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Introduction: Diabetic gastroparesis (DGp) is a component of autonomic neuropathy resulting from long-standing poorly controlled type 1 and type 2 diabetes. There are currently no approved vitamin D supplementation recommendations for people with DGp. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between vitamin D insufficiency and DGp, as well as the efficacy of intramuscular vitamin D therapy. Methodology: 71 patients (18 DM Gp & 53 Non-DM Gp) seeking treatment for gastroparesis symptoms were studied. The blood levels of vitamin D, homocysteine, gastric emptying test (GET) at 1, 2, and 4 h were recorded. 25-OH vitamin D levels were detected by kit. Potential clinical and statistical correlations between all results, symptoms, and GET data were explored. Descriptive statistics were used to investigate etiologic differences at baseline while multiple linear regression models were employed to explore relationships of vitamin D deficiency with diabetic gastroparesis and its intramuscular vitamin D treatment. Results: Majority of DGp patients were older than 18 years (88%) and were non-smokers (83%). The majority of those with and without diabetes were married (11; 71% vs. 34; 64%). The majority of participants in the DM group had only completed elementary school (n=7/18; 38.8%).

Background and Purpose: Although many stroke centers in United States are using intravenous (IV) tenecteplase (TNK) for acute ischemic stroke patients, there is paucity of comparative data between IV TNK and IV alteplase from real-world settings. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the data from 122 healthcare facilities to determine the effect of IV TNK (compared with IV alteplase) on occurrence of two outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients stratified by use of thrombectomy: non-routine discharge or death, and intracranial hemorrhage after adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Among 30,643 acute ischemic stroke patients analyzed, 29,480 (96.2%) and 1,163 (3.8%) patients received IV alteplase and IV TNK, respectively. The proportion of patients who received thrombectomy was significantly higher among patients who received IV TNK compared with those who received IV alteplase (16.7% versus 11.0%, p Conclusions: In an analysis of real-world data, IV TNK was associated with higher rates of intracranial hemorrhage compared with IV alteplase in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Introduction: Although there is emphasis on performing carotid artery stent placement (CAS) within two weeks after index event of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke in patients with cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis, the risk and characteristics of recurrent cerebral ischemic events while waiting for CAS are not well defined. Method: We analyzed patients admitted to our institution over a 45-month period with symptomatic cervical ICA stenosis. All patients were initiated on daily aspirin and clopidogrel 75mg on the day of admission. We identified any new cerebral ischemic events that occurred between index event and CAS and categorized them as TIA, and minor or major ischemic strokes. We calculated the risk of new ipsilateral cerebral ischemic events between index ischemic event and CAS. Results: The mean age of 150 patients analyzed was 67 years (range: 46-94 years; 106 were men); and 94 and 56 patients had ≥ 70% and 50-69% stenosis, respectively. The mean and median time intervals between index event and CAS performance were 25 and 6 days, respectively. A total of 6 new cerebral ischemic events (5 TIAs and 1 major stroke) were observed over 3,776 patient days of observation. The risk of new ipsilateral cerebral ischemic events between index ischemic event and CAS performance was 1.6 per 1000 patient days of observation. Conclucion: We identified a low risk of new ipsilateral cerebral ischemic events in patients with ≥ 50% ICA stenosis while waiting for CAS presumably due to early initiation of dual antiplatelets.

Background We performed this meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to compare the outcomes in patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy who receive prior intravenous thrombolysis with those who do not receive such treatment. Recently, one randomized trial reported outcomes to address this issue, so timely update of meta-analysis is needed to determine the value of administering intravenous thrombolysis before endovascular thrombectomy. Materials and methods Four randomized clinical trials are included in our meta-analysis. We calculated pooled odds ratios and 95% CIs using random-effects models. The primary efficacy endpoint was a favorable outcome defined by a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 (no symptoms), 1 (no significant disability), or 2 (slight disability) at 90 days post-randomization. Secondary endpoints analyzed were any intracerebral hemorrhage, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and mortality. Results Of the 1633 patients randomized, the proportion of patients who achieved a favorable outcome was similar between endovascular thrombectomy alone and combined approach with intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy (1631 patients analyzed; odds ratio 1.02; CI 0.84–1.25; p = 0.83). Risk of any intracerebral hemorrhage was significantly lower among those randomized to endovascular thrombectomy alone (1633 patients analyzed; odds ratio 0.75; CI 0.57–0.99; p = 0.04). Rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (p = 0.36) and mortality (p = 0.62) were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions Compared with endovascular thrombectomy preceded by intravenous thrombolysis, endovascular thrombectomy resulted in similar rates of favorable outcome with a lower rate of intracerebral hemorrhage. A large phase 3 trial is required to conclusively demonstrate equivalency of both approaches to guide future practice.

Background and Purpose: Acute ischemic stroke may occur in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but risk factors, in-hospital events, and outcomes are not well studied in large cohorts. We identified risk factors, comorbidities, and outcomes in patients with COVID-19 with or without acute ischemic stroke and compared with patients without COVID-19 and acute ischemic stroke. Methods: We analyzed the data from 54 health care facilities using the Cerner deidentified COVID-19 dataset. The dataset included patients with an emergency department or inpatient encounter with discharge diagnoses codes that could be associated to suspicion of or exposure to COVID-19 or confirmed COVID-19. Results: A total of 103 (1.3%) patients developed acute ischemic stroke among 8163 patients with COVID-19. Among all patients with COVID-19, the proportion of patients with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure was significantly higher among those with acute ischemic stroke. Acute ischemic stroke was associated with discharge to destination other than home or death (relative risk, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.6–2.4]; P P =0.03) after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: Acute ischemic stroke was infrequent in patients with COVID-19 and usually occurs in the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. The risk of discharge to destination other than home or death increased 2-fold with occurrence of acute ischemic stroke in patients with COVID-19.

Background Spinal arachnoid webs are a rare anatomic entity manifesting as neuropathic back pain, compressive myelopathy, radiculopathy and hydrocephalus. Typical treatments include hemi or full laminectomy with durotomy and microsurgical resection which can result in secondary scarring, and recurrent blockage of cerebrospinal fluid flow perpetuating the cycle. Case Description A 66-year-old woman presented with progressively worsening gait and memory. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an arachnoid web in the high thoracic region, causing cerebrospinal fluid flow obstruction and hydrocephalus. A standard lumbar drainage catheter was introduced percutaneously into the lumbar thecal sac, and advanced in a cephalad direction, across the arachnoid web, to the high thoracic region. The patient underwent continuous cerebrospinal fluid drainage through this catheter for a total of three days, displaying measurable clinical improvement that persisted at the three months follow up visit. Phase-contrast MRI demonstrated interval reconstitution of dorsal synchronous cerebrospinal fluid flow at the 2nd thoracic vertebral level, both on day three, as well as at the three months control imaging study. Conclusion This minimally invasive approach seems useful in achieving restoration of spinal fluid flow at the thoracic region when the underlying blockage results from an arachnoid web and leads to quantifiable clinical improvement.

Objectives: Acute ischemic stroke patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus maybe candidates for acute revascularization treatments (intravenous thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy). Materials and Methods: We analyzed the data from 62 healthcare facilities to determine the odds of receiving acute revascularization treatments in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infected patients and odds of composite of death and non-routine discharge with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infected and non-infected patients undergoing acute revascularization treatments after adjusting for potential confounders. Results: Acute ischemic stroke patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection were significantly less likely to receive acute revascularization treatments (odds ratio 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.5-0.8, p=0.0001). Among ischemic stroke patients who received acute revascularization treatments, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection was associated with increased odds of death or non-routine discharge (odds ratio 3.0, 95% confidence interval 1.8-5.1). The higher odds death or non-routine discharge (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.9-2.3) with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection were observed in all ischemic stroke patients without any modifying effect of acute revascularization treatments (interaction term for death (p=0.9) or death or non-routine discharge (p=0.2). Conclusions: Patients with acute ischemic stroke patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection were significantly less likely to receive acute revascularization treatments. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection was associated with a significantly higher rate of death or non-routine discharge among acute ischemic stroke patients receiving revascularization treatments.

Objective: To investigate the effect of early hyperchloremia on 90-day outcomes in acute ischemic stroke Methods: We analyzed data from Albumin in Acute Ischemic Stroke (ALIAS) Part 1 and 2 trials which recruited patients with acute ischemic stroke within 5 hours of onset. Patients with hyperchloremia (defined as 110 mmol/L or greater) at baseline, 24, or 48 hours after randomization were identified. We trichotomized patients into 3 groups; no instances, one instance, and two or more instances of measured hyperchloremia within the first 48 hours. Serum creatinine levels at baseline, 24, and 48 hours were used to identify acute kidney injury (AKI) via the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) classification. Logistic regressions were performed to determine the effects of hyperchloremia on outcomes defined by modified Rankin scales or National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at 90 days and mortality at 90 days. Results: Among the total of 1275 patients analyzed, zero, one and two or more occurrence of hyperchloremia within 48 hours were observed in 976, 191 and 108 patients respectively. Compared with patients without hyperchloremia, patients with two or more occurrences of hyperchloremia at significantly higher odds of non-favorable outcomes within 90 days after adjustment for age, NIHSS score, initial systolic blood pressure, and ALIAS treatment group (albumin or placebo) (OR 3.0, 95%, CI 1.8-5.0). Patients with two or more occurrences of hyperchloremia also presented higher odds of death within 90 days vs the non-hyperchloremia group. Patients with one occurrence of hyperchloremia were not at higher odds for non-favorable outcomes at 90 days. There was no association between occurrence of two or more occurrence of hyperchloremia and AKI (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.3-1.9). Conclusions: The independent association between sustained hyperchloremia and non-favorable outcomes at 90 days suggest that avoidance of hyperchloremia may increase the rate of favorable outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Background and Purpose: Intracerebral hemorrhage can occur in acute ischemic stroke patients receiving alteplase (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator). Antifibrinolytic medications such as the synthetic lysine analogs tranexamic acid and ε;-aminocaproic acid that inhibit fibrinolysis by attaching to the lysine-binding site of the plasminogen molecule have been utilized. However, the efficacy of antifibrinolytic medication in prevention of hematoma expansion is not known. Methods: We analyzed the effect of antifibrinolytic medication in acute ischemic stroke patients with intracerebral hemorrhage associated with Alteplase from 2012 to 2017. The Region-of-Interest method on a Horos Open Source Medical Image Viewer (Version 3.3.6) was utilized for volume measurement. We compared the change in hemorrhage volume in patients who did and did not receive antifibrinolytic medication. Results: A total of 36 patients (mean age 72.7±11.5, 56% were men) who received intravenous alteplase with subsequent intracerebral hemorrhage were identified. Fourteen patients received antifibrinolytic treatment; five patients had reduction or stabilization in hematoma volume (overall pre-treatment volume 13.87±15.74 cm 3 and post-treatment volume 16.74±29.67 cm 3 ). Mean fibrinogen level in the antifibrinolytic medication group was 297 mg/dL; two patients had levels < 200 mg/dL. In the cohort of patients did not receive antifibrinolytics, 15 out of 22 patients had reduction or stabilization in hematoma volume (overall pre-treatment volume 19.25±33.33 cm 3 and post-treatment volume 17.41±26.56 cm 3 ). Mean volume difference in the group that received antifibrinolytic medication was 36% and 9% in the group that did not receive antifibrinolytic medication. [Figure 1] Conclusion: We did not identify any advantage of antifibrinolytic treatment in reduction or stabilization in hematoma volume in patients with Alteplase-associated intracerebral hemorrhages.

Background: Clopidogrel bolus is an option used prior to carotid artery stent placement (CAS) when sustained clopidogrel pre-treatment is not used. Objective: To compare the effect of clopidogrel bolus (450 mg administered ≥4 hours) with sustained clopidogrel pre-treatment (48 hours or greater) prior to CAS in patients prospectively followed over 10 years in Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stenting Trial (CREST). Methods: The rates of primary endpoint (composite of any stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), or death during the periprocedural period or ipsilateral stroke within 4 years after randomization) were compared between patients who received clopidogrel bolus with those who received sustained clopidogrel pre-treatment after adjusting for age, gender, symptomatic status and initial severity of stenosis (≥70% versus Results: The rate of periprocedural stroke (7.3% versus 3.4%, p=0.03) and primary end point (11.3% versus 5.9%, p=0.02) was significantly higher among patients who received clopidogrel bolus. The risk of primary end point was significantly higher in patients who received clopidogrel bolus (hazards ratio [HR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-3.4, p=0.02) after adjusting for potential confounders. The overall mean (± SD) primary end point free survival based on Kaplan-Meier analysis was 7.0±0.2 years for patients who received clopidogrel bolus and 8.9±0.1 years for those who received sustained clopidogrel pre-treatment (log-rank test P=0.011). Conclusion: Clopidogrel bolus was associated with higher rates of adverse outcomes compared with sustained clopidogrel pre-treatment in patients who underwent CAS. Therefore, clopidogrel bolus may not be equivalent to sustained clopidogrel pre-treatment.

Context: Transradial access has been increasingly utilized for neurointerventional procedures including carotid angioplasty and stent placement (CAS) over the past decade. At our center, we adopted transradial approach as the preferred approach in 2020. Objective: To compare the results of transradial approach with transfemoral approach for CAS as part of a quality assurance initiative. Methods: We analyzed data collected for all non-urgent CAS procedures performed at our institute in the last 24 months by same interventionalists to minimize inter-operator variability. We looked at the rates of technical failure; hemorrhagic complications classified as major (hemoglobin decrease >5 g/dL or intracranial hemorrhage with deficits), minor (hemoglobin decreases 3-5 g/dL or intracranial hemorrhage without residual deficits), or insignificant; and any stroke and/or death within 1-month post procedure. Results: A total of 182 non-urgent CAS procedures were performed at our institution; 116 (64%) were initiated using transfemoral approach and 66 (36%) were initiated using transradial approach. The median age was similar between the two group (66.5 years versus 66.7 years). There were 6 (3%) CAS procedures initiated using transradial approach but later converted to transfemoral due to anatomical and/or technical difficulties. One (0.6%) CAS procedure initiated using transfemoral approach was converted to transradial approach due to severe iliofemoral atherosclerosis. The rates of any stroke and/or death were 1.6% (n=1) and 3.3%% (n-=4) in patients undergoing CAS using transradial and transfemoral approaches, respectively. The rate of major hemorrhagic complications were 1.6% (n=1) and 5.7% (n-=7) in patients undergoing CAS using transradial and transfemoral approaches, respectively. Conclusions: The rates of major hemorrhagic complications were lower among patients who underwent CAS via transradial approach compared with CAS using transfemoral approach although the rates of technical failure remain relatively high with transradial approach.

Background: Undiagnosed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may be seen in acute stroke patients. Rapid screening is important to reduce exposure to medical professionals and other patients during acute assessment and treatment. Chest computed tomographic (CT) scan may be another time-sensitive option for identification of SARS-CoV-2 infection in acute stroke patients. Objective: We report our experience of incorporating chest CT scan in the initial neuroimaging protocol for evaluation of acute stroke patients. Methods: All acute stroke patients underwent chest CT scan concurrent to CT head, CT angiogram of head and neck and CT perfusion for 10 months. We identified patients who had chest CT scan findings that were suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection including bilateral, multilobar ground glass opacification with a peripheral or posterior distribution, and/or consolidation. All patients subsequently underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing using nasopharyngeal specimen for identification of SARS-CoV-2 with contact isolation. Sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were calculated. Results: A total of 530 consecutive acute stroke patients (mean age in years 65.6± SD; 15.4; 280 were men) underwent neuroimaging with concurrent chest CT scan. The chest CT scan identified findings suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 34 (6.4%) patients. Subsequent PCR testing confirmed the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 21 of 34 patients. Among 491 patients in whom chest CT scan did not identify any findings suggestive of SARS-CoV-2 infection, 387 underwent PCR tests; PCR testing confirmed the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in 13 of 34 patients. Sensitivity and specificity of chest CT scan for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection was 61.9% and 96.2%, respectively. Positive and negative likelihood ratio of chest CT scan for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection is 16.26 and 0.39, respectively. Conclusions: Although specificity was high, the relatively low sensitivity of chest CT scan in identifying SARS-CoV-2 infection limits the value of adding this imaging to standard neuroimaging in acute stroke patients. At our institution, we have subsequently discontinued the protocol.

Context: Current guidelines recommend bed rest for 24 hours after receiving intravenous alteplase which may not be necessary and delay rehabilitation in a large proportion of acute ischemic stroke patients. Objective: To determine the feasibility of “early mobilization protocol” within the intensive care unit (ICU) in patients with acute ischemic stroke who received intravenous alteplase. Methods: All consecutive patients were admitted to the ICU with an acute ischemic stroke who received intravenous alteplase from October 2019-June 2021 were considered for “early mobilization protocol”. Patients≥18 years of age with minor, moderate or severe ischemic stroke (NIHSS score ≤22) were eligible and mobilization was initiated within 13-24 hours after intravenous alteplase administration. Exclusion criteria included hemodynamic instability, on mechanical ventilation, unstable neurological examination or progressive symptoms, or presence of external ventricular drain for hemorrhagic transformation within 24 hours of intravenous alteplase. Results: A total of 137 patients (56.8%) patients were eligible among 241 patients who were admitted to our institution with acute ischemic stroke after receiving intravenous alteplase. Mean age (±SD) was 63.4±16.6 and 66.2±17.0 years for the patients included and excluded in the early mobilization protocol, respectively. The mean NIHSS score (±SD) at baseline was 5.3±4.4 and 9.9±7.3 for the patients included and excluded in the early mobilization protocol, respectively. Early mobilization protocol was initiated at 18.3±3.6 hours in eligible patients compared with routine mobilization initiated at 41.6±19.8 hours in excluded patients (p Conclusion: Early mobilization protocol in patients post intravenous alteplase treatment can be initiated in the ICU in appropriately selected patients without any adverse effects on neurological and functional outcomes.

Background and Purpose: Hyperglycemia has been associated with higher rates of death or disability in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment. However, it remains unclear whether intensive serum glucose reduction can reduce the rates of death or disability in patients undergoing endovascular treatment. Methods: We analyzed the effect of intensive (serum glucose Results: A total of 146 patients (mean age 68.1±13.9, 50.7% were men) underwent endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke; 72 and 74 patients were randomized to intensive and standard treatments, respectively. The rates of death (20.3%, and 22.2%), favorable 90-day primary outcome (17.6% and 19.4%), and serious adverse events (41.9% and 56.98%) were similar between the two groups. The area under the curve of serum glucose was not associated with death within 90 days (OR 1, 95% CI 1-1) or favorable outcome at 90 days (OR 1, 95% CI 1-1). Glucose variability was not associated with death or favorable outcome at 90 days. Intensive treatment was not associated with cerebral hemorrhagic events. Conclusion: We did not identify any beneficial effect of intensive glucose reduction on rates of death or favorable outcomes at 90 days among acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment. We also did not observe any relationship between various glycemic parameters and death or favorable outcomes at 90 days.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background: To determine the exposure risk for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) during neurology practice. Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 are increasingly being recognized mandating high level of participation by neurologists. Methods: An American Academy of Neurology survey inquiring about various aspects of COVID-19 exposure was sent to a random sample of 800 active American Academy of Neurology members who work in the United States. Use of second tier protection (1 or more including sterile gloves, surgical gown, protective goggles/face shield but not N95 mask) or maximum protection (N95 mask in addition to second tier protection) during clinical encounter with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 patients was inquired. Results: Of the 81 respondents, 38% indicated exposure to COVID-19 at work, 1% at home, and none outside of work/home. Of the 28 respondents who did experience at least 1 symptom of COVID-19, tiredness (32%) or diarrhea (8%) were reported. One respondent tested positive out of 12 (17%) of respondents who were tested for COVID-19 within the last 2 weeks. One respondent received health care at an emergency department/urgent care or was hospitalized related to COVID-19. When seeing patients, maximum protection personal protective equipment was used either always or most of the times by 16% of respondents in outpatient setting and 56% of respondents in inpatient settings, respectively. Conclusions: The data could enhance our knowledge of the factors that contribute to COVID-19 exposure during neurology practice in United States, and inform education and advocacy efforts to neurology providers, trainees, and patients in this unprecedented pandemic.

Objectives Acute ischemic stroke patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus maybe candidates for acute revascularization treatments (intravenous thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy). Materials and Methods We analyzed the data from 62 healthcare facilities to determine the odds of receiving acute revascularization treatments in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infected patients and determined the odds of composite of death and non-routine discharge with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infected and non-infected patients undergoing acute revascularization treatments after adjusting for potential confounders. Results Acute ischemic stroke patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection were significantly less likely to receive acute revascularization treatments (odds ratio 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.5–0.8, p = 0.0001). Among ischemic stroke patients who received acute revascularization treatments, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection was associated with increased odds of death or non-routine discharge (odds ratio 3.0, 95% confidence interval 1.8–5.1). The higher odds death or non-routine discharge (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.9–2.3) with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection were observed in all ischemic stroke patients without any modifying effect of acute revascularization treatments (interaction term for death (p = 0.9) or death or non-routine discharge (p = 0.2). Conclusions Patients with acute ischemic stroke with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection were significantly less likely to receive acute revascularization treatments. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection was associated with a significantly higher rate of death or non-routine discharge among acute ischemic stroke patients receiving revascularization treatments.

Background and Purpose: Acute ischemic stroke may occur in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 but risk factors, in hospital events, and outcomes are not well studied in large cohorts. We identified risk factors, co-morbidities, and outcomes in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 with or without acute ischemic stroke and compared with patients without Coronavirus disease 2019 and acute ischemic stroke. Methods: We analyzed the data from 54 healthcare facilities using the Cerner de-identified Coronavirus disease 2019 dataset. The dataset included patients with an emergency department or inpatient encounter with a discharge diagnoses codes that could be associated to suspicion of or exposure to Coronavirus disease 2019, or confirmed Coronavirus disease 2019. Results: A total of 103 (1.3%) patients developed acute ischemic stroke among 8,163 patients with Coronavirus disease 2019. Among all Coronavirus disease 2019 patients, the proportion of patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure was significantly higher among those with acute ischemic stroke. Acute ischemic stroke was associated with discharge to destination other than home or death (relative risk 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.7-2.4, p Conclusions: Acute ischemic stroke was infrequent in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 and usually occurs in presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. The risk of discharge to destination other than home or death increased two folds with occurrence of acute ischemic stroke in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019.

Introduction: Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a common cause of refractory stroke. Randomized clinical trials failed to prove the safety and efficacy of the endovascular treatment options of symptomatic ICAD (sICAD). However, there are many concerns regarding inclusion criteria in these trials which made them less effective than standard medical management. Herein, we aim to study the safety and efficacy of drug-eluting balloon mounted stents (DES) in the treatment of sICAD. Methods: A retrospective review of endovascular database from 10 comprehensive stroke centers inside and outside the USA from January 2017 to January 2020 was reviewed. Patients were included if they had symptomatic intracranial stenosis ≥70% in the target vessel, failed best medical management, and underwent intracranial stenting with DES. The primary outcome was the occurrence of ischemic stroke, hemorrhage, or mortality within 72 hours of the procedure. Secondary outcomes included rates of symptomatic and angiographic recurrence within 6 months of the procedure. Results: There was a total of 129 patients, the median age was 65 [58-72] years, 40 (31%) were females. The intracranial stenotic lesions were located in anterior circulation in 74 (57.4%) of cases [24 (18.6%) supraclinoid ICA, 5 (3.9%) cavernous ICA, 17 (13.2%) petrous ICA, 5 (19.4%) MCA-M1, and 3 (2.3%) M2] and in posterior circulation in 55 (42.6%) of cases [36 (27.9) vertebral artery V4 segment, 18 (14%) basilar and 1 (0.7%) PCA]. Recurrent stroke was the qualifying event in 101 (78.3%) while transient ischemic attacks (TIA) were identified in 28 (21.7%) of cases. The median time from the qualifying event to stenting was 6 [2-24] days. Strokes were reported within 72 hours of the procedure; 2 (1.6%) ischemic, 2 (1.6%) hemorrhagic strokes and 2 (1.6%) patients suffered inpatient mortality. The median follow-up time was 6 [3-6.75] months. Among 99 patients who had clinical follow up 2 (2%) had TIA and 6 (6.1%) had strokes. Fifty-one patients had follow-up imaging of whom symptomatic ISR was reported in 8 (15.7%). Conclusion: Our study has shown that in appropriately selected patients with sICAD, endovascular treatment using DES is safe and effective. Prospective randomized clinical trials are warranted.

Background and purpose: To determine if computed tomography (CT) perfusion (CTP) abnormalities in patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIA) are associated with development of ischemic strokes or adverse cardiovascular events within 24 months. Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of TIA who underwent CTP within 24 hours of symptom onset as part of the stroke/TIA imaging protocol were analysed. Abnormality was defined as an area of well demarcated mean transit time delay and/or cerebral blood flow reduction corresponding to an arterial territory as identified by an independent neuroradiologist. The patients were followed for at least 3 months and up to 24 months to identify occurrence of ischemic stroke and cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction or ischemia). Results: A total of 78 patients (mean age 67.60 +/- 15.1 ; 48 were men) with a diagnosis of TIA. A total of 17 patients (22%) had documented CTP abnormalities. Patients with CTP abnormalities were older and more likely to be men. There was no difference in the rates of ischemic stroke (5.9 % vs 3.3 %), or cardiovascular events (0% versus 1.6 %) when patients with CTP abnormalities were compared to those with normal CTP. Conclusions: In patients with TIA, an abnormal CTP does not predict the occurence of new ischemic stroke or cardiovascular events during follow up.

Background: Histamine (H) 2 blockers led to a significant increase of the relative bioavailability of nimodipine and therefore may change tolerability of nimodipine in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Objective: To determine the effect of H2 blockers on outcome of SAH patients being treated with nimodipine on outcomes. Methods: We analyzed data from Cerner Health Facts® which collected data from participating facilities from January 1st, 2000 to July 1st, 2018. We identified SAH patients who underwent endovascular or surgical treatment for intracranial aneurysm and received nimodipine with or without H2 blockers. Outcome was defined by discharge destination and classified into none to minimal disability, moderate to severe disability, or death. Results: A total of 815 (54.8%) of 1488 SAH patients received H2 blockers in addition to nimodipine. There were no differences in rates of cerebral ischemia (8.8% versus 9.8%) or performance of angioplasty (3.8% versus 3.7%) between patients who did or did not receive H2 blockers. There were no differences in rates of intubation/mechanical ventilation (26.0% versus 29.3%) or intra-procedural cerebral infarction (3.4% versus 2.8%) between the two groups. There was no difference in in hospital mortality rates (10.9% versus 10.2%) or none to minimal disability (41.8% versus 38.2%) between patients who did or did not receive H2 blockers. Conclusions: H2 blockers are frequently used with nimodipine in SAH patients and did not appear to adversely affect rates of death or disability. The finding does not support any clinically significant interaction between H2 blockers and nimodipine in SAH patients.

Context: Over the past few decades, transradial access has been increasingly utilized for neurointerventional procedures including carotid angioplasty and stent placement (CAS). Objective: To compare the outcomes of CAS performed via transradial approach with those performed using transfemoral approach within the same institution. Methods: We analyzed all the elective CAS procedures performed at our institute in the last 48 months and divided the procedures based on initial approach (transradial or transfemoral). Both approaches were used by same interventionalists to minimize inter-operator variability. We compared the rates of technical failure; hemorrhagic complications classified as major (hemoglobin decrease >5 g/dL or intracranial hemorrhage with deficits), minor (hemoglobin decreases 3-5 g/dL or intracranial hemorrhage without residual deficits), or insignificant; and any stroke and/or death within 1-month post procedure. Results: A total of 120 elective CAS procedures were performed at our institution; 84 patients (70%) were initiated as transfemoral and 36 patients (30%) were initiated as transradial approach. There were 6 (16%) CAS procedures initiated as trans-radial but later switched to transfemoral due to anatomical and/or technical difficulties. Similarly, 1(1.2%) procedure was switched to transradial from transfemoral. So finally, 89 (74%) patients had transfemoral approach and 31 (26%) patients had transradial approach to CAS. The median age was similar between the two groups (66.5 years versus 67.3 years).The rates of major hemorrhagic complications were 2 (2.2 %) and 0 (0%) in CAS performed using tranfemoral and tranradial approaches, respectively. The rate of any stroke and/or death within 30 days post procedure was 5 (5.6 %) and 1 (3.2 %) in CAS performed using transfemoral and transradial approaches, respectively.The median fluoroscopy time was 36.1 minutes and 34.4 minutes using transfemoral and transfemoral approaches, respectively (p =0.72). Conclusions: Transradial approach is comparable to transfemoral approach for performance of CAS in regard to clinical endpoints although the rates of technical failure remain relatively high in patients in whom CAS was initiated from transradial approach.

Background: Intra-arterial or intravenous platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors have been used as adjunct to stent placement of carotid stenosis in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Objective: To determine the proportion of patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack who received platelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors as adjunct to carotid stent placement and associated outcomes. Methods: We analyzed data from Cerner Health Facts® which collected data from participating facilities from January 1, 2000 to July 1, 2018. We identified patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack who underwent carotid stent placement for carotid stenosis and received Abciximab, Eptifibatide, or Tirofiban. Outcome was defined by discharge destination and classified into none to minimal disability, moderate to severe disability, or death. Results: A total of 8.4 % of 4567 patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack who underwent carotid stent placement for carotid stenosis received platelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Patients who received platelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors were more likely to experience cerebral ischemia (14.8% versus 7.5%) and undergo intubation/mechanical ventilation (4.4% versus 2%). There was a significant difference between patients who did or did not receive platelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in terms of in hospital mortality rates (2.7% versus 1.2%, p=0.0152), none to mild disability (67.3% vs 75.7%, p=0.0003), and moderate to severe disability (30.1% vs 23.1%,p=0.0024). Conclusions: Adjunct use of platelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in patients undergoing carotid stent placement for symptomatic carotid stenosis was associated with increased rates of in hospital mortality and moderate to severe disability.

Background: Revascularization of subacute or chronic internal carotid artery occlusion is technically feasible in some patients but carotid revascularization procedure needs to be optimized to improve the clinical success of the procedure. Objective: To describe our experience using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) as adjunct to carotid revascularization procedure in patients with subacute or chronic internal carotid artery occlusion. Materials and Methods: Endovascular recanalization was attempted in 7 patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusions between 3 and 11 days of symptoms onset. Distal protection device was deployed in all the patients followed by advancement of IVUS catheter (Eagle Eye Gold, 20 MHZ Digital, s5 Imaging System, Volcano Corp.) to obtain gray-scale and virtual histology (VH) images at regions of interest. IVUS images used to categorize occlusion content as: dark green- fibrous; yellow/green- fibrofatty; white- calcified; red- necrotic lipid core plaque on images. Intravascular thrombus was diagnosed an echolucent, homogeneous, well-delineated, diaphragm-like intraluminal structure. Results: The occlusion was recanalized successfully in all of 7 patients with median age 67.4±7.5 years. IVUS demonstrated intravascular thrombus in 5 of 7 patients. Fibrous and fibrofatty constituents of plaque were seen in 5 of the 7 patients in whom VH was done. Calcification and lipid necrotic core each were seen in 3 of 5 patients.5 patients with large thrombus burden on IVUS were treated using aspiration thrombectomy. Six of seven patients underwent stent placement and one patient underwent primary angioplasty. 5 of 7 patients had modified Rankin Scale of 0-2 at follow up (3 weeks to 4 months post procedure). Conclusions: IVUS provided valuable information to optimize carotid revascularization procedure in patients with subacute or chronic internal carotid artery occlusion.

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with an increased risk for acute ischemic stroke but screening for COVID-19 based on clinical criteria or laboratory testing may be difficult in acute stroke evaluation. Chest computed tomographic (CT) scan may be another time-sensitive option for identification. of COVID-19 in such patients. Objective: We report our experience of incorporating chest CT scan in the initial neuroimaging protocol for evaluation of acute stroke patients. Methods: All acute stroke patients underwent chest CT scan concurrent to CT head, CT angiogram of head and neck and CT perfusion for 4 months. We identified patients who had chest CT scan findings that were suggestive of COVID-19 including bilateral, multilobar ground glass opacification with a peripheral or posterior distribution, and/or consolidation (mainly in the lower lobes). All patients subsequently underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of nasopharyngeal swab with contact isolation until COVID-19 could be excluded. Results: A total of 224 consecutive patients (mean age 62.12 years±SD; 15.3) underwent acute stroke evaluation with a concurrent chest CT scan. The chest CT identified findings suggestive of COVID-19 in 11 (4.9%) patients. Subsequent PCR testing did not confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19 in any of the patient. Another 99 patients (44%) without any findings suggestive of COVID-19 on chest CT scan underwent PCR testing. PCR testing did not confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19 in any of the patients. Four patients (4.3%) with chest CT scan findings suggestive of COVID-19 were found to have an ischemic stroke while 7 patients (5.9%) with chest CT scan findings suggestive of COVID-19 did not have any ischemic stroke (stroke mimic). Conclusions: We found a very low yield for identifying COVID-19 in acute stroke patients by performing chest CT scan concurrent to standard acute stroke neuroimaging protocol.

Background To identify whether the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage is higher in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), we compared the risk factors, comorbidities, and outcomes in patients intracerebral hemorrhage and COVID-19 and those without COVID-19. Methods We analyzed the data from the Cerner deidentified COVID-19 data set derived from 62 health care facilities. The data set included patients with an emergency department or inpatient encounter with discharge diagnoses codes that could be associated with suspicion of or exposure to COVID-19 or confirmed COVID-19. Results There were a total of 154 (0.2%) and 667 (0.3%) patients with intracerebral hemorrhage among 85,645 patients with COVID-19 and 197,073 patients without COVID-19, respectively. In the multivariate model, there was a lower risk of intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with COVID-19 (odds ratio 0.5; 95% confidence interval 0.5–0.6; p

BACKGROUND: Intracranial hemorrhage (including subarachnoid hemorrhage [SAH]) has been reported in 0.3%-1.2% of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, no study has evaluated the risk of SAH in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: We analyzed data from 62 health care facilities using the Cerner de-identified COVID-19 dataset. RESULTS: There were 86 (0.1%) and 376 (0.2%) patients with SAH among 85,645 patients with COVID-19 and 197,073 patients without COVID-19, respectively. In the multivariate model, there was a lower risk of SAH in patients with COVID-19 (odds ratio 0.5, 95% confidence interval 0.4-0.7, P < 0.0001) after adjusting for sex, age strata, race/ethnicity, hypertension, and nicotine dependence/tobacco use. The proportions of patients who developed pneumonia (58.1% vs. 21.3%, P < 0.0001), acute kidney injury (43% vs. 27.7%, P = 0.0005), septic shock (44.2% vs. 20.7%, P < 0.0001), and respiratory failure (64.0% vs. 39.1%, P < 0.0001) were significantly higher among patients with SAH and COVID-19 compared with patients without COVID-19. The in-hospital mortality among patients with SAH and COVID-19 was significantly higher compared with patients without COVID-19 (31.4% vs. 12.2%, P

Acute ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States. Intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) has been the mainstay of acute therapy. However, multiple randomized clinical trials have been published that have shown higher rates of recanalization and improved functional outcomes with endovascular therapy compared with intravenous rt-PA in patients with ischemic stroke from large vessel occlusion. This article provides an update and discusses the role of endovascular therapy in management of acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on performance of neuroendovascular procedures has not been quantified. METHODS We performed an audit of performance of neuroendovascular procedures at 18 institutions (seven countries) for two periods; January‐April 2019 and 2020, to identify changes in various core procedures. We divided the region where the hospital was located based on the median value of total number of COVID‐19 cases per 100,00 population‐into high and low prevalent regions. RESULTS Between 2019 and 2020, there was a reduction in number of cerebral angiograms (30.9% reduction), mechanical thrombectomy (8% reduction), carotid artery stent placement for symptomatic (22.7% reduction) and asymptomatic (43.4% reduction) stenoses, intracranial angioplasty and/or stent placement (45% reduction), and endovascular treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (44.6% reduction) and ruptured (22.9% reduction) and unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (66.4% reduction). There was an increase in the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms (10% increase) and other neuroendovascular procedures (34.9% increase). There was no relationship between procedural volume change and intuitional location in high or low COVID‐19 prevalent regions. The procedural volume reduction was mainly observed in March‐April 2020. CONCLUSIONS We provided an international multicenter view of changes in neuroendovascular practices to better understand the gaps in provision of care and identify individual procedures, which are susceptible to change.

Highlights • Mandated societal lockdown in Missouri reduced the rate of road traffic accidents. • No changes in road traffic accidents resulting in serious or fatal injuries. • Increased road traffic accident related hospitalizations are not expected., Background The effect of mandated societal lockdown to reduce the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on road traffic accidents is not known. For this reason, we performed an in-depth analysis using data from Statewide Traffic Accident Records System. Materials and methods We reviewed data on total 2292 road traffic accident records in Missouri from January 1, 2020 through May 15, 2020. We treated March 23 as the first day of mandated societal lockdown and May 3 as the first day of re-opening. Results We have found that there was a significant reduction in road traffic accidents resulting in minor or no injuries (mean 14.5 versus 10.8, p

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Acute stroke patients may have undiagnosed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection, transmissible to medical professionals involved in their care. Our aim was to determine the value of incorporating a chest computed tomography (CT) scan during acute stroke imaging, and the factors that influence this decision. METHODS We constructed a probabilistic decision tree of the value of acquiring a chest CT scan or not, expressed in quality‐adjusted life months (QALM) of patients and medical professionals. The model was based on the chance of detecting infection by chest CT scan, the case fatality rates of COVID‐19 infection, the risk of COVID‐19 infection after exposure, the expected proportion of medical professionals exposed, and the exposure reduction derived from early disease detection. RESULTS The decision to incorporate the chest CT scan was superior to not doing so (12.00 QALM vs 11.99 QALM, respectively), when the probability of patients having undetected COVID‐19 infection is 3.5%, potentially exposing 100% of medical professionals, and if early detection reduces exposure by 50%. The risk of developing symptomatic COVID‐19 infection following exposure casts uncertainty on the results, but this is offset by the potential for reducing exposure. CONCLUSIONS We identified a measurable benefit of incorporating a chest CT into the urgent imaging protocol of acute stroke patients in reducing exposure of medical professionals without appropriate precautions. The clinical impact of this benefit, however, may not be materially significant.

Background: Acute ischemic stroke patients are at risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) due to volume depletion, contrast exposure and pre-existing co-morbid diseases. We determined the incidence and identified predictors associated with AKI in acute ischemic stroke patients. Methods: Data from the Albumin in Acute Ischemic Stroke trial (ALIAS) - I and II and Interventional Management of Stroke (IMS) - III clinical trials were pooled and analyzed in which acute ischemic stroke patients were randomized into either IV albumin, placebo, endovascular or IV thrombolytic treatment groups. Serum creatinine levels from baseline and within day 5 or discharge along with the demographic and comorbidity information was collected. AKI classification was used to ascertain severity of renal dysfunction and based on increase in serum creatinine levels from baseline, stage 1 ≥ 0.3 mg/dl (≥ 26.4umol/L) or (>1.5 to 2-fold), stage 2 (>2 to 3-fold) and stage 3 (>3-fold) were identified. We analyzed the relationship between AKI and mortality at 3 months post randomization. Results: A total of 1931 acute ischemic stroke patients (mean age 66± 13 (SD) years; 1024 were men) were analyzed. Any increase in serum creatinine was seen in 691 (35.8%, 95% CI 30%-40%) and AKI was seen in 68 (3.5%, 95% CI 3%-4%) of 1931 patients. Severity of AKI was grade I, II, III in 2.1 %, 0.4%, and 0.1% patients, respectively. The risk of AKI was not higher between those who either underwent CT angiography (2% compared with 4.2%, RR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.8, p=0.02) or endovascular treatment (1.9% compared with 4.1%, RR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.8, p=0.0096). Patients with preexisting hypertension (4.3% compared to 1.5%, RR 2.8, 95% CI 1.3-5.7, p=0.006) and preexisting renal disease (9.1% compared to 3.0%, RR 3.1, 95% CI 1.8-5.3, p=0.006) had higher risk of AKI. Mortality at 3 months was significantly higher among patients with AKI (27% compared with 15%, RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.7, p=0.0083). Conclusions: The incidence of AKI in acute ischemic stroke patients was low and was not higher in patients who underwent CT angiogram or those who received endovascular treatment. Occurrence of AKI increased mortality at 3 months among acute ischemic stroke patients.

Introduction: Cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3, may reduce symptomatic vasospasm and associated cerebral ischemia and improve outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) due to its anti-platelet, anti-proliferative, and vasodilatory effects. Due to recent publication of randomized controlled clinical trials, a meta-analysis was performed to identify the common treatment effect. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of four randomized controlled clinical trials. The primary endpoint of interest was cerebral ischemia related to vasospasm. Secondary endpoints were angiographic vasospasm, new cerebral infarct, mortality, and death or disability at the 90 days following randomization. Using random-effects models with study as a random effect, relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were generated Results: A total of 405 subjects (200 randomized to oral cilostazol 100 mg twice per day) were included in the meta-analysis. The proportion of subjects with cerebral ischemia related to vasospasm was significantly lower in those who were assigned to cilostazol treatment (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.21-1.00; p< 0.050) without any heterogeneity between the trials (Cochran’s Q statistic 1.52, df 2; P = .468, I 2 =0.0%). The proportion of subjects who had new cerebral infarction was significantly lower in subjects who were assigned to cilostazol treatment (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.32-0.49, p=0.0009). There was a lower rate of death or disability at 90 days in subjects who were assigned to cilostazol treatment (RR 0.44, 95% 0.28-0.70, p=0.011) without any heterogeneity between the trials (Cochran’s Q statistics 1.49, df 3; P = .685, I 2 =0.0%). The proportion of subjects who had any adverse events was not significantly different in subjects who were assigned to cilostazol treatment (RR 1.24, 95% 0.68-2.25, p=0.26). Conclusion: The reduction in rates of cerebral ischemia related to vasospasm and death or disability at follow-up support further evaluation of oral cilostazol in patients with aSAH in a phase III large randomized clinical trial.

Background: Carotid revascularization procedure, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid stent placement (CAS), are some of the most common procedures performed in United States and expected to change due to wider adoption of CAS. We performed this study to determine the changes in utilization of CEA and CAS in United States using nationally representative data. Methods: We used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2005 to 2014 to assess the changes in utilization of CEA and CAS over last 10 years in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. NIS is the largest all payer dataset that includes diagnoses, admissions and discharge, demographics, and outcomes data of patients admitted to short stay non-Federal hospitals in the United States. We analyzed patterns of changes in utilization in various subsets of patients with carotid artery stenosis. Results: A total of 1,186,182 patients underwent carotid revascularization procedures during study period; 1,032,148 (87.1%) and 154,035 (12.9%) were CEA and CAS, respectively. The overall carotid revascularization procedures decreased over last 10 years (11.1% in 2005 to 8.4%in 2014, trend test p Conclusion: Although CAS is increasing in a disproportionate manner within patient subgroups in United States, overall carotid revascularization procedures have decreased for unclear reasons.

Background: Due to higher rates of 1-month stroke and death with Wingspan intracranial stent placement observed in SAMMPRIS, FDA announced a more limited indication for Wingspan stent. We compared the results of intracranial stent placement with best medical treatment in patients who met “on label” criteria with those who were treated as “off label”. Methods: Patients recruited in the SAMMPRIS trial were classified as “on label” if: age 22 to 80 years, stenosis of 70%-99%, baseline modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 3, ≥2 ischemic events in the vascular territory of the stenotic lesion with at least 1 ischemic event while on medical therapy, and stent placement ≥8 days after the last stroke. All other patients were classified as “off label”. The primary endpoint was any stroke or death occurring within 30 days of enrollment, or any stroke or death within 30 days of any revascularization procedure of the qualifying symptomatic intracranial artery done during follow-up, OR an ischemic stroke in the territory of the symptomatic intracranial artery from day 31 after study entry to completion of follow-up. Results: A total of 31 (6.87%) among 451 recruited patients met the “on label” criteria. The relative risk of primary endpoint was lower in “on label” patients treated with stent placement compared with best medical treatment (RR 0.8, 95 % CI 0.2 - 2.9) but higher in “off label” patients (RR 1.65, 95 % CI 1.0-2.4). Primary endpoint was seen in 20% and 23.4% of patients treated with stent placement in “on label” and “off label” patients, respectively. Primary endpoint was seen in 25% and 14.2% of patients treated with best medical treatment in “on label” and “off label” patients, respectively. In Cox Proportional Hazards analysis with primary endpoint as dependent variable, the interaction between “on label” and treatment (stent versus best medical treatment) was not significant (p=0.6713). Conclusion: The new FDA “on label” criteria may identify a group of who may benefit from intracranial stent placement due to higher risk of primary endpoint in those treated with best medical treatment. However, the criteria appears to be very stringent and only a small proportion of patients may meet the “on label” criteria.

Context: Long-term anticoagulation has been consistently shown to reduce the rate of ischemic stroke among selected patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib). There is paucity of data regarding number of eligible patients with AFib in United States who could benefit from long-term anticoagulation. Objective: To provide national estimate of eligible hospitalized patients with AFib who could benefit from long-term anticoagulation. Methods: We analyzed data from Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for the year 2016. NIS represents the largest all payer nationally representative dataset of hospitalizations in United States. We identified patients with primary or secondary diagnosis of AFib who were aged 75 years or greater, women aged 65-74 years, men aged 65-74 years with history of ischemic stroke/transient cerebral ischemia( TIAs), and patients aged 18-64 years with AF and ischemic stroke/TIAs (CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or greater) who were hospitalized and discharged alive to provide national estimates. Results: A total of 871,391 patients (163,236 aged between 18-64 years, 216,645 aged between 65-74 years, and 491,107 aged 75 years or greater) were admitted with a diagnosis of AFib in 2016. The number of patients with atrial fibrillation who also had history of ischemic stroke/TIAs was 38,051 (4.37%). Of the Afib patients, aged 75 years or greater, 25,050 (2.87 %) had a history of ischemic stroke/TIAs. Of the patients aged 65-74 years, 3,534 women (0.41%) and 4,341 men (0.50%) had history of ischemic stroke/TIAs. Also, there were 91,364 (10.48%) women between age 65-74 years who had AFib but did not have stroke.5,117 (=n,0.59%) patients between age 18-64 years had AFib and history of ischemic stroke/TIAs. The total number of potentially eligible patients with AFib who could benefit from the anticoagulation (based on CHA2DS2-VASc) was 564,030(65% of all patients admitted with AFib). Conclusions: Over half a million hospitalized patients with atrial fibrillation who are under medical care can benefit from long-term anticoagulation. Most are stroke free at time of hospitalization in United States and thus associated death and disability from new strokes can be prevented by timely initiation of long-term anticoagulation.

Background: The estimates of recurrent ischemic stroke in the post-hospitalization period among patients treated for carotid revascularization are not available outside clinical trials (real-world settings). Objective: To determine the rates of ischemic stroke-related hospitalization within 3 months post-hospitalization for treatment of carotid stenosis in a nationwide cohort. Methods: We identified all readmissions related to new ischemic stroke in the nationally representative data for all patients hospitalized for carotid revascularization using the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) 2013 and 2014 for carotid stent placement (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to assess the relative risk (RR) of recurrent ischemic stroke for patients in treatment cohorts after adjusting for potential confounders. The survival was estimated for both treatment groups by using Kaplan-Meier survival method. Results: A total of 120, 923patients with carotid stenosis were treated with either CAS (n = 15, 819; 13.1%) or CEA (n = 105,103; 86.9%).- The estimated 3 month recurrent ischemic stroke free survival was 99.2% and 98.9% in patients who underwent CEA and CAS treatments, respectively (p= 0.014). After adjusting for age, and APDRG severity score, the RRs of recurrent any ischemic stroke was higher women (RR, 1.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1 -1.6), symptomatic patients (RR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1 -2.1) and weekend admission (RR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1 -2.3). Conclusion: Although the rates of recurrent ischemic stroke-related hospitalization were low among patients undergoing carotid revascularization, there were higher rates among women, symptomatic patients, undergoing carotid stenting and those admitted on weekends.

Background: Intracranial stenosis can be located in intradural or subarachnoid space. It is unclear whether there are any differences in ipsilateral ischemic stroke risk, cerebral hemorrhage and death in response to stent placement in these two locations. Methods: We analyzed Stenting versus Aggressive Medical Therapy for Intracranial Arterial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) data. We divided the patients based on location of arterial stenosis: intradural [petrous internal carotid artery (ICA), pre-cavernous ICA, cavernous ICA or pre-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) vertebral artery] and subarachnoid [post-cavernous ICA, middle cerebral artery, vertebral artery at the level of or distal to origin of PICA, or basilar artery]. Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to determine the effect of intradural versus subarachnoid location on risk of ipsilateral ischemic stroke, cerebral hemorrhage or death during the follow-up period. Results: A total of 451 patients with stenosis located in intradural (n=74, 16.4%) or subarachnoid (n=377, 83.5 %) spaces were followed for a mean (SD) period of 29.06 (15.22) months after randomization. The rate of ischemic stroke seen in intradural and subarachnoid spaces was 11.86% and 14.58%, respectively. The rate of cerebral hemorrhage in the intradural and subarachnoid spaces was 1.35% and 2.92 %, respectively. The rate of death in the intradural and subarachnoid spaces was 10.81% and 1.59%, respectively. In Cox proportional hazards analyses, the risk of ipsilateral ischemic stroke (HR 1.08, P = 0.46), cerebral hemorrhage (HR 1.05, P = 0.59) and death (HR 0.9, P = 0.9) was not significantly different between patients with intradural arterial stenosis and those with subarachnoid arterial stenosis. The interaction between location of stenosis and treatment (intracranial stent versus best medical treatment) was not significant for the either ipsilateral ischemic stroke (p= 0.21), cerebral hemorrhage (p= 0.18) or death (p=0.15). Conclusion: We did not find any evidence to suggest that there was any difference in natural history or response to intracranial stent placement in patients with intradural location of stenosis compared with those with subarachnoid location.

Background: Relatively limited information is available about trends over time in the use of endovascular treatment in patients of different ages hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke and the association between use of thrombectomy treatment and hospital outcomes in age strata. We performed this analysis to evaluate trends in the utilization of endovascular treatment in acute ischemic stroke by age strata in real-world practice. Methods: We conducted this study by identifying patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of ischemic stroke in the United States from 2007 to 2016 using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. International Classification of Diseases, ninth revision, and tenth, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM) codes were used to identify patients admitted for ischemic stroke and undergoing endovascular treatment. Results: Of the 4,590,533 patients admitted with ischemic stroke, 269,922 (5.88%) received intravenous thrombolytic treatment, and 51,375 (1.12%) underwent endovascular treatment. There is almost 12-fold significant increase in the use of endovascular treatment patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke between 2007 to 2016. Patients who were 75 years and older experienced a marked increase in the receipt of endovascular treatment over time (0.12% 2007; 1.91% 2016; trend p Conclusions: Our findings indicate a recent increase in the use of endovascular in middle-aged and elderly patients with acute ischemic strokes. The impact of endovascular treatment on hospital outcomes was observed in each of our age strata understudy though the magnitude of absolute and relative benefit varied according to age.