Search

Background: Recently, common genetic risk factors for intracranial aneurysm (IA) and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (ASAH) were found to explain a large amount of disease heritability and therefore have potential to be used for genetic risk prediction. We constructed a genetic risk score to (1) predict ASAH incidence and IA presence (combined set of unruptured IA and ASAH) and (2) assess its association with patient characteristics. Methods: A genetic risk score incorporating genetic association data for IA and 17 traits related to IA (so-called metaGRS) was created using 1161 IA cases and 407 392 controls from the UK Biobank population study. The metaGRS was validated in combination with risk factors blood pressure, sex, and smoking in 828 IA cases and 68 568 controls from the Nordic HUNT population study. Furthermore, we assessed association between the metaGRS and patient characteristics in a cohort of 5560 IA patients. Results: Per SD increase of metaGRS, the hazard ratio for ASAH incidence was 1.34 (95% CI, 1.20–1.51) and the odds ratio for IA presence 1.09 (95% CI, 1.01–1.18). Upon including the metaGRS on top of clinical risk factors, the concordance index to predict ASAH hazard increased from 0.63 (95% CI, 0.59–0.67) to 0.65 (95% CI, 0.62–0.69), while prediction of IA presence did not improve. The metaGRS was statistically significantly associated with age at ASAH (β=−4.82×10 −3 per year [95% CI, −6.49×10 −3 to −3.14×10 −3 ]; P =1.82×10 −8 ), and location of IA at the internal carotid artery (odds ratio=0.92 [95% CI, 0.86–0.98]; P =0.0041). Conclusions: The metaGRS was predictive of ASAH incidence, although with limited added value over clinical risk factors. The metaGRS was not predictive of IA presence. Therefore, we do not recommend using this metaGRS in daily clinical care. Genetic risk does partly explain the clinical heterogeneity of IA warranting prioritization of clinical heterogeneity in future genetic prediction studies of IA and ASAH.

OBJECTIVE The management of Spetzler-Martin grade (SMG) III brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) may be challenging, whatever the exclusion treatment modality chosen. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endovascular treatment (EVT) as a first-line treatment of SMG III bAVMs. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective, two-center, observational cohort study. Cases recorded in institutional databases between January 1998 and June 2021 were reviewed. Patients who were ≥ 18 years of age, had ruptured or unruptured SMG III bAVMs, and received EVT as first-line therapy were included. Baseline characteristics of patients and bAVMs, procedure-related complications, clinical outcome according to the modified Rankin Scale, and angiographic follow-up were assessed. The independent risk factors of procedure-related complications and poor clinical outcome were assessed using binary logistic regression. RESULTS One hundred sixteen patients with 116 SMG III bAVMs were included. The mean age of the patients was 41.9 ± 14.0 years. The most common presentation was hemorrhage (66.4%). Forty-nine (42.2%) bAVMs were found to be completely obliterated by EVT alone at follow-up. Complications occurred in 39 patients (33.6%), including 5 (4.3%) major procedure-related complications. There was no independent predictor of procedure-related complication. Age > 40 years and poor preoperative modified Rankin Scale score were the independent predictors of poor clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS EVT of SMG III bAVMs provides encouraging results but needs further improvement. When the embolization procedure performed with intent to cure appears difficult and/or risky, a combined technique (with microsurgery or radiosurgery) may be a safer and more effective strategy. In terms of safety and effectiveness, the benefit of EVT (alone or included in a multimodal management strategy) for SMG III bAVMs needs to be confirmed by randomized controlled trials.

Patients with pre-stroke disability, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≥3, were excluded from most trials of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for acute stroke. We sought to evaluate the prognostic factors associated with favorable outcome in stroke patients with known disability undergoing EVT, and the impact of successful reperfusion.Consecutive acute stroke patients with pre-stroke disability, undergoing EVT, were retrospectively collected between 2016 to 2019 from a Canadian cohort and a multicenter French cohort (Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke registry-ETIS). Favorable outcome was defined as an mRS equal to pre-stroke mRS. Patients achieving successful reperfusion (defined as a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b/3) were compared with patients without successful reperfusion to determine if successful EVT was associated with better functional outcomes.Among 6220 patients treated with EVT, 280 (4.5%) patients with a pre-stroke mRS ≥3 were included. Sixty-one patients (21.8%) had a favorable outcome and 146 (52.1%) died at 3 months. Patients with successful reperfusion had a higher proportion of favorable 90-day mRS (27.6% versus 19.6%, p = 0.025) and a lower mortality (48.3% versus 69.6%, p = 0.008) than patients without successful reperfusion. After adjusting for baseline prognostic factors, successful reperfusion defined by TICI ≥2b was associated with favorable functional outcome (OR 3.16 CI95% [1.11-11.5]; p 0.048).In patients with pre-stroke disability, successful reperfusion is associated with a greater proportion of favorable outcome and lower mortality.

OBJECTIVE The role of endovascular treatment in the management of patients with brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) remains uncertain. AVM embolization can be offered as stand-alone curative therapy or prior to surgery or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) (pre-embolization). The Treatment of Brain AVMs Study (TOBAS) is an all-inclusive pragmatic study that comprises two randomized trials and multiple registries. METHODS Results from the TOBAS curative and pre-embolization registries are reported. The primary outcome for this report is death or dependency (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score > 2) at last follow-up. Secondary outcomes include angiographic results, perioperative serious adverse events (SAEs), and permanent treatment-related complications leading to an mRS score > 2. RESULTS From June 2014 to May 2021, 1010 patients were recruited in TOBAS. Embolization was chosen as the primary curative treatment for 116 patients and pre-embolization prior to surgery or SRS for 92 patients. Clinical and angiographic outcomes were available in 106 (91%) of 116 and 77 (84%) of 92 patients, respectively. In the curative embolization registry, 70% of AVMs were ruptured, and 62% were low-grade AVMs (Spetzler-Martin grade I or II), while the pre-embolization registry had 70% ruptured AVMs and 58% low-grade AVMs. The primary outcome of death or disability (mRS score > 2) occurred in 15 (14%, 95% CI 8%–22%) of the 106 patients in the curative embolization registry (4 [12%, 95% CI 5%–28%] of 32 unruptured AVMs and 11 [15%, 95% CI 8%–25%] of 74 ruptured AVMs) and 9 (12%, 95% CI 6%–21%) of the 77 patients in the pre-embolization registry (4 [17%, 95% CI 7%–37%] of 23 unruptured AVMs and 5 [9%, 95% CI 4%–20%] of 54 ruptured AVMs) at 2 years. Embolization alone was confirmed to occlude the AVM in 32 (30%, 95% CI 21%–40%) of the 106 curative attempts and in 9 (12%, 95% CI 6%–21%) of 77 patients in the pre-embolization registry. SAEs occurred in 28 of the 106 attempted curative patients (26%, 95% CI 18%–35%, including 21 new symptomatic hemorrhages [20%, 95% CI 13%–29%]). Five of the new hemorrhages were in previously unruptured AVMs (n = 32; 16%, 95% CI 5%–33%). Of the 77 pre-embolization patients, 18 had SAEs (23%, 95% CI 15%–34%), including 12 new symptomatic hemorrhages [16%, 95% CI 9%–26%]). Three of the hemorrhages were in previously unruptured AVMs (3/23; 13%, 95% CI 3%–34%). CONCLUSIONS Embolization as a curative treatment for brain AVMs was often incomplete. Hemorrhagic complications were frequent, even when the specified intent was pre-embolization before surgery or SRS. Because the role of endovascular treatment remains uncertain, it should preferably, when possible, be offered in the context of a randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE The Treatment of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations Study (TOBAS) is a pragmatic study that includes 2 randomized trials and registries of treated or conservatively managed patients. The authors report the results of the surgical registry. METHODS TOBAS patients are managed according to an algorithm that combines clinical judgment and randomized allocation. For patients considered for curative treatment, clinicians selected from surgery, endovascular therapy, or radiation therapy as the primary curative method, and whether observation was a reasonable alternative. When surgery was selected and observation was deemed unreasonable, the patient was not included in the randomized controlled trial but placed in the surgical registry. The primary outcome of the trial was mRS score > 2 at 10 years (at last follow-up for the current report). Secondary outcomes include angiographic results, perioperative serious adverse events, and permanent treatment-related complications leading to mRS score > 2. RESULTS From June 2014 to May 2021, 1010 patients were recruited at 30 TOBAS centers. Surgery was selected for 229/512 patients (44%) considered for curative treatment; 77 (34%) were included in the surgery versus observation randomized trial and 152 (66%) were placed in the surgical registry. Surgical registry patients had 124/152 (82%) ruptured and 28/152 (18%) unruptured arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), with the majority categorized as low-grade Spetzler-Martin grade I–II AVM (118/152 [78%]). Thirteen patients were excluded, leaving 139 patients for analysis. Embolization was performed prior to surgery in 78/139 (56%) patients. Surgical angiographic cure was obtained in 123/139 all-grade (89%, 95% CI 82%–93%) and 105/110 low-grade (95%, 95% CI 90%–98%) AVM patients. At the mean follow-up of 18.1 months, 16 patients (12%, 95% CI 7%–18%) had reached the primary safety outcome of mRS score > 2, including 11/16 who had a baseline mRS score ≥ 3 due to previous AVM rupture. Serious adverse events occurred in 29 patients (21%, 95% CI 15%–28%). Permanent treatment-related complications leading to mRS score > 2 occurred in 6/139 patients (4%, 95% CI 2%–9%), 5 (83%) of whom had complications due to preoperative embolization. CONCLUSIONS The surgical treatment of brain AVMs in the TOBAS registry was curative in 88% of patients. The participation of more patients, surgeons, and centers in randomized trials is needed to definitively establish the role of surgery in the treatment of unruptured brain AVMs. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT02098252 (ClinicalTrials.gov)

Distal vessel occlusions represent about 25-40% of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), either as primary occlusion or secondary occlusion complicating mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for large vessel occlusion.Our aim was to evaluate safety and effectiveness of MT associated with the best medical treatment (BMT) in the management of AIS patients with distal vessel occlusion in comparison with the BMT alone.Retrospective analysis was conducted on AIS patients treated by MT+BMT for primary distal vessel occlusion between 2015 and 2020, and were compared with a historic cohort managed by BMT alone between 2006 and 2015 selected based on the same inclusion criteria. A secondary analysis was conducted using propensity score matching (PSM) including the following: NIHSS, age and treatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) as covariates.Of 650 patients screened, 44 patients with distal vessel occlusions treated by MT+BMT were selected and compared with 36 patients who received BMT alone. After PSM, 28 patients in each group were matched without significant difference. Good clinical outcome defined as mRS≤2 was achieved by 53.6% of the MT+BMT group and 57% of the BMT group (OR, 0.87; 95%CI, 0.3-2.4; p = 1.00). The mortality rate was comparable in both groups (7% vs. 10.7% in MT+BMT and BMT patients, respectively; OR=0.64; 95%CI, 0.1-4; p = 1.00). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) was seen in only one patient treated by MT+BMT (3.6%).Mechanical thrombectomy seems to be comparable with the best medical treatment regarding the effectiveness and safety in the management of patients with distal vessel occlusions.

OBJECTIVE Based on their clinical and radiological patterns, idiopathic CSF rhinorrhea and idiopathic intracranial hypertension can represent different clinical expressions of the same underlying pathological process. Transverse sinus stenoses are associated with both diseases, resulting in eventual restriction of the venous CSF outflow pathway. While venous sinus stenting has emerged as a promising treatment for idiopathic intracranial hypertension, its efficiency on idiopathic CSF leaks has not been very well addressed in the literature so far. The purpose of this study was to report the results of transverse sinus stenting in patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea associated with transverse sinus stenoses. METHODS From a prospectively collected database, the authors retrospectively collected the clinical and radiological features of the patients with spontaneous CSF leakage who were treated with venous sinus stenting. RESULTS Five female patients were included in this study. Transverse sinus stenoses were present in all patients, and other radiological signs of idiopathic intracranial hypertension were present in 4 patients. The median transstenotic pressure gradient was 6.5 mm Hg (range 3–9 mm Hg). Venous stenting resulted in the disappearance of the leak in 4 patients with no recurrence and no subsequent meningitis during the follow-up (median 12 months, range 6–63 months). CONCLUSIONS According to the authors’ results, venous sinus stenting may result in the disappearance of the leak in many cases of idiopathic CSF rhinorrhea. Larger comparative studies are needed to assess the efficiency and safety of venous stenting as a first-line approach in patients with spontaneous CSF rhinorrhea associated with transverse sinus stenoses.

To evaluate the feasibility, safety, and rate of radial artery occlusion (RAO) after the treatment of intracranial aneurysms using a 6F Neuron MAX (Penumbra, Alameda, CA, USA) long sheath directly into the radial artery.All consecutive patients treated for unruptured intracranial aneurysms with TRA using a 6F Neuron MAX catheter between September 2019 and May 2021 in a single tertiary center were screened. They were referred to a consultation and an ultrasound-Doppler assessment of the radial artery 3 months after treatment with the attending neuroradiologist. Patients with available assessment of the radial artery patency were included.A total of 17 patients (median age: 58 years, range 35-68 years; sex ratio F/M: 15/2) were treated for intracranial aneurysms using a 6F Neuron MAX directly into the right radial artery and included. Treatment was a technical success for 16/17 (94%) patients and 1 patient (6%) required a conversion to femoral access. The median radial artery diameter at the puncture site was 2.7 mm (range 1.8-2.9mm). No symptomatic RAO was noted during follow-up. Assessment at 3 months revealed 7/17 (41%) asymptomatic RAOs.Even if technically feasible, the use of a 6F Neuron Max long sheath for triaxial catheterization in intracranial interventions, especially flow diversion, may be responsible for a high radial artery occlusion rate (41%). Although being asymptomatic in all cases in our series, this high occlusion rate may be a concern for further interventions. The development of dedicated radial long sheaths for neurointerventions, with external hydrophilic coating, seems necessary.

BackgroundSpinal arteriovenous fistulas (SAVFs) are challenging lesions to treat by endovascular means. Our purpose was to report our early experience with dual lumen balloons (DLBs) for embolization of SAVFs using ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) (the so-called 'balloon pressure technique' (BPT)).Materials and methodsDuring the inclusion period, 10 consecutive patients (nine men, mean age 61.6 years) underwent endovascular treatment of a SAVF (seven dural SAVFs and three epidural SAVFs) at a single institution using the BPT. DLBs were used in all cases. In seven cases (70%), a regular DLB was used, while in three cases (30%), low profile DLBs were used. EVOH was used as the liquid embolic agent in all cases. Technical and clinical complications were systematically recorded. Clinical and angiographic outcomes were systematically evaluated more than 3 months after the procedure.ResultsComplete cure of the SAVF by endovascular means alone was obtained in 80% of cases (8/10). For the two patients with incomplete SAVF occlusion, surgery was successfully performed secondarily. No recurrence was found at the 3 month follow-up in the eight patients for whom complete occlusion was obtained at the end of the embolization procedure. No permanent clinical complication was recorded using the BPT. Clinical improvement was observed in 6/10 (60%) cases.ConclusionBPT was a feasible technique, with regular or low profile DLBs, for embolization of SAVFs. Our preliminary results suggest the safety and effectiveness of this technique.

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

OBJECTIVE The literature shows discrepancies in stereotactic brain biopsy complication rates, severities, and outcomes. Little is known about the timeline of postbiopsy complications. This study aimed to analyze 1) complications following brain biopsies, using a graded severity scale, and 2) a timeline of complication occurrence. The secondary objectives were to determine factors associated with an increased risk of complications and to assess complication-related management and extra costs. METHODS The authors retrospectively examined 1500 consecutive stereotactic brain biopsies performed in adult patients at their tertiary medical center between April 2009 and April 2019. RESULTS Three hundred eighty-one biopsies (25.4%) were followed by a complication, including 88.2% of asymptomatic hemorrhages. Symptomatic complications involved 3.0% of the biopsies, and 0.8% of the biopsies were fatal. The severity grading scale had a 97.6% interobserver reproducibility. Twenty-three (51.1%) of the 45 symptomatic complications occurred within the 1st hour following the biopsy, while 75.6% occurred within the first 6 hours. Age ≥ 65 years, second biopsy procedures, gadolinium-enhanced lesions, glioblastomas, and lymphomas were predictors of biopsy-related complications. Brainstem biopsy-targeted lesions and cerebral toxoplasmosis were predictive of mortality. Asymptomatic hemorrhage was associated with delayed (> 6 hours) symptomatic complications. Symptomatic complications led to extended hospitalization in 86.7% of patients. The average extra cost for management of a patient with postbiopsy symptomatic complication was $35,702. CONCLUSIONS Symptomatic complications from brain biopsies are infrequent but associated with substantial adverse effects and cost implications for the healthcare system. The use of a severity grading scale, as the authors propose in this article, helps to classify complications according to the therapeutic consequences and the patient’s outcome. Because this study indicates that most complications occur within the first few hours following the biopsy, postbiopsy monitoring can be tailored accordingly. The authors therefore recommend systematic monitoring for 2 hours in the recovery unit and a CT scan 2 hours after the end of the biopsy procedure. In addition, they propose a modern algorithm for optimal postoperative management of patients undergoing stereotactic biopsy.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to identify variables associated with extravasation on computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with hematochezia/melena and compare the outcome of patients with extravasation on CTA to those without extravasation. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ninety-four patients (51 men, 38 women; mean age, 69 ± 16 [SD] years) who underwent CTA within 30 days of hematochezia/melena were included. Variables associated with extravasation on CTA were searched using univariable and multivariable analyses. Outcomes of patients with visible extravasation on CTA were compared with those without visible extravasation. RESULTS One hundred and one CTA examinations were included. Extravasation was observed on 26/101 CTA examinations (26%). At multivariable analysis the need for vasopressor drugs (odds ratio [OR], 7.6; P = 0.040), high transfusion requirements (> 2 blood units) (OR, 7.1; P = 0.014), CTA performed on the day of a hemorrhagic event (OR, 46.2; P = 0.005) and repeat CTA (OR, 27.8; P = 0.011) were independently associated with extravasation on CTA. Extravasation on CTA was followed by a therapeutic procedure in 25/26 CTAs (96%; 26 patients) compared to 13/75 CTAs (17%; 68 patients) on which no extravasation was present (P < 0.001). No patients (0/26; 0%) with contrast extravasation on CTA died while 8 patients (8/61; 13%) without contrast extravasation died, although the difference was not significant (P = 0.099). CONCLUSION Extravasation on CTA in the setting of hematochezia or melena is especially seen in clinically unstable patients who receive more than two blood units. Presence of active extravasation on CTA leads to more frequent application of a therapeutic procedure; however, this does not significantly affect patient outcome.

Background The methodology of measuring chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) extent and its effect on intracranial structures is relevant for patient classification and outcome measurements and affects the external validity of cSDH studies. With embolization of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) as a possible treatment of cSDHs, the topic has gained substantial interest. We sought to summarize the heterogeneity of radiologic measurements, specifically in the evaluation of cSDHs based on literature review. Methods In this review, we identified and described the most common radiological methodologies for measurements of cSDH thickness, cSDH volume and of midline shift. Conclusion There are numerous published methods on how to evaluate cSDH thickness, cSDH volume and midline shift but no common standard. The definition of measurement methods and reporting standards for MMA embolization in cSDH patients and their validation needs to be addressed.

Brain biopsy is a useful surgical procedure in the management of patients with suspected neoplastic lesions. Its role in neurologic diseases of unknown etiology remains controversial, especially in ICU patients. This study was undertaken to determine the feasibility, safety, and the diagnostic yield of brain biopsy in critically ill patients with neurologic diseases of unknown etiology. We also aimed to compare these endpoints to those of non-ICU patients who underwent a brain biopsy in the same clinical context.Monocenter, retrospective, observational cohort study.A French tertiary center.All adult patients with neurologic diseases of unknown etiology under mechanical ventilation undergoing in-ICU brain biopsy between January 2008 and October 2020 were compared with a cohort of non-ICU patients.None.Among the 2,207 brain-biopsied patients during the study period, 234 biopsies were performed for neurologic diseases of unknown etiology, including 29 who were mechanically ventilated and 205 who were not ICU patients. Specific histological diagnosis and final diagnosis rates were 62.1% and 75.9%, respectively, leading to therapeutic management modification in 62.1% of cases. Meningitis on prebiopsy cerebrospinal fluid analysis was the sole predictor of obtaining a final diagnosis (2.3 [1.4-3.8]; p = 0.02). ICU patients who experienced therapeutic management modification after the biopsy had longer survival (p = 0.03). The grade 1 to 4 (mild to severe) complication rates were: 24.1%, 3.5%, 0%, and 6.9%, respectively. Biopsy-related mortality was significantly higher in ICU patients compared with non-ICU patients (6.9% vs 0%; p = 0.02). Hematological malignancy was associated with biopsy-related mortality (1.5 [1.01-2.6]; p = 0.04).Brain biopsy in critically ill patients with neurologic disease of unknown etiology is associated with high diagnostic yield, therapeutic modifications and postbiopsy survival advantage. Safety profile seems acceptable in most patients. The benefit/risk ratio of brain biopsy in this population should be carefully weighted.

In approximately 30% of the patients, brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) are revealed by seizures, which may alter the patients’ quality of life. Our objective was to evaluate the benefits of exclusion treatment (radiosurgery, embolization and/or surgery) on posttherapeutic epilepsy in bAVM patients without intracranial hemorrhage prior to treatment. Our retrospective observational single-center study included all consecutive adult patients with an unruptured bAVM and epilepsy, treated at our institution from 1995 to 2019 and who were followed for at least 1 year. Data on angioarchitectural characteristics of bAVMs, on epilepsy and posttreatment modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were collected. The primary endpoint was a seizure-free status (defined as Engel class IA) after exclusion treatment versus conservative management. In this study one hundred and one consecutive adult patients with bAVMs, epilepsy and without bAVM rupture before any treatment were included; 21 (21%) in the conservative management group vs. 80 (79%) in the exclusion treatment group. After exclusion treatment, 55% of the patients from the group were Engel IA after treatment vs. 10% of the conservative management group (odds ratio [OR] 11.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.48–107.24, p

Purpose To assess the obliteration rate, functional outcome, hemorrhagic complication, and mortality rates of exclusion treatment of low-grade brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) (Spetzler and Martin grades (SMGs) 1 and 2), either ruptured or unruptured. Methods Electronic databases-Ovid MEDLINE and PubMed-were searched for studies in which there was evidence of exclusion treatment of low-grade BAVMs treated either by endovascular, surgical, radiosurgical, or multimodality treatment. The primary outcome of interest was angiographic obliteration post-treatment and at follow-up. The secondary outcomes of interest were functional outcome (mRS), mortality rate, and hemorrhagic complication. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate rates and means. Results Eleven studies involving 1809 patients with low-grade BAVMs were included. Among these, 1790 patients treated by either endovascular, surgical, radiosurgical, or multimodality treatment were included in this analysis. Seventy-two percent of BAVMs were Spetzler-Martin grade II. The overall (i.e., including all exclusion treatment modalities) complete obliteration rate ranged from 36.5 to 100%. The overall symptomatic hemorrhagic complication rate ranged from 0 to 7.3%; procedure-related mortality ranged from 0 to 4.7%. Conclusion Our systematic review of the literature reveals a high overall obliteration rate for low-grade BAVMs, either ruptured or unruptured, with low mortality rate and an acceptable post-treatment hemorrhagic complication rate. These results suggest that exclusion treatment of low-grade BAVMs may be safe and effective, regardless of the treatment modality chosen.

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

Tectum mesencephali arteriovenous malformations (TM-AVMs) are rare lesions deeply located close to eloquent structures making them challenging to treat. We aimed to present clinical presentation, angiographic features and treatment strategies of TM-AVMs through a single center retrospective case series. A TM-AVMs is defined as a nidus located in the parenchyma or on the pia mater of the posterior midbrain. Records of consecutive patients admitted with TM-AVMs over a 21-year period were retrospectively analyzed. Vascular anatomy of the region is also reviewed. In this study 13 patients (1.63% of the complete cohort; 10 males), mean age 48 years, were included. All patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage and two patients (15%) died after an early recurrent bleeding. Mean size of the TM-AVMs was 10.1 ± 5 mm. Multiple arterial feeders were noted in every cases. Of the patients 11 underwent an exclusion treatment, 8 via embolization (6 via arterial access and 2 via venous access) and 4 via stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) (1 patient received both). Overall success treatment rate was 7/11 patients (64% overall; 63% in the embolization group, 25% in the SRS group). Two hemorrhagic events led to a worsened outcome, one during embolization and one several years after SRS. All other patients remained clinically stable or improved. The TM-AVMs are rare but stereotypic lesions found in a hemorrhagic context. Multiple arterial feeders are always present. Endovascular treatment seems to be an effective technique with relatively low morbidity; SRS had a low success rate but was only use in a limited number of patients.

International audience; Background and purpose: Spinal arteriovenous fistulas are challenging to cure by endovascular means, with a risk of incomplete occlusion or delayed recurrence. The authors report herein their preliminary experience using the pressure cooker technique for the embolization of spinal arteriovenous fistulas.Materials and methods: Fifteen patients (8 men; mean age, 60.3 years) underwent an endovascular treatment of a spinal arteriovenous fistula (12 dural spinal arteriovenous fistulas and 3 epidural spinal arteriovenous fistulas) in 2 different institutions using the pressure cooker technique. Two microcatheters could be navigated in the segmental artery in all patients using 2 guiding catheters. A proximal plug was achieved with highly concentrated cyanoacrylate ± coils. The liquid embolic agent injected to cure the fistula was diluted cyanoacrylate (n = 11) or ethylene-vinyl alcohol (n = 4). Technical and clinical complications were systematically recorded. Clinical and angiographic outcomes were systematically evaluated at follow-up.Results: One (6.7%) procedure-related complication was recorded, which consisted of a transient radicular deficit, related to nerve root ischemia. Clinical improvement was observed in 10/14 (71%) patients for whom clinical follow-up was available. Complete spinal arteriovenous fistula occlusion on a follow-up angiography was observed in 11/12 patients (91.7%) for whom angiographic follow-up was available. One patient (8.3%) presented with a delayed recurrence at 29 months.Conclusions: The pressure cooker technique is feasible, with either glue or ethylene-vinyl alcohol, for the embolization of spinal arteriovenous fistulas. Our results suggest the safety and effectiveness of this technique.

To assess the feasibility and technical outcomes of pelvic bone cementoplasty using an electromagnetic navigation system (EMNS) in standard practice.Monocentric retrospective study of all consecutive patients treated with cementoplasty or reinforced cementoplasty of the pelvic bone with EMNS-assisted procedures. The endpoints were periprocedural adverse events, needle repositioning rates, procedure duration, and radiation exposure.A detailed description of the technical steps is provided. Thirty-three patients (68 years ± 10) were treated between February 2016 and February 2020. Needle repositioning was required for 1/33 patients (3%). The main minor technical adverse event was soft tissue PMMA cement leaks. No major adverse event was noted. The median number of CT acquisitions throughout the procedures was 4 (range: 2 to 8). Radiation exposure and mean procedure duration are provided.Electromagnetic navigation system-assisted percutaneous interventions for the pelvic bone are feasible and lead to low rates of minor technical adverse events and needle repositioning. Procedure duration and radiation exposure were low.• Initial experience for 33 patients treated with an electromagnetic navigation assistance for pelvic cementoplasty shows feasibility and safety. • The use of an electromagnetic navigation system does not expose to high procedure duration or radiation exposure. • The system is efficient in assisting the radiologist for extra-axial planes in challenging approaches.

Summary purpose: Mechanical thrombectomies (MT) in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) related to calcified cerebral embolus (CCE) have been reported, through small case series, being associated with low reperfusion rate and worse outcome, compared to regular MT. The purpose of the MASC (Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Related to Calcified Cerebral Embolus) study was to evaluate the incidence of CCEs treated by MT and the effectiveness of MT in this indication. Methods: The MASC study is a retrospective multicentric (n = 37) national study gathering the cases of adult patients who underwent MT for acute ischemic stroke with LVO related to a CCE in France from January 2015 to November 2019. Reperfusion rate (mTICI ≥ 2B), complication rate and 90-day mRS were systematically collected. We then conducted a systematic review by searching for articles in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase and Google Scholar from January 2015 to March 2020. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate clinical outcome at 90 days, reperfusion rate and complications. Results: We gathered data from 35 patients. Reperfusion was obtained in 57% of the cases. Good clinical outcome was observed in 28% of the patients. The meta-analysis retrieved 136 patients. Reperfusion and good clinical outcome were obtained in 50% and 29% of the cases, respectively. Conclusion: The MASC study found worse angiographic and clinical outcomes compared to regular thrombectomies. Individual patient-based meta-analysis including the MASC findings shows a 50% reperfusion rate and a 29% of good clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chronic subdural hematoma embolization, an apparently simple procedure, can prove to be challenging because of the advanced age of the target population. The aim of this study was to compare 2 arterial-access strategies, femoral versus patient-tailored CTA-based frontline access selection, in chronic subdural hematoma embolization procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a monocentric retrospective study. From the March 15, 2018, to the February 14, 2019 (period 1), frontline femoral access was used. Between February 15, 2019, and March 30, 2020 (period 2), the choice of the frontline access, femoral or radial, was based on the CTA recommended as part of the preoperative work-up during both above-mentioned periods. The primary end point was the rate of catheterization failure. The secondary end points were the rate of access site conversion and fluoroscopy duration. RESULTS: During the study period, 124 patients (with 143 chronic subdural hematomas) underwent an embolization procedure (mean age, 74 [SD, 13] years). Forty-eight chronic subdural hematomas (43 patients) were included during period 1 and were compared with 95 chronic subdural hematomas (81 patients) during period 2. During the first period, 5/48 (10%) chronic subdural hematoma embolizations were aborted due to failed catheterization, significantly more than during period 2 (1/95, 1%; P = .009). The rates of femoral-to-radial (P = .55) and total conversion (P = .86) did not differ between the 2 periods. No significant difference was found regarding the duration of fluoroscopy (P = .62). CONCLUSIONS: A CTA-based patient-tailored choice of frontline arterial access reduces the rate of catheterization failure in chronic subdural hematoma embolization procedures.

Preoperative embolization of hypervascular spinal metastases (HSM) is efficient to reduce perioperative bleeding. However, intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (IA-DSA) must confirm the hypervascular nature and rule out spinal cord arterial feeders. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and accuracy of time-resolved contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (TR-CE-MRA) in assessing HSM prior to embolization. All consecutive patients referred for preoperative embolization of an HSM were prospectively included. TR-CE-MRA sequences and selective IA-DSA were performed prior to embolization. Two readers independently reviewed imaging data to grade tumor vascularity (using a 3-grade and a dichotomized “yes vs no” scale) and identify the arterial supply of the spinal cord. Interobserver and intermodality agreements were estimated using kappa statistics. Thirty patients included between 2016 and 2019 were assessed for 55 levels. Interobserver agreement was moderate (κ = 0.52; 95% CI [0.09–0.81]) for TR-CE-MRA. Intermodality agreement between TR-CE-MRA and IA-DSA was good (κ = 0.74; 95% CI [0.37–1.00]). TR-CE-MRA had a sensitivity of 97.9%, a specificity of 71.4%, a positive predictive value of 95.9%, a negative predictive value of 83.3%, and an overall accuracy of 94.6%, for differentiating hypervascular from non-hypervascular SM. The arterial supply of the spine was assessable in 2/30 (6.7%) cases with no interobserver agreement (κ < 0). TR-CE-MRA can reliably differentiate hypervascular from non-hypervascular SM and thereby avoid futile IA-DSAs. However, TR-CE-MRA was not able to evaluate the vascular supply of the spinal cord at the target levels, thus limiting its scope as a pretherapeutic assessment tool. • TR-CE-MRA aids in distinguishing hypervascular from non-hypervascular spinal metastases. • TR-CE-MRA could avoid one-quarter of patients referred for HSM embolization to undergo futile conventional angiography. • TR-CE-MRA’s spatial resolution is insufficient to replace IA-DSA in the pretherapeutic assessment of the spinal cord vascular anatomy.

Riassunto Dopo un intervento chirurgico, il verificarsi di un accidente cerebrovascolare (AVC) ischemico e un evento raro ma drammatico. Infatti, e responsabile di un aumento significativo della morbimortalita. La comprensione dei meccanismi fisiopatologici all’origine di questi accidenti ha consentito l’identificazione dei fattori di rischio e la descrizione di principi di prevenzione. I fattori di rischio sono molteplici; da considerare in particolare il tipo di intervento chirurgico nonche la sua urgenza, una storia di AVC o di attacco ischemico transitorio, la fibrillazione atriale, la stenosi carotidea sintomatica, il sesso femminile e l’eta. L’anestesista ha un ruolo centrale nella gestione; cio comporta l’identificazione dei pazienti a rischio ottimizzandone la gestione preoperatoria (gestione precisa dei trattamenti anticoagulanti, antiaggreganti piastrinici e betabloccanti), intraoperatoria (limitazione degli episodi di ipotensione arteriosa, ottimizzazione delle strategie di ventilazione) e la diagnosi postoperatoria precoce, per consentire una gestione rapida, multidisciplinare ed efficiente. La trombectomia sembra essere una soluzione particolarmente interessante in questa situazione a rischio emorragico.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Whether architectural characteristics of ruptured brain AVMs vary across the life span is unknown. We aimed to identify angioarchitectural features associated with brain AVMs ruptured early in life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with ruptured brain AVMs referred to 2 distinct academic centers between 2000 and 2018 were pooled and retrospectively analyzed. Imaging was retrospectively reviewed for angioarchitectural characteristics, including nidus size, location, Spetzler-Martin grade, venous drainage, and arterial or nidal aneurysm. Angioarchitecture variations across age groups were analyzed using uni- and multivariable models; then cohorts were pooled and analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox models to determine factors associated with earlier rupture. RESULTS: Among 320 included patients, 122 children (mean age, 9.8 ± 3.8 years) and 198 adults (mean age, 43.3 ± 15.7 years) were analyzed. Pediatric brain AVMs were more frequently deeply located (56.3% versus 21.2%, P

Resume Introduction La thrombectomie mecanique a revolutionne la prise en charge des patients souffrant d’un AVC ischemique par occlusion aigue d’une artere intracrânienne proximale, dans les 24 h suivant le debut des symptomes. Nous decrivons ici les etapes techniques cles pour la realisation pratique de cette procedure. Messages principaux La thrombectomie mecanique commence lors de la selection de patients susceptibles de beneficier d’une revascularisation. L’installation et l’environnement anesthesique sont des elements cles de la reussite et de la securite du geste. La ponction arterielle, le franchissement de l’arche aortique, et la navigation extra/intracrânienne font appel a des techniques specifiques dans ce contexte. Une fois au contact du caillot, un stent-retriever et/ou un catheter d’aspiration distale sont utilises pour l’extraction mecanique de celui-ci et la revascularisation arterielle. Conclusion La realisation d’une thrombectomie mecanique intracrânienne necessite une formation specifique, et une experience du catheterisme supra-aortique. Une fois integrees, les etapes de realisation de la procedure sont stereotypees.

Resumen En el postoperatorio, la ocurrencia de un accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) isquemico es un hecho poco frecuente pero dramatico. Es responsable de un aumento significativo de la morbilidad y la mortalidad. La comprension de los mecanismos fisiopatologicos que causan estos accidentes ha permitido identificar los factores de riesgo y describir los principios de prevencion. Los factores de riesgo son multiples; en particular, el tipo de cirugia y su urgencia, un antecedente de ACV o de accidente isquemico transitorio, fibrilacion auricular, estenosis carotidea sintomatica, sexo femenino, edad. El anestesista desempena un papel central en el tratamiento; ello supone la identificacion de los pacientes en situacion de riesgo mediante la optimizacion de la actitud terapeutica preoperatoria (manejo preciso de los tratamientos anticoagulantes, antiplaquetarios y betabloqueantes) y peroperatoria (limitacion de los episodios de hipotension arterial, optimizacion de las estrategias de ventilacion), asi como del diagnostico postoperatorio precoz para permitir un tratamiento rapido, multidisciplinario y eficaz. La trombectomia parece ser una solucion particularmente interesante en esta situacion de riesgo hemorragico.

Resume La mort encephalique est definie comme une cessation complete et definitive d’activite du cerveau et du tronc cerebral, y compris du systeme nerveux autonome. Les examens de reference pour confirmer l’etat de mort encephalique, l’electroencephalogramme, les potentiels evoques et le « Bispectral index » (BIS), peuvent etre pris en defaut dans certaines situations. Dans ces cas, le scanner de mort encephalique peut permettre la confirmation du diagnostic de mort encephalique. Dans cet article, nous definirons precisement les criteres techniques de bonne realisation d’un angioscanner de mort encephalique. Puis, nous detaillerons les criteres d’imagerie permettant de confirmer definitivement le diagnostic de mort encephalique.

Cangrelor is an intravenous P2Y12 receptor inhibitor with a rapid onset/offset of action and a short half-life (3–6 min). The objective was to present a preliminary experience regarding the safety and effectiveness using cangrelor, in combination with aspirin, in acute ischemic stroke patients requiring acute stenting. Retrospective analysis for patients who underwent stenting (intracranial and/or extracranial) in the setting of acute ischemic stroke with cangrelor and aspirin as antiplatelet therapy. Cangrelor was used in 12 patients, 4 (33%) with extracranial stenting, 6 (50%) with intracranial stenting and 2 (17%) with combined extracranial and intracranial stenting. The mean age was 67 years (44–88) and 9 patients (75%) were female. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Score at admission was 15 (IQR: 8–22). Of the patients, six (50%) received intravenous thrombolysis. All patients (100%) obtained modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score ≥2b. Good clinical outcome, defined as modified Rankin scale score ≤2 at 3‑months follow-up, was observed in 7 patients (58%). None of the patients experienced intraprocedural thromboembolic complications. Postprocedural stent thrombosis after cessation of cangrelor infusion due to emergency craniotomy surgery to manage malignant cerebral infarction occurred in one patient (8%). Of the patients, two (17%) experienced asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), one patient (8%) experienced symptomatic ICH and one (8%) retroperitoneal hematoma was observed, which was managed conservatively. Cangrelor might be a safe and effective antiplatelet medication owing to its on/off activity for acute stenting in the setting of acute ischemic stroke. Further investigations through randomized studies with larger samples are necessary.

Evaluation of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) treatment success relies on radiologic measures, in particular hematoma volume, width and midline shift (MLS). Nevertheless, there are no validated standards for MLS measurement in cSDH. Aim of this study was to identify the most reliable measurement location and technique for MLS.Admission CT scans of 57 patients with unilateral cSDH were retrospectively analyzed. Axial slices were evaluated by 4 raters with MLS measurement in 4 locations, foramen of Monro (FM), thalamus (Th), mid-septum pellucidum (SP), maximum overall MLS (max) with 2 different techniques: displacement perpendicular to anatomical (ideal) midline (MLS-M), and displacement relative to the tabula interna in relation to the width of the intracranial space (MLS-T). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to assess interrater reliability and agreement of MLS‑M and MLS‑T measurement techniques. Measurements of cSDH volume and width were conducted for further data alignment.The ICCs between readers were excellent ( 0.9) for all MLS‑M locations and for MLS-T_Th and ML-T_FM. The ICC was higher for MLS‑M than for MLS‑T in all locations. MLS-M_max showed the highest correlation coefficient of 0.78 with cSDH volume. Variance of MLS-M_max was explained in 64% of cases (adj. R squared) by cSDH volume based on a simple linear regression model. An increase of 10 ml cSDH volume resulted in an average increase of 0.8 mm MLS-M_max.The MLS measurement in cSDH patients should be standardized, and due to its high interrater reliability, the MLS‑M technique should be preferred.

Middle meningeal artery (MMA) particle embolization is a promising treatment of chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH). The main purpose of this study is to measure MMA proximal caliber and assess the visibility of the two main MMA branches as a surrogate for long-term distal arterial patency following MMA CSDH embolization with trisacryl gelatine microspheres (TAGM).This is a single-center retrospective study. All patients having undergone MMA TAGM only embolization for CSDH treatment between 15 March 2018 and 6 June 2020 with an interpretable follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination and no confounding factors were included. Patients were compared with controls matched for age, sex and MRI machine. Two independent readers analyzed the MRI images.In this study, 30 patients having undergone embolization procedures using TAGM of 36 MMAs were included. The follow-up MRI scans were performed after a mean delay of 14.8 ± 7.1 months (range 4.9-29.4 months). The mean diameter of TAGM embolized MMAs (1 mm; 95% confidence interval, CI 0.9-1.1) was significantly smaller than the mean diameter of paired control MMAs (1.3 mm; 95% CI 1.3-1.4) (p 0.001). The mean proximal diameter of the embolized MMAs (0.9 mm; 95% CI 0.7-1.1) was significantly smaller than the mean diameter of the contralateral MMAs in the same patients (1.4 mm; 95% CI 1.3-1.6)(p 0.001).Long-term follow-up MRI demonstrated a significant impact of TAGM embolization on MMA proximal caliber as well as on the visibility of the two main MMA branches. All comparisons indicated that there was a probable lasting impact of embolization on the patency of distal branches.

BackgroundGeometrical parameters, including arterial bifurcation angle, tortuosity, and arterial diameters, have been associated with the pathophysiology of intracranial aneurysm (IA) formation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether these parameters were present before or if they resulted from IA formation and growth.MethodsPatients from nine academic centers were retrospectively identified if they presented with a de novo IA or a significant IA growth on subsequent imaging. For each patient, geometrical parameters were extracted using a semi-automated algorithm and compared between bifurcations with IA formation or growth (aneurysmal group), and their contralateral side without IA (control group). These parameters were compared at two different times using univariable models, multivariable models, and a sensitivity analysis with paired comparison.Results46 patients were included with 21 de novo IAs (46%) and 25 significant IA growths (54%). The initial angle was not different between the aneurysmal and control groups (129.7±42.1 vs 119.8±34.3; p=0.264) but was significantly wider at the final stage (140.4±40.9 vs 121.5±34.1; p=0.032), with a more important widening of the aneurysmal angle (10.8±15.8 vs 1.78±7.38; p=0.001). Variations in other parameters were not significant. These results were confirmed by paired comparisons.ConclusionOur study suggests that wider bifurcation angles that have long been deemed causal factors for IA formation or growth may be secondary to IA formation at pathologic bifurcation sites. This finding has implications for our understanding of IA formation pathophysiology.

To report the occurrence of non-ischemic cerebral enhancing (NICE) lesions following mechanical thrombectomy (MT) through the retrospective French nationwide registry of NICE lesions. All thrombectomy capable stroke centers (TSC) in France were invited to fill out a questionnaire disseminated through a trainee-led research network (JENI-RC: Jeunes en Neuroradiologie Interventionnelle-Research Collaborative). NICE lesions were defined according to previous literature as delayed onset punctate, nodular, or annular foci enhancements with peri-lesion edema and vascular distribution in the territory of the MT with no other confounding disease. All 43 TSC French centers responded. Three patients were reported by 3 different centers over a total of 34,824 MT (2015-2020). Patient no. 1 developed symptomatic NICE lesions 8 weeks after MT with combination of aspiration and stentriever for a right middle cerebral artery occlusion. Patient no. 2 developed asymptomatic NICE lesions 5 weeks after MT with direct thromboaspiration for a right middle cerebral artery occlusion. Patient no. 3 developed symptomatic NICE lesions 6 weeks after MT with direct thromboaspiration, and combination of aspiration and stentriever for a basilar artery occlusion. This study provides evidence that NICE lesions following MT are a possible rare complication with a similar presentation as previously described following endovascular aneurysm treatment. Both radiologists and neurologists should be aware of this adverse event and make use of MRI contrast agents in case of unexplained symptoms/images during follow-up after MT.

Cement leakages in soft tissues are a common occurrence during cementoplasty. They may cause chronic pain, and thus treatment failure. Spindle malposition during reinforced cementoplasty may cause vascular, nerve or cartilage injury. Our goal was to evaluate the rate of cement leakage/spindle extraction and describe the techniques used.This retrospective monocentre study included 104 patients who underwent reinforced cementoplasty and 3425 patients who underwent cementoplasty between 2012 and 2020. Operative reports and fluoroscopic images were reviewed to identify extraction attempts and their outcomes.Six patients (5.8%) had a malpositioned spindle, and all of them underwent spindle extraction during reinforced cementoplasty, with an 80% success rate. A total of 7 attempts were performed, using 2 different techniques. One thousand one hundred thirty patients (32%) had a cement leak in soft tissues, and 7 (0.6%) underwent cement leakage extraction during cementoplasty, with a 100% success rate. A total of 10 attempts were performed, using 3 different techniques. No major complication related to the extraction procedures occurred.Spindle malpositions and soft tissue cement leakages are not uncommon. We described 5 different percutaneous techniques that were safe and effective to extract spindles and paravertebral cement fragments.• Soft tissue cement leakages or spindle malpositions are a non-rare occurrence during cementoplasty, and may cause technical failure and/or chronic pain. • Most soft tissue cement fragments and malpositioned spindles can easily be extracted using simple percutaneous techniques.

IMPORTANCE: Mechanical thrombectomy using a stent retriever or contact aspiration is widely used for treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion, but the additional benefit of combining contact aspiration with stent retriever is uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether mechanical thrombectomy for treatment of anterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke with initial contact aspiration and stent retriever combined results in better final angiographic outcome than with standard stent retriever alone. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This trial was a multicenter randomized, open-label, blinded end point evaluation that enrolled 408 patients from October 16, 2017, to May 29, 2018, in 11 French comprehensive stroke centers, with a 12-month outcome follow-up. Patients with a large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation were included up to 8 hours after symptom onset. The final date of follow-up was June, 19, 2019. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned (1:1 allocation) to receive initial thrombectomy with contact aspiration and stent retriever combined (205) or stent retriever alone (203). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcome was the rate of expanded Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction score of 2c or 3 (eTICI 2c/3; ie, scores indicate near-total and total reperfusion grades) at the end of the procedure. RESULTS: Among the 408 patients who were randomized, 3 were excluded, and 405 (99.3%) patients (mean age, 73 years; 220 [54%] women and 185 [46%] men) were included in the primary analysis. The rate of eTICI 2c/3 at the end of the endovascular procedure was not significantly different between the 2 thrombectomy groups (64.5% [131 of 203 patients] for contact aspiration and stent retriever combined vs 57.9% [117 of 202 patients] for stent retriever alone; risk difference, 6.6% [95% CI, –3.0% to 16.2%]; adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.33 [95% CI, 0.88 to 1.99]; P = .17). Of 14 prespecified secondary efficacy end points, 12 showed no significant difference. A higher rate of successful reperfusion was achieved in the contact aspiration combined with stent retriever group vs the stent retriever alone group (eTICI 2b50/2c/3, 86.2% vs 72.3%; adjusted OR, 2.54 [95% CI, 1.51 to 4.28]; P

Background and Purpose: The influence of prior antiplatelet therapy (APT) uses on the outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular therapy is unclear. We compared procedural and clinical outcomes of endovascular therapy in patients on APT or not before stroke onset. Methods: We analyzed 2 groups from the ongoing prospective multicenter Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke registry in France: patients on prior APT (APT+) and patients without prior APT (APT−) treated by endovascular therapy, with and without intravenous thrombolysis. Multilevel mixed-effects logistic models including center as random effect were used to compare angiographic (rates of reperfusion at the end of procedure, procedural complications) and clinical (favorable and excellent outcome, 90-day all-cause mortality, and hemorrhagic complications) outcomes according to APT subgroups. Comparisons were adjusted for prespecified confounders (age, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, intravenous thrombolysis, and time from onset to puncture), as well as for meaningful baseline between-group differences. Results: A total of 2939 patients were analyzed, of whom 877 (29.8%) were on prior APT. Patients with prior APT were older, had more frequent vascular risk factors, cardioembolic stroke mechanism, and prestroke disability. Rates of complete reperfusion (37.9% in the APT− group versus 42.7 % in the APT+ group; aOR, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.88–1.34]; P =0.41) and periprocedural complication (16.9% versus 13.3%; aOR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.7–1.2]; P =0.66) did not differ between the two groups. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (aOR, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.63–1.37]; P =0.73), 3 months favorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2; aOR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.77–1.25]; P =0.89), and mortality (aOR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.72–1.26]; P =0.76) at 90 days did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: Prior APT does not influence angiographic and functional outcomes following endovascular therapy and should not be taken into account for acute revascularization strategies.