bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abstract 074: Early Versus Late Anticoagulation In AF‐related Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis of RCTs
Authors: Kelani Hesham 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
In AF‐associated ischemic stroke, there is increased risk of early stroke recurrence, making anticoagulation treatment is highly recommended for secondary stroke prevention [1‐2]. On the other hand, high rates of ICH were also reported in this population, making it very challenging for physicians to decide when to start anticoagulation treatment [3]. We aim to investigate safety and efficacy of early versus late anticoagulation in AF patients with AIS.

Methods
This meta‐analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, WOS, and Scopus up to June 30, 2023, to collect randomized controlled trials comparing early versus late anticoagulation for acute ischemic stroke in AF patients. The primary outcome assessed in this study was the composite efficacy outcome (as defined by individual studies). Secondary outcomes included recurrent ischemic stroke, all‐cause mortality, ICH, and mRS 0‐2 at 90 days. Using the R statistical programming language, risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using a common‐effect model for each outcome [4].

Results
Four RCTs were included, involving 3050 patients (with 1527 patients in the early group). In the pooled analysis, early treatment group showed a significantly lower risk of composite efficacy outcome (RR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.53‐0.96, p‐value: 0.02) compared to late treatment group. Early treatment group demonstrated a lower risk in terms of recurrent ischemic stroke (RR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.52‐1.08), intracranial hemorrhage (RR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.59‐1.46), and all‐cause mortality (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.64‐1.22), however these results were not statistically significant. Moreover, the pooled analysis of two studies that reported mRS 0‐2 outcome at 3 months, both treatment groups were found to have similar rates but statistically insignificant.

Conclusion
This meta‐analysis, which pooled data from 3050 ischemic stroke patients with AF, early initiation of anticoagulation treatment was associated with lower risk of composite efficacy outcome. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups regarding ischemic stroke, all‐cause mortality, ICH, and mRS 0‐2 at 90 days. Early anticoagulation treatment in AF patients with AIS may be as safe and effective as late anticoagulation treatment and might provide more benefit. However, more RCTs need to be conducted.
Abstract 076: 2023 Fusarium Meningitis Outbreak: Neuroendovascular Outcomes and Observations of the Angioinvasive Disease from South Texas
Authors: Sadiq Kaiser O , Desai Sohum K , Abualnadi Yazan D , Khalil Zorain M , Miller Samantha , Ravindra Vijay , Tekle Wondwossen G , Georgiadis Alexandros E , Hassan Ameer E 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory in response to an outbreak of Fusarium meningitis from exposure to spinal anesthesia for cosmetic surgery performed in Mexico between Jan 1 to May 13, 2023. This paper outlines the neuroendovascular and neurosurgical observations and management of this outbreak at our Comprehensive Stroke Center with a focus on angio‐invasive disease.

Methods
A retrospective chart review was performed for fungal meningitis patients that presented between April and July 2023.

Results
There were a total of 12 patients who were found to have fungal meningitis, 11 of whom were included in the final analysis with angio‐invasive Fusarium solani. The mean age was 31.7 ± 7.15. 92% of patients were female. CT and MRI were initially normal in two‐thirds of patients. No cases demonstrated positive growth on fungal cultures. Only (1→3)‐β‐D‐Glucan assays were positive in all patients who were tested. After several patients in this series developed subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured mycotic aneurysm, we proceeded to institute weekly cerebral angiography protocol. This detected moderate to severe vasospasm in 75%, and aneurysms in 58%, with the most common site being the basilar artery. The aneurysms were seen exclusively in the posterior circulation. The average size of aneurysms when first detected was 5.0 ± 3.8 mm. Patients with brain aneurysms were treated with flow diversion in 57% of cases, primary coiling was performed in 14%, and the remaining expired prior to treatment. 14% in our series actually developed another episode of subarachnoid hemorrhage after treatment from a new angiographically confirmed aneurysm. All patients who presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage from mycotic aneurysms have passed or withdrawn care. With regard to vasospasm treatment, 80% had treatment with intra‐arterial verapamil and 40% underwent mechanical angioplasty. We did not perform balloon angioplasty in any case due to concern for rupture of the weakened compromised vessel walls. Finally with regard to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion; 67% underwent ventriculostomy, and a minority were converted to ventriculoperitoneal shunts. All but one patient received dual antifungal therapy with Amphotericin B and Voriconazole, and 42% were started on every other day intrathecal Amphotericin B.

Conclusion
We have found that in patients with fusarium meningitis that weekly angiographic surveillance for aneurysms and vasospasm should be performed. Conventional angiography is preferred to computed tomography angiography due to the smaller size of aneurysms. Aneurysms should be primarily coiled prior before flow diversion is attempted, and vasospastic vessels may be mechanically dilated in the setting of vessel wall necrosis.
Abstract 084: Intracranial Onyx Resolute Stenting In Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Patient With Pre‐existing Nickel Allergy: Case Report
Authors: Kapoor Vatsala , Tong Brian , Giurgiutiu Dan‐Victor 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a pathology involving an increase in intracranial pressure leading to symptoms including papilledema, tinnitus, and elevated cerebrospinal fluid opening pressure. Recent research has identified venous sinus stenosis as a cause of IIH, a common treatment of which is venous stenting and angioplasty. An adverse event of this procedure is in‐stent stenosis (ISS), due to either neointimal hyperplasia or hypersensitivity to an element in the stent. There has been speculation regarding whether nickel in intracranial stents is a cause of concern, due to its potential to cause a Type IV hypersensitivity reaction and ISS, which is an indicator of future stroke. The purpose of this case report is to determine if the cobalt‐based alloy Onyx Resolute intracranial stents can safely treat IIH in patients with allergic contact dermatitis to nickel.

Methods
We present a 38‐year old woman who presented with migraines and IIH with papilledema and severe pulsatile tinnitus. Headaches had been present for 5‐10 years. Ophthalmology consult revealed bilateral papilledema, upon which an MRI and MRV revealed venous stenosis. There was a 17mmHg pressure gradient measured in the patient. Patient could not tolerate acetazolamide, with kidney stones and loss of sheen in hair. Cerebral angiogram indicated right transverse‐sigmoid junction stenosis and atretic left venous sinus. The patient had an Onyx Resolute stent placed in the right transverse sigmoid junction. The Onyx Resolute stent is a Zotarolimus‐eluting stent made up of a cobalt‐based shell and a platinum‐Iridium core and is not recommended for patients with a hypersensitivity to nickel, cobalt, or chromium, but has a lower nickel content than a self‐expanding stent.

Results
Patient underwent cerebral angiogram, revealing right transverse‐sigmoid junction stenosis with a 17mmHg pressure gradient. Stenting and angioplasty were performed; this reduced the venous sinus pressure in the R transverse sinus (pre‐stenotic segment) from 43 mm Hg to 24 mm Hg with resolution of the R transverse‐sigmoid junction pressure gradient. Patient was treated with prasugrel (Effient) for one month. At the one‐month follow‐up, the patient reported an improvement of symptoms, with near‐resolution of her prior headaches in terms of severity and frequency following her procedure. Visual acuity is at baseline, pending formal follow‐up assessment for papilledema. Follow‐up CT Head Venogram with and without contrast showed a patent R transverse to sigmoid venous stent. The patient was continued on aspirin 81mg daily and prasugrel 5mg daily and is to continue follow‐up with yearly ophthalmologic exams.

Conclusion
Although there is speculation regarding the use of metal intracranial stents in patients allergic to nickel, our patient has shown that it is safe to use the Onyx Resolute intracranial stent despite a pre‐existing nickel hypersensitivity.
Abstract 101: Ophthalmic Artery Aneurysm Embolization Resulting in Resolution of Headaches and Visual Symptoms
Authors: Dasgupta Savanna 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Cerebral aneurysms are a rare cause of headaches and visual symptoms. Most common locations include anterior communicating artery, internal carotid arteries (ICAs), middle cerebral arteries, and tip of the basilar artery. While most unruptured aneurysms are asymptomatic, when symptoms do occur, they are most often headaches, cranial nerve palsies, or bilateral temporal hemianopsia due to compression of surrounding nerves or the optic chiasm. Rarely, thrombus formation within an aneurysm can lead to symptoms via distal embolization and infarction. The literature is limited regarding repeated aneurysmal microembolism formation or transient alterations in blood flow dynamics leading to episodic symptoms.

Methods
We report the case of a 55 year‐old woman with Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome and syringomyelia who presented to the hospital with one week of intermittent left eye visual disturbances, characterized by either complete transient monocular vision loss or blurriness lasting for 30 seconds at a time and occurring multiple times per day. These symptoms were also associated with pressure‐like headaches that originated around the left eye and radiated to the left side of her head.

Results
Neurological and ophthalmological examinations were notable for normal cranial nerve function, including intact visual acuity, visual fields, color vision and extraocular movements in each eye. On a dilated fundoscopic exam, there were no retinal or optic disc abnormalities. The rest of the neurological exam was normal. Head and neck CTA and subsequent digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed multiple bilateral ICA aneurysms, as well as a 4 millimeter left ophthalmic artery aneurysm. Brain and orbits MRI with contrast showed no acute abnormalities, including no evidence of infarction or intracranial hemorrhage. She was started on clopidogrel due to concern for recurrent retinal transient ischemic attacks as well as escalating doses of nortriptyline for empiric treatment of possible ocular migraines. In follow‐up three months later, she continued to have the same visual and headaches symptoms. She underwent a successful elective flow diversion embolization of the ophthalmic artery aneurysm with subsequent resolution of her symptoms

Conclusion
Here we describe a case of a patient who presented with episodic monocular vision changes and headaches ipsilateral to an ophthalmic artery aneurysm, who experienced complete resolution of these symptoms following flow diversion embolization of the aneurysm. Although the precise pathophysiological relationship between the aneurysm and her visual symptoms is unclear, potential mechanisms include aneurysmal microthrombus formation with retinal embolization and dissolution, hemodynamic retinal blood flow changes related to the aneurysm, or recurrent ocular migraines triggered by the ophthalmic artery aneurysm.
Abstract 124: Vertebral Artery Web as a Rare Cause of Ischemic Stroke in a young male
Authors: Kaur Harsimran , Singh Romil , Cerejo Russell 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Vertebral artery web has been rarely identified compared to the frequently reported, carotid artery web as etiology of ischemic stroke. Here we present a young patient with symptomatic vertebral artery web.

Methods
Case Report

Results
35‐year‐old male presented with persistent, intermittent, bilateral visual scintillations lasting 30‐60 seconds for one month. Neurological examination positive for bi nasal superior quadrantanopia. Computed tomography (CT) of head showed patchy hypo density in right posterior circulation artery (PCA) territory. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed restriction diffusion over bilateral PCA territories right greater than left (image A). MR Angiogram head and neck showed abnormal contour within right vertebral artery in V2 segment compatible with dissection (image B). Patient’s hypercoaguable, inflammatory and rheumatological markers were unremarkable. The patient was started on aspirin 81 mg daily and Plavix 75 mg daily for three weeks followed by aspirin monotherapy. Repeat CT angiogram 11 months later still showed right V1/V2 junction irregularity (image C). DSA performed one month later revealed right cervical vertebral artery web with mild stagnation of blood flow (image D). Patient had no recurrence of symptoms and was continued on aspirin.

Conclusion
Ischemic stroke is rare in young adults. According to recent studies, prevalence of stroke in young adults’ ranges from 10‐15% of entire population stroke burden. Our case describes a young patient with posterior circulation stroke caused by a vertebral artery web which was confirmed with DSA. Vertebral artery web has limited scientific documentation throughout the literature. A literature review performed by B.J.A. Pereira et al. demonstrated that only 7.3% of vessel webs were found in the vertebral artery, compared to 91.66% in the carotid artery (3). Because of this, a review of medical literature showed limited case reports on treatment and surgical options for vertebral webs causing posterior circulation stroke. Lenck et al. first reported 3 patients with vertebral webs diagnosed by DSA and having MRI show ischemic strokes in the vascular territory were treated with endovascular stenting and had no recurrence of an ischemic event (4). A literature review reported by Pereira demonstrated that out of 23 vessel webs, 13 were treated with supportive care (including antiplatelets or anticoagulation), eight were treated with angioplasty and stenting (which included the vertebral artery web case), and two were treated with surgery (3). In other literature, Lizhang et al (2019) diagnosed an incidental vertebral artery web on DSA for anterior circulation TIA and was treated successfully with DAPT therapy and atorvastatin 20 mg (5).
Abstract 136: Antiplatelet Regimens for Secondary Prevention in Minor Ischemic Stroke or TIA: A Network Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kelani Hesham 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
There is increased risk of major cardiovascular events among patients with minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) [1]. Antiplatelet drugs have been proven to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events and highly recommended for secondary stroke prevention in this population [2]. However, using antiplatelets has shown an increase in the risk of bleeding events. Hence there are multiple antiplatelet regimens, we aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of these different regimens in minor ischemic stroke defined as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 5 or less and high‐ risk TIA).

Methods
A comprehensive literature search of (PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and WOS) was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials comparing different antiplatelet regimens in patients with minor ischemic stroke or TIA. Frequentist NMA was conducted to estimate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the outcomes of interest using R statistical programming language [3]. The primary outcome measure was recurrent stroke while secondary outcomes included, any bleeding events, serious adverse events (SAEs), hemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), cardiovascular mortality, and all‐cause mortality.

Results
Five RCTs with 34,941 participants were included. Compared to SAPT (aspirin alone), both DAPT regimens (aspirin + clopidogrel and aspirin + ticagrelor) demonstrated a significant reduction in stroke recurrence (RR: 0.72 with 95% CI [0.63, 0.82], P < 0.01) and (RR: 0.75 with 95% CI [0.64, 0.87], P < 0.01), respectively. However, both DAPT regimens were associated with a higher risk of bleeding events (RR: 1.95 with 95% CI [1.09, 3.50], P = 0.02), (RR: 3.07 with 95% CI [1.16, 8.15], P = 0.02), respectively. In contrast, no significant differences were observed among various antiplatelet modalities regarding all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, hemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction, and serious adverse events. In contrast, no significant differences were observed among various antiplatelet modalities regarding all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, hemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction, and serious adverse events.

Conclusion
Our findings indicate that DAPT regimens were effective in reducing stroke recurrence compared to SAPT. However, caution is warranted as both DAPT regimens were associated with a higher risk of bleeding events. Clinicians should weigh the potential benefits of reduced stroke recurrence with DAPT against the increased risk of bleeding events. Further research and clinical trials assessing both safety and efficacy are warranted to better understand the optimal prevention approach for this specific patient population.
Abstract 140: Additive Contralateral MMA Injection for Recurrent Previously Operated cSDH: Experience in 8 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Meyer Benjamen M. , Khan Muhammad W. , K Jessica , Laghari Fahad A. , Zarrin David A. , de Beaufort Jonathan C. Collard , Amin Gizal , Golshani Kiarash , Beaty Narlin B. , Bender Matthew T. , Lin Li‐Mei P. , Colby Geoffrey P. , Coon Alexander L. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has emerged as an adjunctive treatment in the management of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). After surgical cSDH evacuation, embolization offers enhanced resorption of cSDH fluid by infarcting the neomembranes at the capillary level. MMA embolization is typically performed on the side ipsilateral to the cSDH, but in the setting of recent surgical evacuation, the ipsilateral meningeal circulation is oftentimes disrupted and/or collateralized. In this situation, penetration of the membranes via an over‐the‐top contralateral injection may provide additional MMA occlusion and efficacy.

Methods
Consecutive cases of unilateral cSDH surgery with contralateral liquid embolic injection were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained database of the senior authors.

Results
Eight consecutive cases of recurrent cSDH after surgery were identified (average age = 76±3.5 years, all male). Five subjects (63%) had a previous craniotomy and 3 (38%) had previous burr holes. All subjects had a contralateral MMA embolization in addition to an ipsilateral MMA embolization with regards to their previous index surgery. Average recurrent cSDH thickness was 9.8±1.4mm, midline shift of 1.8±0.9mm. MMA branches embolized included both anterior and posterior (n=5, 63%) anterior only (n=2, 25%), and posterior only (n=1, 12.5%). The falx was penetrated in the contralateral MMA embolization in 3 (38%) cases. Injection of glue across the midline to previously non‐penetrated dura on the index surgery side was successfully achieved in all 8 cases. There were no periprocedural complications encountered.

Conclusion
The addition of contralateral MMA embolization for recurrent cSDH after previous surgery is a safe and potentially additive therapy that may increase the overall efficacy of MMA embolization in these challenging cases.
Abstract 157: Evaluating the Impact of Pre‐Procedural CTA on Fluoroscopy Time and Conversion Rates
Authors: Lodato Zachary , Bach Ivo , Haque Humza , Meltzer Elan , Khandelwal Priyank 
Published: March 2024

Introduction
Cerebral angiography, essential in managing cerebrovascular disorders, exposes patients to ionizing radiation, with dose dependence on procedure complexity, patient's body habitus, and equipment used, raising safety concerns (1,2). Conversion from primary to secondary access site, influenced by anatomical variables, further increases procedure and fluoroscopy time (3). We propose using Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) prior to DSA for anatomical insights, potentially reducing access site conversion, procedure time, and radiation dose/fluoroscopy time. This study evaluates the impact of pre‐procedural CTA on fluoroscopy time and access site conversion rates.

Methods
A retrospective chart review was conducted at a single center to collect data for this study. A total of 93 participants who received DSA were evaluated. Variables of interest included whether a CTA was performed prior to DSA, fluoroscopy time, fluoroscopy dose, time per vessel, dose per vessel, average number of vessels imaged, and the conversion rate from radial to femoral access. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and independent sample t‐tests were conducted to compare the means of continuous variables between the groups that received a CTA Neck prior to DSA and those that did not. All statistical analyses were performed using a significance level of 0.05.

Results
Out of 93 participants, 61 had a prior CTA neck and 32 did not. The non‐prior CTA group had slightly higher average fluoroscopy time (15.68 vs. 14.30 min, p=0.39) and dose (643.29 vs. 582.90, p=0.37), but lower time per vessel (3.42 vs. 3.65, p=0.58) and higher dose per vessel (162.80 vs. 145.01, p=0.63). They also imaged more vessels on average (4.81 vs. 4.33, p=0.09). Conversion percentage for non‐prior CTA was lower compared to the prior CTA group (6.25% vs. 6.56%) but not statistically significant. Standard deviation for all measures, except for time per vessel, was higher in the non‐prior CTA neck, indicating more variability in this group.

Conclusion
This retrospective analysis suggests that prior computed tomography angiography (CTA) might lead to reduced fluoroscopy times and dosage during procedures, but the results are not statistically significant at this stage. However, the study indicates that prior CTA cases had a higher percentage of access site conversions, though the sample size was small. Due to these findings, further investigation with a larger sample size is needed to explore these variables more thoroughly. If CTA before digital subtraction angiography (DSA) can indeed decrease procedure time, radiation exposure, and the need for access site conversion, it has the potential to significantly improve functional neurological outcomes. Moreover, it may reduce the occurrence of complications related to radiation exposure and decrease the overall costs associated with performing DSA and related neurointerventions.