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Background: There are limited data regarding the prevalence of distinct clinical, neuroimaging and genetic markers among patients diagnosed with cerebral amyloid angiopathy–related inflammation (CAA-ri). We sought to determine the prevalence of clinical, radiological, genetic and cerebrospinal fluid biomarker findings in patients with CAA-ri. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies including patients with CAA-ri was conducted to determine the prevalence of clinical, neuroimaging, genetic and cerebrospinal fluid biomarker findings. Subgroup analyses were performed based on (1) prospective or retrospective study design and (2) CAA-ri diagnosis with or without available biopsy. We pooled the prevalence rates using random-effects models and assessed the heterogeneity using Cochran-Q and I 2 -statistics. Results: We identified 4 prospective and 17 retrospective cohort studies comprising 378 patients with CAA-ri (mean age, 71.5 years; women, 52%). The pooled prevalence rates were as follows: cognitive decline at presentation 70% ([95% CI, 54%–84%]; I 2 =82%), focal neurological deficits 55% ([95% CI, 40%–70%]; I 2 =82%), encephalopathy 54% ([95% CI, 39%–68%]; I 2 =43%), seizures 37% ([95% CI, 27%–49%]; I 2 =65%), headache 31% ([95% CI, 22%–42%]; I 2 =58%), T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery-hyperintense white matter lesions 98% ([95% CI, 93%–100%]; I 2 =44%), lobar cerebral microbleeds 96% ([95% CI, 92%–99%]; I 2 =25%), gadolinium enhancing lesions 54% ([95% CI, 42%–66%]; I 2 =62%), cortical superficial siderosis 51% ([95% CI, 34%–68%]; I 2 =77%) and lobar macrohemorrhage 40% ([95% CI, 11%–73%]; I 2 =88%). The prevalence rate of the ApoE (Apolipoprotein E) ε4/ε4 genotype was 34% ([95% CI, 17%–53%]; I 2 =76%). Subgroup analyses demonstrated no differences in these prevalence rates based on study design and diagnostic strategy. Conclusions: Cognitive decline was the most common clinical feature. Hyperintense T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery white matter lesions and lobar cerebral microbleeds were by far the most prevalent neuroimaging findings. Thirty-four percent of patients with CAA-ri have homozygous ApoE ε4/ε4 genotype and scarce data exist regarding the cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers and its significance in these patients.

Background and ObjectivesThe role of IV thrombolysis (IVT) in patients with large vessel occlusions (LVOs) administered before transfer from a primary stroke center (PSC) to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC) is questioned.MethodsWe included observational studies of patients with an LVO receiving IVT at a PSC before their endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) transfer compared with those receiving EVT alone. Efficacy outcomes included excellent or good functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] scores of 0–1 or 0–2, respectively) and reduced disability (mRS shift analysis) at 3 months. Safety outcomes included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) within 48 hours and 3-month all-cause mortality. Associations are reported with crude odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted ORs (aORs).ResultsWe identified 6 studies, including 1,723 participants (mean age: 71 years, 51% women; 53% treated with IVT at a PSC). The mean onset-to-groin puncture time did not differ between the 2 groups (mean difference: −20 minutes, 95% CI −115.89 to 76.04). Patients receiving IVT before transfer had higher odds of 3-month reduced disability (common OR = 1.98, 95% CI 1.17–3.35), excellent (OR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.28–2.26), and good (OR = 1.62.95% CI 1.15–2.29) functional outcomes, with no increased sICH (OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.54–1.39) or mortality (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.37–0.83) risks. In the adjusted analyses, patients receiving IVT at a PSC had higher odds of excellent functional outcome (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.00–1.74) and a lower probability for mortality (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.27–0.93).DiscussionPatients with LVO receiving IVT at a PSC before an EVT transfer have a higher likelihood of excellent functional recovery and lower odds of mortality, with no increase in sICH and onset-to-groin puncture times, compared with those transferred for EVT without previously receiving IVT.

BACKGROUND Automatic noninvasive oscillometric blood pressure (NIBP) devices measure mean arterial pressure (MAP); systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) are algorithmically derived from MAP. The most invalid NIBP measure is SBP, yet stroke practitioners use it to manage blood pressure (BP) in accordance with thrombolysis guidelines. We determined agreement between SBP, DBP, and MAP measured manually and by NIBP in patients treated with alteplase. METHODS A multisite prospective observational study of NIBP and manual BP agreement was conducted in patients treated with alteplase immediately after bolus and infusion initiation using methods established in guidelines for the assessment of device agreement. Dual auscultatory stethoscopes were used by 2 investigators to ensure agreement with each manual BP variable and MAP was calculated using the standard formula for manual BP measures. Data were analyzed using Bland–Altman analyses and Lin concordance correlation coefficient. RESULTS A total of 7 hospitals participated, collecting 5 sets of manual/NIBP BPs in 95 patients treated with alteplase (475 paired measures). Range in limits of agreement were SBP: −28.91 to 21.41 mmHg with Lin's concordance correlation coefficient 0.8; DBP: −21.0 to 19.0 mmHg with Lin's concordance correlation coefficient 0.69; and MAP: −27.5 to 16.5 mmHg with Lin's concordance correlation coefficient 0.7. There was no difference in device agreement by BP device manufacturer brand. Differences in SBP, DBP, and MAP between NIBP and manual sphygmomanometry failed to reach guideline recommendations requiring 80% of measures to fall within a 5 mmHg difference and 95% of measures to fall within a 10 mmHg difference. CONCLUSION NIBP devices produce significantly different BP measures then manual sphygmomanometry auscultated BP. Because NIBP devices rely on the MAP and do not directly measure SBP and DBP, definition of what constitutes safe MAP boundaries in patients treated with alteplase should be determined when automatic BP measurement is used in clinical practice.

Background Transfer times from primary stroke centers and acute stroke–ready hospitals to higher levels of care are often excessive, prompting some to suggest ambulance bypass regulations. Since barriers to rapid transfer have never been fully explored, we sought to understand stroke coordinators’ experiences with transfer of patients with hyperacute stroke from lower to higher levels of stroke centers. Methods We conducted a national focus group study with primary stroke center stroke coordinators who had recent experience overseeing transfer of a patient with hyperacute stroke to a higher‐level stroke center. Interviews were conducted using prescripted open‐ended questions; information was recorded and data were transcribed for theme identification. Results A total of 23 stroke coordinators participated representing the Northeast, Mid‐Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, and Western United States. Findings were grouped into 3 main categories: Internal Primary Stroke Center Factors, Transport Factors, and External Comprehensive Stroke Center Factors. Within the primary stroke center group, themes slowing transfer were exclusively physician based, whereas themes emerging from the transport category were associated with poor transport company processes. Within the comprehensive stroke center category, themes were all associated with complex hospital processes and communication. Conclusion Important contributors to efficient transfer of patients with hyperacute stroke are beyond the control of stroke coordinators, requiring cross‐system collaboration and improved administrative management to resolve. Quantification of these factors is warranted to support transfer system redesign for rapid access to care for patients with stroke.

Today, it seems prudent to reconsider how ultrasound technology can be used for providing intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring that will result in better patient outcomes and decreased length and cost of hospitalization. An extensive and rapidly growing literature suggests that the essential hemodynamic information provided by transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography neuromonitoring (TCDNM) would provide effective monitoring modality for improving outcomes after different types of vascular, neurosurgical, orthopedic, cardiovascular, and cardiothoracic surgeries and some endovascular interventional or diagnostic procedures, like cardiac catheterization or cerebral angiography. Understanding, avoiding, and preventing peri- or postoperative complications, including neurological deficits following abovementioned surgeries, endovascular intervention, or diagnostic procedures, represents an area of great public and economic benefit for society, especially considering the aging population. The American Society of Neurophysiologic Monitoring and American Society of Neuroimaging Guidelines Committees formed a joint task force and developed updated guidelines to assist in the use of TCDNM in the surgical and intensive care settings. Specifically, these guidelines define (1) the objectives of TCD monitoring; (2) the responsibilities and behaviors of the neurosonographer during monitoring; (3) instrumentation and acquisition parameters; (4) safety considerations; (5) contemporary rationale for TCDNM; (6) TCDNM perspectives; and (7) major recommendations.

BackgroundEarly neurologic deterioration (END) following ischemic stroke is a serious event and is associated with poor outcomes. However, the incidence and predictors of END after stroke thrombectomy for emergent large vessel occlusion are largely unknown.MethodsThe baseline characteristics of patients enrolled in the COMPASS trial (NCT02466893) were analyzed. The primary outcome was worsening of ≥4 National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) points 24 hours post thrombectomy (4+ END24) and the secondary outcome was deterioration of ≥2 points (2+ END24).ResultsAmong 270 patients, 27 (10%) developed 4+ END24and 42 (16%) had 2+ END24. Those with 4+ END24were older (76.4±12.9 vs 70.9±12.9 years; p=0.04), had a higher prevalence of hypertension (96% vs 69%; p=0.003), diabetes (41% vs 27%; p=0.13) and higher pretreatment systolic blood pressure (SBP) (170.4±32.6 vs 157.6±28.1 mmHg; p=0.03). More 4+ END24patients had failed reperfusion: Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≤2a (26% vs 8%; p=0.003). In unadjusted analysis, older patients and those with hypertension, diabetes, elevated SBP and failed reperfusion had higher odds of 4+ END24. In adjusted analysis, age increase by 5 years led to an increase in 4+ END24of 28%, diabetes increased odds of 2.6 and failed reperfusion increased odds of 4.5. In the multivariable analysis for the secondary outcome, age (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.109 to 1.593), diabetes (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.247 to 5.764) and failed reperfusion (OR 7.2; 95% CI 0.055 to 0.349) were also significant predictors of 2+ END24.ConclusionsOlder patients with acute ischemic stroke who have a history of diabetes or hypertension, with elevated pretreatment SBP and failed reperfusion are at a higher risk of END following stroke thrombectomy for emergent large vessel occlusion.

Background and ObjectivesProlonged poststroke cardiac rhythm monitoring (PCM) reveals a substantial proportion of patients with ischemic stroke (IS) with atrial fibrillation (AF) not detected by conventional rhythm monitoring strategies. We evaluated the association between PCM and the institution of stroke preventive strategies and stroke recurrence.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases to identify studies reporting stroke recurrence rates in patients with history of recent IS or TIA receiving PCM compared with patients receiving conventional cardiac rhythm monitoring. Pairwise meta-analyses were performed under the random effects model. To explore for differences between the monitoring strategies, we combined direct and indirect evidence for any given pair of monitoring devices assessed within a randomized controlled trial (RCT).ResultsWe included 8 studies (5 RCTs, 3 observational; 2,994 patients). Patients receiving PCM after their index event had a higher rate of AF detection and anticoagulant initiation in RCTs (risk ratio [RR] 3.91, 95% CI 2.54–6.03; RR 2.16, 95% CI 1.66–2.80, respectively) and observational studies (RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.57–2.70; RR 2.01, 95% CI 1.43–2.83, respectively). PCM was associated with a lower risk of recurrent stroke during follow-up in observational studies (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.15–0.59), but not in RCTs (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.49–1.07). In indirect analyses of RCTs, the likelihood of AF detection and anticoagulation initiation was higher for implantable loop recorders compared with Holter monitors and external loop recorders.DiscussionPCM after an IS or TIA can lead to higher rates of AF detection and anticoagulant initiation. There is no solid RCT evidence supporting that PCM may be associated with lower stroke recurrence risk.

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic, disabling neurodegenerative disorder. Objective: To predict a future diagnosis of PD using questionnaires and simple non-invasive clinical tests. Methods: Participants in the prospective Kuakini Honolulu-Asia Aging Study (HAAS) were evaluated biannually between 1995–2017 by PD experts using standard diagnostic criteria. Autopsies were sought on all deaths. We input simple clinical and risk factor variables into an ensemble-tree based machine learning algorithm and derived models to predict the probability of developing PD. We also investigated relationships of predictive models and neuropathologic features such as nigral neuron density. Results: The study sample included 292 subjects, 25 of whom developed PD within 3 years and 41 by 5 years. 116 (46%) of 251 subjects not diagnosed with PD underwent autopsy. Light Gradient Boosting Machine modeling of 12 predictors correctly classified a high proportion of individuals who developed PD within 3 years (area under the curve (AUC) 0.82, 95%CI 0.76–0.89) or 5 years (AUC 0.77, 95%CI 0.71–0.84). A large proportion of controls who were misclassified as PD had Lewy pathology at autopsy, including 79%of those who died within 3 years. PD probability estimates correlated inversely with nigral neuron density and were strongest in autopsies conducted within 3 years of index date (r = –0.57, p

Background: Right to left shunt (RLS), including patent foramen ovale (PFO), is a recognized risk factor for stroke. RLS/PFO diagnosis can be made by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or transcranial Doppler (TCD). A multicenter, prospectively enrolled device trial of robot-assisted TCD (raTCD) vs TTE for RLS detection (BUBL, NCT04604015) was completed. This demonstrated raTCD detecting all and large RLS at approximately 3 times the rate of TTE (primary outcome, any RLS: raTCD 64% vs TTE 20% [absolute difference 43.4% (95% CI 34.3%-52.5%), p < 0.001]). It is unknown if these results are generalizable to routine practice. Methods: We conducted a multi-site retrospective review of prospectively collected “real-world” clinical data of raTCD for RLS diagnosis. All patients referred for a clinical study at the participating sites who underwent raTCD were included. raTCD was performed with standard TCD bubble study technique at all sites. Outcomes included demographics, rate of RLS detection, all and large (Spencer Logarithmic Scale ≥3), as well as “no window” rate. These results were compared to the results of BUBL with descriptive statistics and 2-sample proportion tests. Results: There were 350 patients who underwent clinical raTCD across three participating sites. In this population, the mean age was 56 ± 13 years compared to 59 ± 14 years in BUBL (p = 0.03, 95% CI 0.20-5.49). Both cohorts were 46% female. The clinical population had any RLS on raTCD in 54% (189/350) compared to 64% in BUBL, which was not a significant difference (p= 0.14, 95% CI -0.02-0.18). Large RLS was detected in 26% (91/350) of the clinical population as compared to 28% in BUBL, which was also not a significant difference (p = 0.89, 95% CI -0.08-0.11). The “no window” rate in the clinical population was 5% (18/350), compared to 8% in BUBL (p = 0.39, 95% CI -0.03-0.08). Conclusions: The same raTCD device that was safe and 3 times more likely to diagnose RLS than TTE in a device trial detected all and large RLS in clinical practice at a rate similar to that demonstrated in the device trial. These results further support the notion that raTCD may allow providers to achieve the known sensitivity of TCD for RLS and PFO detection without the need for an experienced operator, even in a “real world” clinical setting.

Background: Few data exists on acute stroke treatment in patients with pre-existing disability (PD) since they are usually excluded from clinical trials. Methods: A pre-specified subgroup analysis of tPA-eligible patients with PD enrolled in a prospective multicenter trial of Mobile Stroke Units (MSUs) vs standard management by emergency medical services (EMS). All patients had baseline mRS scores. Co-primary outcomes were mean utility-weighted modified Rankin Scale score (uw-mRS) and return to baseline mRS at 90 days. Linear and logistic regression models compared outcomes in patients with vs without PD, and patients with PD treated by MSU vs EMS. Time metrics, safety, quality of life, and health-care utilization were also compared. Results: Of 1047 patients, 254 had baseline mRS >= 2 (159 MSU, 95 EMS; 31% mRS 2, 52% mRS 3, 17% mRS 4). Compared to patients without disability, patients with PD were older, had higher NIHSS, more comorbidities, less often lived at home, were treated slower, and had less thrombectomy. Patients with PD had worse 90-day uw-mRS (0.39 vs 0.80), higher mortality, more health-care utilization and worse quality of life than patients without PD. However, rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and final diagnoses of stroke mimics were similar between groups, and 52% of patients with PD returned to their baseline mRS. Patients with PD treated within the first hour had better 90-day uw-mRS than those treated later (0.48 vs 0.36, p=0.01). Comparing patients with PD treated by MSU vs EMS, time from last-known-well to tPA bolus was shorter (82 vs 111 min), and 24% vs 0% were treated in the first hour. Among patients with PD, MSU patients had non-significantly better 90-day uw-mRS (0.41 vs 0.35, p=0.09) and higher rate of returning to baseline mRS (56% vs 44%, p=0.09) than EMS patients. There was no interaction between either time to treatment (p=0.24) or MSU vs EMS group assignment (p= 0.42), 90-day uw-mRS, and PD vs no disability status. Conclusion: Although outcomes after stroke are less favorable in patients with vs without PD, in a large, controlled trial, we found no interaction between baseline disability and the benefit of MSU treatment. Our data support the earliest treatment of acute stroke patients regardless of premorbid functional status.

Introduction: While the goal of IV tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) is to prevent infarction, few data exist on averted stroke. Methods: Secondary analysis of a multicenter trial from 2014-2020 comparing outcomes between patients treated for stroke by mobile stroke unit (MSU) vs standard care (SC). The analytical cohort were patients with suspected stroke treated with IV TPA. The primary outcome was a time-defined averted stroke diagnosis, defined as a final diagnosis of stroke with resolution of presenting symptoms/signs by 24 hours. The secondary outcome was a tissue-defined averted stroke diagnosis, defined as a final diagnosis of stroke with resolution of presenting symptoms/signs by 24 hours and no acute infarction/hemorrhage on imaging. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate associations between study exposures (demographics, comorbidities, stroke characteristics) and outcomes. Results: Among 1009 patients with a median last known well-to-TPA time of 87 minutes, 276 patients (27%) had a time-defined averted stroke (31% MSU, 21% SC) and 159 patients (16%) had a tissue-defined averted stroke (18% MSU, 11% SC). Factors independently associated with time-defined averted stroke were younger age (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.96-0.99), female sex (0R, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.36-0.74), hyperlipidemia (OR, 1.81, 95% CI, 1.24-2.64), normal premorbid function (0R, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.37-3.67), lower glucose (OR, 0.996; 95% CI, 0.993-0.999), lower MAP (OR, 0.991; 95% CI, 0.983-0.998), MSU care (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.21-2.62), lower NIH stroke scale (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.86-0.93), and no large vessel occlusion (LVO) (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.32-0.83). For tissue-based averted stroke, younger age, female sex, hyperlipidemia, lower MAP, MSU treatment, lower NIH stroke scale, and no LVO were significantly associated. Conclusion: In a modern acute stroke trial, one-in-four patients treated with TPA for stroke recovered within 24 hours and one-in-six had no demonstrable brain injury on imaging. Younger age, female sex, hyperlipidemia, lower MAP, MSU care, lower stroke severity, and no LVO may increase the odds of averting stroke.

The Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU) consensus panel proposed six Doppler velocity cut points for classifying internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis of 50% and 70% according to the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) method. Their relative accuracies have not been compared.Meta-analysis performed following comprehensive literature review and identification of manuscripts with graphs of individual patient NASCET ICA stenosis measured by arteriography versus ICA peak-systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV) and ICA PSV to common carotid artery (CCA) PSV. True positives, true negatives, false positives, and false negatives were calculated and used in two-level mixed effects models. Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated. Areas under the ROC curves were estimated.Nine studies performed between 1993 and 2016 were identified after review of 337 manuscripts. There were 1738 bifurcation data points extracted for PSV, 1026 for EDV, and 775 for ICA/CCA ratio. The highest sensitivity was 96% (95% CI: 93%, 98%) for PSV of 125 cm/s (50% stenosis) and highest specificity 86% (95% CI: 71%, 93%) for PSV of 230 cm/s (70% stenosis). Areas under the ROC curves ranged from a high of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.92, 0.95) for PSV (50% stenosis) to a low of 0.86 (95% CI: 0.84, 0.88) for EDV (70% stenosis).The SRU consensus Doppler cut points vary in their accuracies for predicting ICA stenosis. The PSV cut points have tradeoffs: high sensitivity/low specificity for 50% stenosis and high specificity/moderate sensitivity for 70% stenosis.

Background Mobile stroke units (MSUs) are ambulances with staff and a computed tomographic scanner that may enable faster treatment with tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) than standard m...

Background Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been shown to improve functional outcome in patients with anterior circulation strokes and emergent large‐vessel occlusion (ELVO). Despite successful recanalization, some of these patients require decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC). We aimed to study the predictors of DHC in successfully recanalized anterior circulation ELVO patients. Methods Consecutive patients with anterior circulation ELVO treated with MT during a 6‐year period were evaluated. Only successfully recanalized patients (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grades 2b, 2c, or 3) after MT were included in the analysis. Baseline demographic, clinical, and procedural variables were compared between patients requiring DHC after successful recanalization versus those who did not. Results Of 453 successfully recanalized patients with ELVO, 47 who underwent DHC had higher admission blood glucose levels (170±88 versus 142±66 mg/dL; P =0.008), lower median Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores (9 [interquartile range, 8–10] versus 10 [interquartile range, 9–10]; P =0.002), higher prevalence of poor collaterals on pretreatment computed tomography angiogram (75% versus 26%; P P =0.001) compared with those who did not undergo DHC. In a multivariable model after adjusting for multiple confounders, higher admission blood glucose levels ( P =0.031), poor collaterals on computed tomography angiography ( P P Conclusions Higher admission blood glucose levels, poor collateral pattern on computed tomography angiography, and higher number of passes during MT were independently associated with DHC in patients with anterior circulation ELVO achieving successful recanalization following MT.

BackgroundEmergent large vessel occlusion (ELVO) acute ischemic stroke is a time-sensitive disease.ObjectiveTo describe our experience with artificial intelligence (AI) for automated ELVO detection and its impact on stroke workflow.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review of code stroke cases in which VizAI was used for automated ELVO detection. Patients with ELVO identified by VizAI were compared with patients with ELVO identified by usual care. Details of treatment, CT angiography (CTA) interpretation by blinded neuroradiologists, and stroke workflow metrics were collected. Univariate statistical comparisons and linear regression analysis were performed to quantify time savings for stroke metrics.ResultsSix hundred and eighty consecutive code strokes were evaluated by AI; 104 patients were diagnosed with ELVO during the study period. Forty-five patients with ELVO were identified by AI and 59 by usual care. Sixty-nine mechanical thrombectomies were performed.Median time from CTA to team notification was shorter for AI ELVOs (7 vs 26 min; pConclusionsAI automated alerts can be incorporated into a comprehensive stroke center hub and spoke system of care. The use of AI to detect ELVO improves clinically meaningful stroke workflow metrics, resulting in faster treatment times for mechanical thrombectomy.

Background and Purpose Right to left shunt (RLS), from patent foramen ovale (PFO) or elsewhere, is a recognized risk factor for stroke. Current standard of care for RLS diagnosis includes transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) which is insensitive, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) which is invasive, and transcranial Doppler (TCD) which has excellent sensitivity and specificity for RLS but is heavily operator dependent and expertise is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the RLS detection rate of a novel robotic‐assisted TCD (ra‐TCD) to standard of care diagnostic techniques, including TTE, TEE, and TCD. Methods This is a multicenter, prospective, single‐arm, nonsignificant risk device study of ra‐TCD versus TTE for RLS diagnosis in adult patients who present with neurological signs and symptoms that include embolic stroke or transient ischemic attack on the differential diagnosis. Up to 150 subjects will be enrolled at up to seven centers considering the prevalence of PFO, suboptimal transtemporal windows, and potential dropouts. Enrolled patients will undergo ra‐TCD supine and at 45° in a manner otherwise in line with standard of care TCD bubble technique. The enrolled patients will have undergone TTE, and optionally standard TCD and TEE, per usual care. Results The primary efficacy endpoint is percent detection of RLS by ra‐TCD compared against TTE. The primary safety endpoint is the incidence of device‐related serious adverse events. Conclusions This is the first multicenter, prospective study evaluating the accuracy, feasibility, and safety of novel ra‐TCD for the diagnosis of RLS as compared to standard of care diagnostics.

We sought to determine the diagnostic agreement between the revised ultrasonography approach by the German Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM) and the established Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU) consensus criteria for the grading of carotid artery disease. Post-hoc analysis of a prospective multicenter study, in which patients underwent ultrasonography and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) of carotid arteries for validation of the DEGUM approach. According to DEGUM and SRU ultrasonography criteria, carotid arteries were independently categorized into clinically relevant NASCET strata (normal, mild [1-49 %], moderate [50-69 %], severe [70-99 %], occlusion). On DSA, carotid artery findings according to NASCET were considered the reference standard. We analyzed 158 ultrasonography and DSA carotid artery pairs. There was substantial agreement between both ultrasonography approaches for severe (κw 0.76, CI95 %: 0.66-0.86), but only fair agreement for moderate (κw 0.38, CI95 %: 0.19-0.58) disease categories. Compared with DSA, both ultrasonography approaches were of equal sensitivity (79.7 % versus 79.7 %; p = 1.0) regarding the identification of severe stenosis, yet the DEGUM approach was more specific than the SRU approach (70.2 % versus 56.4 %, p = 0.0002). There was equality of accuracy parameters (p 0.05) among both ultrasonography approaches for the other ranges of carotid artery disease. While the sensitivity was equivalent, false-positive identification of severe carotid artery stenosis appears to be more frequent when using the SRU ultrasonography approach than the revised multiparametric DEGUM approach.ZIEL: Bestimmung der diagnostischen Übereinstimmung zwischen den multiparametrischen Ultraschallkriterien der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Ultraschall in der Medizin (DEGUM) und den Konsenskriterien der Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU) hinsichtlich der Graduierung von Karotisstenosen. Post-hoc-Analyse einer prospektiven multizentrischen Studie, welche die multiparametrischen DEGUM-Ultraschallkriterien mit der digitalen Subtraktionsangiografie validierte. Die Graduierung von Karotisstenosen in klinisch relevante NASCET-Kategorien (normal, leichtgradig (1–49 %), mittelgradig (50–69 %), hochgradig (70–99 %), Verschluss) erfolgte verblindet gemäß der DEGUM- und SRU-Ultraschallkriterien. Als Referenz wurde der nach NASCET bestimmte angiografische Stenosegrad verwendet. Wir analysierten 158 konsekutive Untersuchungen aus Ultraschall und Angiografie. Zwischen beiden sonografischen Graduierungsansätzen fand sich eine gute Übereinstimmung für hochgradige (κw 0,76; 95 %-KI 0,66–0,86) und eine mäßige Übereinstimmung für mittelgradige Stenosen (κw 0,38; 95 %-KI 0,19–0,58). Verglichen mit der Referenzangiografie fand sich kein Unterschied hinsichtlich Sensitivität für hochgradige Stenosen (79,7 % versus 79,7 %; p = 1,0), jedoch eine höhere Spezifität der DEGUM-Kriterien (70,2 % versus 56,4 %; p = 0,0002). In den sonstigen Stenosekategorien bestanden keine Unterschiede der Güteparameter (p 0,05). Verglichen mit den SRU-Kriterien weist die Graduierung nach DEGUM eine höhere Spezifität bei der Detektion hochgradiger Stenosen auf. Die Integration von mehr hämodynamischen Parametern scheint somit die Anzahl falsch positiver Diagnosen zu verringern.

We thank the Editors of JNIS for alerting us in advance to the concerns about SELECT2 raised by Jadhav1 and colleagues and appreciate the opportunity to explain the rationale for the study design and clarify the benefits of including perfusion imaging-based selection criteria. We are confident that SELECT2 will provide high-level, reliable data regarding the safety and efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for large core patients. The choice of imaging modality for identifying large core in acute ischemic stroke remains an area of considerable debate. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), computed tomography (CT) or MR perfusion imaging and Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) have all been proposed and studied. At present, there is no clear consensus on which imaging modality is best for identifying patients with large core. It is important to recognize that the early window randomized EVT trials used a broad range of imaging selection criteria. The imaging selection criteria for the initial five pivotal trials ranged from allowing patients to be enrolled regardless of the degree of early infarct signs,2 to studies that required a specific ASPECTS score range in addition to other imaging criteria,3–5 to EXTEND IA6 where the ASPECTS score was not considered, and CT perfusion (CTP) mismatch with a maximum estimated core size was required. All five trials were successful but with substantial variability in the treatment effect, leaving uncertainty as to the optimal imaging approach as well as whether there are patient subgroups who do not benefit. In fact, those utilizing perfusion mismatch criteria (EXTEND-IA, SWIFT PRIME) had higher rates of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores 0–2 and larger treatment effects, compared with other trials.2–6 Even if a treatment has a clear benefit in most patients, there can be important subgroups that do not …

A proactive clinical approach to stroke care improved functional outcomes with implementation of specialized in-hospital stroke units, urgently delivered systemic thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy and most recently with mobile stroke units deployed in the field. An 18% absolute difference in outcomes as a shift across all modified Rankin Scale strata at 3 months in the recent Berlin study may not be explained by just 8.8% more patients treated within the golden hour for thrombolytic treatment from symptom onset. These findings parallel the findings in the largest controlled multi-center BEST-MSU trial (Benefits of Stroke Treatment Delivered Using a Mobile Stroke Unit) to date. A shortcoming in blinding of the investigators to the mode of transportation is similar to blinding to the endovascular treatment in PROBE (Prospective Randomized Open, Blinded End-Point) design used in thrombectomy trials. A faster access to stroke experts and brain imaging in the field for all patients suspect of stroke regardless symptom nature, severity, duration or resolution delivered by mobile stroke units is likely the reason for improved outcomes akin the impact observed in the initial multidisciplinary approach to in-hospital stroke units and reperfusion therapies delivery.

Background and Purpose: Accumulating evidence from randomized controlled clinical trials suggests that tenecteplase may represent an effective treatment alternative to alteplase for acute ischemic stroke. In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we sought to compare the efficacy and safety outcomes of intravenous tenecteplase to intravenous alteplase administration for acute ischemic stroke patients with large vessel occlusions (LVOs). Methods: We searched MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online) and Scopus for published randomized controlled clinical trials providing outcomes of acute ischemic stroke with confirmed LVO receiving intravenous thrombolysis with either tenecteplase at different doses or alteplase at a standard dose of 0.9 mg/kg. The primary outcome was the odds of modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 at 3 months. Results: We included 4 randomized controlled clinical trials including a total of 433 patients. Patients with confirmed LVO receiving tenecteplase had higher odds of modified Rankin Scale scores of 0 to 2 (odds ratio, 2.06 [95% CI, 1.15–3.69]), successful recanalization (odds ratio, 3.05 [95% CI, 1.73–5.40]), and functional improvement defined as 1-point decrease across all modified Rankin Scale grades (common odds ratio, 1.84 [95% CI, 1.18–2.87]) at 3 months compared with patients with confirmed LVO receiving alteplase. There was little or no heterogeneity between the results provided from included studies regarding the aforementioned outcomes (I 2 ≤20%). No difference in the outcomes of early neurological improvement, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, any intracranial hemorrhage, and the rates of modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 1 or all-cause mortality at 3 months was detected between patients with LVO receiving intravenous thrombolysis with either tenecteplase or alteplase. Conclusions: Acute ischemic stroke patients with LVO receiving intravenous thrombolysis with tenecteplase have significantly better recanalization and clinical outcomes compared with patients receiving intravenous alteplase.

Recent extended window trials support the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy in anterior circulation large vessel occlusions with clinical-radiographic dissociation. Using trial imaging criteria, 6% were found eligible for MT in the EW in a hub-and-spoke system. We examined the eligibility and outcomes in consecutive extended window-mechanical thrombectomy patients using more pragmatic selection criteria.We retrospectively analyzed single-institution data of anterior circulation large vessel occlusions patients presenting between 6-24 h who underwent mechanical thrombectomy based on a priori determined criteria including non-contrast CT head ASPECTS ≥ 6 and/or CTA collateral scores ASITN/SIR 2-4. Primary outcomes consisted of post-mechanical thrombectomy TICI 2b-3 and 3-month modified Rankin scores; safety outcomes consisted of in-hospital mortality and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.767 consecutive acute ischemic strokes patients presented within the 6-24 hour window, and of these 48 (6%) anterior circulation large vessel occlusions patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy. In this cohort the mean age was 63±17 years, 56% were male, the median NIHSS was 16 [IQR 10-19], the median ASPECTS was 9 (IQR 8-10), and 79% (n=38) had good CTA collaterals. Occlusions were primarily M1 MCA (46%), with 29% tandem occlusions. Successful recanalization (mTICI 2b or 3) was achieved in 73% (n=35), while 6% (n=3) of patients developed symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. In-hospital mortality was 25% (n=12) while 40% (n=19) achieved 3-month modified Rankin Scores 0-2.Our data suggest the use of pragmatic imaging approach of ASPECTS ≥6 with CTA collateral grade in extended time window which is already established in most hospitals.

Background: Limited data exist regarding the prevalence of clinical and neuroimaging manifestations among patients diagnosed with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). We sought to determine the prevalence of clinical phenotypes and radiological markers in patients with CAA. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies including patients with CAA was conducted to primarily assess the prevalence of clinical phenotypes and neuroimaging markers as available in the included studies. Sensitivity analyses were performed based on the (1) retrospective or prospective study design and (2) probable or unspecified CAA status. We pooled the prevalence rates using random-effects models and assessed the heterogeneity using the Cochran Q and I 2 statistics. Results: We identified 12 prospective and 34 retrospective studies including 7159 patients with CAA. The pooled prevalence rates were cerebral microbleeds (52% [95% CI, 43%–60%]; I 2 =93%), cortical superficial siderosis (49% [95% CI, 38%–59%]; I 2 =95%), dementia or mild cognitive impairment (50% [95% CI, 35%–65%]; I 2 =97%), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH; 44% [95% CI, 27%–61%]; I 2 =98%), transient focal neurological episodes (48%; 10 studies [95% CI, 29%–67%]; I 2 =97%), lacunar infarcts (30% [95% CI, 25%–36%]; I 2 =78%), high grades of perivascular spaces located in centrum semiovale (56% [95% CI, 44%–67%]; I 2 =88%) and basal ganglia (21% [95% CI, 2%–51%]; I 2 =98%), and white matter hyperintensities with moderate or severe Fazekas score (53% [95% CI, 40%–65%]; I 2 =91%). The only neuroimaging marker that was associated with higher odds of recurrent ICH was cortical superficial siderosis (odds ratio, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.01–2.46]; I 2 =47%). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated a higher prevalence of ICH (53% versus 16%; P =0.03) and transient focal neurological episodes (57% versus 17%; P =0.03) among retrospective studies compared with prospective studies. No difference was documented between the prevalence rates based on the CAA status. Conclusions: Approximately one-half of hospital-based cohort of CAA patients was observed to have cerebral microbleeds, cortical superficial siderosis, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, ICH, or transient focal neurological episodes. Cortical superficial siderosis was the only neuroimaging marker that was associated with higher odds of ICH recurrence. Future population-based studies among well-defined CAA cohorts are warranted to corroborate our findings.

BackgroundIn anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the extended time window, the guidelines recommend advanced imaging (ADVI) to select patients for endovascular therapy (EVT). However, questions remain regarding its availability and applicability in the real world. It is unclear whether an approach to the extended window EVT that does not use ADVI would be equivalent.MethodsIn April 2022, a literature search was performed to identified randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies describing 90-day outcomes. We performed a meta-analysis of the proportion of aggregate using a random effect to estimate rates of functional independence, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤2 at 90 days, mean mRS, mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) stratified by imaging modality.ResultsFour RCTs and 28 observational studies were included. The pooled proportion of functional independence among patients selected by ADVI was 44% (95% CI 39% to 48%; I2=80%) and 48% (95% CI 41% to 55%; I2=75%) with non-contrast CT/CT angiography (NCCT/CTA) (p=0.36). Mean mRS with ADVI was 2.88 (95% CI 2.36 to 3.41; I2=0.0%) and 2.79 (95% CI 2.31 to 3.27; I2=0.0%) with NCCT (p=0.79). Mortality in patients selected by ADVI was 13% (95% CI 10% to 17%; I2=81%) and 16% (95% CI 12% to 22%; I2=69%) with NCCT (p=0.29). sICH with ADVI was 4% (95% CI 3% to 7%; I2=73%) and 6% with NCCT/CTA (95% CI 4% to 8%; I2=6%, p=0.27).ConclusionsOur study suggests that, in anterior circulation LVO, the rates of functional independence may be similar when patients are selected using ADVI or NCCT for EVT in the extended time window. A simplified triage protocol does not seem to increase mortality or sICH.Protocol registration number(PROSPERO ID: CRD42021236092).

Objective To investigate the association of blood pressure BP excursions, defined as greater than 185 SBP or greater than 105 DBP, with the probability of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and worse functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Methods We performed a post hoc analysis of the CLOTBUST-ER trial. Serial BP measurements were conducted using automated cuff recording according to the recommended BP protocol guidelines for tPA administration. The outcomes were prespecified efficacy and safety endpoints of CLOTBUST-ER. Results The mean number of serial BP recordings per patient was 37. Of the 674 patients, 227 (34%) had at least one BP excursion (>185/105 mmHg) during the first 24 h following tPA-bolus. The majority of BP excursions (46%) occurred within the first 75 min from tPA-bolus. Patients with at least one BP excursion in the first 24 h following tPA bolus had significantly lower rates of independent functional outcome at 90 days (31 vs. 40.1%, P = 0.028). The total number of BP excursions was associated with decreased odds of 24-h clinical recovery (OR = 0.88, 95% CI:0.80-0.96), 24-h neurological improvement (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.81-0.94), 7-day functional improvement (common OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.97), 90-day functional improvement (common OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.88-0.98) and 90-day independent functional outcome (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.82-0.98) in analyses adjusted for potential confounders. DBP excursions were independently associated with increased odds of any intracranial hemorrhage (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04-1.53). Conclusion BP excursions above guideline thresholds during the first 24 h following tPA administration for AIS are common and are independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes.

ObjectiveTo determine the association of chronic kidney disease (CKD) with the safety and efficacy of IV thrombolysis (IVT) among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).MethodsA systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis of studies involving patients with CKD undergoing IVT for AIS were conducted to evaluate the following outcomes: symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), asymptomatic and any intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), in-hospital and 3-month mortality, 3-month favorable functional outcome (FFO; modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 0–1), and 3-month functional independence (FI, mRS score 0–2). CKD was defined with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ranging from mild (eGFR 60–89 mL/min) to moderate (eGFR 30–59 mL/min) to severe (eGFR 15–29 mL/min).ResultsWe identified 20 studies comprising 60,486 patients with AIS treated with IVT. In unadjusted analyses, CKD was associated with sICH according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) (7 studies; odds ratio [OR] 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19–1.67) and European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS) II (9 studies; OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.01–1.85) definitions, any ICH (8 studies; OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.18–1.70), 3-month mortality (9 studies; OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.72–2.81), 3-month FFO (8 studies; OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.47–0.72), and 3-month FI (8 studies; OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.46–0.71). In adjusted analyses, CKD was associated with sICH according to NINDS (4 studies; ORadj 1.34, 95% CI 1.01–1.79) and ECASS II (3 studies; ORadj 2.08, 95% CI 1.27–3.43) definitions, any ICH (6 studies; ORadj 1.41, 95% CI 1.01–1.97), in-hospital mortality (2 studies; ORadj 1.19, 95% CI 1.09–1.30), and 3-month FFO (6 studies; ORadj 0.80, 95% CI 0.70–0.92).ConclusionsAfter adjustment for confounders in this pairwise meta-analysis, moderate to severe CKD is associated with increased risks of ICH and worse functional outcomes among patients with AIS treated with IVT.

Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) have demonstrated varied efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists for cardiovascular outcomes. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of GLP-1R agonists among patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) for stroke prevention. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs reporting the following outcomes among patients with Type 2 DM treated with GLP-1R agonists (vs. placebo): nonfatal or fatal strokes, all-cause or cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction (MI) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The protocol of our systematic review and meta-analysis was registered to the PROSPERO database. We pooled odds ratios (OR) using random-effect models, and assessed the heterogeneity using Cochran Q and I2 statistics. We identified 8 RCTs, comprising 56,251 patients. In comparison to placebo, GLP-1R agonists reduced nonfatal strokes (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.76–0.94, p = 0.002; I2 = 0%) and all strokes (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.75–0.93, p = 0.001; I2 = 0%) by 16%. Overall, GLP-1R agonists reduced MACE by 13% (OR 0.87; 95% CI 0.81–0.94, p = 0.0003; I2 = 42%), cardiovascular mortality by 12% (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.81–0.95; p = 0.002; I2 = 0%) and all-cause mortality by 12% (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.82–0.95, p = 0.0007; I2 = 15%). Additional analyses demonstrated that GLP-1R agonists reduced the risk of incident MACE (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.80–0.92; p

Limited data exist evaluating the effect of blood pressure (BP) on clinical outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We sought to evaluate the association of BP levels on clinical outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion treated with MT. Studies were identified that reported the association of systolic BP (SBP) or diastolic BP levels before, during, or after MT on the outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with MT. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses of studies reporting odds ratios (OR adj ) per 10 mm Hg BP increment were performed. Our analysis included 25 studies comprising 6474 patients. Higher pre-MT mean SBP ( P =0.008) and post-MT maximum SBP ( P =0.009) levels were observed in patients who died within 3 months. Patients with 3-month functional independence were noted to have lower pre-MT ( P P adj , 1.19 [95% CI,1.00–1.43]; I 2 =78%, P value for Cochran Q test: 0.001) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR adj , 1.65 [95% CI, 1.11–2.44]; I 2 =0%, P value for Cochran Q test: 0.80), respectively. Increasing pre- and post-MT mean SBP levels were associated with lower odds of 3-month functional independence (OR adj , 0.86 [95% CI, 0.77–0.96]; I 2 =18%, P value for Cochran Q test: 0.30) and (OR adj , 0.80 [95% CI, 0.72–0.89]; I 2 =0%, P value for Cochran Q test: 0.51), respectively. In conclusion, elevated BP levels before and after MT are associated with adverse outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion.

Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) is a noninvasive, bedside, portable tool for assessment of cerebral hemodynamics. Modern TCD head frames allow continuous hands-free emboli detection for risk stratification and assessment of treatment efficacy in several cardiovascular diseases. Identifying a focal stenosis, arterial occlusion, and monitoring the treatment effect of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator can easily be accomplished by assessing TCD waveforms and determining prestenotic and poststenotic mean flow velocities. TCD is an excellent screening tool for vasospasm in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The use of intraoperative TCD during carotid endarterectomy and stenting allows optimal intraoperative hemodynamic management. Other applications are also discussed.

The prognosis of motor functional neurological disorder (FND) is considered poor; however, all data come from chronic cohorts collected by specialists. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical outcome of acute FND, captured as ‘stroke-mimics’. A meta-analysis of studies with outcome data on functional stroke mimics. Authors were contacted to provide more information on their FND mimics, including baseline, discharge and follow-up stroke scales. A random effects meta-analysis of proportion of ‘good outcome’ was the primary measure of interest, with additional descriptive and statistical analysis. ‘Good outcome’ employed the usual conventions of modified Rankin Score (mRS) or National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≤ 1. Eight studies with 79 patients were identified and analysed, all of cohorts undergoing thrombolysis. The mean age at presentation was 49.7 years with a 62% female preponderance, and median NIHSS score of 4. The proportion of patients with mRS or NIHSS ≤ 1 changed significantly from admission to discharge or follow up [from 24 (30%) to 50 (63%), p

Background and Purpose: Prolonged cardiac rhythm monitoring can reveal a substantial proportion of ischemic stroke (IS) patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We sought to evaluate the potential utility of available prolonged cardiac rhythm monitoring strategies with respect to secondary stroke prevention. Methods: We searched Medline and Scopus databases to identify randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) comparing AF detection, anticoagulation initiation and stroke recurrence rates in patients with history of recent IS or transient ischemic attack (TIA) receiving cardiac rhythm monitoring with implantable loop recorders (ILRs), 30-days external loop recorders or Holter monitors. We performed a network meta-analysis to combine direct and indirect evidence for any given pair of monitoring devices that were evaluated within a trial and reported effect estimates with risk ratios (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). Results: We identified 5 RCTs including a total of 2202 patients (mean age 68 years, 40% women). In indirect analyses the likelihood of AF detection and anticoagulation initiation was higher for both ILR (RR=8.48, 95%CI: 3.41, 21.06; RR=3.29, 95%CI: 1.70-6.39) and external loop recorders (RR=3.06, 95%CI: 1.66, 5.61; RR=1.63, 95%CI: 1.03-2.58) compared to Holter devices. The probability of AF detection and anticoagulation initiation was lower for Holter and external loop recorders compared to ILR devices (RR=0.36, 95%CI: 0.15, 0.85 and RR=0.50, 95%CI: 0.25-0.98, respectively). No difference in the risk of stroke recurrence was found in the indirect comparisons of different cardiac rhythm monitoring strategies. Conclusion: The likelihood of AF detection and anticoagulation initiation after an ischemic stroke or TIA is higher with ILRs compared to both external loop recorders and Holter devices.

Background: Prior to the conduct of the Head Position in Stroke Trial (HeadPoST), an international survey ( n = 128) revealed equipoise for selection of head position in acute ischemic stroke. Objectives: We aimed to determine whether equipoise exists for head position in spontaneous hyperacute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients following HeadPoST. Design: This is an international, web-distributed survey focused on head positioning in hyperacute ICH patients. Methods: A survey was constructed to examine clinicians’ beliefs and practices associated with head positioning of hyperacute ICH patients. Survey items were developed with content experts, piloted, and then refined before distributing through stroke listservs, social media, and purposive snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ2 test. Results: We received 181 responses representing 13 countries on four continents: 38% advanced practice providers, 32% bedside nurses, and 30% physicians; overall, participants had median 7 [interquartile range (IQR) = 3–12] years stroke experience with a median of 100 (IQR = 37.5–200) ICH admissions managed annually. Participants disagreed that HeadPoST provided ‘definitive evidence’ for head position in ICH and agreed that their ‘written admission orders include 30-degree head positioning’, with 54% citing hospital policies for this head position in hyperacute ICH. Participants were unsure whether head positioning alone could influence ICH longitudinal outcomes. Use of serial proximal clinical and technology measures during the head positioning intervention were identified by 82% as the most appropriate endpoints for future ICH head positioning trials. Conclusion: Interdisciplinary providers remain unconvinced by HeadPoST results that head position does not matter in hyperacute ICH. Future trials examining the proximal effects of head positioning on clinical stability in hyperacute ICH are warranted.

Every anticoagulation decision has in inherent risk of hemorrhage; intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating hemorrhagic complication. We examined whether combining ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke risk in individual patients might provide a meaningful paradigm for risk stratification. We enrolled consecutive patients with anticoagulation-associated ICH in 15 tertiary centers in the USA, Europe and Asia between 2015 and 2017. Each patient was assigned baseline ischemic stroke and hemorrhage risk based on their CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores. We computed a net risk by subtracting hemorrhagic from ischemic risk. If the sum was positive the patient was assigned a “Favorable” indication for anticoagulation; if negative, “Unfavorable”. We enrolled 357 patients [59% men, median age 76 (68–82) years]. 31% used non-vitamin K antagonist (NOAC). 191 (53.5%) patients had a favorable indication for anticoagulation prior to their ICH; 166 (46.5%) unfavorable. Those with unfavorable indication were younger [72 (66–80) vs 78 (73–84) years, p = 0.001], with lower CHA2DS2-VASc score [3(3–4) vs 5(4–6), p

Alteplase, a tissue-type plasminogen activator, is recommended for ischemic stroke patients presenting within 4.5 h. Due to bleeding risks, current guidelines advise delaying antiplatelet therapy for 24 h after alteplase. However, specific scenarios may require antiplatelet therapy to be given within the 24 h window. This study aimed to examine the safety of early antiplatelet therapy administration within the first 24 h after alteplase.This study is a retrospective, observational study of adult patients with acute ischemic stroke who received alteplase across a multi-hospital system. Patients were grouped based on early antiplatelet therapy (within 24 h window) or as recommended per guidelines. The occurrence of bleeding events, including symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and/or gastrointestinal bleeding, in-hospital mortality, unfavorable outcomes (modified Rankin score 3-6), and hospital length of stay, were compared between groups.Patients were predominantly African American (72%) and female (53%) with a median age of 62 years. Median baseline NIHSS scores were higher in the early group (5 vs. 7; p = 0.04), and patients in the early group were more likely to undergo endovascular therapy (26% vs. 8%, p 0.0001). In patients treated with alteplase only and who did not undergo endovascular therapy, there was no difference in symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (1.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.1), gastrointestinal bleeding, in-hospital mortality, unfavorable outcomes, or length of stay.In our retrospective analysis, early administration of antiplatelet therapy (24 h post-alteplase) did not increase the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding, or unfavorable outcomes in patients who received alteplase alone for management of acute ischemic stroke. Prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.

The indication for mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) secondary to large vessel occlusion has substantially increased in the past few years, but predictors of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) remain largely unstudied. A recent study assessing these predictors, led to the development of the TICI-ASPECTS-glucose (TAG) score, an internally validated model to predict sICH following thrombectomy.To externally validate this scoring system and identify other potential risk factors for hemorrhagic conversion following endovascular therapy for AIS, 420 consecutive patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy from 2014-2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected pertaining to admission factors, procedural metrics, and functional outcomes. The components comprising the TAG score consist of modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score (mTICI 0-2a=2 points; 2b-3=0 points), Alberta stroke program early CT (ASPECTS) score (6=4 points, 6-7=2 points, ≥8=0 points), and glucose (≥150 mg/dL=1 point,150 mg/dL=0 points). Statistical analyses including univariate analysis, logistic regression analysis, and area under the receiver-operating curve (AUROC) were performed to validate the predictive capability of the model.The patients with sICH presented with lower ASPECTS (8.13±1.55 v 9.16±1.24, p 0.001), but no significant correlation with mTICI scores and admission glucose was observed. Decreasing ASPECTS correlated with increased risk of sICH (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.25-1.96, p 0.001), and increasing TAG score was associated with increased sICH (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.11-1.94, p 0.01). AUROC of the model was 0.633. Stratifying patients into low (TAG 0-2), intermediate,The TICI-ASPECTS-glucose (TAG) score adequately predicts sICH following mechanical thrombectomy, and appropriately stratifies individual patient risk. Further inclusion of additional predictors of sICH would likely yield a more robust model.

Background and Purpose: There are scarce data regarding the prevalence, characteristics and outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) of undetermined (unknown or cryptogenic) etiology. We sought to determine the prevalence, radiological characteristics, and clinical outcomes of undetermined ICH. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with spontaneous ICH was conducted to primarily assess the prevalence and clinical-radiological characteristics of undetermined ICH. Additionally, we assessed the rates for ICH secondary to hypertensive arteriopathy and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Subgroup analyses were performed based on the use of (1) etiology-oriented ICH classification, (2) detailed neuroimaging, and (3) Boston criteria among patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy related ICH. We pooled the prevalence rates using random-effects models, and assessed the heterogeneity using Cochran Q and I 2 statistics. Results: We identified 24 studies comprising 15 828 spontaneous ICH patients (mean age, 64.8 years; men, 60.8%). The pooled prevalences of hypertensive arteriopathy ICH, undetermined ICH, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy ICH were 50% (95% CI, 43%–58%), 18% (95% CI, 13%–23%), and 12% (95% CI, 7%–17% [ P P =0.62). Conclusions: The etiology of spontaneous ICH remains unknown or cryptogenic among 1 in 7 patients in studies using etiology-oriented classification and among 1 in 4 patients in studies that avoid using etiology-oriented classification. The short-term mortality in undetermined ICH is high despite the relatively small ICH volume.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Background and Purpose: We systematically evaluated the impact of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on stroke care across the world. Methods: Observational studies comparing characteristics, acute treatment delivery, or hospitalization outcomes between patients with stroke admitted during the COVID-19 pandemic and those admitted before the pandemic were identified by Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases search. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for all outcomes. Results: We identified 46 studies including 129 491 patients. Patients admitted with stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic were found to be younger (mean difference, −1.19 [95% CI, −2.05 to −0.32]; I2=70%) and more frequently male (odds ratio, 1.11 [95% CI, 1.01–1.22]; I2=54%) compared with patients admitted with stroke in the prepandemic era. Patients admitted with stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic, also, had higher baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (mean difference, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.12–0.98]; I2=90%), higher probability for large vessel occlusion presence (odds ratio, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.07–2.48]; I2=49%) and higher risk for in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.05–1.52]; I2=55%). Patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted during the COVID-19 pandemic had higher probability of receiving endovascular thrombectomy treatment (odds ratio, 1.24 [95% CI, 1.05–1.47]; I2=40%). No difference in the rates of intravenous thrombolysis administration or difference in time metrics regarding onset to treatment time for intravenous thrombolysis and onset to groin puncture time for endovascular thrombectomy were detected. Conclusions: The present systematic review and meta-analysis indicates an increased prevalence of younger patients, more severe strokes attributed to large vessel occlusion, and higher endovascular treatment rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients admitted with stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic had higher in-hospital mortality. These findings need to be interpreted with caution in view of discrepant reports and heterogeneity being present across studies.

Background and Purpose Current guidelines do not provide firm directions on atrial fibrillation (AF) screening after ischemic stroke (IS). We sought to investigate the association of implantable cardiac monitoring (ICM) duration with the yield of AF detection in IS patients. Methods We included studies reporting AF detection rates by ICM in IS patients with negative initial AF screening. We excluded studies reporting prolonged cardiac monitoring with devices other than ICM, not providing AF detection rates or monitoring duration, and reporting overlapping data for the same population. The random-effects model was used for all pooled estimates and meta-regression analyses. Results We included 28 studies (4,531 patients, mean age 65 years). In meta-regression analyses, the proportion of AF detection by ICM was independently associated with monitoring duration (coefficient=0.015; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.005 to 0.024) and mean patient age (coefficient=0.009; 95% CI, 0.003 to 0.015). No associations were detected with other patient characteristics, including IS subtype (cryptogenic vs. embolic stroke of undetermined source) or time from IS onset to CM implantation. In subgroup analyses, significant differences (P12 and ≤24 months: 26% [95% CI, 22% to 31%]; >24 months: 34% [95% CI, 29% to 39%]). Conclusions Extended duration of ICM monitoring and increased patient age are factors that substantially increase AF detection in IS patients with initial negative AF screening.