bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract 127: Delayed Thrombectomy In A Patient With Recurrent MCA Strokes
Authors: Joseph Pradeep , Bach Ivo , Khandelwal Priyank 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Prior research has demonstrated mechanical thrombectomy (MT) to be a safe and effective treatment for stroke patients with a large vessel occlusion (LVO).1 However, MT has generally only been studied in a time window of less than 24 hours.2 To the best of the authors' knowledge, this case report is the first publication of a MT done months after the initial stroke event, in a patient with recurrent strokes and an evolving occlusion visualized in the middle cerebral artery (MCA).

Methods
The patient is a 55‐year‐old man with a past medical history of a left‐sided MCA stroke 2 months prior to current admission with multiple transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), with no persistent residual deficits. His first stroke was preceded by about 1 week of intermittent confusion and right arm tingling. MRI at the time showed an acute embolic infarct in left MCA territory, and a CTA showed a sub‐occlusive thrombus vs. atherosclerotic plaque in the superior branch of the left MCA. He was discharged on DAPT, but his prior symptoms began to recur on a weekly basis, lasting for a few minutes each time. The patient eventually presented on this admission to the ED with persistent dysarthria and word finding difficulties. Within 4 hours, his exam improved to an NIHSS of 0. An MRI without contrast showed a new acute punctate infarct in the posterior left lateral temporal cortex. CT angiogram showed a persistent left M2 occlusion which was confirmed by the diagnostic cerebral angiogram. CT Perfusion also showed a large penumbra in the same region. The decision was made to perform MT, and complete recanalization was achieved. On 2‐month follow‐up, the patient continues to report no new symptoms since the time of MT.

Results
The patient’s positive outcome thus far at 60 day follow up indicates that MT can prove safe and efficacious even in significantly delayed time windows. This also shows that the decision to proceed with MT ought not to depend on time interval and degree of collaterals alone, but also on the pattern of symptoms the patient is exhibiting. The recurrent TIAs and strokes our patient was having indicates that, although collaterals had formed in response to his sub‐occlusive thrombus in the MCA, they were still unable to provide full compensation for this lost blood flow, leading to the patient’s intermittent symptoms.

Conclusion
This report demonstrates that MT can be safely and effectively utilized even in significantly delayed time windows in patients with recurrent TIAs or strokes.
Abstract 132: Angioplasty and Stenting for Symptomatic Vertebral Artery Atherosclerotic Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Bouslama Mehdi C. , Monteiro Andre , Donnelly Brianna , Kuo Cathleen , Danziger Hannah , Hugec Silvia , Lim Jaims , Turner Ryan C. , Raygor Kunal P. , Baig Ammad , Lai Rosalind , Snyder Kenneth V. , Davies Jason M. , Levy Elad I. , Siddiqui Adnan H. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Vertebral artery stenting represents a viable option in treating symptomatic vertebral artery atherosclerotic stenosis. However, its safety and efficacy in improving neurological status and reducing recurrent strokes remain to be established.

Methods
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases using keywords with Boolean operators to increase search sensitivity and specificity (‘extracranial’; ‘stenting’; ‘vertebral artery’; ‘stenosis’). We included articles reporting patients > 18 years old with symptomatic extracranial vertebral artery stenoses due to atherosclerosis treated with stenting (with or without angioplasty). Those reporting patients with vertebral dissections were excluded. Patients’ characteristics, procedural details, complications, and outcomes were extracted. Estimated rates weighted for sample size were generated for each variable using fixed and random effects models.

Results
From 89 unique studies identified, 21 met our inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis, comprising 1499 patients with 1570 lesions. The mean age was 65 years, and 74.4% were men. The mean baseline NIHSS was 4.6. The most frequent stenosis location was the V1 segment of the vertebral artery (88.4%). Device‐related issues occurred in 1.8%. Periprocedural ischemic and hemorrhagic complications occurred in 2.1% and 1.7%, respectively. Neurological improvement post‐procedure was observed in 84.2%, and the in‐hospital mortality rate was 2.1%. During follow‐up, in‐stent stenosis >50% was observed in 12.8%, and retreatment with either re‐stenting or angioplasty was performed in 10.8%. Ischemic complications during follow‐up occurred in 5%, and the overall mortality rate was 5%.

Conclusion
Stenting for the treatment of atherosclerotic vertebral artery stenosis is technically feasible, associated with a high rate of neurological improvement and low short and long‐term complication rates.
Abstract 142: Safety and Efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitor injection in Pathients immediately before mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Park Hee Kwon , Jeong Sang‐Wuk , Park Jong‐Ho 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Statins are lipid‐lowering agents and have beneficial effects in patients with acute ischemic stroke, including in the hyperacute period around mechanical thrombectomy.Evolucumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, is a fast‐acting drug that lowers serum LDL with beneficial effects during chronic stroke period. During an hyperacute ischemic stroke, the brain can be vulnerable, especially around reperfusion therapy. However, the clinical effect of PCSK9 inhibitor injection around mechanical thrombectomy is still unknown. Here we showed the efficacy and safety of PCSK9 inhibitor injection immediately prior to mechanical thrombectomy for these patients.

Methods
The subjects were stroke patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy at Inha University Hospital from April 2019 to March 2023. Clinical profiles between the evolucumab group and the non‐user group were analyzed.

Results
Of the 263 patients enrolled, 112 (42.6%) were male and the mean age was 69.1 years. Of these, 42 patients received a single dose of a PCSK9 inhibitor immediately prior to intervention and additional injections were not made due to insurance issues. Evolukumab injection was determined according to physician preference. There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, gender ratio, major risk factors, stroke etiology, or prior statin treatment. Evolucumab group had a higher stent recovery rate than the non‐user group (70.7 vs 53.4%, p = 0.04). However, there were no significant difference in TICI grade, or symptomatic hemorrhage. Compared with non‐user group, Evolucumab group had the lower NIHSS score on discharge (12.41 vs 8.83, p=0.03) and seemed to have the lower in‐hopital mortality(12.2 vs 2.4% p=0.06) Mean LDL‐C levels at admission and 3 months after stroke did not differ between the two groups. Cardiovascular and other adverse events within 3 months were similar in both groups.

Conclusion
Evolocumab added to conventional high‐intensity statin therapy was well tolerated and appeared to be associated with lower in‐hospital mortality and lower NIHSS scores at discharge without additional side effects. Further large randomized clinical trials might be needed to investigate the beneficial effects of PCSK9i during hyperacute stroke period.
Abstract 158: Association between thrombus characteristics and endovascular therapy outcome in stroke: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abbasi Mohammad Hossein , Warach Steven , Dula Adrienne , Saber Hamidreza 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Background: Prediction of successful revascularization and achieving a favorable functional outcome may help to determine the optimal recanalization strategy and improve the management of stroke. A growing body of literature has implicated a prognostic value for thrombus imaging characteristics for stroke outcomes [1‐5].

Methods
We conducted an electronic search using PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and EMBASE, previously published meta‐analyses, and systematic review studies that intervened by endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) or intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) following large vessel occlusion stroke from 2000‐2023 and involved MR‐based thrombus imaging, then screened 2007 studies against our eligibility criteria. We extracted the enrollees’ characteristics and the association between clot features and radiological and functional outcome measures.

Results
Thirty‐three studies were found eligible, with a total number of 6902 enrollees. Susceptibility Vessel Sign (SVS) was reported in 3531 subjects (51.2%). Nine studies only involved the administration of IVT, while 24 studies intervened by EVT. Seventeen studies found at least an association between a thrombus imaging characteristic and successful recanalization while the others reported no association. On the other hand, only thirteen studies found at least an association between thrombus characteristics and functional outcome, while the rest thrombus characteristics showed no association with functional outcome. Pooled meta‐analysis of studies that involved EVT with or without preceding IVT showed a statistically significant association between the presence of SVS and both successful recanalization (RR: 1.57 [1.09 – 2.27]; P: 0.02) and favorable functional outcome (RR: 1.76 [1.17 – 2.66]; P: 0.007).

Conclusion
The presence of SVS on MR‐based clot imaging was associated with functional outcome and successful recanalization following thrombectomy.
Abstract 184: Comparing Characteristics and Outcomes of Ruptured and Unruptured Mycotic Aneurysms: A Single Center Study
Authors: Balabhadra Anvesh A. , Miller Ethan , Patel Smit , Jaffa Matthew , Bruno Charles , Sussman Eric , Ollenschleger Martin , Mehta Tapan 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Infectious intracranial aneurysms (IIAs), commonly referred to as mycotic aneurysms, are a common sequela of infective endocarditis (IE). Approximately 65% of patients found to have IIAs also have IE, and IIAs occur in up to 10% of patients with IE. Clinically, it is important to be able to identify IIAs as well as their etiologies to adequately manage these insidious vascular lesions. Mortality rates have been reported up to 30% for unruptured and 80% for ruptured mycotic aneurysms. With upcoming advances in the neuro‐endovascular field, there has been a surge in pursuing endovascular therapies to secure these aneurysms which have yielded positive outcomes. We present a single‐center experience describing the characteristics and outcomes of ruptured and unruptured IIAs.

Methods
This is a single‐center retrospective observational study of patients admitted with IE who developed IIAs and were admitted at our institute from 2016 to 2022. Descriptive statistics were performed using SAS statistical software and Microsoft Excel.

Results
Out of a total of 862 patients with IE, 25 patients (3.0%) were identified to have 41 IIAs (single aneurysm in 18 patients and multiple aneurysms in 7 patients). The median (IQR) age of our population was 45 (27‐65) years, with 28/41 (68.3%) male patients. The most common location of IIAs was the distal segments of the posterior and middle cerebral arteries in both groups.
The overall mean (minimum‐maximum) size of all IIAs was 2.8 (0.2‐11) mm. Of these 41 IIAs, 24/41 (58.5%) were ruptured and 17/41 (41.5%) were unruptured. A total of 14/24 (58.3%) ruptured IIAs were treated vs. none were treated in the unruptured IIAs group (P=0.001). The average (minimum‐maximum; mm) size of ruptured IIAs was 3.3 (0.2‐11) vs. 2.1 (0.8‐5) in the unruptured IIAs group (P=0.324).
More patients died while hospitalized with ruptured aneurysms vs unruptured aneurysms at 29.1% and 11.7%, respectively (P=0.18). Additionally, 16.7% of those in the ruptured group were discharged home, whereas 41.2% in the unruptured IIA group were discharged home (P=0.08).

Conclusion
This study emphasizes the significant mortality rate observed among patients with ruptured IIAs. Clinicians should remain vigilant when screening patients. Our study suggests that ruptured IIAs should be secured while unruptured IIAs may be monitored closely.
Abstract 192: Throwing The Kitchen Sink At Tandem Occlusions: A Safety Analysis
Authors: Ajgaonkar Ryan K. , Miller Samantha E. , Hassan Ameer 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
The risk of tandem occlusion treatment in the setting of intravenous thrombolysis is unclear. Angioplasty and stenting typically require the administration of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors and/or dual‐antiplatelets which may increase the risk of hemorrhage in the setting of recent thrombolysis administration.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained patient registry at a comprehensive stroke center. Patients who received thrombolysis and subsequently underwent endovascular therapy for acute ischemic stroke between 2012 and 2022 were included. Patients were separated into two groups depending on whether or not rescue angioplasty or stenting was performed. Per local practice patterns, patients who underwent angioplasty or stenting were immediately started on dual antiplatelets with or without a glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor bridge. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were compared. Outcomes of interest included symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), asymptomatic ICH, hemorrhagic transformation, mass effect and death. Analysis was completed using Chi Square and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and Mann‐Whitney U for continuous variables.

Results
Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were compared between groups. Patients who underwent treatment of a tandem occlusion were on average younger (67 vs 73, p=0.08) and male (70.1% vs 55%, p=0.03). Median LDL was higher (94 vs 67, p=0.01) and there was a higher rate of diabetes (55.2% vs 40%, p=0.03) and lower rate of atrial fibrillation (12.1% vs 26.6%, p=0.01). Median NIHSS on admission was lower in the tandem occlusion group (15 vs 18, 0.02). Otherwise groups did not significantly differ in level of hemoglobin a1c or rates of hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, smoking status or prior stroke or transient ischemic attack. There was no significant different in hemorrhagic transformation (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.49, 2.13), mass effect (OR 1.73, 95% CI 0.79, 3.79), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR 1.27, 95% CI (0.54, 2.99), asymptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.12, 2.43) or death (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.24, 1.22) between groups. Limitations include a single center study and the retrospective nature of this analysis.

Conclusion
We did not find significant risk associated with the treatment of tandem occlusions in the setting of intravenous thrombolysis. Future prospective, multi‐center studies would be beneficial.
Abstract 201: Feasibility of an 088” Catheter in the M1 segment for Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Khan Muhammad W. , Meyer Benjamen M. , Campos Jessica K. , Laghari Fahad , Zarrin David A. , de Beaufort Jonathan C. Collard , Amin Gizal , Golshani Kiarash , Beaty Narlin , Bender Matthew T. , Colby Geoffrey P. , Lin Li‐Mei , Coon Alexander L. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Placement of 088” aspiration catheters in the internal carotid artery (ICA) for aspiration in mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been previously described. However, the use and safety of 088” aspiration catheters beyond the ICA has not been established. Here, we report the utilization and early safety outcomes of 088” catheter placement in the M1 segment for MT.

Methods
We reviewed a prospectively maintained IRB‐approved database of the senior author to identify consecutive cases where the 088” catheter was navigated to the MCA for use in mechanical thrombectomy.

Results
We identified 13 cases with placement of an 088” aspiration catheter in the MCA segment (all cases performed in 2023). Average patient age was 71±4 years (range 56‐97 years), with 10 (77%) females, presenting NIHSS was 12±2.1, and 3 (23%) patients received tPA. Location of the thrombus includes 7 (54%) in the M1 and 6 (46%) in the M2. In 13 (100%) cases, the Zoom88 (OD = 2.7 mm, Imperative Care, Campbell, CA) catheter was advanced to at least the M1 segment, and it was used with a coaxial Zoom71 catheter. The average M1 diameter prior to MT was 2.5±0.2mm, 2.3±0.2mm, and 2.2±0.1 in the proximal, mid, and distal M1‐segment, respectively. After MT, the average M1 diameter was 2.4±0.1mm, 2.2±0.1mm, and 2.1±0.2mm in the proximal, mid, and distal M1‐segment, respectively. 85% (n=11) of cases used one or more stentrievers including a Tigertriever, Solitaire, and Trevo. Average number of passes was 1.9±0.2. There were no vessel perforations, catheter‐related dissections, or hemorrhagic complications noted in any case. TICI 2C/3 recanalization was achieved in 100% of cases. The average mRS on discharge was 1.2±0.4.
Figure 1. (A) AP angiography demonstrating an M1 branch occlusion (orange). (B) Native view, 088” catheter under aspiration in the MCA (green). (C) Post‐thrombectomy final angiography demonstrating TICI 3 reperfusion.

Conclusion
The use of large‐bore 088” aspiration catheters in the MCA may offer a safe strategy for direct clot ingestion during mechanical thrombectomy in MCA vasculature that is smaller than the 8‐Fr aspiration catheter.
Abstract 212: Percutaneous Carotid access in Mechanical Thrombectomy ‐ a safe alternative to transfemoral approach
Authors: Bellara Sonia , Zumofen Daniel , Mulatu Yohannes 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Emergent percutaneous carotid artery MER approach for acute ischemic large vessel strokes are rare given the risk of complications and seldom reported.

Methods
75‐year‐old left‐handed functional male (mRs:0) with past medical history of HTN, HLD presented to ED after being found on the floor by his family with slurred speech, new onset right sided weakness, with a last known well of 17 hours. NIHSS on arrival was 14 for expressive aphasia, right visual field defect, right facial weakness, significant dysarthria, right hemiparesis, and sensory defect. CT Head demonstrated left MCA territory early ischemic changes. CTA head/neck demonstrated left M1 occlusion with large penumbra. Perfusion data demonstrated no area of core infarct with area of ischemic penumbra in the left MCA territory involving the left frontal, temporal and parietal lobes measuring 161 ml. ASPECT score 5‐6. The patient was deemed a candidate for mechanical endovascular thrombectomy (MER). The procedure was initiated via ultrasound‐guided right common femoral access. After multiple attempts using a wide range of techniques and wire/catheter combinations in order to establish left intracranial access and given extreme angulation/tortuosity/elongation in the proximal left common carotid artery, it was decided to proceed with the catheter position in the left common carotid or the left internal carotid artery that would allow for subsequent catheterization of the intracranial circulation for MER.

Results
Near complete revascularization with minimal distal thrombus material beyond endovascular reach corresponding to a TICI 2C degree of revascularization was achieved. Closure of the femoral puncture site was performed using an Angio seal femoral closure device. Surgical closure of the puncture site was performed by vascular surgery. The patient was eventually discharged to short term acute rehabilitation and continues to follow up outpatient with the Stroke clinic.

Conclusion
Older patients with ischemic stroke commonly have tortuous vessels or peripheral vascular disease. As a result, they may greatly benefit from emergent direct carotid access, as the trans‐femoral approach often poses challenges in accessing the thrombus. For patients with complex and unfavorable vascular anatomy for mechanical endo‐vascularization, direct percutaneous carotid puncture can be advantageous, effectively reducing the aforementioned difficulties. When opting for such an approach it is vital to factor in the aortic arch appearance and its branches.
Abstract 222: Immediate post thrombectomy extubation is associated with improved clinical outcomes
Authors: Miremadi Brian B. , Morrison Mark , Lakey Ashley , Overberg Rachel , Esechie Aimalohi , Scott Jordan , Coppens Jeroen , Christopher Kara , Linares Guillermo , Edgell Randall 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Recent findings suggest that general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation (GA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) who receive mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is associated with similar outcomes to conscious sedation (CS). [1][2] However, these trials involved stroke specific GA protocols in which immediate, post‐operative extubation was emphasized. In this study, we investigated outcomes of MT in AIS due to LVO as a function of the timing of extubation and explored variables that could delay extubation.

Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of collected data gathered during a 5‐year period (2018‐2022) for all our patients with AIS due to LVO who received MT. We analyzed the stroke outcomes and complications between patients who had received GA and those who had received CS. We also investigated the relationships between associated pulmonary risk factors, timing of extubation, and tracheostomy, on the outcomes of stroke.

Results
A total of 242 patients were included in our study. 83 patients received GA and 159 patients received CS. Our study shows CS in MT had a 2.74 (95% CI = 1.21‐6.22) higher odds of having a final TICI rating of 0‐2a compared to those who had GA. A logistic regression model was fitted that included NIHSS prior to MT; in this analysis, patients who received GA had 2.71 times higher odds of reaching TICI 2b or higher (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.19‐6.17). NIHSS was not a significant predictor of recanalization in our patients. Patients extubated in the IR suite vs. elsewhere (excluding patients who were not extubated in hospital) had 3.82 (95% CI = 1.03‐14.18) times higher odds of having an excellent mRS at 90 days (n=65). Those extubated late had higher odds of transitioning to comfort care (OR=4.50, 95% CI = 1.52‐13.31, p=0.004), and 90‐day mortality (OR=5.49, 95% CI = 1.71‐17.65, p=0.002). Those who were extubated early had a lower NIHSS post MT (mean = 10.89 vs 19.18), t=‐5.79, p<0.001), and a lower NIHSS at discharge (mean = 9.20 vs 17.11), t=‐5.79, p<0.001). There were no significant correlations between history of COPD or the BMI and the timing of extubation or the outcomes of MT. In addition, COPD was not associated with any significant changes in discharge or 90 days mRS.

Conclusion
Administration of GA to patients who receive MT for AIS was associated with better outcomes in our cohort. Immediate extubation was associated with better outcomes than delayed extubation in the GA group. A history of COPD or high BMI should not affect the decision to provide with GA for MT.