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Accurate assessment of cerebral perfusion in moyamoya disease is necessary to determine the indication for treatment. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of dynamic PCASL using a variable TR scheme with optimized background suppression in the evaluation of cerebral perfusion in moyamoya disease.We retrospectively analyzed the images of 24 patients (6 men and 18 women, mean age 31.4 ± 18.2 years) with moyamoya disease; each of whom was imaged with both dynamic PCASL using the variable-TR scheme andA significant moderate correlation was found between the CBF measured by dynamic PCASL and that by SPECT (r = 0.53, P 0.001). The CBF measured by dynamic PCASL (52.5 ± 13.3 ml/100 mg/min) was significantly higher than that measured by SPECT (43.0 ± 12.6 ml/100 mg/min, P 0.001). The ATT measured by dynamic PCASL showed a significant correlation with the CVR measured by SPECT (r = 0.44, P 0.001). ATT was significantly longer in areas where the CVR was impaired (CVR 18.4%, ATT = 1812 ± 353 ms) than in areas where it was preserved (CVR 18.4%, ATT = 1301 ± 437 ms, P 0.001). The ROC analysis showed a moderate accuracy (AUC = 0.807, sensitivity = 87.7%, specificity = 70.4%) when the cutoff value of ATT was set at 1518 ms.Dynamic PCASL using this scheme was found to be useful for assessing cerebral perfusion in moyamoya disease.

Background: The number of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in elderly patients has increased, but the feasibility and safety are still debated. We aimed to investigate the risk factors and produce a prognostic scoring system for MT in elderly AIS patients. Methods: We analyzed data from 763 consecutive patients who underwent MT for AIS between January 2013 and January 2020 at seven comprehensive stroke centers for derivation group. We defined elderly patients as ≥ 75 years of age. We investigated the risk factors of MT among these elderly patients and developed a prognostic scoring system assigned weighted points proportional to their standardized coefficient values. We conducted a subsequent validation study that included 287 consecutive patients treated between February 2020 and December 2021. Results: In total, 251 elderly patients in derivation group were analyzed retrospectively. According to the multivariable analysis, we developed a scoring system (SNA 3 P score) consisting of six factors, including age ≥ 90 (2 points), female sex (2 points), a pre-modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 2 (1 point), anticoagulant drug use (2 points), the NIHSS score (4 points), and the ASPECTS (4 points). A score ≤ 5 predicted an mRS score of 0-2 at 90 days with a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 65%, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.76. In the validation study, a score ≤ 5 predicted an mRS score of 0-2 at 90 days with a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 60% (AUC was 0.74). Conclusions: We created the novel scoring system to predict the functional outcome of elderly AIS patients undergoing MT. This simple scoring system may provide the information for indication of MT for elderly AIS patients, but further investigation for external validation is needed.

Background and Purpose: The efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for posterior circulation large vessel occlusions has not been fully elucidated. We investigated the efficacy and safety of MT for posterior circulation stroke (PCS) compared with anterior circulation stroke (ACS). Methods: We analyzed 885 consecutive patients who underwent MT for acute ischemic stroke between January 2013 and December 2020 at six comprehensive stroke centers. The patients were divided into two groups; the PCS and ACS group. The procedural and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: A total of 767 patients (PCS group, 83; ACS group, 684), were analyzed. PCS patients were significantly younger (75 vs. 79, P = 0.008) and had a higher NIHSS score at baseline (23 vs 19, p=0.012) and longer door to puncture time (97 vs 73 min, p=0.009). The rate of male (67.0 vs 46.9% p Conclusions: MT for PCS seemed to be beneficial, having similar complication, recanalization rate, and clinical outcomes with ACS.

OBJECTIVEImproved outcomes in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) treated at high-volume centers have been reported. The authors sought to examine whether hospital case volume and comprehensive stroke center (CSC) capabilities affect outcomes in patients treated with clipping or coiling for SAH.METHODSThe authors conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study in 27,490 SAH patients who underwent clipping or coiling in 621 institutions between 2010 and 2015 and whose data were collected from the Japanese nationwide J-ASPECT Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. The CSC capabilities of each hospital were assessed by use of a validated scoring system based on answers to a previously reported 25-item questionnaire (CSC score 1–25 points). Hospitals were classified into quartiles based on CSC scores and case volumes of clipping or coiling for SAH.RESULTSOverall, the absolute risk reductions associated with high versus low case volumes and high versus low CSC scores were relatively small. Nevertheless, in patients who underwent clipping, a high case volume (> 14 cases/yr) was significantly associated with reduced in-hospital mortality (Q1 as control, Q4 OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55–0.90) but not with short-term poor outcome. In patients who underwent coiling, a high case volume (> 9 cases/yr) was associated with reduced in-hospital mortality (Q4 OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.53–0.90) and short-term poor outcomes (Q3 [> 5 cases/yr] OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.59–0.96 vs Q4 OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51–0.82). A high CSC score (> 19 points) was significantly associated with reduced in-hospital mortality for clipping (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.54–0.86) but not coiling treatment. There was no association between CSC capabilities and short-term poor outcomes.CONCLUSIONSThe effects of case volume and CSC capabilities on in-hospital mortality and short-term functional outcomes in SAH patients differed between patients undergoing clipping and those undergoing coiling. In the modern endovascular era, better outcomes of clipping may be achieved in facilities with high CSC capabilities.

BACKGROUND In Japan there is no consensus on how to efficiently measure quality indicators (QIs), defined as a standard of care, for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Using information from a health insurance claims database and electronic medical records, we evaluated the feasibility and validity of measuring QIs for AIS patients who received intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV rt-PA) or endovascular therapy (EVT).Methods and Results:AIS patients receiving rt-PA or EVT between 2013 and 2015 were identified. We selected 17 AIS QI measures for primary stroke centers (PSCs) and 8 for comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs). Defined QIs were calculated for each hospital and then averaged. In total, the data of 8,206 patients (rt-PA 83.7%, EVT 34.9%) from 172 hospitals were obtained. Median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score at admission was 14, and 37.7% of the patients were functionally independent at discharge. All target QIs were successfully measured with fewer missing values, and the accuracy of preset data was about 90%. Adherence rates were low (

Background: Postoperative cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) may occur after superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass for moyamoya disease (MMD). Predicting postoperative CHS is challenging; however, we previously reported the feasibility of using a hyperspectral camera (HSC) for monitoring intraoperative changes in brain surface hemodynamics during STA-MCA bypass. Objective: To investigate the utility of HSC to predict postoperative CHS during STA-MCA bypass for patients with MMD. Methods: Hyperspectral images of the cerebral cortex of 29 patients with MMD who underwent STA-MCA bypass were acquired by using an HSC before and after anastomosis. We then analyzed the changes in oxygen saturation after anastomosis and assessed its correlation with CHS. Results: Five patients experienced transient neurological deterioration several days after surgery. 123I-N-Isopropyl-iodoamphetamine single-photon emission computed tomography scan results revealed an intense, focal increase in cerebral blood flow at the site of anastomosis without any cerebral infarction. Patients with CHS showed significantly increased oxygen saturation (SO2) in the cerebral cortex after anastomosis relative to those without CHS (33 ± 28 vs. 8 ± 14%, p < 0.0001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis results show that postoperative CHS likely occurs when the increase rate of cortical SO2 value is >15% (sensitivity, 85.0%; specificity, 81.3%; area under curve, 0.871). Conclusions: This study indicates that hyperspectral imaging of the cerebral cortex may be used to predict postoperative CHS in patients with MMD undergoing STA-MCA bypass.

BACKGROUND Cerebrovascular events and infection are among the most common complications of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy. The authors reported on a patient with an infectious intracranial aneurysm (IIA) associated with LVAD infection that was successfully occluded by endovascular therapy. OBSERVATIONS A 37-year-old man with severe heart failure received an implantable LVAD. He was diagnosed with candidemia due to driveline infection 44 months after LVAD implantation, and empirical antibiotic therapy was started. After 4 days of antibiotic treatment, the patient experienced sudden dizziness. Computed tomography (CT) revealed subarachnoid hemorrhage in the right frontal lobe, and CT angiography revealed multiple aneurysms in the peripheral lesion of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) and middle cerebral artery. Two weeks and 4 days after the first bleeding, aneurysms on the ACA reruptured. Each aneurysm was treated with endovascular embolization using n-butyl cyanoacrylate. Subsequently, the patient had no rebleeding of IIAs. The LVAD was replaced, and bloodstream infection was controlled. He received a heart transplant and was independent 2 years after the heart transplant. LESSONS LVAD-associated IIAs have high mortality and an increased risk of surgical complications. However, endovascular obliteration may be safe and thus improve prognosis.

Background: Postoperative cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) may occur after superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass for moyamoya disease (MMD). Predicting postoperative CHS is challenging; however, we previously presented the feasibility of using a hyperspectral camera (HSC) for monitoring intraoperative changes in brain surface hemodynamics during STA-MCA bypass. Objective: To investigate the utility of HSC to predict postoperative CHS during STA-MCA bypass for patients with MMD. Methods: Hyperspectral images of the cerebral cortex of twenty nine patients with MMD who underwent STA-MCA bypass were acquired by an HSC before and after anastomosis. We then analyzed the changes in oxygen saturation after anastomosis and assessed its correlation with CHS. Results: Five patients experienced transient neurological deterioration several days after surgery. 123 I-N-isopropyl-iodoamphetamine single-photon emission computed tomography scan results revealed an intense, focal increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) at the site of anastomosis without any cerebral infarction. Patients with CHS showed significantly increased oxygen saturation (SO 2 ) in the cerebral cortex after anastomosis relative to those without CHS (33 ± 28% vs. 8 ± 14%, P2 value is more than 15% (sensitivity, 85.0%; specificity, 81.3%; area under curve, 0.871). Conclusions: This study indicates that hyperspectral imaging of the cerebral cortex may be used to predict postoperative CHS in patients with MMD undergoing STA-MCA bypass.

Background and Purpose: Japan has a rapidly aging population and the application of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) among elderly patients has increased, but feasibility and safety of MT for elderly patients are still debated. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate feasibility and safety of MT by analyzing the retrospective multicenter database. Methods: A total of 763 consecutive patients who underwent MT for AIS between January 2013 and January 2020 at six comprehensive stroke centers were enrolled in this study. We analyzed elderly AIS patients defined as those aged ≥ 75 years with IC/M1/M2 occlusion. Good outcome was defined mRS 0-2 at 90 days after onset, and we investigated the factors associated with good outcome. Results: A total of 523 patients with IC/M1/M2 occlusion were analyzed, of which 316 were elderly (52%). Good outcome was significantly decreased in elderly AIS patients compared with non-elderly patients (35 % vs 56 %, p=0.0007). Among the elderly AIS patients, aged < 90 years, male sex, NIH stroke scale, prior administration of anticoagulants, mRS before onset, ASPECTS, M2 occlusion, and dyslipidemia were associated with good outcome with multivariable analysis. An elderly AIS prognostic scoring system (eAIS-PSS) was set up based on these factors , and the areas under the curves (AUC) was 0.78 at the optimal cut-off value of 7 / 22 with this scoring system. eAIS-PSS predicted good outcome with a sensitivity of 72% and a specificity of 75%. Conclusion: eAIS-PSS was useful to predict good outcome in MT for elderly AIS patients.

Background and Purpose: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) using a stent retriever (SR) or contact aspiration (CA) has been established as standard therapy. The efficacy of combined use of an SR and aspiration catheter (combined technique: CBT) to achieve successful recanalization has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the safety and efficacy of CBT compared with MT with the single use of an SR or CA. Methods: We analyzed 763 consecutive patients who underwent MT for AIS in the anterior circulation between January 2013 and January 2020 at six comprehensive stroke centers. The patients were divided into two groups based on the technique in the first attempt for thrombus removal: the CBT group and single device (SR/CA) group. The rate of successful recanalization with first pass (SRFP), the rate of final successful recanalization, and other procedural outcomes were compared between the groups. Results: A total of 571 patients (CBT group, 270; SR/CA group, 301 [SR: 128, CA: 173]), were analyzed. The rate of SRFP (mTICI 2c-3, 41.1 % vs. 27.9 %; p = 0.001; mTICI 3, 34.0 % vs. 25.5 %; p = 0.027) and final mTICI 2b-3 recanalization (88.8 % vs. 82.0 %; p = 0.024) was significantly higher, puncture to reperfusion time was shorter (median [IQR], 43 [31.2-69] vs. 55 (38-82.2) min; p = 0.004) and the number of passes were fewer (mean ± SD, 1.74 ± 0.93 vs. 1.99 ± 1.01; p = 0.002) in the CBT group compared with the SR/CA group. Procedural complications did not differ between the two groups. Subgroup analysis revealed that CBT was more effective for women, patients with cardioembolic stroke, internal carotid artery, and M2 occlusion. Conclusions: CBT could increase the rate of SRFP and shorten the puncture to reperfusion time without increasing procedural complications.

Background Although endovascular coiling of unruptured aneurysms is widely accepted, the endovascular treatment of wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms remains one of the most challenging morphologies. Our purpose was to describe our experience with 24-month follow-up for the treatment of unruptured intracranial bifurcation aneurysms using the PulseRider (Cerenovus, New Brunswick, NJ). Methods This study is a single-center, single-arm registry performed under institutional review board control to evaluate efficacy and safety of the PulseRider. Patients with bifurcation aneurysms were identified and enrolled prospectively. Angiography immediately after treatment and at 6 months, and magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography at 12- and 24-month follow-up were retrospectively analyzed. A modified Rankin score was obtained prior to procedure, at discharge, and at 6-, 12- and 24-month follow-up visits. Results Eight patients with a mean age of 66 years were treated with the PulseRider. All patients had bifurcation aneurysms (2 anterior communicating, 2 carotid terminus, and 4 basilar apex). The aneurysm diameters ranged from 4.6 to 13.6 mm (mean 7.4 mm) with dome/neck ratio ranging from 1.4 to 2.2 (mean 1.6). In all cases, the PulseRider was successfully deployed. Complete occlusion was demonstrated at 6-month follow-up on 6 of 8 (75%), near complete occlusion in 1 of 8 (12.5%), and residual aneurysm in 1 of 8 (12.5%) patients. There was no change or recurrence on magnetic resonance angiography, nor clinical complication after the procedure through 24-month follow-up. Conclusions Our experience with 24-month follow-up demonstrated favorable efficacy in the treatment of intracranial wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms using the PulseRider.

Japan has a rapidly aging population and the application of neuroendovascular therapy (NET) for cerebrovascular diseases among elderly patients has increased, but feasibility and safety of NET for elderly patients are still debated. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate feasibility and safety of NET by analyzing the Japanese nationwide database, the Japanese Registry of Neuroendovascular Therapy 3 (JR-NET 3). In total, 35,972 patients in the JR-NET 3 were analyzed retrospectively. "Elderly patients" were defined as those aged ≥75 years. Approximately one-quarter of patients who received NET were elderly patients. The proportion of patients with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2 before treatment and 30 days after NET was significantly low across all diseases in the elderly patients. Technical success rates were generally high across all procedures, but complication rate was significantly higher among elderly patients; ischemic complications were significantly higher with NET for unruptured aneurysms (UA) and carotid artery stenosis (CAS). Multivariate analysis revealed that mRS 0-2 before treatment [odds ratio (OR): 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.34-0.94, P = 0.03], middle cerebral artery aneurysm (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12-0.92, P = 0.04), and complete obliteration (OR: 0.66, 95% CI: 0.44-0.97, P = 0.03) were associated with ischemic complications with NET for UA. Moreover, mRS 0-2 before treatment (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.36-0.86, P < 0.01), high intensity with time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.03-2.32, P = 0.04), open-cell stent (OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.50-3.22, P

To evaluate the performance of acceleration-selective arterial spin labeling (AccASL) MR angiography in the visualization of brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in comparison with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography. Twenty-one patients with brain AVM (mean age 31.1 ± 18.6 years; 11 males, 10 females) underwent TOF and AccASL MR angiography and DSA. Two neuroradiologists conducted an observer study for detection, nidus size, eloquence, venous drainage pattern, and Spetzler-Martin (SM) grade. The evaluations included the visualization of each AVM component with reference to DSA and assessments of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). The kappa statistic, repeated measures analysis of variance, Wilcoxon matched pairs test, and paired t test were used. Both observers detected more AVMs with AccASL (95.2%, 90.5% for Observers 1 and 2) than with TOF (76.2% and 71.4%, respectively). The inter-modality agreement between AccASL and DSA was almost perfect for the eloquence, venous drainage pattern, and SM grade for Observer 1 and moderate for the venous drainage pattern and substantial for the eloquence and SM grade for Observer 2. The visualization scores were higher with AccASL than with TOF for the feeding artery (AccASL, 4.5 ± 1.0 vs. TOF, 3.9 ± 1.5, p = 0.0214), nidus (4.6 ± 1.1 vs. 3.2 ± 1.5, p = 0.0006), and draining vein (4.6 ± 1.0 vs. 2.2 ± 1.1, p

Intracranial Hemorrhage is a common brain injury that leads to a high mortality rate without prompt recognition. To address these issues, computer-aid diagnosis tools are rapidly being developed along with neural-network-based techniques to provide fast, reliable analysis and achieve accurate diagnosis decisions based on medical images. One of the most interesting applications in computer-aid diagnosis is Image Registration due to its practical features in clinical diagnosis and treatment planning. In this study, we present the non-rigid image registration for the 3D Computed Tomography image dataset of the Intracranial Hemorrhage Brain. By utilizing the affine transformation and a neural network model, we aim to predict the deformation vector field, map the real-world-collected dataset to the reference space and overcome the shifting data problem between the data analysis experiment on standard and real-world medical image analysis. Our test results gave that good registration performance is obtained in a very short time by using a neural network model, and the affine transformation significantly improves the real-world image registration. In addition, according to the distance from the hematoma area change ratio to the brain area change ratio, the characteristics of the major structure are determined to be preserved.

BackgroundThe efficacy of combined stent retriever (SR) and aspiration catheter (AC; combined technique: CBT) use for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is unclear. We investigated the safety and efficacy of single-unit CBT (SCBT)—retrieving the thrombus as a single unit with SR and AC into the guide catheter—compared with single use of either SR or contact aspiration (CA).MethodsWe analysed 763 consecutive patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy for AIS between January 2013 and January 2020, at six comprehensive stroke centers. Patients were divided into SCBT and single device (SR/CA) groups. The successful recanalization with first pass (SRFP) and other procedural outcomes were compared between groups.ResultsOverall, 240 SCBT and 301 SR/CA (SR 128, CA 173) patients were analyzed. SRFP (modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) ≥2c, 43.3% vs 27.9%, pConclusionsSCBT increases the SRFP rate and shortens the puncture-to-reperfusion time without increasing procedural complications.

Background: Angiolipomas are benign mesenchymal tumors comprising mature adipocytes and abnormal blood vessels, commonly found in the subcutaneous tissue of the trunk and rarely in the skull. Furthermore, sporadic cases of angiolipoma with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) have been reported. Case Description: We reported the case of a 72-year-old woman who presented with head swelling, seizures, and cognitive dysfunction. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a right frontal bone tumor exceeding a sagittal suture of up to 10.7 cm. Angiography revealed AVF and varices formation. Endovascular embolization was performed to treat the AVF and reduce blood loss during surgical resection. Two days after the embolization, a craniotomy was performed; however, uncontrollable bleeding was observed at the time of tumor resection. Postoperatively, the patient was symptom-free and has been stable for 2 years without recurrence. Conclusion: Despite careful preoperative evaluation and treatment planning, the patient in this case report was difficult to treat. Such cases require adequate preparation.

BACKGROUNDThe authors document the first case of pure arterial malformations (PAMs) of the posterior communicating artery (PCoA), which were successfully treated with microsurgical clipping of the main body of the PAMs. PAMs are defined as dilated, overlapping, and tortuous arteries with a coil-like appearance and/or a mass of arterial loops without any associated venous component. Although PAMs usually have a benign history and are often incidental findings, this case presented with acute progression of visual field impairment.OBSERVATIONSBecause the patient’s right optic tract was affected by the loop of PAMs of the PCoA, the authors performed microsurgical clipping of the main body of the PAMs using endoscopy, which ceased the progression of symptoms without any complications.LESSONSThere have been several reports of PAMs receiving surgical treatment for accompanying lesions. However, in this case, the lesion to the main body of PAMs was the cause of visual field impairment and was successfully treated with microsurgical clipping.

ObjectivesComprehensive stroke centre (CSC) capabilities are associated with reduced in-hospital mortality due to acute stroke. However, it remains unclear whether there are improving trends in the CSC capabilities or how hospital-related factors determine quality improvement. This study examined whether CSC capabilities changed in Japan between 2010 and 2018 and and whether any changes were influenced by hospital characteristics.DesignA hospital-based cross-sectional study.SettingWe sent out questionnaires to the training institutions of the Japan Neurosurgical Society and Japan Stroke Society in 2010, 2014 and 2018.Participants749 hospitals in 2010, 532 hospitals in 2014 and 786 hospitals in 2018 participated in the J-ASPECT study, a nationwide survey of acute stroke care capacity for proper designation of a comprehensive stroke centre in Japan.Main outcome measuresCSC capabilities were assessed using the validated scoring system (CSC score: 1–25 points) in 2010, 2014 and 2018 survey. The effect of hospital characteristics was examined using multiple logistic regression analysis.ResultsAmong the 323 hospitals that responded to all surveys, the implementation of 13 recommended items increased. The CSC score (median and IQR) was 16 (13–19), 18 (14–20) and 19 (15–21) for 2010, 2014 and 2018, respectively (pConclusionsThere was a significant improvement in CSC capabilities between 2010 and 2018, which was mainly related to the availability of endovascular treatment and multidisciplinary care. Our findings may be useful to determine which hospitals should be targeted to improve CSC capabilities in a defined area.

Background and Purpose: Recent studies have demonstrated that endovascular reperfusion therapy improves clinical outcomes at 90 days after ischemic stroke. However, the effects on long-term outcomes are not well known. We hypothesized that successful reperfusion might be associated with long-term improvement beyond 90 days after endovascular therapy. To assess the long-term effects beyond 90 days, we analyzed the association of successful reperfusion with a temporal change in modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score from 90 days to 1 year after endovascular therapy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a database of consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who received endovascular therapy between April 2006 and March 2016 at 4 centers. We compared the incidences of improvement and deterioration in patients with successful reperfusion (i.e., modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction score of 2b or 3) with those in patients with unsuccessful reperfusion. We defined improvement and deterioration as decrease and increase on the mRS score by 1 point or more from 90 days to 1 year after endovascular therapy respectively. Results: A total of 268 patients were included in the current study. The rate of patients with improvement tended to be higher in patients with successful reperfusion than in patients with unsuccessful reperfusion (20% [34/167 patients] vs. 12% [12/101], p = 0.07). The rate of patients with deterioration was lower in patients with successful reperfusion than in patients with unsuccessful reperfusion (25% [42/167] vs. 42% [42/101], p < 0.01). After adjustment for confounders, successful reperfusion was associated with improvement (adjusted OR 2.65; 95% CI 1.23–5.73; p < 0.05) and deterioration (adjusted OR 0.33; 95% CI 0.18–0.62; p < 0.01), independent of the 90-day mRS score. Conclusions: Successful reperfusion has further beneficial legacy effects on long-term outcomes beyond 90 days after stroke.

To evaluate the performance of four-dimensional pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling (4D-pCASL)-based angiography using CENTRA-keyhole and view sharing (4D-PACK) in the visualization of flow dynamics in distal cerebral arteries and leptomeningeal anastomosis (LMA) collaterals in moyamoya disease in comparison with contrast inherent inflow-enhanced multiphase angiography (CINEMA), with reference to digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Thirty-two cerebral hemispheres from 19 patients with moyamoya disease (mean age, 29.7 ± 19.6 years; five males, 14 females) underwent both 4D-MR angiography and DSA. Qualitative evaluations included the visualization of anterograde middle cerebral artery (MCA) flow and retrograde flow via LMA collaterals with reference to DSA. Quantitative evaluations included assessments of the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) on these vessels. The linear mixed-effect model was used to compare the 4D-PACK and CINEMA methods. The vessel visualization scores were significantly higher with 4D-PACK than with CINEMA in the visualization of anterograde flow for both Observer 1 (CINEMA, 3.53 ± 1.39; 4D-PACK, 4.53 ± 0.80; p < 0.0001) and Observer 2 (CINEMA, 3.50±1.39; 4D-PACK, 4.31 ± 0.86; p = 0.0009). The scores were higher with 4D-PACK than with CINEMA in the visualization of retrograde flow for both Observer 1 (CINEMA, 3.44 ± 1.05; 4D-PACK, 4.47 ± 0.88; p < 0.0001) and Observer 2 (CINEMA, 3.19 ± 1.20; 4D-PACK, 4.38 ± 0.91; p < 0.0001). The maximum CNR in the anterograde flow was higher in 4D-PACK (40.1 ± 16.1, p = 0.0001) than in CINEMA (27.0 ± 16.6). The maximum CNR in the retrograde flow was higher in 4D-PACK (36.1 ± 10.0, p < 0.0001) than in CINEMA (15.4 ± 8.0). The 4D-PACK provided better visualization and higher CNRs in distal cerebral arteries and LMA collaterals compared with CINEMA in patients with this disease. • The 4D-PACK enables good visualization of distal cerebral arteries in moyamoya disease. • The 4D-PACK enables direct visualization of leptomeningeal collateral vessels in moyamoya disease. • Vessel visualization by 4D-PACK can be useful in assessing cerebral hemodynamics.

The 2016 edition of the World Health Organization Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System introduced "diffuse midline glioma H3 K27M mutant" as a new diagnostic entity. These tumors predominately affect pediatric patients and arise from midline structures such as the brainstem, thalamus and spinal cord. Here, we report a rare patient with spinal ganglioglioma carrying an H3 K27M mutation. A 10-year-old boy presented with an intramedullary tumor in the cervical spinal cord. The lesion was partially removed and histologically diagnosed as ganglioglioma. After the remnant tumor grew within 3 months after surgery, the patient underwent radiotherapy. Genetic analyses revealed an H3F3A K27M mutation but no other genetic alterations such as IDH and BRAF mutations. This case may point to pathological heterogeneity in gliomas with H3 K27M mutations.

Background: Long-term outcomes after surgical treatment of arachnoid cysts (ACs) have not been reported adequately. Impaired visual acuity is not a common symptom of shunt dependency syndrome due to cyst-peritoneal (CP) shunt malfunction for ACs. We report a case of CP shunt malfunction, who presented only impaired visual acuity as a symptom, long after the initial surgical treatment. Case Description: A 16-year-old boy was surgically treated for the left frontal AC with CP shunting at 2 years of age. Extension of the peritoneal shunt catheter was performed at 15 years of age. A year later, he started experiencing impairment of visual acuity without headaches, which worsened to bilateral light perception. The presence of bilateral optic atrophy was confirmed. The AC in the left frontal lobe had enlarged very slightly, with shortening of the intracystic catheter, and the cerebrospinal fluid pressure was elevated to 30 cmH2O. He was treated with lumboperitoneal shunting. The visual acuity showed limited improvement. Conclusion: The possibility of CP shunt malfunction and shunt dependency syndrome should be considered, even if the patient presented only impaired visual acuity and no significant changes in the size of the ACs are observed.

ObjectivesThis cross-sectional survey explored the characteristics and outcomes of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC)–associated nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) by analyzing a large nationwide Japanese discharge database.MethodsWe analyzed data from 2,245 patients who experienced ICHs while taking anticoagulants (DOAC: 227; warfarin: 2,018) and were urgently hospitalized at 621 institutions in Japan between April 2010 and March 2015. We compared the DOAC- and warfarin-treated patients based on their backgrounds, ICH severities, antiplatelet therapies at admission, hematoma removal surgeries, reversal agents, mortality rates, and modified Rankin Scale scores at discharge.ResultsDOAC-associated ICHs were less likely to cause moderately or severely impaired consciousness (DOAC-associated ICHs: 31.3%; warfarin-associated ICHs: 39.4%; p = 0.002) or require surgical removal (DOAC-associated ICHs: 5.3%; warfarin-associated ICHs: 9.9%; p = 0.024) in the univariate analysis. Propensity score analysis revealed that patients with DOAC-associated ICHs also exhibited lower mortality rates within 1 day (odds ratio [OR] 4.96, p = 0.005), within 7 days (OR 2.29, p = 0.037), and during hospitalization (OR 1.96, p = 0.039).ConclusionsThis nationwide study revealed that DOAC-treated patients had less severe ICHs and lower mortality rates than did warfarin-treated patients, probably due to milder hemorrhages at admission and lower hematoma expansion frequencies.

Purpose To evaluate and compare the performance of acceleration-selective arterial spin labeling (AccASL) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography in the visualization of cerebral arteries and collateral vessels in patients with Moyamoya disease with that of time-of-flight (TOF) MR angiography, with digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard. Materials and Methods Thirty-six cerebral hemispheres from 22 patients with Moyamoya disease underwent TOF and AccASL MR angiography and DSA. Qualitative evaluations included imaging of the terminal internal carotid artery (ICA), distal middle cerebral arteries (MCAs), Moyamoya vessels, and leptomeningeal anastomosis (LMA) collaterals with reference to DSA. Quantitative evaluations included assessment of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and number of vessels in MCA branches. The linear mixed-effect model was used to compare the two methods. Results Mean scores for qualitative evaluation were significantly higher with AccASL angiography than with TOF angiography for imaging distal MCAs (3.9 ± 0.3 [standard deviation] vs 2.9 ± 1.1; P.001), Moyamoya vessels (3.6 ± 0.6 vs 2.7 ± 0.9, P.001), and LMA collaterals (3.8 ± 0.6 vs 1.8 ± 0.7, P.001). Scores for steno-occlusive degree around the terminal ICAs were better with TOF angiography than with AccASL angiography (2.6 ± 0.5 vs 2.4 ± 0.6, P = .023). CNRs in the M4 segment were significantly higher with AccASL angiography (11.9 ± 12.9, P.001) than with TOF angiography (4.1 ± 7.9). The number of vessels was significantly higher with AccASL angiography (18.3 ± 5.0, P.001) than with TOF angiography (8.9 ± 4.9). The increase in the number of vessels from TOF angiography to AccASL angiography was greater in patients with severe ICA steno-occlusion (late ICA stage group, 11.4 ± 4.5; early ICA stage group, 6.8 ± 4.0; P = .007) and well-developed leptomeningeal anastomosis (mildly developed LMA group, 7.1 ± 4.3; well-developed LMA group, 11.3 ± 4.5; P = .011). Conclusion AccASL MR angiography enables better visualization of distal cerebral arteries and collateral vessels in patients with Moyamoya disease than does TOF MR angiography, while TOF MR angiography enables better visualization of stenosis of proximal arteries. Both methods work in a mutually beneficial manner in the assessment of cerebral arteries.

Background and Purpose: Treatment for cerebral infarction beyond the indication of reperfusion therapy has not yet been established, and novel approaches are needed. It has been reported that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B played a neuroprotective role by enhancing cell survival and tissue repair for a long period after cerebral infarction in experimental animal models. However, PDGF-B is difficult to administer at effective concentrations in infarct area. In general, nanoparticles are very small and stable, making them prone to accumulation without being metabolized in infarct area. Therefore, we converted PDGF-B into nanoparticles and examined its therapeutic effect for cerebral infarction. Methods: PDGF-B nanoparticles (PDGF-B NP) and wild-type nanoparticles (wNP) were injected one day after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) using the CB-17 mouse model. We analyzed temporal histological changes and neurological function recovery. Fucntional recovery was assess using Cylinder test at 3 and 7 days after the tMCAO. As for the mechanism of neuroprotective effect, phosphorylation of Akt, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), and expression of angiogenesis were also examined in the infarct area and compared them with wNP control at 7 days after tMCAO. Result: We found that PDGF-B NP was distributed specifically in the infarct area. As compared with wNP group, PDGF-B NP group significantly suppressed cerebral infarct volume and improved neurological function at 3 and 7 days after cerebral infarction compared with wNP group. Akt was strongly phosphorylated in the infarction area with PDGF-B NP administration compared with wNP. Moreover, PDGF-B NP significantly induced angiogenesis, NT-3 expression, and reduced cell apoptosis after cerebral infarction compared with wNP. Conclusion: PDGF-B NP activated PDGF-B-Akt signaling in infarct area and played various important roles leading to neuroprotection after cerebral infarction. Our results suggested that treatment with PDGF-B NP may be useful for cerebral infarction beyond reperfusion therapy.

Background and Purpose: There is no consensus about efficiently measuring quality indicators (QIs) of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in Japan. To evaluate feasibility and reliability of measuring QIs for AIS patients who received intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) or endovascular therapy (ET), by combining information from health insurance claims database and medical chart. Methods: AIS patients who received rt-PA or ET between 2013 and 2015 were identified from the J-ASPECT Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) database. The 17 and 8 QI measures for primary and comprehensive stroke centers (PSCs and CSCs) were selected for AIS, respectively. More than 60% of data for calculating the QIs were obtained from the DPC database and preset in the tool. Responsible physicians were asked to review accuracy of preset data and add necessary information from medical chart. Adherence rates or performance measures for each QI were calculated for patient- and hospital-levels. Associations between adherence rates and hospital characteristics were analyzed using hierarchical logistic regression analysis. Result: In total, data of 8,506 patients (rt-PA 83.5%, ET 34.9%) from 173 hospitals were obtained. The median age was 76 (interquartile range 65–83) years, and 42.1% were women. Median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission was 14 (7-21). All of the target QIs were successfully measured. Among PSC QIs, adherence rates were low (< 60 minutes 37.9%) and intermediate (50-75%) (e.g. stroke unit care 58.7%) in 4 each. For CSC QIs, median door-to-puncture time was 105 (76-147) minutes and TICI grade 2b and 3 recanalization were achieved in 73%. A higher number of stroke discharge was associated with greater adherence to stroke unit care, early rehabilitation and stroke education. Conclusion: Measuring QIs of AIS by this novel approach was feasible and reliable to provide a national benchmark.

Background and Purpose: Heart disease is a common comorbid condition among patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stent placement (CAS). However, the outcomes of patients with heart disease who were treated with CEA/CAS have not been fully examined. We investigated the impact of heart disease on outcomes of CEA and CAS in general practice using the Japanese nationwide data from J-ASPECT study. Methods: We analyzed data from 23,366 patients of CEA or CAS (CEA 8,514, CAS 14,809) who had been hospitalized in the period from April 2012 to March 2017. We extracted data from the Japanese nationwide DPC database for patients who underwent CEA or CAS which were identified from procedural coding with Japanese original K-codes (CEA: K6092, CAS: K609-2). For further categorization of carotid artery stenosis patients with or without heart disease, we used the ICD-10 code (ischemic heart disease, valvular disease cardiomyopathy, conduction disturbance, cardiac arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter and heart failure) to identify the presence of heart disease. Outcome (death within 30days) was compared between the patient who underwent CEA or CAS and patient with or without heart disease after adjustment for patient characteristics by using the logistic regression analysis. Results: Of the patients who underwent CAS or CEA, 2495 (29.3%) in CEA and 3930 (26.5%) in CAS were complicated with heart disease. Heart disease was not associated with the risk of death within 30days in both patients undergoing CEA (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.54-3.55, p=0.5) or CAS (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.93-2.16, p=0.099). Among heart disease, valvular disease was associated with increased the risk of death within 30days in patients undergoing CEA (OR, 6.71; 95% CI, 1.89-23.77, p=0.0032) and CAS (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.05-8.20, p=0.004) after adjustment for potential confounders. Especially of the patients with valvular disease, aortic valve disease was significantly increased the risk of death within 30days (CEA: OR, 11.2; 95% CI, 3.13-39.8, p=0.0002, CAS: OR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.07-11.6, p=0.038). Conclusion: Patients who were complicated with valvular disease, especially aortic valve disease had a high risk of death within 30 days after CEA or CAS.

Background: Superficial temporal artery (STA)-middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass is the important treatment of moyamoya disease and other cerebral ischemic situations. However, cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (HPS) may occur after vascular reconstructive surgery including STA-MCA bypass. 123 I-IMP-SPECT is useful to diagnose HPS after surgery, but there is no intraoperative device to predict HPS. Using intraoperative hyperspectral imaging data captured by hyperspectral camera (HSC), we can get the oxygen saturation value (SO2) of brain surface during surgery. We may predict HPS by analyzing intraoperative cerebral cortex SO2. Objective: To investigate whether the data from HSC during surgery is useful for prediction of postoperative HPS. Methods: 10 consecutive patients performed STA-MCA bypass were collected hyperspectral images of cerebral cortex by HSC before and after bypass. We got the SO2 data and analyzed the rate of change and correlation with HPS. Results: 3 patients presented temporary neurological deterioration several days after surgery and 123 I-IMP SPECT revealed focal intense increase in CBF at the sites of anastomosis. In these HPS patients, the rate of change of SO2 of cerebral cortex before and after bypass significantly increased in comparison with the patients didn’t present HPS (1.524 vs 1.089, P=0.0017). The receiver operating characteristic curve reveals if the rate of change of SO2 is more than 1.17, postoperative HPS is likely to occur (sensitivity=83%, AUC=0.81). Conclusions: Using the HSC, we may predict the occurrence of HPS after STA-MCA bypass. HSC can be the useful device in postoperative treatment for prevention of HPS.