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Objective: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovasculary treatments (EVT) are recomended currently in eligible patients admitted within the therapeutic window. In this study, the data of AIS patients who were treated with intravenous and EVT methods in Istanbul Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital between 2017-2020 were evaluated retrospectively Materials and Methods: Five hundred and ninety patients who received IVT and/or EVT were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, radiological characteristics, risk factors and post-treatment clinical characteristics of these patients were analyzed. Results: Of the 590 patients, 324 (54.9%) underwent IVT, 164 (27.8%) EVT and 102 (17.3%) combined IVT+EVT. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were 9 (1-21) in the iv tPA group, 13 (3-27) in the EVT group, 12 (4-23) in the combined treatment group at admission In the IVT group, 220 patients had no artery occlusion (67.9%), M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) was found to be the most frequently occluded artery with 32 patients (9.9%). In the EVT and combined IVT+EVT groups, the M1 segment of the MCA had the highest occlusion rate [76 (44.2%), 49 (45%), respectively]. Asymptomatic hemorrhage rate was higher in the EVT group than the other groups. Symptomatic hemorrhage rate was lower in the IVT group compared to the other groups. A total of 182 (56.2%), 67 (39%) and 53 (48.6%) patients in the IVT, EVT and combined IVT+EVT groups had good outcome, respectively. Conclusion: Acute stroke treatment has been proven to significantly reduce the serious burden of stroke on patients, caregivers and society. For this reason, the societal awareness of the importance of urgent admission to emergency departmentsand the number and capacity of centers that provide AIS treatments should be increased.

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Objective: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovasculary treatments (EVT) are recomended currently in eligible patients admitted within the therapeutic window. In this study, the data of AIS patients who were treated with intravenous and EVT methods in Istanbul Bakirkoy Prof. Dr. Mazhar Osman Training and Research Hospital between 2017-2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Materials and Methods: Five hundred and ninety patients who received IVT and/or EVT were included in the study. Demographic, clinical, radiological characteristics, risk factors and post-treatment clinical characteristics of these patients were analyzed. Results: Of the 590 patients, 324 (54.9%) underwent IVT, 164 (27.8%) EVT and 102 (17.3%) combined IVT+EVT. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were 9 (1-21) in the iv tPA group, 13 (3-27) in the EVT group, 12 (4-23) in the combined treatment group at admission In the IVT group, 220 patients had no artery occlusion (67.9%), M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) was found to be the most frequently occluded artery with 32 patients (9.9%). In the EVT and combined IVT+EVT groups, the M1 segment of the MCA had the highest occlusion rate [76 (44.2%), 49 (45%), respectively]. Asymptomatic hemorrhage rate was higher in the EVT group than the other groups. Symptomatic hemorrhage rate was lower in the IVT group compared to the other groups. A total of 182 (56.2%), 67 (39%) and 53 (48.6%) patients in the IVT, EVT and combined IVT+EVT groups had good outcome, respectively. Conclusion: Acute stroke treatment has been proven to significantly reduce the serious burden of stroke on patients, caregivers and society. For this reason, the societal awareness of the importance of urgent admission to emergency departmentsand the number and capacity of centers that provide AIS treatments should be increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 61-year-old male with a history of rheumatoid arthritis presented to the emergency department with acute onset facial drooping and leftsided weakness. The patient, who had no history of antiplatelet or anticoagulant use, was routinely taking Methotrexate, plaquenil, and folate. Upon evaluation, he was conscious and oriented, exhibiting 1/5 muscle strength in the left upper and lower extremities and motor aphasia. Brain computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography revealed occlusions of the right internal carotid artery and right middle cerebral artery, leading to a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator was administered, followed by a successful thrombectomy. During digital subtraction angiography, thromboaspiration was performed and a carotid stent was placed in the right internal carotid artery. A follow-up diffusionweighted magnetic resonance imaging at 24 hours demonstrated a deep branch infarction in the right middle cerebral artery territory with concomitant hemorrhage. A brain CT scan confirmed hemorrhage in the infarct area. Due to the bleeding, the initial treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) 100 mg and clopidogrel 75 mg was modified to only clopidogrel 75 mg. Upon regression of the hemorrhage on subsequent brain CT, ASA 100 mg was reintroduced. The patient was subsequently transferred to the neurology clinic, where he was found to be conscious, cooperative, and oriented, with 4/5 muscle strength in the left upper and lower extremities, but with limited verbal response. This case highlights the complexities involved in the management of acute ischemic stroke with associated hemorrhage and emphasizes the need for individualized treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Although the efficacy of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for acute ischemic stroke is well established, rates of tPA use remain low. For clinicians, advocates, and policy-makers seeking to increase tPA treatment rates, it is important to understand what interventions exist and their relative effectiveness. Methods We searched PubMed and EMBASE to identify all studies published between 1995 and January 8, 2015 documenting interventions to increase the use of tPA with broadly inclusive criteria. The principal summary measure was the percentage change in rate of tPA administration. Random effects meta-analytic models were built to summarize the effect of intervention compared to control overall and for intervention characteristics. Results The search yielded 1457 results of which 25 met eligibility criteria. We identified 14 pre-post studies, ten randomized controlled trials, and one quasi-experiment. Included studies targeted their interventions at emergency medical services (EMS) (n = 14), telemedicine (n = 6), and public education (n = 6). In a random effects model, tPA administration was significantly higher in the intervention arm across all studies limiting enrollment to ischemic stroke patients (n = 16) with a risk ratio (RR) of 1.80 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45–2.22). A trend towards increased tPA administration was observed for all intervention approaches: risk ratio of 1.73 (95% CI, 1.44–2.09) for EMS, 1.58 (95% CI, 0.72–3.47) for telemedicine, and 1.89 (95% CI, 0.77–4.65) for public education, the latter not restricted to ischemic stroke patients. Conclusions Interventions to increase tPA use appear to have considerable effectiveness. Our findings support the use of such interventions to improve stroke outcomes.

Purpose: Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is indicated prior to mechanical thrombectomy (MT) to treat large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, administration takes time, and rates of clot migration complicating successful retrieval and hemorrhagic transformation may be higher. Given time-to-effectiveness, the benefit of tPA may vary significantly based on whether administration occurs at a thrombectomy-capable center or transferring hospital.Methods: We prospectively evaluated 170 individuals with LVO involving the anterior circulation who underwent MT at our Comprehensive Stroke Center over a 3.5 year period. Two thirds (n = 114) of patients were admitted through our Emergency Department (ED). The other 33% were transferred from outside hospitals (OSH). Patients meeting criteria were bridged with IV tPA; the others were treated with MT alone. Clot migration, recanalization times, TICI scores, and hemorrhage rates were compared for those bridged vs. treated with MT alone, along with modified Rankin scores (mRS) at discharge and 90-day follow-up. Multivariable regression was used to determine the relationship between site of presentation and effect of tPA on outcomes.Results: Patients presenting to an OSH had longer mean discovery to puncture/recanalization times, but were actually more likely to receive IV tPA prior to MT (70 vs. 42%). The rate of clot migration was low (11%) and similar between groups, though slightly higher for those receiving IV tPA. There was no difference in symptomatic ICH rate after tPA. TICI scores were also not significantly different; however, more patients achieved TICI 2b or higher reperfusion (83 vs. 67%, p = 0.027) after tPA, and TICI 0 reperfusion was seen almost exclusively in patients who were not treated with tPA. Those bridged at an OSH required fewer passes before successful recanalization (2.4 vs. 1.6, p = 0.037). Overall, mean mRS scores on discharge and at 90 days were significantly better for those receiving IV tPA (3.9 vs. 4.6, 3.4 vs. 4.4 respectively, p ~ 0.01) and differences persisted when comparing only patients recanalized in under 6 h.Conclusion: Independent of site of presentation, IV tPA before MT appears to lead to better radiographic outcomes, without increased rates of clot migration or higher intracranial hemorrhage risk, and overall better functional outcomes.

We did not find an association of reperfusion treatment with risks of acute symptomatic seizures or post-stroke epilepsy. Risk factors for post-stroke epilepsy were acute symptomatic seizures, more severe strokes, infarcts involving the cerebral cortex, and strokes caused by large-artery atherosclerosis. Keywords: Acute symptomatic seizure; post-stroke epilepsy; IV tPA; propensity-score matching EN Acute symptomatic seizure post-stroke epilepsy IV tPA propensity-score matching 105 107 3 04/11/22 20220301 NES 220301 B Seizures after Ischemic Stroke: A Matched Multicenter Study b Ferreira-Atuesta C, Döhler N, Erdélyi-Canavese B, et al. I Ann Neurol i . 2021;90(5):808-820.Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for acute symptomatic seizures and post-stroke epilepsy after acute ischemic stroke and evaluate the effects of reperfusion treatment. Independent predictors of increased ASyS risk included stroke severity (NIHSS >=11; adjusted OR [aOR] = 1.7), posterior circulation stroke (aOR = 1.5), and strokes due to large artery atherosclerosis (aOR = 1.4). [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is indicated prior to mechanical thrombectomy (MT) to treat large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, administration takes time, and rates of clot migration complicating successful retrieval and hemorrhagic transformation may be higher. Given time-to-effectiveness, the benefit of tPA may vary significantly based on whether administration occurs at a thrombectomy-capable center or transferring hospital. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 170 individuals with LVO involving the anterior circulation who underwent MT at our Comprehensive Stroke Center over a 3.5 year period. Two thirds (n = 114) of patients were admitted through our Emergency Department (ED). The other 33% were transferred from outside hospitals (OSH). Patients meeting criteria were bridged with IV tPA; the others were treated with MT alone. Clot migration, recanalization times, TICI scores, and hemorrhage rates were compared for those bridged vs. treated with MT alone, along with modified Rankin scores (mRS) at discharge and 90-day follow-up. Multivariable regression was used to determine the relationship between site of presentation and effect of tPA on outcomes. Results: Patients presenting to an OSH had longer mean discovery to puncture/recanalization times, but were actually more likely to receive IV tPA prior to MT (70 vs. 42%). The rate of clot migration was low (11%) and similar between groups, though slightly higher for those receiving IV tPA. There was no difference in symptomatic ICH rate after tPA. TICI scores were also not significantly different; however, more patients achieved TICI 2b or higher reperfusion (83 vs. 67%, p = 0.027) after tPA, and TICI 0 reperfusion was seen almost exclusively in patients who were not treated with tPA. Those bridged at an OSH required fewer passes before successful recanalization (2.4 vs. 1.6, p = 0.037). Overall, mean mRS scores on discharge and at 90 days were significantly better for those receiving IV tPA (3.9 vs. 4.6, 3.4 vs. 4.4 respectively, p ~ 0.01) and differences persisted when comparing only patients recanalized in under 6 h. Conclusion: Independent of site of presentation, IV tPA before MT appears to lead to better radiographic outcomes, without increased rates of clot migration or higher intracranial hemorrhage risk, and overall better functional outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex-based differences in incidence, etiologies, severity and recanalization treatment outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have been studied extensively. We set out to determine if there were sex-based differences in outcomes among AIS patients who received recanalization treatments at Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center (SMC), Israel, between 2011 and 2020. This was a single-center, retrospective chart review. The primary analysis compared outcomes for men and women, overall and stratifying by disease severity. We compared also demographics, risk factors and workflow data. Eight hundred and eleven patients received recanalization treatment between 2011 and 2020: 472 (58.1%) men and 339 (41.8%) women. Mean age, NIHSS score and proportion with an NIHSS score ≥ 6 were higher for women. Cerebrovascular risk factors were more prevalent in women, particularly atrial fibrillation, except that current smoking was more prevalent in men. Six hundred and twenty patients (78.1%) were treated with TPA alone, 89 (11.2%) with TPA and endovascular treatment (EVT), and 85 (10.7%) with EVT alone. Fifty percent of patients were discharged home, 41% to a rehabilitation hospital or nursing home, and 9% did not survive. Twenty-four patients (3%) sustained symptomatic bleeds. Outcomes were worse in patients with NIHSS score ≥ 6. Outcomes did not differ by sex. While treated women presented with more severe AIS and more risk factors, we did not find significant sex-related differences in outcomes. Meticulous adherence to risk factor modification remains the best strategy to reduce stroke incidence, morbidity, and mortality in women and in men. • A single-center, retrospective chart review 2011–2020. • 811 patients who received recanalization treatment for acute ischemic stroke. • Risk factors were greater in women, as was disease severity. • Outcomes for men and women, overall and stratifying by disease severity, were similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The logistics involved in administration of IV tPA for acute ischemic stroke patients are complex, and may contribute to variability in door-to-needle times between different hospitals. We sought to identify practice patterns in stroke centers related to IV tPA use. We hypothesized that there would be significant variability in logistics related to ancillary staff (i.e. nursing, pharmacists) processes in the emergency room setting. Methods: A 21 question survey was distributed to attendees of the AHA/ASA Southwest Affiliate Stroke Coordinators Conference to evaluate potential barriers and delays with regards to thrombolysis for acute strokes patients in the Emergency Department setting. Answers were anonymous and aggregated to examine trends in responses. Results: Responses were obtained from 37 of 67 (55%) stroke centers, which were located mainly in the Southwest United States. Logistical processes differed between facilities. Nursing and pharmacy carried stroke pagers in only 19% of the centers, and pharmacy responded to stroke alerts only one-third of centers. Insertion of Foley catheters and nasogastric tubes prior to tPA was routine in some of the sites. Other barriers to IV tPA administration included physician reluctance and inadequate communication between health care providers. Conclusion: Practices regarding logistics for giving IV tPA may be variable amongst different stroke centers. Given this potential variability, prospective evaluation to confirm these preliminary findings is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IVT) for ischemic stroke are monitored in an intensive care unit (ICU) or a comparable unit capable of ICU interventions due to the high frequency of standardized neurological exams and vital sign checks. The present study evaluates quantitative infarct volume on early post-IVT MRI as a predictor of critical care needs and aims to identify patients who may not require resource intense monitoring. Methods: We identified 46 patients who underwent MRI within 6 h of IVT. Infarct volume was measured using semiautomated software. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis were used to determine factors associated with ICU needs. Results: Infarct volume was an independent predictor of ICU need after adjusting for age, sex, race, systolic blood pressure, NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and coronary artery disease (odds ratio 1.031 per cm increase in volume, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.004-1.058, p = 0.024). The ROC curve with infarct volume alone achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.766 (95 % CI 0.605-0.927), while the AUC was 0.906 (95 % CI 0.814-0.998) after adjusting for race, systolic blood pressure, and NIHSS. Maximum Youden index calculations identified an optimal infarct volume cut point of 6.8 cm (sensitivity 75.0 %, specificity 76.7 %). Infarct volume greater than 3 cm predicted need for critical care interventions with 81.3 % sensitivity and 66.7 % specificity. Conclusion: Infarct volume may predict needs for ICU monitoring and interventions in stroke patients treated with IVT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1995, the NINDS (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) Stroke Study Group published the results of a large multicenter clinical trial demonstrating efficacy of intravenous tPA by revealing a 30% relative risk reduction (absolute risk reduction 11%-15%) compared with placebo at 90 days in the likelihood of having minimal or no disability. Since approval in 1996, tPA remains the only drug treatment for acute ischemic stroke approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Over the years, an abundance of research and clinical data has supported the safe and efficacious use of intravenous tPA in all eligible patients. Despite such supporting data, it remains substantially underutilized. Challenges to the utilization of tPA include narrow eligibility and treatment windows, risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, perceived lack of efficacy in certain high-risk subgroups, and a limited pool of neurological and stroke expertise in the community. With recent US census data suggesting annual stroke incidence will more than double by 2050, better education and consensus among both the medical and lay public are necessary to optimize the use of tPA for all eligible stroke patients. Ongoing and future research should continue to improve upon the efficacy of tPA through more rapid stroke diagnosis and treatment, refinement of advanced neuroimaging and stroke biomarkers, and successful demonstration of alternative means of reperfusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) should be given to patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and avoided in stroke mimics (SM). Select use of emergency brain magnetic resonance imaging (eMRI-brain) in stroke-alerts aids diagnosis, but accepted utilization criteria for eMRI-brain do not currently exist. We developed criteria for eMRI-brain and report the yield of eMRI-brain in stroke-alert patients.Materials and Methods: We developed three history-based criteria for performing eMRI-brain during stroke-alerts: (1) history of previous similar deficits, (2) change in consciousness at onset of symptoms, (3) symptom presentation consistent with migraine aura. We then performed a retrospective chart review of patients who presented as a stroke-alert over a 5-year period and determined how these criteria affected administration of IV tPA to AIS and SM patients.Results: Among 3,512 stroke-alerts, 230 (8.1%) patients met our criteria for eMRI-brain exams: 217 (92.6%) had SM and 17 (7.4%) had AIS. Our IV tPA decision-making analysis showed that based on eMRI-brain IV tPA was less frequently administered to SM patients (PCC-0.841, p=0.036) with less failures to administer IV tPA to patients with AIS (PCC -0.907, p-value=0.013, Pearson correlation coefficient). No patients became ineligible for IV tPA due to MRI-related time delays.Conclusions: Our history based criteria for performing eMRI-brain during stroke-alerts show a high yield of stroke mimics. Selective eMRI-brain improves decision-making accuracy regarding IV tPA administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors reflect on the failure of several clinical trials on thrombectomy devices for stroke therapy funded by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) reimbursement policies. They inform about the failure of the trials Mechanical Retrieval and Recanalization of Stroke Clots Using Embolectomy (MR-Rescue), and Synthesis which were based on the first-generation devices. They further suggest that the IV tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) must be used for the patients.

Background/purpose: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with increased risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), however, there is a paucity of data regarding outcomes after administration of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) for stroke in patients with COVID-19.Methods: We present a multicenter case series from 9 centers in the United States of patients with acute neurological deficits consistent with AIS and COVID-19 who were treated with IV tPA.Results: We identified 13 patients (mean age 62 (±9.8) years, 9 (69.2%) male). All received IV tPA and 3 cases also underwent mechanical thrombectomy. All patients had systemic symptoms consistent with COVID-19 at the time of admission: fever (5 patients), cough (7 patients), and dyspnea (8 patients). The median admission NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) score was 14.5 (range 3-26) and most patients (61.5%) improved at follow up (median NIHSS score 7.5, range 0-25). No systemic or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages were seen. Stroke mechanisms included cardioembolic (3 patients), large artery atherosclerosis (2 patients), small vessel disease (1 patient), embolic stroke of undetermined source (3 patients), and cryptogenic with incomplete investigation (1 patient). Three patients were determined to have transient ischemic attacks or aborted strokes. Two out of 12 (16.6%) patients had elevated fibrinogen levels on admission (mean 262.2 ± 87.5 mg/dl), and 7 out of 11 (63.6%) patients had an elevated D-dimer level (mean 4284.6 ±3368.9 ng/ml).Conclusions: IV tPA may be safe and efficacious in COVID-19, but larger studies are needed to validate these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As Covid-19 evolved into a world-wide pandemic, hospitals reported marked declines in strokes, only to be followed by reports of increased numbers of young people presenting with large-vessel occlusions. We reviewed our patient data-base to determine if similar or other novel trends were present.Results: Our Thrombectomy Stroke Center experienced marked declines in ED visits from 2,349 in early March to 1,178 in late April, stroke alerts dropped from 34 to 14 during the same period. Average monthly stroke admissions dropped from 34 in 2019 to 23 in 2020. Nonetheless, in March, we had 12 patients eligible for tPA, which is twice the typical caseload and was unexpected given the low overall stroke presentations. Although the neurointervention caseload was low, the patients were significantly younger. Of the acute intervention patients in March, 5 of the 12 patients were ≤ 60 years old, and two were in their 30's. These trends are similar to those reported elsewhere but were highly unusual for our center as our catchment area is predominantly Caucasian with 34 % of the population > 65 years of age.Conclusions: Even in low risk centers Covid-19 will likely impart unique stroke presentations. It will be imperative to determine the mechanisms responsible for these changes so we can institute effective strategies for optimal stroke prevention as well as maintain timely acute interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the proven benefit of neurothrombectomy, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) remains the most serious procedural complication. The aim of this analysis was to identify predictors of different hemorrhage subtypes and evaluate their individual impact on clinical outcome., Methods: Pooled individual patient-level data from three large prospective multicenter studies were analyzed for the incidence of different ICH subtypes, including any ICH, hemorrhagic transformation (HT), parenchymal hematoma (PH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). All patients (n=389) treated with the Solitaire device were included in the analysis. A multivariate stepwise logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of each hemorrhage subtype., Results: General anesthesia and higher baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) were associated with a lower probability of any ICH (OR 0.36, p = 0.003), (OR 0.80, p = 0.032) and HT (OR 0.54, p = 0.023), (OR 0.78, p=0.001), respectively. Longer time from onset to treatment was associated with a higher likelihood of HT (OR 1.08, p = 0.001) and PH (OR 1.11, p = 0.015). Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) was also a strong predictor of PH (OR 7.63, p = 0.013). Functional independence at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2) was observed significantly less frequently in all hemorrhage subtypes except SAH. None of the patients who achieved functional independence at 90 days had sICH., Conclusions: General anesthesia and smaller baseline ischemic core are associated with a lower probability of HT whereas IV-tPA and prolonged time to treatment increase the risk of PH after neurothrombectomy., Trial Registration Numbers: SWIFT-NCT01054560; post results, SWIFT PRIME-NCT01657461; post results, STAR-NCT01327989; post results., Competing Interests: Competing interests: All co-authors are consultants for Medtronic Neurovascular., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Introduction: Administering intravenous IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the recommended standard of care in acute ischemic stroke (AIS), although it is not recommended to administer intravenous thrombolysis with tPA following heparin reversal with protamine sulfate in patients with AIS.Methods: We describe a case series of three patients and the most comprehensive literature review published to date in this specific subset of AIS patients undergoing thrombolysis following heparin reversal with protamine sulfate. The literature review was based on a scoping review methodology performed on four databases; PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. All sources were searched from the inauguration of the database until February 2019. A total of six articles involving eight patients were identified.Results: The primary safety outcome of no symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was met in all eleven patients, although only seven cases had a good functional outcome at 3 months.Conclusions: In appropriately selected AIS patients, coagulopathy correction appears to be safe from an sICH standpoint and may be beneficial. However, given the potential for bias with observational databases, case reports and case series, extreme caution is warranted in applying these results to routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Clinical trials have provided evidence that treating patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) beyond 4.5 hours was feasible. Among them using MRI diffusion-weighted imaging/fluid attenuation inversion response (DWI/FLAIR) mismatch to guide intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) was successful. Our study explored the outcome and safety of using DWI/T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) mismatch to guide intravenous tPA therapy for patients with AIS between 4.5 hours and 12 hours of onset., Method: This was a retrospective study. Records of 1462 AIS patients with the time of onset of <12 hours were reviewed. Those had MRI rapid sequence study and had hyperintense signal on DWI but normal T2WI and received intravenous tPA up to 12 hours of onset were included in the analysis. Their demographics, risk factors, post-tPA complications, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and outcome were recorded and analyse. χ 2 was used to compare the intergroup variables. SAS was used to perform statistical calculation. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: Of 1462 identified, 601 (41%) patients were entered into the final analysis. Among them, 327 (54%) had intravenous tPA within 4.5 hours of onset and 274 (46%) were treated between 4.5-12 hours. After intravenous tPA, 426 cases (71%) had >4 pints of improvement on NIHSS score within 24 hours. Postintravenous tPA, 32 (5.32%) cases had haemorrhagic transformation. 26 (4.33%) were asymptomatic ICH and 4 (0.67%) died. At 90 days, 523 (87%) achieved a modified Rankin scale of 0-2., Conclusion: Using MRI DWI/T2WI mismatch to identify patients with AIS for intravenous tPA between 4.5 hours and 12 hours was safe and effective. The outcome was similar to those used DWI/PWI or DWI/FLAIR mismatch as the screening tool. However, obtaining DWI/T2WI was faster and avoided the need of contrast material., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.

Background: Selected patients with proximal anterior circulation ischemic stroke who demonstrate limited infarct and sufficient penumbra may benefit from endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) beyond conventional time limits., Objective: To perform a retrospective review of all cases of EVT performed at our institution for proximal anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke with onset >12 hours., Materials and Methods: Patients were assessed with non-contrast CT brain and multiphase CT angiography, with Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) and collateral grade informing patient selection. Data, including patient demographics, workflow, neuroimaging findings, procedural details, recanalization rates, and 90-day functional outcomes, were collected., Results: Of the 542 consecutive endovascular thrombectomy cases performed during the study period, 25 (4.6%) were >12 hours from stroke onset. Median age was 69 years (IQR 55-80), median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score on presentation was 14 (IQR 11-18.5), median ASPECTS was 8 (IQR 8-9), and rate of moderate-good collateral status was 96% (n=24). Median time to groin puncture was 14 hours 40 min (IQR 12 hours 36 min - 16 hours 18 min). Rate of successful recanalization (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral infarction 2b-3) was 88% (n=22). Rate of functional independence (90-day modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) was 52% (n=13). There were no cases of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage and 90-day mortality rate was 12% (n=3)., Conclusion: With the use of ASPECTS and collateral grade to guide patient selection, good functional outcome with acceptable safety parameters may be achieved in patients undergoing EVT beyond 12 hours from stroke onset., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Background: Rapidly improving or mild symptoms is the most common reason that acute stroke patients arriving within the approved time window are not treated with intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator (IV tPA). We reviewed outcomes at discharge for patients excluded from IV tPA because of rapidly improving or mild symptoms, with the aim of being better able to identify patients who may benefit from thrombolysis., Methods: All patients between April 2006 and June 2010 from our center who did not receive IV tPA with "rapidly improving or mild symptoms" as the reason for exclusion were identified. Poor outcome was defined as hospital discharge to location other than home or inability to ambulate independently at discharge., Results: There were 66 patients excluded from tPA treatment because of rapidly improving or mild symptoms. Eleven patients (16.7%) had poor outcomes. In 6 patients (9%), poor outcome was due to neurologic deficit. All 6 patients with neurologic deficits had right hemisphere strokes, and one also had cerebellar infarcts., Conclusions: Patients presenting with rapidly improving or mild symptoms do not universally have good outcomes. This may be particularly true in the case of right hemispheric ischemia where deficits are not fully reflected by NIHSS score. If a patient with a low NIHSS score is otherwise a candidate for tPA, a more detailed exam is warranted to better identify potentially disabling deficits that might benefit from thrombolysis.