; 95% CI 0.49 to 1.19, p=0.236). We did not find any difference between patients with NOAC-ICH versus VKA-ICH in all-cause mortality at discharge (OR: 0.66; 95% CI 0.42 to 1.05, p=0.077) and unfavourable functional outcome at discharge (OR: 0.77; 95% CI 0.41 to 1.44, p=0.413). The 3-month outcome was also comparable between the two ICH groups. Moderate-to-substantial statistical heterogeneity was noted.ConclusionOur results confirm that ICH volume, haematoma expansion, mortality and functional outcome appear to be similar for NOAC-ICH versus VKA-ICH. Large prospective cohorts and updated meta-analyses are needed to provide more precise estimates.

Introduction It is unclear whether intensive lowering of blood pressure (BP) at the acute phase of intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is beneficial. We performed a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to assess whether intensive BP lowering in patients with acute ICH is safe and effective in improving clinical outcomes. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane databases for relevant RCTs and calculated pooled OR for 3-month mortality (safety outcome) and 3-month death or dependency (modified Rankin Scale (mRs) ≥3;efficacy outcome), in patients with acute ICH randomised to either intensive BP-lowering or standard BP-lowering treatment protocols. We also investigated the association between treatment arm and ICH expansion at 24 hours. Random effects models with DerSimonian-Laird weights were used. Results Five eligible studies including 4360 patients with acute ICH were pooled in meta-analysis. The risk of 3-month mortality was similar between patients randomised to intensive BP-lowering treatment and standard BP-lowering treatment (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.20, p=0.909). Intensive BP-lowering treatment showed a (non-significant) trend for an association with lower 3-month death or dependency risk compared with standard treatment (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.80 to 1.02), p=0.106). Intensive BP reduction was associated with a trend for lower risk of significant ICH expansion compared with standard treatment (OR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.68 to 1.00, p=0.056), especially in larger RCTs. Conclusions For patients with acute ICH similar to those included in RCTs and without contraindication to acute BP treatment, intensive acute BP lowering is safe, but does not seem to provide an incremental clinical benefit in terms of functional outcomes. The effect of intensive BP lowering on significant haematoma expansion at 24 hours warrants further investigation.