Optimizing workflow of urgent stroke endovascular intervention: A focused lean six sigma project

INTRODUCTION

Urgent endovascular intervention is currently accepted as the primary and critical therapeutic approach to patients whose acute ischemic stroke results from a large arterial occlusion (LAO). In this context, one of the quality metrics most widely applied to the assessment of emergency systems performance is the "door-to-puncture" (D-P) time. We undertook a project to identify the subinterval of the D-P metric causing the most impact on workflow delays and created a narrowly focused project on improving such subinterval.

METHODS

Using the DMAIC (i.e., define, measure, analyze, improve and control) approach, we retrospectively reviewed our quality stroke data for calendar year (CY) 2021 (i.e., baseline population), completed a statistical process control assessment, defined the various subintervals of the D-P interval, and completed a Pareto analysis of their duration and their proportional contribution to the D-P interval. We retooled our workflow based on these analyses and analyzed the data resulting from its implementation between May and December 2022 (i.e., outcome population).

RESULTS

The baseline population included 87 patients (44 men; mean age = 67.2 years). Their D-P process was uncontrolled, and times varied between 35-235 minutes (Mean = 97; SD = 38.40). Their door to angiography arrival (D-AA) subinterval was significantly slower than their arrival to puncture (AA-P) (73.4 v. 23.5 minutes; p < 0.01), accounted for 73% of the average length of the D-P interval. The group page activation to angiography arrival (GP-AA) subinterval accounted for 41.5% of the entire D-AA duration, making it the target of our project. The outcome population originally consisted of 38 patients (15 men; mean age = 70.3 years). Their D-P process was controlled, its times varying between 43-177 minutes (Mean = 85.8; SD = 34.46), but not significantly difference than the baseline population (p = 0.127). Their target subinterval GP-AA varied between 0-37 minutes and was significantly improved from the baseline population (Mean = 13.21 v. 29.68; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

It seems feasible and reasonable to analyze the subinterval components of complex quality metrics such as the D-P time and carry out more focused quality improvement projects. Care must be exercised when interpreting the impact on overall system performance, due to unexpected variations within interdependent subprocesses. The application of a robust and comprehensive LSS continuous quality improvement process in any CSC will have to include individualized focused projects that simultaneously control the different components of overall system performance.

Risk of new cerebral ischemic events in patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery stenosis while awaiting carotid stent placement

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although there is an emphasis on performing carotid artery stent (CAS) placement within 2 weeks after index event of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke in patients with significant extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis, the risks and characteristics of recurrent cerebral ischemic event while waiting for CAS placement are not well defined.

METHOD

We analyzed patients admitted to our institution over a 45-month period with symptomatic extracranial ICA stenosis. We identified any new cerebral ischemic events that occurred between index cerebral or retinal ischemic event and CAS placement and categorized them as TIA and minor or major ischemic strokes. We calculated the risk of new ipsilateral cerebral ischemic events between index cerebral or retinal ischemic event and CAS placement.

RESULTS

The mean age of 131 patients analyzed was 67 years (range: 47-94 years; 92 were men), and 94 and 37 patients had 70%-99% and 50%-69% severity of stenosis, respectively. The mean and median time intervals between index cerebral or retinal ischemic event and CAS performance were 28 (standard deviation [SD] 30) and 7 (interquartile range 33) days, respectively. A total of 9 of 131 patients (6.9%, 95% confidence interval 2.5%-11.2%) experienced new cerebral ischemic events over 3637 patient days of observation. The risk of new ipsilateral cerebral ischemic events was 2.5 per 1000 patient days of observation.

CONCLUSION

We estimated the risk of new ipsilateral cerebral ischemic events in patients with ICA stenosis ≥50% in severity while waiting for CAS placement to guide appropriate timing of procedure.

Effect of race/ethnicity on arterial recanalization following intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke patients

INTRODUCTION

Several reports have identified that clinical outcomes such as death or disability in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients following intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment can vary according to race and ethnicities. We determined the effect of race/ethnicity on rates of arterial recanalization in AIS patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) after IV tPA.

METHODS

We analyzed 234 patients with LVO detected on computed tomographic angiography (CTA) who received IV tPA and subsequently underwent angiography for potential thrombectomy. The primary occlusion sites on CTA and digital subtracted angiography (DSA) were compared and a score was given to the level of recanalization with values ranging from 1 (complete recanalization), 2 (partial recanalization), or 3 (no recanalization).The effect of race/ethnicity were assessed for predicting vessel recanalization using the covariates of age, gender, time since stroke onset, tPA dose received, NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) score at baseline, and location of the occlusion, using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Five patients (2.1%) were Hispanic or Latino, 8 (3.4%) Asian, 24 (10.3%) African American, and 197 (84.2%) White. A total of 50% had a distal ICA/proximal M1 occlusion, 20% distal M1 occlusion, and 16% single M2 occlusion. At the primary occlusion site, 44 (18.8%) had complete recanalization on post IV tPA angiogram, 17 (7.3%) had partial recanalization, and 165 (70.5%) had no recanalization. We did not find any association between race/ethnicity and vessel recanalization post IV tPA (Nonwhite combined [OR=1.49, p=0.351]; Asian [OR=1.460, p=0.650]; African American [OR=1.508, p=0.415]; White [OR=0.672, p=0.351]; ethnicity (Hispanic or Latino) [OR= 1.008, p=0.374]); Occlusion location (OR=0.189, p<0.001). Final TICI scores and mRS at 90 days were similar among the different groups.

CONCLUSION

Approximately 19% of patients had complete recanalization after IV tPA, but race and ethnicity did not seem to have an effect on arterial recanalization. Arterial recanalization was only affected by location of occlusion.

Endovascular Thrombectomy With or Without Intravenous Thrombolysis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

We performed this meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to compare the outcomes in patients treated with endovascular thrombectomy who receive prior intravenous thrombolysis with those who do not receive such treatment. Recently, one randomized trial reported outcomes to address this issue, so timely update of meta-analysis is needed to determine the value of administering intravenous thrombolysis before endovascular thrombectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four randomized clinical trials are included in our meta-analysis. We calculated pooled odds ratios and 95% CIs using random-effects models. The primary efficacy endpoint was a favorable outcome defined by a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 (no symptoms), 1 (no significant disability), or 2 (slight disability) at 90 days post-randomization. Secondary endpoints analyzed were any intracerebral hemorrhage, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and mortality.

RESULTS

Of the 1633 patients randomized, the proportion of patients who achieved a favorable outcome was similar between endovascular thrombectomy alone and combined approach with intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy (1631 patients analyzed; odds ratio 1.02; CI 0.84-1.25; p = 0.83). Risk of any intracerebral hemorrhage was significantly lower among those randomized to endovascular thrombectomy alone (1633 patients analyzed; odds ratio 0.75; CI 0.57-0.99; p = 0.04). Rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (p = 0.36) and mortality (p = 0.62) were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with endovascular thrombectomy preceded by intravenous thrombolysis, endovascular thrombectomy resulted in similar rates of favorable outcome with a lower rate of intracerebral hemorrhage. A large phase 3 trial is required to conclusively demonstrate equivalency of both approaches to guide future practice.

New cardiovascular events in the convalescent period among survivors of SARS-CoV-2 infection

BACKGROUND

Patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection may have an increased risk of acute cardiovascular events in the convalescent period.

AIMS

To determine whether patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection have an increased risk of cardiovascular events during the convalescent period.

METHODS

We analyzed 10,691 hospitalized adult pneumonia patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and contemporary matched controls of pneumonia patients without SARS-CoV-2 infection. The risk of new cardiovascular events following >30 days pneumonia admission (convalescent period) was ascertained using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to adjust for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Among 10,691 pneumonia patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, 697 patients (5.8%; 95% CI, 5.4-6.2%) developed new cardiovascular events (median time interval of 218 days post pneumonia admission; interquartile range Q1 = 117 days, Q3 = 313 days). The risk of new cardiovascular events was not significantly higher among pneumonia patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection compared with those with pneumonia without SARS-CoV-2 infection (hazard ratio (HR), 0.90, 95% CI, 0.80-1.02) after adjustment for potential confounders. In addition, no significant difference in the rate of a new ischemic stroke (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.70-1.02) or ischemic heart disease (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.87-1.15) was observed between the pneumonia patients with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that new cardiovascular events rate in the convalescent period among pneumonia patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection was not significantly higher than the rate seen with other pneumonias.

Hyperglycemic control in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment: post hoc analysis of the Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort trial

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycemia has been associated with poor outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment. We analyzed the effect of intensive glucose control on death and disability rates in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular treatment.

METHODS

We analyzed the effect of intensive (serum glucose <110 mg/dL) glucose treatment (compared with standard treatment, serum glucose <180 mg/dL) in patients who received endovascular treatment in the Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort (SHINE) trial. We further analyzed the effect of area under the curve (AUC) of serum glucose, proportion of the time blood glucose was <140 mg/dL, and glucose variability defined as the glucose range during 72 hours. The primary outcomes were neurological deterioration within 72 hours and outcome at 90 days.

RESULTS

A total of 146 patients (mean age 68.1±13.9 years, 50.7% men) underwent endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke; 72 and 74 patients were randomized to intensive and standard treatments, respectively. The rates of death (20.3% and 22.2%), favorable 90-day primary outcome (17.6% and 19.4%), and serious adverse events (41.9% and 56.98%) were similar between the two groups. The AUC of serum glucose was not associated with death within 90 days (OR 1, 95% CI 1 to 1) or favorable outcome at 90 days (OR 1, 95% CI 1 to 1). Glucose variability was not associated with death or favorable outcome at 90 days.

CONCLUSION

We did not identify any beneficial effect of intensive glucose reduction on rates of death or favorable outcomes at 90 days among acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment.

Abstract WP142: Risk Of New Ischemic Events In Patients With Symptomatic Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis While Awaiting Carotid Artery Stent Placement

Introduction: Although there is emphasis on performing carotid artery stent placement (CAS) within two weeks after index event of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke in patients with cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis, the risk and characteristics of recurrent cerebral ischemic events while waiting for CAS are not well defined.

Method: We analyzed patients admitted to our institution over a 45-month period with symptomatic cervical ICA stenosis. All patients were initiated on daily aspirin and clopidogrel 75mg on the day of admission. We identified any new cerebral ischemic events that occurred between index event and CAS and categorized them as TIA, and minor or major ischemic strokes. We calculated the risk of new ipsilateral cerebral ischemic events between index ischemic event and CAS.

Results: The mean age of 150 patients analyzed was 67 years (range: 46-94 years; 106 were men); and 94 and 56 patients had ≥ 70% and 50-69% stenosis, respectively. The mean and median time intervals between index event and CAS performance were 25 and 6 days, respectively. A total of 6 new cerebral ischemic events (5 TIAs and 1 major stroke) were observed over 3,776 patient days of observation. The risk of new ipsilateral cerebral ischemic events between index ischemic event and CAS performance was 1.6 per 1000 patient days of observation.

Conclucion: We identified a low risk of new ipsilateral cerebral ischemic events in patients with ≥ 50% ICA stenosis while waiting for CAS presumably due to early initiation of dual antiplatelets.

Abstract WP11: Outcomes Associated With Iv Tenecteplase And Iv Alteplase For Acute Ischemic Stroke With Or Without Thrombectomy In Real-world Settings In The United States

Background and Purpose: Although many stroke centers in United States are using intravenous (IV) tenecteplase (TNK) for acute ischemic stroke patients, there is paucity of comparative data between IV TNK and IV alteplase from real-world settings.

Materials and Methods: We analyzed the data from 122 healthcare facilities to determine the effect of IV TNK (compared with IV alteplase) on occurrence of two outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients stratified by use of thrombectomy: non-routine discharge or death, and intracranial hemorrhage after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results: Among 30,643 acute ischemic stroke patients analyzed, 29,480 (96.2%) and 1,163 (3.8%) patients received IV alteplase and IV TNK, respectively. The proportion of patients who received thrombectomy was significantly higher among patients who received IV TNK compared with those who received IV alteplase (16.7% versus 11.0%, p<0.001). Occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage was higher more common among patients treated with IV TNK among acute ischemic stroke patients who received thrombectomy (20.1% versus 16.8%, p=0.234) or did not receive thrombectomy (7.9% versus 5.1%, p<0.001). In the logistic regression analysis, patients treated with IV TNK who did not receive thrombectomy were at higher risk of intracranial hemorrhage (OR, 1.34, 95% CI 1.05-1.72, p=0.02) after adjusting for potential confounders. There was no difference in the rate of non-routine discharge or death between patients treated with IV TNK and those treated with IV alteplase in the multivariate analyses.

Conclusions: In an analysis of real-world data, IV TNK was associated with higher rates of intracranial hemorrhage compared with IV alteplase in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Abstract TP130: Effect Of Antifibrinolytic Medication On Hematoma Expansion In Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With Post Thrombolytic Intracerebral Hemorrhages

Background and Purpose: Antifibrinolytic medications such as the synthetic lysine analogs tranexamic acid and ε-aminocaproic acid inhibit fibrinolysis by attaching to the lysine-binding site of the plasminogen molecule. However, the efficacy of intravenous (IV) antifibrinolytic medication in the prevention of hematoma expansion in acute ischemic stroke patients who develop post thrombolytic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unclear.

Methods: We analyzed the effect of antifibrinolytic medication in acute ischemic stroke patients with post thrombolytic ICH on hematoma expansion over an 8-year period. The Region-of-Interest; method on a Horos Medical Image Viewer (Version 3.3.6) was utilized for hematoma volume measurement on serial computed tomographic scans. We compared changes in hemorrhage volume in patients who did and did not receive IV antifibrinolytic medication.

Results: A total of 53 patients (mean age 69.7±14.3, 53% were men) with post thrombolytic ICH were analyzed. Twenty-six patients received antifibrinolytic treatment: 20 and 6 patients received a single IV dose of ε-aminocaproic acid (5 g) or tranexamic acid (1 g), respectively. Ten patients (38%) had a reduction or stabilization in hematoma volume (overall pre and post-treatment volumes were 17.43±16.23 cm3 and 25.14±26.57 cm3 respectively). Mean fibrinogen level in the antifibrinolytic medication group was 277 mg/dL; 3 patients had levels <200 mg/dL. In patients that did not receive antifibrinolytics, 16 (59%) out of 27 patients had a reduction or stabilization in hematoma volume (overall pre and post-treatment volumes were 19.74±32.32 cm3 and 27.15±52.58 cm3 respectively). The mean percent change in hematoma volume with antifibrinolytic medication treatment was 48% and without was 27%. [Figure 1]

Conclusion: We did not identify any reduction in any of the measures of hematoma expansion with antifibrinolytic treatment in acute ischemic stroke patients with post thrombolytic ICH.

Effect of angioplasty and stent placement on sensorineural hearing loss and pulsatile tinnitus in a patient with severe internal carotid artery stenosis

BACKGROUND

Pulsatile tinnitus occurs due to turbulent blood flow through a stenotic vessel including the internal carotid artery. The presence of sensorineural hearing loss suggests involvement of the posterior circulation vasculature.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

A 58-year-old woman presented to the ear, nose and throat clinic with acute onset of right ear pulsations and high-pitched tinnitus. An audiogram demonstrated mild sensorineural hearing loss in the right ear. Her computed tomography angiogram revealed moderate stenosis of the right internal carotid artery and she underwent revascularization with angioplasty and stent placement. A repeat audiogram demonstrated improvement in sensorineural hearing loss in the right.

CONCLUSION

Pulsatile tinnitus and unilateral sensorineural hearing loss maybe a reversible manifestation of a stenotic internal carotid artery.

Clopidogrel Bolus is Inferior to Sustained Clopidogrel Pretreatment in Patients Undergoing Carotid Artery Stent Placement

BACKGROUND

Clopidogrel bolus is an option used before carotid artery stent (CAS) placement when sustained clopidogrel pretreatment is not used.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of clopidogrel bolus (450 mg administered ≥4 hours) with sustained clopidogrel pretreatment (48 hours or greater) before CAS among patients recruited in the Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stenting Trial.

METHODS

We compared the rates of primary end point (either any stroke, myocardial infarction, or death during the periprocedural period or any ipsilateral stroke within 4 years) between patients who received clopidogrel bolus and those who received sustained clopidogrel pretreatment using Cox proportional hazards analysis after adjusting for age, sex, symptomatic status, and initial severity of stenosis (≥70% vs <70%) over 4 years.

RESULTS

The rate of periprocedural stroke (7.3% vs 3.4%, P = .03) and primary end point (11.3% vs 5.9%, P = .02) was significantly higher among patients who received clopidogrel bolus. The risk of primary end point was significantly higher in patients who received clopidogrel bolus (hazards ratio 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.4, P = .02) after adjusting for potential confounders. The overall mean (±standard deviation) primary end point-free survival based on Kaplan-Meier analysis was 7.0 ± 0.2 years for patients who received clopidogrel bolus and 8.9 ± 0.1 years for those who received sustained clopidogrel pretreatment (log-rank test P = .011).

CONCLUSION

Clopidogrel bolus was associated with higher rates of adverse outcomes compared with sustained clopidogrel pretreatment in patients who underwent CAS. Therefore, clopidogrel bolus may not be equivalent to sustained clopidogrel pretreatment.

Early hyperchloremia and outcomes after acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

Based on the relationship between hyperchloremia and mortality in critically ill patients, we investigated the effect of early hyperchloremia on 90-day outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Acute ischemic stroke patients recruited within 5 h of symptom onset were analyzed. Hyperchloremia (defined as 110 mmol/L or greater) at either baseline, or 24, or 48 h after randomization was identified and classified as one occurrence or two or more occurrences. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the effects of hyperchloremia on: favorable outcomes (defined by a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and/or modified Rankin scale scores of 0-1) at 90-day, death or disability at 90-day, and death within 90-day after accounting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Among the total of 1275 patients, one and two or more occurrence of hyperchloremia within 48 h were seen in 191 patients and 108 patients, respectively. Compared with patients without hyperchloremia, patients with two or more occurrences of hyperchloremia at significantly higher odds of lack of favorable outcomes (odds ratio 3.0, 95% confidence interval 1.8-5.1) and death or disability (odds ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval 1.6-4.1) at 90-day after adjustment for age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score strata (6-9, 10-19, ≥ 20), study intervention, initial SBP, and intra-arterial treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The independent association between sustained hyperchloremia and lack of favorable outcomes at 90-day suggest that avoidance of hyperchloremia may reduce the rate of lack of favorable outcomes and death or disability in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Abstract WP3: Early Sustained Hyperchloremia Independently Reduces The Rates Of Favorable Outcomes In Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Post Hoc Analysis Of Alias Part 1 And 2 Trials

Objective: To investigate the effect of early hyperchloremia on 90-day outcomes in acute ischemic stroke

Methods: We analyzed data from Albumin in Acute Ischemic Stroke (ALIAS) Part 1 and 2 trials which recruited patients with acute ischemic stroke within 5 hours of onset. Patients with hyperchloremia (defined as 110 mmol/L or greater) at baseline, 24, or 48 hours after randomization were identified. We trichotomized patients into 3 groups; no instances, one instance, and two or more instances of measured hyperchloremia within the first 48 hours. Serum creatinine levels at baseline, 24, and 48 hours were used to identify acute kidney injury (AKI) via the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) classification. Logistic regressions were performed to determine the effects of hyperchloremia on outcomes defined by modified Rankin scales or National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at 90 days and mortality at 90 days.

Results: Among the total of 1275 patients analyzed, zero, one and two or more occurrence of hyperchloremia within 48 hours were observed in 976, 191 and 108 patients respectively. Compared with patients without hyperchloremia, patients with two or more occurrences of hyperchloremia at significantly higher odds of non-favorable outcomes within 90 days after adjustment for age, NIHSS score, initial systolic blood pressure, and ALIAS treatment group (albumin or placebo) (OR 3.0, 95%, CI 1.8-5.0). Patients with two or more occurrences of hyperchloremia also presented higher odds of death within 90 days vs the non-hyperchloremia group. Patients with one occurrence of hyperchloremia were not at higher odds for non-favorable outcomes at 90 days. There was no association between occurrence of two or more occurrence of hyperchloremia and AKI (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.3-1.9).

Conclusions: The independent association between sustained hyperchloremia and non-favorable outcomes at 90 days suggest that avoidance of hyperchloremia may increase the rate of favorable outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Abstract TP139: Therapeutic Value Of Antifibrinolytic Medication In Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With Alteplase-associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background and Purpose: Intracerebral hemorrhage can occur in acute ischemic stroke patients receiving alteplase (recombinant tissue plasminogen activator). Antifibrinolytic medications such as the synthetic lysine analogs tranexamic acid and ε;-aminocaproic acid that inhibit fibrinolysis by attaching to the lysine-binding site of the plasminogen molecule have been utilized. However, the efficacy of antifibrinolytic medication in prevention of hematoma expansion is not known.

Methods: We analyzed the effect of antifibrinolytic medication in acute ischemic stroke patients with intracerebral hemorrhage associated with Alteplase from 2012 to 2017. The Region-of-Interest method on a Horos Open Source Medical Image Viewer (Version 3.3.6) was utilized for volume measurement. We compared the change in hemorrhage volume in patients who did and did not receive antifibrinolytic medication.

Results: A total of 36 patients (mean age 72.7±11.5, 56% were men) who received intravenous alteplase with subsequent intracerebral hemorrhage were identified. Fourteen patients received antifibrinolytic treatment; five patients had reduction or stabilization in hematoma volume (overall pre-treatment volume 13.87±15.74 cm 3 and post-treatment volume 16.74±29.67 cm 3 ). Mean fibrinogen level in the antifibrinolytic medication group was 297 mg/dL; two patients had levels < 200 mg/dL. In the cohort of patients did not receive antifibrinolytics, 15 out of 22 patients had reduction or stabilization in hematoma volume (overall pre-treatment volume 19.25±33.33 cm 3 and post-treatment volume 17.41±26.56 cm 3 ). Mean volume difference in the group that received antifibrinolytic medication was 36% and 9% in the group that did not receive antifibrinolytic medication. [Figure 1]

Conclusion: We did not identify any advantage of antifibrinolytic treatment in reduction or stabilization in hematoma volume in patients with Alteplase-associated intracerebral hemorrhages.

Abstract WP25: Utilization And Outcomes Of Acute Revascularization Treatment In Ischemic Stroke Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Objectives: Acute ischemic stroke patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus maybe candidates for acute revascularization treatments (intravenous thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy).

Materials and Methods: We analyzed the data from 62 healthcare facilities to determine the odds of receiving acute revascularization treatments in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infected patients and odds of composite of death and non-routine discharge with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infected and non-infected patients undergoing acute revascularization treatments after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results: Acute ischemic stroke patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection were significantly less likely to receive acute revascularization treatments (odds ratio 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.5-0.8, p=0.0001). Among ischemic stroke patients who received acute revascularization treatments, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection was associated with increased odds of death or non-routine discharge (odds ratio 3.0, 95% confidence interval 1.8-5.1). The higher odds death or non-routine discharge (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.9-2.3) with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection were observed in all ischemic stroke patients without any modifying effect of acute revascularization treatments (interaction term for death (p=0.9) or death or non-routine discharge (p=0.2).

Conclusions: Patients with acute ischemic stroke patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection were significantly less likely to receive acute revascularization treatments. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection was associated with a significantly higher rate of death or non-routine discharge among acute ischemic stroke patients receiving revascularization treatments.

Abstract 78: A Single Center Comparison Of Transradial And Transfemoral Approaches For Carotid Angioplasty And Stent Placement

Context: Transradial access has been increasingly utilized for neurointerventional procedures including carotid angioplasty and stent placement (CAS) over the past decade. At our center, we adopted transradial approach as the preferred approach in 2020.

Objective: To compare the results of transradial approach with transfemoral approach for CAS as part of a quality assurance initiative.

Methods: We analyzed data collected for all non-urgent CAS procedures performed at our institute in the last 24 months by same interventionalists to minimize inter-operator variability. We looked at the rates of technical failure; hemorrhagic complications classified as major (hemoglobin decrease >5 g/dL or intracranial hemorrhage with deficits), minor (hemoglobin decreases 3-5 g/dL or intracranial hemorrhage without residual deficits), or insignificant; and any stroke and/or death within 1-month post procedure.

Results: A total of 182 non-urgent CAS procedures were performed at our institution; 116 (64%) were initiated using transfemoral approach and 66 (36%) were initiated using transradial approach. The median age was similar between the two group (66.5 years versus 66.7 years). There were 6 (3%) CAS procedures initiated using transradial approach but later converted to transfemoral due to anatomical and/or technical difficulties. One (0.6%) CAS procedure initiated using transfemoral approach was converted to transradial approach due to severe iliofemoral atherosclerosis. The rates of any stroke and/or death were 1.6% (n=1) and 3.3%% (n-=4) in patients undergoing CAS using transradial and transfemoral approaches, respectively. The rate of major hemorrhagic complications were 1.6% (n=1) and 5.7% (n-=7) in patients undergoing CAS using transradial and transfemoral approaches, respectively.

Conclusions: The rates of major hemorrhagic complications were lower among patients who underwent CAS via transradial approach compared with CAS using transfemoral approach although the rates of technical failure remain relatively high with transradial approach.

Abstract 5: “Early Mobilization Protocol” Can Be Initiated In The Intensive Care Unit In Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients After Receiving Intravenous Alteplase

Context: Current guidelines recommend bed rest for 24 hours after receiving intravenous alteplase which may not be necessary and delay rehabilitation in a large proportion of acute ischemic stroke patients.

Objective: To determine the feasibility of “early mobilization protocol” within the intensive care unit (ICU) in patients with acute ischemic stroke who received intravenous alteplase.

Methods: All consecutive patients were admitted to the ICU with an acute ischemic stroke who received intravenous alteplase from October 2019-June 2021 were considered for “early mobilization protocol”. Patients≥18 years of age with minor, moderate or severe ischemic stroke (NIHSS score ≤22) were eligible and mobilization was initiated within 13-24 hours after intravenous alteplase administration. Exclusion criteria included hemodynamic instability, on mechanical ventilation, unstable neurological examination or progressive symptoms, or presence of external ventricular drain for hemorrhagic transformation within 24 hours of intravenous alteplase.

Results: A total of 137 patients (56.8%) patients were eligible among 241 patients who were admitted to our institution with acute ischemic stroke after receiving intravenous alteplase. Mean age (±SD) was 63.4±16.6 and 66.2±17.0 years for the patients included and excluded in the early mobilization protocol, respectively. The mean NIHSS score (±SD) at baseline was 5.3±4.4 and 9.9±7.3 for the patients included and excluded in the early mobilization protocol, respectively. Early mobilization protocol was initiated at 18.3±3.6 hours in eligible patients compared with routine mobilization initiated at 41.6±19.8 hours in excluded patients (p<0.001). The mean NIHSS score (±SD) at discharge (1.0±2.2 versus 4.2±7.0, p<0.001) was significantly lower and rate of modified Rankin scale 0-1 at discharge (86.9% versus 67.3%, p=0.0003) was significantly higher in patients in the early mobilization protocol compared with those who were excluded.

Conclusion: Early mobilization protocol in patients post intravenous alteplase treatment can be initiated in the ICU in appropriately selected patients without any adverse effects on neurological and functional outcomes.

Abstract 37: Clopidogrel Bolus Is Inferior To Sustained Clopidogrel Pre-treatment In Patients Undergoing Carotid Artery Stent Placement

Background: Clopidogrel bolus is an option used prior to carotid artery stent placement (CAS) when sustained clopidogrel pre-treatment is not used.

Objective: To compare the effect of clopidogrel bolus (450 mg administered ≥4 hours) with sustained clopidogrel pre-treatment (48 hours or greater) prior to CAS in patients prospectively followed over 10 years in Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stenting Trial (CREST).

Methods: The rates of primary endpoint (composite of any stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), or death during the periprocedural period or ipsilateral stroke within 4 years after randomization) were compared between patients who received clopidogrel bolus with those who received sustained clopidogrel pre-treatment after adjusting for age, gender, symptomatic status and initial severity of stenosis (≥70% versus <70%) over 4 years using Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Results: The rate of periprocedural stroke (7.3% versus 3.4%, p=0.03) and primary end point (11.3% versus 5.9%, p=0.02) was significantly higher among patients who received clopidogrel bolus. The risk of primary end point was significantly higher in patients who received clopidogrel bolus (hazards ratio [HR] 1.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-3.4, p=0.02) after adjusting for potential confounders. The overall mean (± SD) primary end point free survival based on Kaplan-Meier analysis was 7.0±0.2 years for patients who received clopidogrel bolus and 8.9±0.1 years for those who received sustained clopidogrel pre-treatment (log-rank test P=0.011).

Conclusion: Clopidogrel bolus was associated with higher rates of adverse outcomes compared with sustained clopidogrel pre-treatment in patients who underwent CAS. Therefore, clopidogrel bolus may not be equivalent to sustained clopidogrel pre-treatment.

Abstract WMP3: Hyperglycemic Control In Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Endovascular Treatment: Post-hoc Analysis Of Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort Trial

Background and Purpose: Hyperglycemia has been associated with higher rates of death or disability in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment. However, it remains unclear whether intensive serum glucose reduction can reduce the rates of death or disability in patients undergoing endovascular treatment.

Methods: We analyzed the effect of intensive (serum glucose <110 mg/dl) glucose treatment (compared with standard treatment, serum glucose <180 mg/dl) in patients who received endovascular treatment in the Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort (SHINE). We further analyzed the effect of area under the curve of serum glucose, proportion of the time blood glucose was < 140mg/dL, and glucose variability defined as glucose range during 72-hours. The primary outcomes of interest were neurological deterioration within 72 hours and outcome at 90 days.

Results: A total of 146 patients (mean age 68.1±13.9, 50.7% were men) underwent endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke; 72 and 74 patients were randomized to intensive and standard treatments, respectively. The rates of death (20.3%, and 22.2%), favorable 90-day primary outcome (17.6% and 19.4%), and serious adverse events (41.9% and 56.98%) were similar between the two groups. The area under the curve of serum glucose was not associated with death within 90 days (OR 1, 95% CI 1-1) or favorable outcome at 90 days (OR 1, 95% CI 1-1). Glucose variability was not associated with death or favorable outcome at 90 days. Intensive treatment was not associated with cerebral hemorrhagic events.

Conclusion: We did not identify any beneficial effect of intensive glucose reduction on rates of death or favorable outcomes at 90 days among acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment. We also did not observe any relationship between various glycemic parameters and death or favorable outcomes at 90 days.

COVID-19 Exposure During Neurology Practice: Results of American Academy of Neurology Survey

BACKGROUND

To determine the exposure risk for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) during neurology practice. Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 are increasingly being recognized mandating high level of participation by neurologists.

METHODS

An American Academy of Neurology survey inquiring about various aspects of COVID-19 exposure was sent to a random sample of 800 active American Academy of Neurology members who work in the United States. Use of second tier protection (1 or more including sterile gloves, surgical gown, protective goggles/face shield but not N95 mask) or maximum protection (N95 mask in addition to second tier protection) during clinical encounter with suspected/confirmed COVID-19 patients was inquired.

RESULTS

Of the 81 respondents, 38% indicated exposure to COVID-19 at work, 1% at home, and none outside of work/home. Of the 28 respondents who did experience at least 1 symptom of COVID-19, tiredness (32%) or diarrhea (8%) were reported. One respondent tested positive out of 12 (17%) of respondents who were tested for COVID-19 within the last 2 weeks. One respondent received health care at an emergency department/urgent care or was hospitalized related to COVID-19. When seeing patients, maximum protection personal protective equipment was used either always or most of the times by 16% of respondents in outpatient setting and 56% of respondents in inpatient settings, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The data could enhance our knowledge of the factors that contribute to COVID-19 exposure during neurology practice in United States, and inform education and advocacy efforts to neurology providers, trainees, and patients in this unprecedented pandemic.

Utilization and Outcomes of Acute Revascularization Treatment in Ischemic Stroke Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Objectives

Acute ischemic stroke patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus maybe candidates for acute revascularization treatments (intravenous thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy).

Materials and Methods

We analyzed the data from 62 healthcare facilities to determine the odds of receiving acute revascularization treatments in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infected patients and determined the odds of composite of death and non-routine discharge with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infected and non-infected patients undergoing acute revascularization treatments after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Acute ischemic stroke patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection were significantly less likely to receive acute revascularization treatments (odds ratio 0.6, 95% confidence interval 0.5–0.8, p = 0.0001). Among ischemic stroke patients who received acute revascularization treatments, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection was associated with increased odds of death or non-routine discharge (odds ratio 3.0, 95% confidence interval 1.8–5.1). The higher odds death or non-routine discharge (odds ratio 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.9–2.3) with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection were observed in all ischemic stroke patients without any modifying effect of acute revascularization treatments (interaction term for death (p = 0.9) or death or non-routine discharge (p = 0.2).

Conclusions

Patients with acute ischemic stroke with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection were significantly less likely to receive acute revascularization treatments. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection was associated with a significantly higher rate of death or non-routine discharge among acute ischemic stroke patients receiving revascularization treatments.

Intra-arterial injection of lidocaine into middle meningeal artery to treat intractable headaches and severe migraine

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We report the results of intra-arterial injection of lidocaine in the middle meningeal artery in patients with intractable headache or status migrainosus.

METHODS

We treated four patients with intra-arterial lidocaine (2 mg/ml) in doses up to 50 mg in each middle meningeal artery via a microcatheter bilaterally (except in one patient). In two patients with intractable headache, the daily maximum intensity of headache (graded by 11-point numeric rating scale) was recorded for 7 days postprocedure. In two patients with status migrainosus, migraine-related disability 3 months prior and after treatment using MIDAS (Migraine Disability Assessment) questionnaire was recorded.

RESULTS

Intra-arterial lidocaine reduced the headache intensity from 8/10 and 10/10 to 0/10 in the two patients with intractable headaches for 2 days (day 0 and day 1) postprocedure. Despite recurrence of headache on day 2, the intensity was less than preprocedure intensity up to the last day recorded (by 3 and 2 points on day 7). In the two patients with status migrainosus, there was immediate reduction in headache intensity following intra-arterial lidocaine. The post treatment 3-month MIDAS score was lower in both patients compared with pretreatment 3-month score; 3 versus 30 and 55 versus 90. Severe disability preprocedure by MIDAS was reduced to little or no disability postprocedure in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-arterial lidocaine resulted in amelioration of headache in patients with intractable headache and those with status migrainosus with improvement lasting longer than the short half-life of lidocaine possibly related to central desensitization.

Repeat Revascularization over 10 Years Following Carotid Endarterectomy or Carotid Stent Placement: An Analysis of Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy Versus Stenting Trial

OBJECTIVE

To identify rates of and factors associated with repeat revascularization in a large cohort of patients prospectively followed over 10 years in Carotid Revascularization Endarterectomy versus Stenting Trial.

METHODS

We compared the effect of carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) versus carotid endarterectomy (CEA) on risk of repeat revascularization after adjusting for age, sex, symptomatic status, and initial severity of stenosis (≥70% vs. <70%) using Cox proportional hazards analysis. We used Kaplan-Meier analysis to assess repeat revascularization-free survival for the overall cohort.

RESULTS

Repeat revascularization was performed in 90 (3.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1%-4.8%) of 2318 patients; 6 (6.7%, 95% CI 2.5%-14.0%) patients experienced the composite end point of any stroke, myocardial infarction, or death within 30 days after repeat revascularization. There was no difference in risk of repeat revascularization in patients who underwent CAS (compared with CEA) as the index procedure (hazard ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.69-1.23, P = 0.5765). Patient's age (hazard ratio 1.01, 95% CI 1.01-1.02, P < 0.0001) was associated with performance of repeat revascularization. Mean ± SD repeat revascularization-free survival was 8.2 ± 0.1 years and 8.0 ± 0.1 years for CAS and CEA, respectively (log-rank test P = 0.0823).

CONCLUSIONS

A low rate of repeat revascularization was seen without any significant difference among patients who underwent CEA or CAS over 10 years. The 6.7% rate of composite end point within 30 days after procedure highlights the need for standardizing the indications for repeat revascularization.

Abstract P518: Intravascular Ultrasound Assisted Endovascular Revascularization in Patients With Subacute and Chronic Internal Carotid Artery Occlusions

Background: Revascularization of subacute or chronic internal carotid artery occlusion is technically feasible in some patients but carotid revascularization procedure needs to be optimized to improve the clinical success of the procedure.

Objective: To describe our experience using intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) as adjunct to carotid revascularization procedure in patients with subacute or chronic internal carotid artery occlusion.

Materials and Methods: Endovascular recanalization was attempted in 7 patients with symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusions between 3 and 11 days of symptoms onset. Distal protection device was deployed in all the patients followed by advancement of IVUS catheter (Eagle Eye Gold, 20 MHZ Digital, s5 Imaging System, Volcano Corp.) to obtain gray-scale and virtual histology (VH) images at regions of interest. IVUS images used to categorize occlusion content as: dark green- fibrous; yellow/green- fibrofatty; white- calcified; red- necrotic lipid core plaque on images. Intravascular thrombus was diagnosed an echolucent, homogeneous, well-delineated, diaphragm-like intraluminal structure.

Results: The occlusion was recanalized successfully in all of 7 patients with median age 67.4±7.5 years. IVUS demonstrated intravascular thrombus in 5 of 7 patients. Fibrous and fibrofatty constituents of plaque were seen in 5 of the 7 patients in whom VH was done. Calcification and lipid necrotic core each were seen in 3 of 5 patients.5 patients with large thrombus burden on IVUS were treated using aspiration thrombectomy. Six of seven patients underwent stent placement and one patient underwent primary angioplasty. 5 of 7 patients had modified Rankin Scale of 0-2 at follow up (3 weeks to 4 months post procedure).

Conclusions: IVUS provided valuable information to optimize carotid revascularization procedure in patients with subacute or chronic internal carotid artery occlusion.

Abstract MP41: Acute Ischemic Stroke and Coronavirus Disease 2019: An Analysis of 27,676 Patients

Background and Purpose: Acute ischemic stroke may occur in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 but risk factors, in hospital events, and outcomes are not well studied in large cohorts. We identified risk factors, co-morbidities, and outcomes in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 with or without acute ischemic stroke and compared with patients without Coronavirus disease 2019 and acute ischemic stroke.

Methods: We analyzed the data from 54 healthcare facilities using the Cerner de-identified Coronavirus disease 2019 dataset. The dataset included patients with an emergency department or inpatient encounter with a discharge diagnoses codes that could be associated to suspicion of or exposure to Coronavirus disease 2019, or confirmed Coronavirus disease 2019.

Results: A total of 103 (1.3%) patients developed acute ischemic stroke among 8,163 patients with Coronavirus disease 2019. Among all Coronavirus disease 2019 patients, the proportion of patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure was significantly higher among those with acute ischemic stroke. Acute ischemic stroke was associated with discharge to destination other than home or death (relative risk 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.7-2.4, p<.0001) after adjusting for potential confounders. A total of 199 (1.0%) patients developed acute ischemic stroke among 19,513 patents without Coronavirus disease 2019. Among all ischemic stroke patients, Coronavirus disease 2019 was associated with discharge to destination other than home or death (relative risk 1.2, 95% confidence interval 1.0-1.3, p=.03) after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusions: Acute ischemic stroke was infrequent in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 and usually occurs in presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. The risk of discharge to destination other than home or death increased two folds with occurrence of acute ischemic stroke in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019.

Abstract P103: Value of Chest Computed Tomographic Scan Added to Acute Stroke Neuroimaging Protocol for Identifying Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Critical Assessment of a Prospective Protocol

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with an increased risk for acute ischemic stroke but screening for COVID-19 based on clinical criteria or laboratory testing may be difficult in acute stroke evaluation. Chest computed tomographic (CT) scan may be another time-sensitive option for identification. of COVID-19 in such patients.

Objective: We report our experience of incorporating chest CT scan in the initial neuroimaging protocol for evaluation of acute stroke patients.

Methods: All acute stroke patients underwent chest CT scan concurrent to CT head, CT angiogram of head and neck and CT perfusion for 4 months. We identified patients who had chest CT scan findings that were suggestive of COVID-19 including bilateral, multilobar ground glass opacification with a peripheral or posterior distribution, and/or consolidation (mainly in the lower lobes). All patients subsequently underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of nasopharyngeal swab with contact isolation until COVID-19 could be excluded.

Results: A total of 224 consecutive patients (mean age 62.12 years±SD; 15.3) underwent acute stroke evaluation with a concurrent chest CT scan. The chest CT identified findings suggestive of COVID-19 in 11 (4.9%) patients. Subsequent PCR testing did not confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19 in any of the patient. Another 99 patients (44%) without any findings suggestive of COVID-19 on chest CT scan underwent PCR testing. PCR testing did not confirm the diagnosis of COVID-19 in any of the patients. Four patients (4.3%) with chest CT scan findings suggestive of COVID-19 were found to have an ischemic stroke while 7 patients (5.9%) with chest CT scan findings suggestive of COVID-19 did not have any ischemic stroke (stroke mimic).

Conclusions: We found a very low yield for identifying COVID-19 in acute stroke patients by performing chest CT scan concurrent to standard acute stroke neuroimaging protocol.

Abstract P516: A Comparison of Transradial and Transfemoral Approaches for Performance of Carotid Angioplasty and Stent Placement

Context: Over the past few decades, transradial access has been increasingly utilized for neurointerventional procedures including carotid angioplasty and stent placement (CAS).

Objective: To compare the outcomes of CAS performed via transradial approach with those performed using transfemoral approach within the same institution.

Methods: We analyzed all the elective CAS procedures performed at our institute in the last 48 months and divided the procedures based on initial approach (transradial or transfemoral). Both approaches were used by same interventionalists to minimize inter-operator variability. We compared the rates of technical failure; hemorrhagic complications classified as major (hemoglobin decrease >5 g/dL or intracranial hemorrhage with deficits), minor (hemoglobin decreases 3-5 g/dL or intracranial hemorrhage without residual deficits), or insignificant; and any stroke and/or death within 1-month post procedure.

Results: A total of 120 elective CAS procedures were performed at our institution; 84 patients (70%) were initiated as transfemoral and 36 patients (30%) were initiated as transradial approach. There were 6 (16%) CAS procedures initiated as trans-radial but later switched to transfemoral due to anatomical and/or technical difficulties. Similarly, 1(1.2%) procedure was switched to transradial from transfemoral. So finally, 89 (74%) patients had transfemoral approach and 31 (26%) patients had transradial approach to CAS. The median age was similar between the two groups (66.5 years versus 67.3 years).The rates of major hemorrhagic complications were 2 (2.2 %) and 0 (0%) in CAS performed using tranfemoral and tranradial approaches, respectively. The rate of any stroke and/or death within 30 days post procedure was 5 (5.6 %) and 1 (3.2 %) in CAS performed using transfemoral and transradial approaches, respectively.The median fluoroscopy time was 36.1 minutes and 34.4 minutes using transfemoral and transfemoral approaches, respectively (p =0.72).

Conclusions: Transradial approach is comparable to transfemoral approach for performance of CAS in regard to clinical endpoints although the rates of technical failure remain relatively high in patients in whom CAS was initiated from transradial approach.

Abstract P140: Do Perfusion Computed Tomography Abnormalities in Patients With Transient Ischemic Attack Predict Subsequent Ischemic Stroke and Cardiovascular Event

Background and purpose: To determine if computed tomography (CT) perfusion (CTP) abnormalities in patients with transient ischemic attacks (TIA) are associated with development of ischemic strokes or adverse cardiovascular events within 24 months.

Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of TIA who underwent CTP within 24 hours of symptom onset as part of the stroke/TIA imaging protocol were analysed. Abnormality was defined as an area of well demarcated mean transit time delay and/or cerebral blood flow reduction corresponding to an arterial territory as identified by an independent neuroradiologist. The patients were followed for at least 3 months and up to 24 months to identify occurrence of ischemic stroke and cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction or ischemia).

Results: A total of 78 patients (mean age 67.60 +/- 15.1 ; 48 were men) with a diagnosis of TIA. A total of 17 patients (22%) had documented CTP abnormalities. Patients with CTP abnormalities were older and more likely to be men. There was no difference in the rates of ischemic stroke (5.9 % vs 3.3 %), or cardiovascular events (0% versus 1.6 %) when patients with CTP abnormalities were compared to those with normal CTP.

Conclusions: In patients with TIA, an abnormal CTP does not predict the occurence of new ischemic stroke or cardiovascular events during follow up.

Abstract P426: Platelet Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors as an Adjunct to Stent Placement of Carotid Stenosis in Symptomatic Patients

Background: Intra-arterial or intravenous platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors have been used as adjunct to stent placement of carotid stenosis in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Objective: To determine the proportion of patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack who received platelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors as adjunct to carotid stent placement and associated outcomes.

Methods: We analyzed data from Cerner Health Facts® which collected data from participating facilities from January 1, 2000 to July 1, 2018. We identified patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack who underwent carotid stent placement for carotid stenosis and received Abciximab, Eptifibatide, or Tirofiban. Outcome was defined by discharge destination and classified into none to minimal disability, moderate to severe disability, or death.

Results: A total of 8.4 % of 4567 patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack who underwent carotid stent placement for carotid stenosis received platelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors. Patients who received platelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors were more likely to experience cerebral ischemia (14.8% versus 7.5%) and undergo intubation/mechanical ventilation (4.4% versus 2%). There was a significant difference between patients who did or did not receive platelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in terms of in hospital mortality rates (2.7% versus 1.2%, p=0.0152), none to mild disability (67.3% vs 75.7%, p=0.0003), and moderate to severe disability (30.1% vs 23.1%,p=0.0024).

Conclusions: Adjunct use of platelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors in patients undergoing carotid stent placement for symptomatic carotid stenosis was associated with increased rates of in hospital mortality and moderate to severe disability.

Acute Ischemic Stroke and COVID-19: An Analysis of 27 676 Patients

Background and Purpose:

Acute ischemic stroke may occur in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but risk factors, in-hospital events, and outcomes are not well studied in large cohorts. We identified risk factors, comorbidities, and outcomes in patients with COVID-19 with or without acute ischemic stroke and compared with patients without COVID-19 and acute ischemic stroke.

Methods:

We analyzed the data from 54 health care facilities using the Cerner deidentified COVID-19 dataset. The dataset included patients with an emergency department or inpatient encounter with discharge diagnoses codes that could be associated to suspicion of or exposure to COVID-19 or confirmed COVID-19.

Results:

A total of 103 (1.3%) patients developed acute ischemic stroke among 8163 patients with COVID-19. Among all patients with COVID-19, the proportion of patients with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure was significantly higher among those with acute ischemic stroke. Acute ischemic stroke was associated with discharge to destination other than home or death (relative risk, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.6–2.4]; P<0.0001) after adjusting for potential confounders. A total of 199 (1.0%) patients developed acute ischemic stroke among 19 513 patients without COVID-19. Among all ischemic stroke patients, COVID-19 was associated with discharge to destination other than home or death (relative risk, 1.2 [95% CI, 1.0–1.3]; P=0.03) after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusions:

Acute ischemic stroke was infrequent in patients with COVID-19 and usually occurs in the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors. The risk of discharge to destination other than home or death increased 2-fold with occurrence of acute ischemic stroke in patients with COVID-19.

Intraprocedural Back Pain Associated with Awake Neuroendovascular Procedures

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The prevalence and characteristics of intraprocedural back pain is not well studied in awake patients undergoing neuroendovascular procedures.

METHODS

We performed a prospective study as part of quality improvement initiative in which all patients who underwent neuroendovascular procedures in awake state were inquired regarding presence, severity (using a numeric rating scale score ranging from 0 [no pain] to 10 [worst pain possible]), and location (using anatomical chart) of back pain immediately after the procedure. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with moderate to severe pain (score of ≥3).

RESULTS

A total of 100 (41.3%) of 242 patients reported intraprocedural back pain with a median severity of 5/10 (range 1-10). The mean age was 58.7 ± 16.2 years. The mean duration of the procedure was 82.3 minutes (range 15-410 minutes). The pain was classified as moderate to severe in 86 of 100 patients. The locations of pain were identified in lumbar (n = 77), thoracic (n = 6), cervical (n = 7), cervical and lumbar (n = 8), and cervical with thoracolumbar (n = 2) regions. There was a significant relationship between patients' history of the previous neck and/or back surgery and frequency of moderate to severe back pain (P = .02). No significant relationship was observed between frequency of none to mild and moderate to severe back pain among the strata by patients' age, body mass index, or duration of procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

The relatively high prevalence of intraprocedural back pain in patients undergoing neuroendovascular procedures in awake state must be recognized, and strategies to reduce the occurrence need to be identified.

COVID-19 Screening with Chest CT in Acute Stroke Imaging: A Clinical Decision Model

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Acute stroke patients may have undiagnosed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection, transmissible to medical professionals involved in their care. Our aim was to determine the value of incorporating a chest computed tomography (CT) scan during acute stroke imaging, and the factors that influence this decision.

METHODS

We constructed a probabilistic decision tree of the value of acquiring a chest CT scan or not, expressed in quality‐adjusted life months (QALM) of patients and medical professionals. The model was based on the chance of detecting infection by chest CT scan, the case fatality rates of COVID‐19 infection, the risk of COVID‐19 infection after exposure, the expected proportion of medical professionals exposed, and the exposure reduction derived from early disease detection.

RESULTS

The decision to incorporate the chest CT scan was superior to not doing so (12.00 QALM vs 11.99 QALM, respectively), when the probability of patients having undetected COVID‐19 infection is 3.5%, potentially exposing 100% of medical professionals, and if early detection reduces exposure by 50%. The risk of developing symptomatic COVID‐19 infection following exposure casts uncertainty on the results, but this is offset by the potential for reducing exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified a measurable benefit of incorporating a chest CT into the urgent imaging protocol of acute stroke patients in reducing exposure of medical professionals without appropriate precautions. The clinical impact of this benefit, however, may not be materially significant.

Abstract WP182: Re-Analysis of Stenting versus Aggressive Medical Therapy for Intracranial Arterial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) Trial Using the New Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “On Label” Criteria

Background: Due to higher rates of 1-month stroke and death with Wingspan intracranial stent placement observed in SAMMPRIS, FDA announced a more limited indication for Wingspan stent. We compared the results of intracranial stent placement with best medical treatment in patients who met “on label” criteria with those who were treated as “off label”.

Methods: Patients recruited in the SAMMPRIS trial were classified as “on label” if: age 22 to 80 years, stenosis of 70%-99%, baseline modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 3, ≥2 ischemic events in the vascular territory of the stenotic lesion with at least 1 ischemic event while on medical therapy, and stent placement ≥8 days after the last stroke. All other patients were classified as “off label”. The primary endpoint was any stroke or death occurring within 30 days of enrollment, or any stroke or death within 30 days of any revascularization procedure of the qualifying symptomatic intracranial artery done during follow-up, OR an ischemic stroke in the territory of the symptomatic intracranial artery from day 31 after study entry to completion of follow-up.

Results: A total of 31 (6.87%) among 451 recruited patients met the “on label” criteria. The relative risk of primary endpoint was lower in “on label” patients treated with stent placement compared with best medical treatment (RR 0.8, 95 % CI 0.2 - 2.9) but higher in “off label” patients (RR 1.65, 95 % CI 1.0-2.4). Primary endpoint was seen in 20% and 23.4% of patients treated with stent placement in “on label” and “off label” patients, respectively. Primary endpoint was seen in 25% and 14.2% of patients treated with best medical treatment in “on label” and “off label” patients, respectively. In Cox Proportional Hazards analysis with primary endpoint as dependent variable, the interaction between “on label” and treatment (stent versus best medical treatment) was not significant (p=0.6713).

Conclusion: The new FDA “on label” criteria may identify a group of who may benefit from intracranial stent placement due to higher risk of primary endpoint in those treated with best medical treatment. However, the criteria appears to be very stringent and only a small proportion of patients may meet the “on label” criteria.

Abstract WP376: Candidates for Long Term Anticoagulation Among Hospitalized Patients With Atrial Fibrillation in United States

Context: Long-term anticoagulation has been consistently shown to reduce the rate of ischemic stroke among selected patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib). There is paucity of data regarding number of eligible patients with AFib in United States who could benefit from long-term anticoagulation.

Objective: To provide national estimate of eligible hospitalized patients with AFib who could benefit from long-term anticoagulation.

Methods: We analyzed data from Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for the year 2016. NIS represents the largest all payer nationally representative dataset of hospitalizations in United States. We identified patients with primary or secondary diagnosis of AFib who were aged 75 years or greater, women aged 65-74 years, men aged 65-74 years with history of ischemic stroke/transient cerebral ischemia( TIAs), and patients aged 18-64 years with AF and ischemic stroke/TIAs (CHA2DS2-VASc score of 2 or greater) who were hospitalized and discharged alive to provide national estimates.

Results: A total of 871,391 patients (163,236 aged between 18-64 years, 216,645 aged between 65-74 years, and 491,107 aged 75 years or greater) were admitted with a diagnosis of AFib in 2016. The number of patients with atrial fibrillation who also had history of ischemic stroke/TIAs was 38,051 (4.37%). Of the Afib patients, aged 75 years or greater, 25,050 (2.87 %) had a history of ischemic stroke/TIAs. Of the patients aged 65-74 years, 3,534 women (0.41%) and 4,341 men (0.50%) had history of ischemic stroke/TIAs. Also, there were 91,364 (10.48%) women between age 65-74 years who had AFib but did not have stroke.5,117 (=n,0.59%) patients between age 18-64 years had AFib and history of ischemic stroke/TIAs. The total number of potentially eligible patients with AFib who could benefit from the anticoagulation (based on CHA2DS2-VASc) was 564,030(65% of all patients admitted with AFib).

Conclusions: Over half a million hospitalized patients with atrial fibrillation who are under medical care can benefit from long-term anticoagulation. Most are stroke free at time of hospitalization in United States and thus associated death and disability from new strokes can be prevented by timely initiation of long-term anticoagulation.

Abstract TMP21: Cilostazol for Prevention of Cerebral Vasospasm and Cerebral Ischemia in Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials

Introduction: Cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase 3, may reduce symptomatic vasospasm and associated cerebral ischemia and improve outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) due to its anti-platelet, anti-proliferative, and vasodilatory effects. Due to recent publication of randomized controlled clinical trials, a meta-analysis was performed to identify the common treatment effect.

Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of four randomized controlled clinical trials. The primary endpoint of interest was cerebral ischemia related to vasospasm. Secondary endpoints were angiographic vasospasm, new cerebral infarct, mortality, and death or disability at the 90 days following randomization. Using random-effects models with study as a random effect, relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were generated

Results: A total of 405 subjects (200 randomized to oral cilostazol 100 mg twice per day) were included in the meta-analysis. The proportion of subjects with cerebral ischemia related to vasospasm was significantly lower in those who were assigned to cilostazol treatment (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.21-1.00; p< 0.050) without any heterogeneity between the trials (Cochran’s Q statistic 1.52, df 2; P = .468, I 2 =0.0%). The proportion of subjects who had new cerebral infarction was significantly lower in subjects who were assigned to cilostazol treatment (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.32-0.49, p=0.0009). There was a lower rate of death or disability at 90 days in subjects who were assigned to cilostazol treatment (RR 0.44, 95% 0.28-0.70, p=0.011) without any heterogeneity between the trials (Cochran’s Q statistics 1.49, df 3; P = .685, I 2 =0.0%). The proportion of subjects who had any adverse events was not significantly different in subjects who were assigned to cilostazol treatment (RR 1.24, 95% 0.68-2.25, p=0.26).

Conclusion: The reduction in rates of cerebral ischemia related to vasospasm and death or disability at follow-up support further evaluation of oral cilostazol in patients with aSAH in a phase III large randomized clinical trial.

Abstract TP197: Countries With an Inverse Ratio of Ischemic Stroke and Ischemic Heart Disease- Analysis of Global Burden of Disease Data

Background: Ischemic heart disease is more prevalent than ischemic stroke in most countries, including the United States; however, recent data suggests that ischemic stroke may be more prevalent in some countries. We performed this study to identify the countries with an inverse ratio of ischemic stroke and ischemic heart disease and associated attributes.

Methods: We analyzed the data using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) website; GBD Compare tool published by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), Seattle, Washington for the year 2017. We categorized individual 195 countries based on the ratio of ischemic stroke/ischemic heart disease and divided them into ≥1.0, 0,5-99, and <0.5. Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita for each country was calculated using data from Worldometers.

Results: There were 51, 125, and 19 countries with the ratio of ischemic stroke/ischemic heart disease and divided them into ≤0.5, 0.5-0.99, and ≥1.0 respectively (see Table). The range of ratio was between 0.24 and 1.86. Countries with inverse ratio included China (1.86), North Korea (1.31), Guam (1.28), Taiwan (1.20), Marshall Islands (1.15), Timor-Leste (1.16), South Korea (1.13), Seychelles (1.11), Northern Mariana Islands (1.10), Cambodia (1.09), Federated States of Micronesia (1.08), American Samoa (1.07), Samoa (1.06), Kiribati (1.04), Solomon Islands (1.03), Fiji (1.02), Indonesia (1.02), Mauritius (1.01), and Vanuatu (1.00).

Conclusions: Approximately 1 out of 10 countries have an inverse ratio of ischemic stroke / ischemic heart disease incidences. The inverse ratio is predominantly driven by a lower incidence of ischemic heart disease.

Abstract TP422: Comparison of Natural History and Effect of Intracranial Stent Placement Between Patients With Intra-Dural and Those With Sub-Arachnoid Intracranial Arterial Stenosis

Background: Intracranial stenosis can be located in intradural or subarachnoid space. It is unclear whether there are any differences in ipsilateral ischemic stroke risk, cerebral hemorrhage and death in response to stent placement in these two locations.

Methods: We analyzed Stenting versus Aggressive Medical Therapy for Intracranial Arterial Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) data. We divided the patients based on location of arterial stenosis: intradural [petrous internal carotid artery (ICA), pre-cavernous ICA, cavernous ICA or pre-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) vertebral artery] and subarachnoid [post-cavernous ICA, middle cerebral artery, vertebral artery at the level of or distal to origin of PICA, or basilar artery]. Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to determine the effect of intradural versus subarachnoid location on risk of ipsilateral ischemic stroke, cerebral hemorrhage or death during the follow-up period.

Results: A total of 451 patients with stenosis located in intradural (n=74, 16.4%) or subarachnoid (n=377, 83.5 %) spaces were followed for a mean (SD) period of 29.06 (15.22) months after randomization. The rate of ischemic stroke seen in intradural and subarachnoid spaces was 11.86% and 14.58%, respectively. The rate of cerebral hemorrhage in the intradural and subarachnoid spaces was 1.35% and 2.92 %, respectively. The rate of death in the intradural and subarachnoid spaces was 10.81% and 1.59%, respectively. In Cox proportional hazards analyses, the risk of ipsilateral ischemic stroke (HR 1.08, P = 0.46), cerebral hemorrhage (HR 1.05, P = 0.59) and death (HR 0.9, P = 0.9) was not significantly different between patients with intradural arterial stenosis and those with subarachnoid arterial stenosis. The interaction between location of stenosis and treatment (intracranial stent versus best medical treatment) was not significant for the either ipsilateral ischemic stroke (p= 0.21), cerebral hemorrhage (p= 0.18) or death (p=0.15).

Conclusion: We did not find any evidence to suggest that there was any difference in natural history or response to intracranial stent placement in patients with intradural location of stenosis compared with those with subarachnoid location.

Preprocedure Intravenous Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Risk of Distal Embolization with Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

Intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV rt-PA) prior to thrombectomy may reduce the risk of intraprocedural distal embolization in acute ischemic stroke patients.

METHODS

We analyzed the diffusion-weighted imaging acquired with 1.5- or 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans obtained within 24 hours of thrombectomy in consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients. An independent physician identified distal embolization, defined as discrete foci of restricted diffusion independent of the primary area of infarction on MRI scan. Patients were stratified based on whether they had or did not receive IV rt-PA prior to thrombectomy.

RESULTS

Distal embolization was seen in 59 (ipsilateral in 56) of 63 patients (mean age ± SD; 64.6 ± 15.3 years) who underwent thrombectomy (mean number 8.6; range 0-32). There was no difference in mean number of ipsilateral hemispheric distal embolization between the 2 groups (7.9 ± 6.1 versus 7.5 ± 7.6, P = .82). After adjusting for age, admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, the time interval between symptom onset and thrombectomy, there was no association between receiving IV rt-PA prior to thrombectomy and number of ipsilateral distal emboli (P = .90). There was no relationship between the number of ipsilateral emboli and rates of favorable outcome after adjusting for other confounders (adjusted odds ratio 1.0; 95% confidence interval .89 - 1.0; P = .40).

CONCLUSIONS

Although distal embolization is very common after thrombectomy, IV rt-PA prior to procedure does not reduce the risk of intraprocedural distal embolization.

Abstract TMP12: Pre Procedure Intravenous Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator (rt-PA) Does Not Reduce the Risk of Distal Embolization with Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Diffusion Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Study

Background: It has been hypothesized that intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) prior to mechanical thrombectomy reduces the risk of intraprocedural distal embolization in acute ischemic stroke patients.

Methods: We analyzed the diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) acquired with 1.5- or 3- Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans obtained within 24 hours of mechanical thrombectomy in consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients. DWI was performed with single-shot echo-planar technique at b values of 0-1000 s/mm 2 . An independent physician identified distal embolization related foci of restricted diffusion on ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres. Distal embolization was defined as discrete foci of restricted diffusion independent of the primary area of infarction on MRI. Patients were stratified based on whether they had or did not receive intravenous rt-PA prior to thrombectomy.

Results: Distal embolization was seen in 48 of 50 patients (mean age ± SD; 62.9 ± 15.5 years) who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (mean number 9.1; range 0-22). The mean number of distal embolization was not significantly different between patients who had and those who did not receive intravenous rt-PA prior to mechanical thrombectomy (9.5 ± 6.2 versus 8.7 ± 6.5; p=0.67 by ANOVA). There was no difference in mean number of ipsilateral hemispheric distal embolization between the two groups (8.5 ± 6.4 versus 7.6 ± 6.4, p=0.61 by ANOVA). There was no relationship between mean number of emboli and age of the patient (regression coefficient 0.004; p=0.94) or time interval between symptom onset and thrombectomy (regression coefficient -0.02; p=0.67) on linear regression analyses.

Conclusion: Although distal embolization is very common after thrombectomy, we did not find any evidence that intravenous rt-PA prior to procedure reduces the risk of intraprocedural distal embolization.

Abstract TP372: Intra-Procedural Back Pain is an Under-Recognized Event in Patients Undergoing Neuroendovascular Procedures in Awake State-Results of a Prospective Study

Background: A high proportion of patients undergo neuroendovascular procedures in the awake state. The prevalence and characteristics of intra-procedural back pain are not well studied despite high-risk settings of prolonged immobility on the firm angiographic table with external restrictions.

Methods: We performed a prospective study as part of a quality improvement initiative in which all patients who underwent neuroendovascular procedures in the awake state were inquired regarding presence and location of back pain immediately after the procedure. The severity of pain was classified using a numeric rating scale score ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain) and location was identified by the patient on an anatomical chart. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with moderate to severe pain (score of ≥3).

Results: The procedure was performed in an awake state in 111 (79.3%) of 140 patients who underwent neuroendovascular procedures. The mean age was 56.6 ± 16.3 years. The mean duration of the procedure was 76.6 min (range 30-190 min); 44 (39.6%) of 111 patients reported intra-procedural back pain with a median severity of 5/10 (range 1-10). The pain was classified as moderate to severe in 39 of 44 patients. The location of pain was identified in lumbar (n=40), thoracic (n=4), and cervical (n=8) regions. Patients with moderate to severe pain had higher body mass index (mean value±SD, 28.8 ± 7.3 kg/m2 versus 31.4 ± 6.7 kg/m2, p = 0.42) and longer procedure times (mean value±SD, 75 ± 42.4 mins versus 83.3 ± 34.8 mins, p = 0.63).

Conclusions: The relatively high prevalence of intra-procedural back pain in patients undergoing neuro-endovascular procedures in the awake state must be recognized and strategies to reduce the occurrence need to be identified.

Abstract TP412: The Frequency and Associated Outcomes of Severe In-Hospital Agitation Requiring Physical Restraint in Patients With Ischemic Stroke in the United States: A National Level Analysis in the United States

Background: The rates of severe agitation in patients with ischemic stroke and associated outcomes are not well studied. Small studies suggest that in-hospital agitation is relatively prevalent and results in higher utilization of hospital resources.

Methods: We analyzed the data from Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), a nationally representative dataset of all admissions related to ischemic stroke in the United States from 2013 to 2015. We analyzed the prevalence of severe in-hospital agitation at the national level in patients with ischemic stroke. In-hospital mortality, discharge status, and length of stay were compared between patients with in-hospital agitation with those without in-hospital agitation in the multivariable model, adjusted for patient's age.

Results: Of the 17,33500 estimated patients with ischemic stroke, 16,355 patients (0.94%) were diagnosed with severe in-hospital agitation requiring physical restraint. There was a significant relationship between severe in-hospital agitation and patient age ( p=0.0001), the presence of hemiplegia (p =0.05) and aphasia (p=0.009). In multivariable analysis, after adjustment for potential confounders, we found that patients in hospital agitation had lower rates of discharge to home (OR 0.2, 95% CI: 0.22-0.29) and higher rates of in-hospital mortality (OR 5.6, 95% CI: 5.6-6.3). Patients who had in-hospital agitation had a longer length of stay (11 ±12.5 days versus 4.4±5.7 days= 0.0001).

Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that in-hospital agitation occurs with relatively high prevalence in the United States and is associated with poor outcome and significantly higher resource utilization.

Acute Ischemic Stroke: Current Status and Future Directions

The evolving knowledge on stroke in conjunction with advances in the field of imaging, treatment approaches using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) or thrombectomy devices in recanalization, and efficient emergency stroke workflow processes have opened new frontiers in managing patients with an acute ischemic stroke. These frontiers have been reformed and overcome in overcoming the decades-long watch and wait approach towards patients with ischemic stroke. In this article, we focus on the current strategies for managing ischemic stroke and conclude by providing a brief overview of anticipating developments that can transform future stroke treatments.

Obstructive sleep apnea: A modifiable risk factor for stroke?

Stroke is well-established to be a leading cause of not only death, but also disability. As with any other medical condition, prevention and risk factor modification are preferable to treatment of emergent disease. This underscores the importance of understanding the relationships of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to stroke and its risk factors. While the data are conflicting regarding the absolute causative relationship of OSA to stroke, there is a wealth of information relating OSA to many other vascular conditions and risk factors. Given that OSA is relatively easy to diagnose and treat, and the benefits of risk factor modification and improved quality of life are inarguable, appropriate diagnosis and management of OSA become vital.