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Background: Venous sinus stenosis (VSS) stenting has emerged as an effective treatment for patients with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH). However, stenting carries risk of in-stent stenosis/thrombosis and cumulative bleeding risk from long-term dual antiplatelet (DAPT) use. Thus, we investigated the potential safety and efficacy of primary balloon angioplasty as an alternative to stenting in IIH., Methods: A prospectively maintained single-center registry of IIH patients undergoing endovascular procedures was queried. Inclusion criteria included patients with confirmed IIH and angiographically demonstrable VSS who underwent interventions from 2012- 2021. Patients were dichotomized into primary balloon angioplasty (Group A) and primary stenting (Group S), comparing clinical outcomes using bivariate analyses., Results: 62 patients were included with median age of 33 [IQR 26-37], 74% females. Group A (9/62) and Group S (53/62) had similar baseline characteristics. Papilledema improvement was higher in Group S at 6 weeks and 6 months (44 vs. 93, p = 0.002 and 44 vs. 92%, p = 0.004), with similar improvements across all symptoms. Group S had higher mean post-procedure venous pressure gradient change (8 vs. 3 mmHg, p = 0.02) and a lower CSF opening pressure at 6 months (23 vs. 36 cmH2O, p < 0.001). VPS rescue rate was higher in Group A (44 vs. 2%, p = 0.001). There was only one procedural complications; a subdural hematoma in Group A., Conclusions: Primary VSS balloon angioplasty provides a marginal and short-lived improvement of IIH symptoms compared to stenting. These findings suggest a cautious and limited role for short-term rescue angioplasty in poor shunting and stenting candidates with refractory IIH.

Introduction: Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) has emerged as a promising new treatment for patients with chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). Its efficacy, however, upon the subtype with a high rate of recurrence-septated cSDH-remains undetermined., Methods: From our prospective registry of patients with cSDH treated with MMAE, we classified patients based on the presence or absence of septations. The primary outcome was the rate of recurrence of cSDH. Secondary outcomes included a reduction in cSDH thickness, midline shift, and rate of reoperation., Results: Among 80 patients with 99 cSDHs, the median age was 68 years (IQR 59-77) with 20% females. Twenty-eight cSDHs (35%) had septations identified on imaging. Surgical evacuation with burr holes was performed in 45% and craniotomy in 18.8%. Baseline characteristics between no-septations (no-SEP) and septations (SEP) groups were similar except for median age (SEP vs no-SEP, 72.5 vs. 65.5, p   = 0.016). The recurrence rate was lower in the SEP group (SEP vs. no-SEP, 3 vs. 16.7%, p = 0.017) with higher odds of response from MMAE for septated lesions even when controlling for evacuation strategy and antithrombotic use (OR = 0.06, CI [0.006-0.536], p = 0.012). MMAE resulted in higher mean absolute thickness reduction (SEP vs. no-SEP, -8.2 vs. -4.8 mm, p = 0.016) with a similar midline shift change. The rate of reoperation did not differ (6.2 vs. 3.1%, p = 0.65)., Conclusion: MMAE appears to be equal to potentially more effective in preventing the recurrence of cSDH in septated lesions. These findings may aid in patient selection.

Background and Purpose: IV thrombolysis with alteplase before mechanical thrombectomy for emergent large-vessel-occlusion stroke is associated with access-site bleeding complications. However, the incidence of femoral access-site complications with tenecteplase before mechanical thrombectomy requires exploration. Here, femoral access-site complications with tenecteplase versus alteplase before mechanical thrombectomy for large-vessel-occlusion stroke were compared., Materials and Methods: All patients receiving IV thrombolytics before mechanical thrombectomy for large-vessel-occlusion stroke who presented from January 2020 to August 2022 were reviewed. In May 2021, our health care system switched from alteplase to tenecteplase as the primary thrombolytic for all patients with stroke, facilitating the comparison of alteplase-versus-tenecteplase femoral access-site complication rates. Major (requiring surgery) and minor (managed conservatively) access-site complications were assessed., Results: One hundred thirty-nine patients underwent transfemoral mechanical thrombectomy for large-vessel-occlusion stroke, of whom 46/139 (33.1%) received tenecteplase and 93/139 (66.9%) received alteplase. In all cases ( n = 139), an 8F sheath was inserted without sonographic guidance, and vascular closure was obtained with an Angio-Seal. Baseline demographics, concomitant antithrombotic medications, and periprocedural coagulation lab findings were similar between groups. The incidence of conservatively managed groin hematomas (2.2% versus 4.3%), delayed access-site oozing requiring manual compression (6.5% versus 2.2%), and arterial occlusion requiring surgery (2.2% versus 1.1%) was similar between the tenecteplase and alteplase groups, respectively ( P = not significant). No dissection, arteriovenous fistula, or retroperitoneal hematoma was observed., Conclusions: Tenecteplase compared with alteplase before mechanical thrombectomy for large-vessel-occlusion stroke is not associated with an alteration in femoral access-site complication rates., (© 2023 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.)

Introduction: Patients with spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) are associated with high mortality and require early neurosurgical interventions. At our academic referral center, the neurocritical care unit (NCCU) receives patients directly from referring facilities. However, when no NCCU bed is immediately available, patients are initially admitted to the critical care resuscitation unit (CCRU). We hypothesized that the CCRU expedites transfer of sICH patients and facilitates timely external ventricular drain (EVD) placement comparable to the NCCU., Methods: This is a pre-post study of adult patients transferred with sICH and EVD placement. Patients admitted between January 2011-July 2013 (2011 Control) were compared with patients admitted either to the CCRU or the NCCU (2013 Control) between August 2013-September 2015. The primary outcome was time interval from arrival at any intensive care units (ICU) to time of EVD placement (ARR-EVD). Secondary outcomes included time interval from emergency department transfer request to arrival, and in-hospital mortality. We assessed clinical association by multivariable logistic regressions., Results: We analyzed 259 sICH patients who received EVDs: 123 (48%) CCRU; 81 (31%) 2011 Control; and 55 (21%) in the 2013 Control. The groups had similar characteristics, age, disease severity, and mortality. Median ARR-EVD time was 170 minutes [106-311] for CCRU patients; 241 minutes [152-490] (p < 0.01) for 2011 Control; and 210 minutes [139-574], p = 0.28) for 2013 Control. Median transfer request-arrival time for CCRU patients was significantly less than both control groups. Multivariable logistic regression showed each minute delay in ARR-EVD was associated with 0.03% increased likelihood of death (odds ratio 1.0003, 95% confidence interval, 1.0001-1.006, p = 0.043)., Conclusion: Patients admitted to the CCRU had shorter transfer times when compared to patients admitted directly to other ICUs. Compared to the specialty NCCU, the CCRU had similar time interval from arrival to EVD placement. A resuscitation unit like the CCRU can complement the specialty unit NCCU in caring for patients with sICH who require EVDs.

Background and Purpose: Previous studies in acute ischemic stroke have demonstrated the importance of minimizing delays to endovascular treatment and keeping thrombectomy procedural times at <30-60 minutes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of thrombectomy procedural times on clinical outcomes., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively compared 319 patients having undergone thrombectomy according to procedural time (<30 minutes, 30-60 minutes, and >60 minutes) and time from stroke onset to endovascular therapy (≤6 or >6 hours). Clinical characteristics of patients with postprocedural intracranial hemorrhage were also assessed. Logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of poor outcome at 90 days (mRS ≥3)., Results: Greater age (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.06; P  = .016), higher admission NIHSS score (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04-1.16; P  = .001), history of diabetes mellitus (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.05-3.65; P  = .034), and postprocedural intracranial hemorrhage were independently associated with greater odds of poor outcome. Modified TICI scale scores of 2c (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.04-0.28; P  < .001) and 3 (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.06-0.38; P  < .001) were associated with reduced odds of poor outcome. Although not statistically significant on univariate analysis, onset to endovascular therapy of >6 hours was independently associated with increased odds of poor outcome (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.11-4.36; P  = .024) in the final multivariate model (area under the curve = 0.820). Procedural time was not independently associated with clinical outcome in the final multivariate model ( P  > .05)., Conclusions: Thrombectomy procedural times beyond 60 minutes are associated with lower revascularization rates and worse 90-day outcomes. Procedural time itself was not an independent predictor of outcome. While stroke thrombectomy procedures should be performed rapidly, our study emphasizes the significance of achieving revascularization despite the requisite procedural time. However, the potential for revascularization must be weighed against the risks associated with multiple thrombectomy attempts., (© 2020 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.)

Background: Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) is associated with high mortality. Little information exists to guide initial resuscitation in the emergency department (ED) setting. However, blood pressure variability (BPV) and mechanical ventilation (MV) are known risk factors for poor outcome in sICH., Objectives: The objective was to examine the associations between BPV and MV in ED (EDMV) and between two ED interventions - post-MV sedation and hyperosmolar therapy for elevated intracranial pressure - and BPV in the ED and in-hospital mortality., Methods: We retrospectively studied adults with sICH and external ventricular drainage who were transferred to a quaternary academic medical center from other hospitals between January 2011 and September 2015. We used multivariable linear and logistic regressions to measure associations between clinical factors, BPV, and outcomes., Results: We analyzed ED records from 259 patients. There were 143 (55%) EDMV patients who had more severe clinical factors and significantly higher values of all BPV indices than NoEDMV patients. Two clinical factors and none of the severity scores (i.e., Hunt and Hess, World Federation of Neurological Surgeons Grades, ICH score) correlated with BPV. Hyperosmolarity therapy without fluid resuscitation positively correlated with all BPV indices, whereas propofol infusion plus a narcotic negatively correlated with one of them. Two BPV indices, i.e., successive variation of blood pressure (BP SV ) and absolute difference in blood pressure between ED triage and departure (BP Depart - Triage ), were significantly associated with increased mortality rate., Conclusion: Patients receiving MV had significantly higher BPV, perhaps related to disease severity. Good ED sedation, hyperosmolar therapy, and fluid resuscitation were associated with less BPV and lower likelihood of death., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2020 Journal of Emergencies, Trauma, and Shock.)

In cervical traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI), the therapeutic effect of timing of surgery on neurological recovery remains uncertain. Additionally, the relationship between extent of decompression, imaging biomarker evidence of injury severity, and outcome is incompletely understood. We investigated the effect of timing of decompression on long-term neurological outcome in patients with complete spinal cord decompression confirmed on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) grade conversion was determined in 72 AIS grades A, B, and C patients 6 months after confirmed decompression. Thirty-two patients underwent decompressive surgery ultra-early (< 12 h), 25 underwent decompressive surgery early (12-24 h), and 15 underwent decompressive surgery late (> 24-138.5 h) after injury. Age, gender, injury mechanism, intramedullary lesion length (IMLL) on MRI, admission ASIA motor score, and surgical technique were not statistically different among groups. Motor complete patients ( p  = 0.009) and those with fracture dislocations ( p  = 0.01) tended to be operated on earlier. Improvement of one grade or more was present in 55.6% of AIS grade A, 60.9% of AIS grade B, and 86.4% of AIS grade C patients. Admission AIS motor score ( p  = 0.0004) and pre-operative IMLL ( p  = 0.00001) were the strongest predictors of neurological outcome. AIS grade improvement occurred in 65.6%, 60%, and 80% of patients who underwent decompression ultra-early, early, and late, respectively ( p  = 0.424). Multiple regression analysis revealed that IMLL was the only significant variable predictive of AIS grade conversion to a better grade (odds ratio, 0.908; confidence interval [CI], 0.862-0.957; p  < 0.001). We conclude that in patients with post-operative MRI confirmation of complete decompression following cervical TSCI, pre-operative IMLL, not the timing of surgery, determines long-term neurological outcome.

Introduction: The Sofia 6-French PLUS catheter is a recently approved aspiration catheter for use in neuro-endovascular procedures. The description of Sofia 6-French PLUS use in acute ischemic stroke is limited., Objective: The purpose of this article is to describe our initial experience with the new Sofia 6-French PLUS catheter for treatment of acute ischemic stroke and to report on its safety and efficacy., Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 54 thrombectomy cases treated with the Sofia 6-French PLUS catheter. Mean patient age and admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score were 65.30 (1.92) and 15.98 (0.89), respectively. The most common sites of vessel occlusion included the M1 segment (50%) and internal carotid artery (31%). Thrombectomy was performed using the direct aspiration first pass technique and/or aspiration in conjunction with a stent retriever., Results: Successful navigation of the Sofia 6-French PLUS catheter to the site of thromboembolus was achieved in 94% of cases. Revascularization was achieved in a total of 47 cases (87%). Mean time from groin access to revascularization was 42.79 (3.23) min. There were no catheter-related complications. Final outcome data was available for 44 patients (81%). Of these patients, 41% achieved a good outcome (modified Rankin scale score of 0-2) at 60-90 day follow-up, 41% had a poor outcome (modified Rankin 3-5) and eight patients died (18%)., Conclusions: We demonstrate the safe and effective use of the Sofia 6-French PLUS catheter for treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Future studies in the form of a randomized clinical trial or multicenter registry are warranted to further evaluate its comparative safety and efficacy.

Background and Purpose: Although covered side branches typically remain patent acutely following Pipeline Embolization Device embolization of intracranial aneurysms, the long-term fate of these vessels remains uncertain. We therefore elected to investigate factors that may influence the long-term patency of these covered side branches., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the long-term patency of side branches covered by the Pipeline Embolization Device at our institution during treatment of intracranial aneurysms with at least 6 months of conventional angiography follow-up. Procedural and anatomic factors that might influence the fate of covered side branches were explored., Results: One hundred forty-eight Pipeline Embolization Device treatments in 137 patients met the inclusion criteria. In 217 covered side branches, 29 (13.4%) were occluded on follow-up, and 40 (18.4%) were stenotic. All stenoses and occlusions were asymptomatic. In the entire cohort and in the largest subset of ophthalmic arteries, a smaller Pipeline Embolization Device diameter was associated with branch vessel occlusion ( P = .001, P = .013). When we considered stenotic and occluded side branches together, smaller Pipeline Embolization Device size ( P = .029) and administration of intraprocedural abciximab ( P = .03) predicted side branch stenosis/occlusion, while anterior choroidal branch type ( P = .003) was a predictor of gross side branch patency., Conclusions: A smaller Pipeline Embolization Device diameter is associated with delayed side branch stenosis/occlusion following Pipeline Embolization Device treatment, likely due to the higher metal density of smaller caliber devices. Although hemodynamic factors, including the potential for collateral flow, are still paramount in determining the fate of covered side branches, the amount of metal coverage at the side branch orifice also plays an important role., (© 2018 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.)

Purpose The Apollo Onyx Delivery Microcatheter (Ev3, Irvine, CA) is a detachable-tip microcatheter that was developed to reduce the risk of microcatheter entrapment during ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx) embolizations. We report our experience with the microcatheter in a variety of neurointerventional procedures. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all Onyx embolizations performed in the head, neck, and spine using the Apollo Onyx Delivery Microcatheter from its introduction at our institution in July 2014 to August 2016. Information regarding patient diagnoses, procedural details, as well as clinical outcomes were obtained from the electronic medical record, procedure reports, and relevant angiographic imaging. Results A total of 58 arterial pedicle Onyx embolizations were performed in 37 patients. There were no cases of microcatheter entrapment, early/inadvertent tip detachment, or vessel injury upon removal of the device. There were two instances (3.5%) of leakage of Onyx from the microcatheter detachment site during embolization, which did not result in adverse sequelae. Clinical outcomes were excellent, with nearly all embolizations achieving the intended goal. In multivariate analysis, length of Onyx reflux along the microcatheter tip and utilization of a higher viscosity agent, Onyx 34, were significantly associated with tip detachment. Conclusion The use of the Apollo Microcatheter is both safe and effective during neurointerventional embolizations using Onyx. Leakage of liquid embolic agent from the detachment site is an infrequent technical complication that may be encountered with the device.

Introduction: We sought to determine whether compliance with scheduled nimodipine in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients impacted patient outcomes, with the intent of guiding future nimodipine management in patients who experience nimodipine-induced hypotension., Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 118 consecutive aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients treated with the Maryland Low-Dose IV Heparin Infusion Protocol. Patients were categorized into three independent nimodipine compliance groups: ≥1 dose held, ≥1 dose split, and no missed or split-doses. A split-dose was defined as 30 mg of nimodipine administered every 2 h. Our primary outcome was discharge to home. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess predictors of discharge disposition as a function of nimodipine compliance., Results: Of the 118 patients, 20 (17%) received all nimodipine doses, 6 (5%) received split-doses but never had a full dose held, and 92 (78%) had ≥1 dose held. Forty-five percent of patients were discharged to home, including 75% who received all doses, 67% who received ≥1 split-doses, and 37% with ≥1 missed doses ( p  = 0.003). Multivariable analysis showed that, along with age and World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade, nimodipine compliance was an independent predictor of clinical outcome; compared to missing one or more nimodipine doses, full dosing compliance was associated with increased odds of discharge to home (odds ratio 5.20; 95% confidence intervals 1.46-18.56)., Conclusion: In aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients with modified Fisher scores 2 through 4 who are cotreated with a low-dose heparin infusion, full compliance with nimodipine dosing was associated with increased odds of discharge to home.

A specialized axonal ending, the basket cell "pinceau," encapsulates the Purkinje cell axon initial segment (AIS), exerting final inhibitory control over the integrated outflow of the cerebellar cortex. This nonconventional axo-axonic contact extends beyond the perisomatic chemical GABAergic synaptic boutons to the distal AIS, lacks both sodium channels and local exocytotic machinery, and yet contains a dense cluster of voltage-gated potassium channels whose functional contribution is unknown. Here, we show that ADAM11, a transmembrane noncatalytic disintegrin, is the first reported Kv1-interacting protein essential for localizing Kv1.1 and Kv1.2 subunit complexes to the distal terminal. Selective absence of these channels at the pinceau due to mutation of ADAM11 spares spontaneous GABA release from basket cells at the perisomatic synapse yet eliminates ultrarapid ephaptic inhibitory synchronization of Purkinje cell firing. Our findings identify a critical role for presynaptic K(+) channels at the pinceau in ephaptic control over the speed and stability of spike rate coding at the Purkinje cell AIS in mice., Significance Statement: This study identifies ADAM11 as the first essential molecule for the proper localization of potassium ion channels at presynaptic nerve terminals, where they modulate excitability and the release of neural transmitters. Genetic truncation of the transmembrane disintegrin and metalloproteinase protein ADAM11 resulted in the absence of Kv1 channels that are normally densely clustered at the terminals of basket cell axons in the cerebellar cortex. These specialized terminals are responsible for the release of the neurotransmitter GABA onto Purkinje cells and also display electrical signaling. In the ADAM11 mutant, GABAergic release was not altered, but the ultrarapid electrical signal was absent, demonstrating that the dense presynaptic cluster of Kv1 ion channels at these terminals mediate electrical transmission. Therefore, ADAM11 plays a critical role at this central synapse., (Copyright © 2015 the authors 0270-6474/15/3511433-12$15.00/0.)

Kv1.1 channels cluster at juxtaparanodes of myelinated axons in the vagus nerve, the primary conduit for parasympathetic innervation of the heart. Kcna1-null mice lacking these channels exhibit neurocardiac dysfunction manifested by atropine-sensitive atrioventricular conduction blocks and bradycardia that may culminate in sudden death. To evaluate whether loss of Kv1.1 channels alters electrogenic properties within the nerve, we compared the intrinsic excitability of single myelinated A- and Aδ-axons from excised cervical vagus nerves of young adult Kcna1-null mice and age-matched, wild-type littermate controls. Although action potential shapes and relative refractory periods varied little between genotypes, Kv1.1-deficient large myelinated A-axons showed a fivefold increase in susceptibility to 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-induced spontaneous ectopic firing. Since the repolarizing currents of juxtaparanodal Kv1 channels and nodal KCNQ potassium channels both act to dampen repetitive activity, we examined whether augmenting nodal KCNQ activation could compensate for Kv1.1 loss and reverse the spontaneous hyperexcitability in Kv1.1-deficient A-axons. Application of the selective KCNQ opener flupirtine raised A-axon firing threshold while profoundly suppressing 4-AP-induced spontaneous firing, demonstrating a functional synergy between the two compartments. We conclude that juxtaparanodal Kv1.1-deficiency causes intrinsic hyperexcitability in large myelinated axons in vagus nerve which could contribute to autonomic dysfunction in Kcna1-null mice, and that KCNQ openers reveal a transcompartmental synergy between Kv1 and KCNQ channels in regulating axonal excitability.