Trial of Thrombectomy for Stroke with a Large Infarct of Unrestricted Size

BACKGROUND

The use of thrombectomy in patients with acute stroke and a large infarct of unrestricted size has not been well studied.

METHODS

We assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, patients with proximal cerebral vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation and a large infarct (as defined by an Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomographic Score of ≤5; values range from 0 to 10) detected on magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography within 6.5 hours after symptom onset to undergo endovascular thrombectomy and receive medical care (thrombectomy group) or to receive medical care alone (control group). The primary outcome was the score on the modified Rankin scale at 90 days (scores range from 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating greater disability). The primary safety outcome was death from any cause at 90 days, and an ancillary safety outcome was symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.

RESULTS

A total of 333 patients were assigned to either the thrombectomy group (166 patients) or the control group (167 patients); 9 were excluded from the analysis because of consent withdrawal or legal reasons. The trial was stopped early because results of similar trials favored thrombectomy. Approximately 35% of the patients received thrombolysis therapy. The median modified Rankin scale score at 90 days was 4 in the thrombectomy group and 6 in the control group (generalized odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29 to 2.06; P<0.001). Death from any cause at 90 days occurred in 36.1% of the patients in the thrombectomy group and in 55.5% of those in the control group (adjusted relative risk, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.84), and the percentage of patients with symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was 9.6% and 5.7%, respectively (adjusted relative risk, 1.73; 95% CI, 0.78 to 4.68). Eleven procedure-related complications occurred in the thrombectomy group.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with acute stroke and a large infarct of unrestricted size, thrombectomy plus medical care resulted in better functional outcomes and lower mortality than medical care alone but led to a higher incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. (Funded by Montpellier University Hospital; LASTE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03811769.).

Safety and effectiveness of the LVIS and LVIS Jr devices for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: Final results of the LEPI multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

The Low profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS)/LVIS Jr is a self-expanding braiding stent for the treatment of intracranial aneurysm. This study is to determine the safety and effectiveness of the LVIS/LVIS Jr for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms in a real-world setting.

METHODS

This prospective, observational, multicenter study enrolled patients with unruptured, ruptured and recanalized intracranial aneurysms treated with the LVIS stents, between February 2018 to December 2019. Primary endpoint was the cumulative morbidity and mortality rate (CMMR) assessed at 12 months follow-up (FU).

RESULTS

A total of 130 patients were included (62.3 % women, mean age 55.9 ± 11.4) on an intention-to-treat basis. Four patients (3.1 %) had 2 target aneurysms; 134 total aneurysms were treated. The aneurysms were mainly located on the middle cerebral artery (41/134; 30.6 %) and the anterior communicating artery (31/134; 23.1 %). The CMMR at 1 year linked to the procedure and/or device was 4.6 % (6/130). The overall mortality was 1.5 % (2/130), none of these deaths adjudged as being linked to the procedure and/or device. All aneurysms (134/134, 100 %) were successfully treated with LVIS stent and/or other devices. At a mean FU of 16.8 months post-procedure, complete/nearly complete occlusion was achieved in 112 aneurysms (92.6 %), and only 3 patients (2.5 %) required aneurysm retreatment.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that the LVIS/LVIS Jr devices are safe and effective in the treatment of complex intracranial aneurysms, with very high rates of adequate occlusion at FU. These angiographic results are stable over time with an acceptable complication rate.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrial.gov under NCT03553771.

Endovascular treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations: clinical outcomes of patients included in the registry of a pragmatic randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

The role of endovascular treatment in the management of patients with brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) remains uncertain. AVM embolization can be offered as stand-alone curative therapy or prior to surgery or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) (pre-embolization). The Treatment of Brain AVMs Study (TOBAS) is an all-inclusive pragmatic study that comprises two randomized trials and multiple registries.

METHODS

Results from the TOBAS curative and pre-embolization registries are reported. The primary outcome for this report is death or dependency (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score > 2) at last follow-up. Secondary outcomes include angiographic results, perioperative serious adverse events (SAEs), and permanent treatment-related complications leading to an mRS score > 2.

RESULTS

From June 2014 to May 2021, 1010 patients were recruited in TOBAS. Embolization was chosen as the primary curative treatment for 116 patients and pre-embolization prior to surgery or SRS for 92 patients. Clinical and angiographic outcomes were available in 106 (91%) of 116 and 77 (84%) of 92 patients, respectively. In the curative embolization registry, 70% of AVMs were ruptured, and 62% were low-grade AVMs (Spetzler-Martin grade I or II), while the pre-embolization registry had 70% ruptured AVMs and 58% low-grade AVMs. The primary outcome of death or disability (mRS score > 2) occurred in 15 (14%, 95% CI 8%–22%) of the 106 patients in the curative embolization registry (4 [12%, 95% CI 5%–28%] of 32 unruptured AVMs and 11 [15%, 95% CI 8%–25%] of 74 ruptured AVMs) and 9 (12%, 95% CI 6%–21%) of the 77 patients in the pre-embolization registry (4 [17%, 95% CI 7%–37%] of 23 unruptured AVMs and 5 [9%, 95% CI 4%–20%] of 54 ruptured AVMs) at 2 years. Embolization alone was confirmed to occlude the AVM in 32 (30%, 95% CI 21%–40%) of the 106 curative attempts and in 9 (12%, 95% CI 6%–21%) of 77 patients in the pre-embolization registry. SAEs occurred in 28 of the 106 attempted curative patients (26%, 95% CI 18%–35%, including 21 new symptomatic hemorrhages [20%, 95% CI 13%–29%]). Five of the new hemorrhages were in previously unruptured AVMs (n = 32; 16%, 95% CI 5%–33%). Of the 77 pre-embolization patients, 18 had SAEs (23%, 95% CI 15%–34%), including 12 new symptomatic hemorrhages [16%, 95% CI 9%–26%]). Three of the hemorrhages were in previously unruptured AVMs (3/23; 13%, 95% CI 3%–34%).

CONCLUSIONS

Embolization as a curative treatment for brain AVMs was often incomplete. Hemorrhagic complications were frequent, even when the specified intent was pre-embolization before surgery or SRS. Because the role of endovascular treatment remains uncertain, it should preferably, when possible, be offered in the context of a randomized trial.

Surgical treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations: clinical outcomes of patients included in the registry of a pragmatic randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

The Treatment of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations Study (TOBAS) is a pragmatic study that includes 2 randomized trials and registries of treated or conservatively managed patients. The authors report the results of the surgical registry.

METHODS

TOBAS patients are managed according to an algorithm that combines clinical judgment and randomized allocation. For patients considered for curative treatment, clinicians selected from surgery, endovascular therapy, or radiation therapy as the primary curative method, and whether observation was a reasonable alternative. When surgery was selected and observation was deemed unreasonable, the patient was not included in the randomized controlled trial but placed in the surgical registry. The primary outcome of the trial was mRS score > 2 at 10 years (at last follow-up for the current report). Secondary outcomes include angiographic results, perioperative serious adverse events, and permanent treatment-related complications leading to mRS score > 2.

RESULTS

From June 2014 to May 2021, 1010 patients were recruited at 30 TOBAS centers. Surgery was selected for 229/512 patients (44%) considered for curative treatment; 77 (34%) were included in the surgery versus observation randomized trial and 152 (66%) were placed in the surgical registry. Surgical registry patients had 124/152 (82%) ruptured and 28/152 (18%) unruptured arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), with the majority categorized as low-grade Spetzler-Martin grade I-II AVM (118/152 [78%]). Thirteen patients were excluded, leaving 139 patients for analysis. Embolization was performed prior to surgery in 78/139 (56%) patients. Surgical angiographic cure was obtained in 123/139 all-grade (89%, 95% CI 82%-93%) and 105/110 low-grade (95%, 95% CI 90%-98%) AVM patients. At the mean follow-up of 18.1 months, 16 patients (12%, 95% CI 7%-18%) had reached the primary safety outcome of mRS score > 2, including 11/16 who had a baseline mRS score ≥ 3 due to previous AVM rupture. Serious adverse events occurred in 29 patients (21%, 95% CI 15%-28%). Permanent treatment-related complications leading to mRS score > 2 occurred in 6/139 patients (4%, 95% CI 2%-9%), 5 (83%) of whom had complications due to preoperative embolization.

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical treatment of brain AVMs in the TOBAS registry was curative in 88% of patients. The participation of more patients, surgeons, and centers in randomized trials is needed to definitively establish the role of surgery in the treatment of unruptured brain AVMs. Clinical trial registration no.: NCT02098252 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Perfusion Imaging and Clinical Outcome in Acute Minor Stroke With Large Vessel Occlusion

BACKGROUND:

Whether bridging therapy (intravenous thrombolysis [IVT] followed by mechanical thrombectomy) is superior to IVT alone in minor stroke with large vessel occlusion is unknown. Perfusion imaging may identify subsets of large vessel occlusion–related minor stroke patients with distinct response to bridging therapy.

METHODS:

We conducted a multicenter international observational study of consecutive IVT-treated patients with minor stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5) who had an anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and perfusion imaging performed before IVT, with a subset undergoing immediate thrombectomy. Propensity score with inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to account for baseline between-groups differences. The primary outcome was 3-month modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 1. We searched for an interaction between treatment group and mismatch volume (critical hypoperfusion–core volume).

RESULTS:

Overall, 569 patients were included (172 and 397 in the bridging therapy and IVT groups, respectively). After propensity-score weighting, the distribution of baseline variables was similar across the 2 groups. In the entire population, bridging was associated with lower odds of achieving modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 1: odds ratio, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.55–0.96]; P =0.03. However, mismatch volume modified the effect of bridging on clinical outcome ( P interaction =0.04 for continuous mismatch volume); bridging was associated with worse outcome in patients with, but not in those without, mismatch volume <40 mL (odds ratio, [95% CI] for modified Rankin Scale score 0–1: 0.48 [0.33–0.71] versus 1.14 [0.76–1.71], respectively). Bridging was associated with higher incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage in the entire population, but this effect was present in the small mismatch subset only ( P interaction =0.002).

CONCLUSIONS:

In our population of large vessel occlusion-related minor stroke patients, bridging therapy was associated with lower rates of good outcome as compared with IVT alone. However, mismatch volume was a strong modifier of the effect of bridging therapy over IVT alone, notably with worse outcome with bridging therapy in patients with mismatch volume ≤40 mL. Randomized trials should consider adding perfusion imaging for patient selection.

Upfront and Repeated Gamma-Knife Radiosurgery for Small (≤5 mL) Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformation: A Cohort of 249 Consecutive Patients

OBJECTIVE

According to A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (ARUBA), conservative treatment seems to be superior to any intervention for unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). This study aims to evaluate safety and efficacy of upfront and repeated Gamma-Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) in patients harboring small AVMs fulfilling the inclusion criteria of ARUBA.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate outcomes of unruptured naive brain AVM with a volume ⩽ 5 mL eligible to ARUBA treated by GKRS with at least 3 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

From 1992 to 2014, 249 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria of this study. The median age was 36 years (range: 18-78 years). The median treated volume of the nidus was 1.3 mL (range: 0.4-5 mL) and 63% of the AVM were in eloquent areas. Radiosurgery-based AVM score was 1-1.8 (76%), the Spetzler-Martin grade was II-III (73%), and the Virginia Radiosurgery AVM scale was ≤1 point (75%). The overall AVM obliteration rate was 77.1% after up to 3 GKRS sessions. The median dose at the margin was 24 Gy (15-25 Gy) and the median follow-up was 45 months (range: 36-205 months). Eight patients (3.2%) experienced hemorrhage after GKRS, corresponding to a post-GKRS hemorrhage annual rate of 1.03%. Permanent symptomatic radio-induced changes rate was 2% (4 increased seizures, 1 neurologic deficit).

CONCLUSIONS

The very low toxicity rate and the high occlusion rate suggest in favor of upfront and repeated GKRS for unruptured small AVMs (⩽5 mL).

Flow Diverters for Intracranial Aneurysms

Background and Purpose—

Flow diverters are used for endovascular therapy of intracranial aneurysms. We did a nationwide prospective study to investigate the safety and effectiveness of flow diversion at 12 months.

Methods—

DIVERSION was a national prospective cohort study including all flow diverters placement between October 2012 and February 2014 in France. The primary end point was the event-free survival rate at 12 months, defined as the occurrence of morbidity (intracranial hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, noncerebral hemorrhage, or neurological deficit due to mass effect), retreatment, or death within 12 months post-treatment. A quality control was carried out on 100% of the collected data and of at least 10% of the included patients in each center, chosen at random. All reported serious events were adjudicated by an independent Data Safety and Monitoring Board. Satisfactory occlusion was defined as 3 or 4 on Kamran scale by an independent imaging core laboratory at 12 months.

Results—

We enrolled 398 patients harboring 477 intracranial aneurysms. At least 1 morbidity-mortality event was noted in 95 of 408 interventions representing an event-free survival rate of 75.7% (95% CI, 71.1–79.7). The rate of permanent-related serious events and mortality was 5.9% and 1.2% at 12 months, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that high baseline blood pressure (hazard ratio, 2.54; 95% CI, 1.35–4.79; P =0.039), diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio, 3.70; 95% CI, 1.60–8.6; P =0.0022), and larger aneurysms (hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04–1.11; P <0.0001) were associated with the occurrence of a neurological deficit. The satisfactory occlusion rate at 12 months was 79.9%, and the absence of high baseline blood pressure (odds ratio, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.12–3.71; P =0.0193) and postprocedural satisfactory occlusion (odds ratio, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.49–5.09; P =0.0012) were associated with a 12-month satisfactory occlusion.

Conclusions—

A satisfactory occlusion was achieved in almost 80% of cases after flow diverter treatment with a permanent-related serious event and mortality rates of 5.9% and 1.2% at 12 months, respectively.

Management of two cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulae by direct microsurgical approach and catheterization of the superior ophthalmic vein

BACKGROUND

In case of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula, transvenous embolization of the cavernous sinus via the inferior petrosal sinus is generally sufficient. However, when inferior petrosal sinus access is challenging, various alternative approaches have been reported, with corresponding difficulties and risks.

CASE REPORTS

We report the management of two cases of life-threatening cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula revealed by a typical cavernous sinus syndrome. Conventional approaches were unsuccessful, and a direct microsurgical approach was performed, with catheterization of the superior ophthalmic vein. This combined approach safely accessed the cavernous sinus, and obtained complete occlusion of the fistulae by Onyx® embolization.

CONCLUSIONS

This procedure could be an interesting alternative option in the treatment of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula when conventional approaches are not possible.

Rupture limit evaluation of human cerebral aneurysms wall: Experimental study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms is a major issue for public healthcare. A way to obtain an individual rupture risk assessment is a main objective of many research teams in the world. For many years, we have investigated the relationship between the mechanical properties of aneurysm wall tissues and the rupture risk. In this work, we try to go further and investigate rupture limit values.

METHODS

Following surgical clipping, a specific conservation protocol was applied to aneurysmal tissues in order to preserve their mechanical properties. Thirty-nine intracranial aneurysms (27 females, 12 males) were tested using a uniaxial tensile test machine under physiological conditions, temperature, and saline isotonic solution. These represented 24 unruptured and 15 ruptured aneurysms. Stress/strain curves were then obtained for each sample, and a fitting algorithm was applied following a Yeoh hyperelastic model with 2 parameters. Moreover, uniaxial tensile tests were conducted until rupture of samples to obtain values of stress and strain rupture limit.

RESULTS

The significant parameter a C₂ of the hyperelastic Yeoh model, allowed us to classify samples' rigidity following the terminology we adopted in previous papers (Costalat et al., 2011; Sanchez et al., 2013): Soft, Stiff and Intermediate. Moreover, strain/stress rupture limit values were gathered and analyzed thanks to the tissue rigidity, the status of the aneurysm (initially ruptured or unruptured) and the gender of the patient.

CONCLUSION

Strain rupture limit was found quite stable around 20% and seems not to be correlated with the status of the aneurysm (initially ruptured or unruptured), neither with the gender of the patient. However, stretch and stress rupture limit seems not to be independent on the rigidity. The study confirms that ruptured aneurysms mainly present a soft tissue and unruptured aneurysms present a stiff material.

Intracranial haemorrhage in infective endocarditis

BACKGROUND

Although intracranial cerebral haemorrhage (ICH) complicating infective endocarditis (IE) is a critical clinical issue, its characteristics, impact, and prognosis remain poorly known.

AIMS

To assess the incidence, mechanisms, risk factors and prognosis of ICH complicating left-sided IE.

METHODS

In this single-centre study, 963 patients with possible or definite left-sided IE were included from January 2000 to December 2015.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight (7%) patients had an ICH (mean age 57±13 years; 75% male). ICH was classified into three groups according to mechanism: ruptured mycotic aneurysm (n=22; 32%); haemorrhage after ischaemic stroke (n=27; 40%); and undetermined aetiology (n=19; 28%). Five variables were independently associated with ICH: platelet count<150×10⁹/L (odds ratio [OR] 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-5.4; P=0.049); severe valve regurgitation (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.3-7.6; P=0.008); ischaemic stroke (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.9-9.4; P<0.001); other symptomatic systemic embolism (OR 14.1, 95% CI 5.1-38.9; P<0.001); and presence of mycotic aneurysm (OR 100.2, 95% CI 29.2-343.7; P<0.001). Overall, 237 (24.6%) patients died within 2.3 (0.7-10.4) months of follow-up. ICH was not associated with increased mortality (P not significant). However, the 1-year mortality rate differed according to ICH mechanism: 14%, 15% and 45% in patients with ruptured mycotic aneurysm, haemorrhage after ischaemic stroke and undetermined aetiology, respectively (P=0.03). In patients with an ICH, mortality was higher in non-operated versus operated patients when cardiac surgery was indicated (P=0.005). No operated patient had neurological deterioration.

CONCLUSIONS

ICH is a common complication of left-sided IE. The impact on prognosis is dependent on mechanism (haemorrhage of undetermined aetiology). We observed a higher mortality rate in patients who had conservative treatment when cardiac surgery was indicated compared with in those who underwent cardiac surgery.

A case of junctional neural tube defect associated with a lipoma of the filum terminale: a new subtype of junctional neural tube defect?

The embryological development of the central nervous system takes place during the neurulation process, which includes primary and secondary neurulation. A new form of dysraphism, named junctional neural tube defect (JNTD), was recently reported, with only 4 cases described in the literature. The authors report a fifth case of JNTD. This 5-year-old boy, who had been operated on during his 1st month of life for a uretero-rectal fistula, was referred for evaluation of possible spinal dysraphism. He had urinary incontinence, clubfeet, and a history of delayed walking ability. MRI showed a spinal cord divided in two, with an upper segment ending at the T-11 level and a lower segment at the L5-S1 level, with a thickened filum terminale. The JNTDs represent a recently classified dysraphism caused by an error during junctional neurulation. The authors suggest that their patient should be included in this category as the fifth case reported in the literature and note that this would be the first reported case of JNTD in association with a lipomatous filum terminale.

Second-Generation Hydrogel Coils for the Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background and Purpose—

Endovascular embolization of intracranial aneurysms with hydrogel-coated coils lowers the risk of major recurrence, but technical limitations (coil stiffness and time restriction for placement) have prevented their wider clinical use. We aimed to assess the efficacy of softer, second-generation hydrogel coils.

Methods—

A randomized controlled trial was conducted at 22 centers in France and Germany. Patients aged 18 to 75 years with untreated ruptured or unruptured intracranial aneurysms measuring 4 to 12 mm in diameter were eligible and randomized (1:1 using a web-based system, stratified by rupture status) to coiling with either second-generation hydrogel coils or bare platinum coils. Assist devices were allowed as clinically required. Independent imaging core laboratory was masked to allocation. Primary end point was a composite outcome measure including major aneurysm recurrence, aneurysm retreatment, morbidity that prevented angiographic controls, and any death during treatment and follow-up. Data were analyzed as randomized.

Results—

Randomization began on October 15, 2009, and stopped on January 31, 2014, after 513 patients (hydrogel, n=256; bare platinum, n=257); 20 patients were excluded for missing informed consent and 9 for treatment-related criteria. Four hundred eighty-four patients (hydrogel, n=243; bare platinum, n=241) were included in the analysis; 208 (43%) were treated for ruptured aneurysms. Final end point data were available for 456 patients. Forty-five out of 226 (19.9%) patients in the hydrogel group and 66/230 (28.7%) in the control group had an unfavorable composite primary outcome, giving a statistically significant reduction in the proportion of an unfavorable composite primary outcome with hydrogel coils—adjusted for rupture status—of 8.4% (95% confidence interval, 0.5–16.2; P=0.036). Adverse and serious adverse events were evenly distributed between groups.

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that endovascular coil embolization with second-generation hydrogel coils may reduce the rate of unfavorable outcome events in patients with small- and medium-sized intracranial aneurysms.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL: https://www.drks.de/drks_web/. Unique identifier: DRKS00003132.

Does hip joint positioning affect maximal voluntary contraction in the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, tensor fasciae latae and sartorius muscles?

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA) is presumed to provide functional and clinical benefits, whereas in fact the literature reveals that gait and posturographic parameters following THA do not recover values found in the general population. There is a significant disturbance of postural sway in THA patients, regardless of the surgical approach, although with some differences between approaches compared to controls: the anterior and anterolateral minimally invasive approaches seem to be more disruptive of postural parameters than the posterior approach. Electromyographic (EMG) study of the hip muscles involved in surgery [gluteus maximus (GMax), gluteus medius (GMed), tensor fasciae latae (TFL), and sartorius (S)] could shed light, the relevant literature involves discordant methodologies. We developed a methodology to assess EMG activity during maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of the GMax, GMed, TFL and sartorius muscles as a reference for normalization. A prospective study aimed to assess whether hip joint positioning and the learning curve on an MVC test affect the EMG signal during a maximal voluntary contraction.

HYPOTHESIS

Hip positioning and the learning curve on an MVC test affect EMG signal during MVC of GMax, GMed, TFL and S.

METHODS

Thirty young asymptomatic subjects participated in the study. Each performed 8 hip muscle MVCs in various joint positions recorded with surface EMG sensors. Each MVC was performed 3 times in 1 week, with the same schedule every day, controlling for activity levels in the preceding 24h. EMG activity during MVC was expressed as a ratio of EMG activity during unipedal stance. Non-parametric tests were applied.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis showed no difference according to hip position for abductors or flexors in assessing EMG signal during MVC over the 3 sessions. Hip abductors showed no difference between abduction in lateral decubitus with hip straight versus hip flexed: GMax (19.8±13.7 vs. 14.5±7.8, P=0.78), GMed (13.4±9.0 vs. 9.9±6.6, P=0.21) and TFL (69.5±61.7 vs. 65.9±51.3, P=0.50). Flexors showed no difference between hip flexion/abduction/lateral rotation performed in supine or sitting position: TFL (70.6±45.9 vs. 61.6±45.8, P=0.22) and S (101.1±67.9 vs. 72.6±44.6, P=0.21). The most effective tests to assess EMG signal during MVC were for the hip abductors: hip abduction performed in lateral decubitus (36.7% for GMax, 76.7% for GMed), and for hip flexors: hip flexion/abduction/lateral rotation performed in supine decubitus (50% for TFL, 76.7% for S).

DISCUSSION

The study hypothesis was not confirmed, since hip joint positioning and the learning curve on an MVC test did not affect EMG signal during MVC of GMax, GMed, TFL and S muscles. Therefore, a single session and one specific test is enough to assess MVC in hip abductors (abduction in lateral decubitus) and flexors (hip flexion/abduction/lateral rotation in supine position). This method could be applied to assess muscle function after THA, and particularly to compare different approaches.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, case-matched study.

Rational use of systematic postoperative CT scans after neurosurgical craniotomy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the relevance of a systematic postoperative CT scan after neurosurgical craniotomy and to identify predictive factors of complications.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included all the patients at our institution who benefited from a cerebral postoperative CT scan within 24 hours post-craniotomy. Patient characteristics and neuroimaging abnormalities were recorded. Predictive factors were identified using a recursive partitioning analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 633 patients were included. Of these, 17.9% of patients suffered from postoperative complications and 7.4% of them required a new surgery. The decision for reoperation was based on the neurological deterioration and the CT scan, but never on the CT scan alone. The mortality rate was 1.1%. The risk to be reoperated was correlated to the occurrence of a new postoperative neurological deficit (P<0.001, HR=4.60) and in situ hemorrhage (P<0.001, HR=4.19). The risk of postoperative hematoma was correlated to the supratentorial location versus infratentorial (P=0.027, HR=2.50). With clinical factors, such as location and etiology of the lesion, schedule type of surgery, and the age of patients, we proposed six classes with the risk to present with hemorrhage or midline shift on postoperative CT scans.

CONCLUSIONS

The post-craniotomy CT scan did not impact patient management as an independent decisional tool. We identified several variables associated with the risk of clinical modification that can impact the decision to reoperate and allow establishment of a risk score. This score could be an interesting tool in order to reduce the systematic use of CT scans in the post-surgical period but has to be validated in a prospective study.

One-year efficacy and safety of the Trufill DCS Orbit and Orbit Galaxy detachable coils in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms: Results from the TRULINE study

Background and purpose No series reported the mid-term results of Trufill DCS Orbit and Orbit Galaxy detachable coils with independent evaluation. We present the one-year safety and efficacy of these coils in real-life routine clinical practice. Methods A total of 167 patients with 167 aneurysms (39.1% ruptured) were enrolled in the prospective TRULINE study. The primary endpoint was the safety, assessed by the combined morbidity-mortality rate observed since the time of the procedure and up to one-year follow-up. For safety, primary analyses were performed on intent-to-treat population (attempted coils procedure) and all adverse events have been reviewed by an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board. For efficacy, primary analyses were performed on the per-protocol population (patients treated with more than 70% of Trufill coils and not retreated during the follow-up period) and an independent core laboratory evaluated angiographic results. Results At one-year post-procedure, neurologic impairment was observed in 6.5% (95% confidence interval: 3.5-11.8) of the patients, and 2.6% (95% confidence interval: 1.0-6.8) had a permanent neurological deterioration. Three deaths were observed, unrelated to the procedure or coils. At one year, complete occlusion was seen in 52 aneurysms (54.2%), neck remnant in 28 aneurysms (29.2%), and aneurysm remnant in 16 aneurysms (16.7%). During the one-year follow-up, the overall incidence of recurrence was 30.2% with a mean interval of 13.8 ± 4.5 months and the retreatment for major recanalization was needed in nine patients (6.3%). Conclusions The TRULINE study confirms that endovascular coiling with Trufill DCS Orbit and Orbit Galaxy detachable coils is safe and effective.

Short-term comparison of postural effects of three minimally invasive hip approaches in primary total hip arthroplasty: Direct anterior, posterolateral and Röttinger

INTRODUCTION

There is renewed interest in total hip arthroplasty (THA) with the development of minimally invasive approaches. The anterior and Röttinger approaches are attractive for their anatomical and minimally invasive character, but with no comparative studies in the literature definitely suggesting superiority in terms of quality of functional recovery. We therefore performed a case-control study, assessing: 1) whether the postural parameters of patients operated on with the anterior, Röttinger and posterior minimally invasive approaches were similar to those of asymptomatic subjects, and 2) whether there were any differences in postural parameters between the three approaches at short-term follow-up.

HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that the anterior and Röttinger approaches are less disruptive of postural parameters than the posterior approach.

METHODS

Seventy subjects (44 primary THA patients and 26 asymptomatic control subjects) were enrolled. Operated subjects were divided into 3 experimental groups corresponding to the 3 minimally invasive approaches: posterior (n=14), anterior (n=15) and Röttinger (n=15). Two single-leg stance tests (left followed by right leg stance; 10s per test) were carried out on a stabilometric platform, within 2months after surgery for all THA patients, and for controls. Six significant parameters were selected for statistical analysis: test performance, mediolateral and anteroposterior displacements of the center of pressure (CP), path length, average CP displacement speed, and the ellipse containing 95% of CP projections. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to compare groups.

RESULTS

There was no difference between the 3 study groups and the control group according to age, gender, BMI, or side (or between study groups regarding WOMAC score). No significant differences between approaches were found for success on postural tests (P=0.14). Subjects operated on with the anterior or Röttinger approach showed significant differences from asymptomatic subjects for 2 postural parameters: path length (Röttinger P=0.04, anterior P=0.03) and average CP displacement speed (Röttinger P=0.04, anterior P=0.03). Subjects operated on through the posterior approach showed no significant differences from asymptomatic subjects.

DISCUSSION

The study hypothesis, that the anterior and Röttinger approaches for hip arthroplasty are less disruptive of postural parameters than the posterior approach, was not confirmed. The anterior and Röttinger approach groups showed higher average CP displacement speed and path length, suggesting that they use up more energy resources to maintain static balance. The posterior approach had the least impact on postural parameters in the first 2 postoperative months.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, case-control study.

Ruptured posterior ethmoidal artery aneurysm and Moyamoya disease in an adult patient. Case report

The association between Moyamoya disease and intracranial aneurysms is well described. In our case, we describe a unique aneurismal location and its management. We report the case of a 74-year-old woman affected by a Moyamoya disease who displayed a frontal lobe hematoma. The origin of the bleeding came from the rupture of a posterior ethmoidal artery aneurysm that was treated surgically with favourable outcome. This case of a ruptured posterior ethmoidal artery aneurysm in a Moyamoya patient illustrates the polymorphism of the vascular complications encountered in this disease. It stresses the need to obtain information from an angiographic investigation in order to select the best therapeutic option and to reduce procedural complications.

GREAT-a randomized controlled trial comparing HydroSoft/HydroFrame and bare platinum coils for endovascular aneurysm treatment: procedural safety and core-lab-assessedangiographic results

INTRODUCTION

Hybrid hydrogel-platinum coils (HydroCoil) have proven effective for endovascular aneurysm treatment. To overcome technical limitations (coil stiffness, time restriction for placement), a second generation of softer hydrogel coils has been brought to clinical practice (HydroSoft, HydroFrame). We report on procedural safety and core-lab-assessed angiographic results from an open-label multicenter randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Web-based randomization occurred in 15 medical centers in France and seven in Germany between coil embolization with second-generation hydrogel coils and treatment with any bare platinum coil. Assist devices could be used as clinically required. Primary endpoint is a composite outcome including major aneurysm recurrence and poor clinical outcome at 18 months follow-up.

RESULTS

Five hundred thirteen patients were randomized (hydrogel n = 256, bare platinum n = 257). Twenty patients were excluded for missing informed consent and nine patients for treatment related criteria. Four hundred eighty-four patients were analyzed as randomized (hydrogel n = 243, bare platinum n = 241). Two hundred eight had ruptured aneurysms (43 %). Prespecified procedural complications occurred in 58 subjects (hydrogel n = 28, bare platinum n = 30, p = 0.77). The 14-day mortality rate was 2.1 % in both arms of the study. The median calculated packing densities for aneurysms assigned to hydrogel and bare platinum were 39 and 31 % respectively (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were found between arms in the post procedural angiographic occlusion rate (p = 0.8).

CONCLUSION

Second-generation hydrogel coils can be used in a wide spectrum of aneurysms with a risk profile equivalent to bare platinum. Packing density was significantly higher in aneurysms treated with hydrogel coils.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

http://www.germanctr.de , DRKS00003132.

Arteriovenous malformation of the filum terminale: an exceptional case

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the spine display a variety of different locations, angioarchitectures, and clinical presentations. The authors describe an exceptional case of a filum terminale AVM that is not described in any classification and discuss the origin and management of this malformation. A 59-year-old woman was admitted in June 2012 for cauda equina syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging and spinal angiography revealed an AVM of the filum terminale, located below the conus medullaris, fed by the anterior spinal artery. After an unsuccessful attempt to reach the nidus with a microcatheter, the AVM was resected. At 20 months after surgery, the patient was fully independent and radiological images confirmed the exclusion of the malformation. AVMs that originate from the filum terminale are exceptional. According to updated classifications, AVMs of the filum terminale should be categorized as a separate entity.

Neuroradiological findings expand the phenotype of OPA1-related mitochondrial dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

OPA1 mutations are responsible for more than half of autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA), a blinding disease affecting the retinal ganglion neurons. In most patients the clinical presentation is restricted to the optic nerve degeneration, albeit in 20% of them, additional neuro-sensorial symptoms might be associated to the loss of vision, as frequently encountered in mitochondrial diseases. This study describes clinical and neuroradiological features of OPA1 patients.

METHODS

Twenty two patients from 17 families with decreased visual acuity related to optic atrophy and carrying an OPA1 mutation were enrolled. Patients underwent neuro-ophthalmological examinations. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (T1, T2 and flair sequences) was performed on a 1.5-Tesla MR Unit. Twenty patients underwent 2-D proton spectroscopic imaging.

RESULTS

Brain imaging disclosed abnormalities in 12 patients. Cerebellar atrophy mainly involving the vermis was observed in almost a quarter of the patients; other abnormalities included unspecific white matter hypersignal, hemispheric cortical atrophy, and lactate peak. Neurological examination disclosed one patient with a transient right hand motor deficit and ENT examination revealed hearing impairment in 6 patients. Patients with abnormal MRI were characterized by: (i) an older age (ii) more severe visual impairment with chronic visual acuity deterioration, and (iii) more frequent associated deafness.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that brain imaging abnormalities are common in OPA1 patients, even in those with normal neurological examination. Lactate peak, cerebellar and cortical atrophies are consistent with the mitochondrial dysfunction related to OPA1 mutations and might result from widespread neuronal degeneration.

Patient selection for stroke endovascular therapy--DWI-ASPECTS thresholds should vary among age groups: insights from the RECOST study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits of endovascular intervention in large-vessel occlusion strokes, depending on age class.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A clinical management protocol including intravenous treatment and mechanical thrombectomy was instigated in our center in 2009 (Prognostic Factors Related to Clinical Outcome Following Thrombectomy in Ischemic Stroke [RECOST] study). All patients with acute ischemic stroke with an anterior circulation major-vessel occlusion who presented within 6 hours were evaluated with an initial MR imaging examination and were analyzed according to age subgroups (younger than 50 years, 50-59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years; 80 years or older). The mRS score at 3 months was the study end point.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-five patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 67.4 years (range, 29-90 years). The mean baseline NIHSS score was 17.24 (range, 3-27). The mean DWI-derived ASPECTS was 6.4. Recanalization of TICI 2b/3 was achieved in 80%. At 3 months, 41.72% of patients had a good outcome, with a gradation of prognosis depending on the age subgroup and a clear cutoff at 70 years. Only 19% of patients older than 80 years had a good outcome at 3 months (mean ASPECTS = 7.4) with 28% for 70-79 years (mean ASPECTS = 6.8), but 58% for 60-69 years (mean ASPECTS = 6), 52% for 50-59 years (mean ASPECTS = 5.91), and 72% for younger than 50 years (mean ASPECTS = 6.31). In contrast, the mortality rate was 35% for 80 years and older, and 26% for 70-79 versus 5%-9% for younger than 70 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The elderly may benefit from thrombectomy when their ischemic core volume is low in comparison with younger patients who still benefit from acute recanalization despite larger infarcts. Stroke volume thresholds should, therefore, be related and adjusted to the patient's age group.

Extra-aneurysmal flow modification following pipeline embolization device implantation: focus on regional branches, perforators, and the parent vessel

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Flow-diverter technology has proved to be a safe and effective treatment for intracranial aneurysm based on the concept of flow diversion allowing parent artery and collateral preservation and aneurysm healing. We investigated the patency of covered side branches and flow modification within the parent artery following placement of the Pipeline Embolization Device in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-six aneurysms in 59 patients were treated with 96 Pipeline Embolization Devices. We retrospectively reviewed imaging and clinical results during the postoperative period at 6 and 12 months to assess flow modification through the parent artery and side branches. Reperfusion syndrome was assessed by MR imaging and clinical evaluation.

RESULTS

Slow flow was observed in 13 of 68 (19.1%) side branches covered by the Pipeline Embolization Device. It was reported in all cases of anterior cerebral artery coverage, in 3/5 cases of M2-MCA coverage, and in 5/34 (14.7%) cases of ophthalmic artery coverage. One territorial infarction was observed in a case of M2-MCA coverage, without arterial occlusion. One case of deep Sylvian infarct was reported in a case of coverage of MCA perforators. Two ophthalmic arteries (5.9%) were occluded, and 11 side branches (16.2%) were narrowed at 12 months' follow-up; patients remained asymptomatic. Parent vessel flow modification was responsible for 2 cases (3.4%) of reperfusion syndrome. Overall permanent morbidity and mortality rates were 5.2% and 6.9%, respectively. We did not report any permanent deficit or death in case of slow flow observed within side branches.

CONCLUSIONS

After Pipeline Embolization Device placement, reperfusion syndrome was observed in 3.4%, and territorial infarction, in 3.4%. Delayed occlusion of ophthalmic arteries and delayed narrowing of arteries covered by the Pipeline Embolization Device were observed in 5.9% and 16.2%, respectively. No permanent morbidity or death was related to side branch coverage at midterm follow-up.

Intracranial aneurysmal pulsatility as a new individual criterion for rupture risk evaluation: biomechanical and numeric approach (IRRAs Project)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The present study follows an experimental work based on the characterization of the biomechanical behavior of the aneurysmal wall and a numerical study where a significant difference in term of volume variation between ruptured and unruptured aneurysm was observed in a specific case. Our study was designed to highlight by means of numeric simulations the correlation between aneurysm sac pulsatility and the risk of rupture through the mechanical properties of the wall.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In accordance with previous work suggesting a correlation between the risk of rupture and the material properties of cerebral aneurysms, 12 fluid-structure interaction computations were performed on 12 "patient-specific" cases, corresponding to typical shapes and locations of cerebral aneurysms. The variations of the aneurysmal volume during the cardiac cycle (ΔV) are compared by using wall material characteristics of either degraded or nondegraded tissues.

RESULTS

Aneurysms were located on 6 different arteries: middle cerebral artery (4), anterior cerebral artery (3), internal carotid artery (1), vertebral artery (1), ophthalmic artery (1), and basilar artery (1). Aneurysms presented different shapes (uniform or multilobulated) and diastolic volumes (from 18 to 392 mm3). The pulsatility (ΔV/V) was significantly larger for a soft aneurysmal material (average of 26%) than for a stiff material (average of 4%). The difference between ΔV, for each condition, was statistically significant: P=.005.

CONCLUSIONS

The difference in aneurysmal pulsatility as highlighted in this work might be a relevant patient-specific predictor of aneurysm risk of rupture.

Flow-diverter silk stent for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms: 1-year follow-up in a multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

FD stent placement is a promising therapy for challenging intracranial aneurysms. Long-term evaluations about angiographic and morphologic results are still missing. This is the aim of this multicenter series.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We report our experience and 1-year FU in a retrospective chart review of 65 consecutive subjects with 77 unruptured or recanalized aneurysms that were treated with Silk FD stents at 6 centers in France. Both angiographic and clinical results were recorded before treatment and at 6 and 12 months after treatment. At the 12-month FU, relationships between angiographic aneurysm occlusion and shrinkage of the thrombosed aneurysm sac were evaluated.

RESULTS

Stent deployment was achieved in 64 cases (98.5%) and failed in 1 case (1.5%). Seven misdeployments of the Silk stent caused the occlusion of 6 parent arteries. Overall acute/subacute procedural morbidity was 7.7%, and mortality was zero. Delayed complications were observed in 10.9% of subjects. At the 6-month FU, permanent morbidity was 7.8% and mortality was 3%. Complete occlusion occurred within 6 months in 68% of aneurysms and within 12 months after treatment in 84.5% of aneurysms. At the 12-month FU, in angiographically complete occluded aneurysms, MR imaging/CT analysis showed the complete disappearance of the thrombosed aneurysm in 30% of cases and partial shrinkage in 52%; furthermore, thrombosed aneurysms were stable in 11% of cases and enlarged in 7%.

CONCLUSIONS

The Silk stent is an effective tool for the treatment of challenging aneurysms because it allows complete occlusion in most cases 1 year after treatment. Permanent morbidity was 7.8%, and mortality was 3%.

Mid-term clinical and angiographic results of cerebral aneurisms treated with matrix2(®) coils

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate 1 year results of endovascular treatment (EVT) of intracranial aneurisms using Matrix second generation detachable coils (MSG(®)).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January and December 2006, 32 patients with 32 intracranial aneurisms were treated by coiling using MSG(®), with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Data were acquired prospectively. Exclusion criteria were: permanent adjunctive device, less than 50% MSG(®) length, and additional bioactive or coated coils. All procedures were carried out in a single institution. Six months and 1 year follow-up were performed with magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography, respectively. We assessed radiological and clinical results using the modified Raymond classification, a 3-level longitudinal grading scale (LGS), Glasgow outcome and Rankin scales.

RESULTS

Thirteen (40.6%) male and 19 (59.4%) female underwent EVT using MSG(®) with a mean follow-up of 16.6 months. Ruptured aneurisms (75%) outnumbered unruptured. Immediate radiological results showed 15 complete occlusions (46.9%), 12 (37.5%) neck remnant, and five (15.6%) residual sac. In the mean time, six patients (18.7%) needed to be retreated due to insufficient initial packing or early recanalization. Using the LGS, a stable occlusion was observed in 40.7%, a progressive thrombosis in 25%, and 34.3% of the cases evolved unfavorably. Thirty-one patients had stable or improved clinical status, while one patient died from a thromboembolic event 1 month after retreatment (3.1% overall mortality).

CONCLUSION

At 1 year follow-up, MSG(®) demonstrated similar angiographic results compared to Matrix first generation coils and didn't suggest advantage over platinum coils.

Biomechanical wall properties of human intracranial aneurysms resected following surgical clipping (IRRAs Project)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Individual rupture risk assessment of intracranial aneurysms is a major issue in the clinical management of asymptomatic aneurysms. Aneurysm rupture occurs when wall tension exceeds the strength limit of the wall tissue. At present, aneurysmal wall mechanics are poorly understood and thus, risk assessment involving mechanical properties is inexistent. Aneurysm computational hemodynamics studies make the assumption of rigid walls, an arguable simplification. We therefore aim to assess mechanical properties of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms in order to provide the foundation for future patient-specific aneurysmal risk assessment. This work also challenges some of the currently held hypotheses in computational flow hemodynamics research.

METHODS

A specific conservation protocol was applied to aneurysmal tissues following clipping and resection in order to preserve their mechanical properties. Sixteen intracranial aneurysms (11 female, 5 male) underwent mechanical uniaxial stress tests under physiological conditions, temperature, and saline isotonic solution. These represented 11 unruptured and 5 ruptured aneurysms. Stress/strain curves were then obtained for each sample, and a fitting algorithm was applied following a 3-parameter (C(10), C(01), C(11)) Mooney-Rivlin hyperelastic model. Each aneurysm was classified according to its biomechanical properties and (un)rupture status.

RESULTS

Tissue testing demonstrated three main tissue classes: Soft, Rigid, and Intermediate. All unruptured aneurysms presented a more Rigid tissue than ruptured or pre-ruptured aneurysms within each gender subgroup. Wall thickness was not correlated to aneurysmal status (ruptured/unruptured). An Intermediate subgroup of unruptured aneurysms with softer tissue characteristic was identified and correlated with multiple documented risk factors of rupture.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant modification in biomechanical properties between ruptured aneurysm, presenting a soft tissue and unruptured aneurysms, presenting a rigid material. This finding strongly supports the idea that a biomechanical risk factor based assessment should be utilized in the to improve the therapeutic decision making.

Mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke: catch device

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Mechanical thrombectomy presents today a promising alternative to traditional stroke therapies. Our aim with this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Catch mechanical thrombectomy device in the treatment of acute stroke and report the angiographic results and clinical outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed an analysis of 40 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke treated with the Catch device at our academic center. Forty patients were treated with the device: 25 with anterior circulation stroke and 15 with posterior circulation stroke. Thirty seven (92.5%) patients received an additional treatment to aid revascularization, including 36 patients treated with rtPA (mean dose of 35 mg).

RESULTS

The mean age was 63.5 years (range, 31-82 years; 55% men). The median NIHSS score at presentation was 18 (range, 3-38). The mean symptom-to-procedure start time was 440 minutes (range, 150-2637 minutes). Recanalization (TIMI 2-3) was achieved in 26/40 (65%). Symptomatic hemorrhage occurred in 18%. Procedural complications occurred in 6 patients without clinical consequences: 4 clot fragmentations and 2 vasospasms. Data were missing for 4 patients at 90 days. Ninety-day mortality was 41%; good 90-day functional outcome (mRS, ≤ 2) was achieved by 39% (14/36). Good neurologic outcomes at 90 days were more frequent (56.5% versus 7.7%), and mortality rates were lower (30% versus 61.5%) with successful compared with unsuccessful recanalization.

CONCLUSIONS

In our retrospective case series, the Catch device appears effective in achieving recanalization and improving 90-day outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Stent-assisted coiling of complex middle cerebral artery aneurysms: initial and midterm results

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Clinical outcome and initial and midterm angiographic results of EVT of complex MCA aneurysms by using the stent-assisted coiling technique were retrospectively evaluated in our center where EVT of intracranial aneurysms is the first treatment option.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From November 2003 to October 2009, 49 patients (27 men, 22 women; mean age, 52 ± 12 years) harboring 52 complex unruptured MCA aneurysms (11 ruptured previously and coiled but recanalized and 41 unruptured) were treated by EVT by using self-expandable intracranial stents. Procedural complications, clinical outcome, and initial and midterm angiographic results were evaluated. Initial treatment status and aneurysm sac size were tested as potential risk factors for recurrence.

RESULTS

After successful stent deployment, coiling was performed in 50 aneurysms (96.2%) in 47 patients; however, 2 failures (3.8%) occurred in 2 patients. Ten intrastent clot formations (20%) observed on final control angiography induced 2 permanent moderate disabilities (GOS score = 2). Mortality and permanent neurologic morbidity were 0% and 4.3%, respectively. At a mean period of 14 ± 9 months, among 48 aneurysms in 45 patients eligible for follow-up, 34 complete (71%) and 14 partial treatments (29%) were observed, 7 recurrences (14.6%) occurred, and 5 patients (10.4%) needed retreatment. No aneurysm bleeding or symptomatic intrastent stenosis was observed. Aneurysm sac size ≥7 mm and incomplete initial treatment were associated with more recurrences without a statistically significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

For complex unruptured MCA aneurysms, EVT by using a self-expandable intracranial stent was feasible, safe, and durable and could be considered as the first-option treatment.

Multidisciplinary management of giant functional petrous bone paraganglioma

Giant and functional paragangliomas of the skull base are rare. Their endocrinological and surgical management is challenging. We report the case of an aggressive giant noradrenalin-secreting paraganglioma of the right temporal bone. Three procedures of embolisation were performed. The second one was complicated by a hypertensive crisis due to catecholamine release. The tumour was resected via a widened transcochlear approach. Tumour residue was treated by gamma knife radiosurgery, without additional growth at the last follow-up. This case illustrates the interest of multidisciplinary management of giant skull base paragangliomas.

Bilateral haemorrhagic infarction of the globus pallidus after cocaine and alcohol intoxication

Cocaine is a risk factor for both ischemic and haemorrhagic stroke. We present the case of a 31-year-old man with bilateral ischemia of the globus pallidus after excessive alcohol and intranasal cocaine use. Drug-related globus pallidus infarctions are most often associated with heroin. Bilateral basal ganglia infarcts after the use of cocaine, without concurrent heroin use, have never been reported. In our patient, transient cardiac arrhythmia or respiratory dysfunction related to cocaine and/or ethanol use were the most likely causes of cerebral hypoperfusion.

SNP sets selection under mutual information criterion, application to F7/FVII dataset

One of the main goals of human genetics is to find genetic markers related to complex diseases. In blood coagulation process, it is known that genetic variability in F7 gene is the most responsible for observed variations in FVII levels in blood. In this work, we propose a method for selecting sets of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly correlated with a phenotype (FVII levels). This method employs a feature selection algorithm (variant of Sequential Forward Selection, SFS) based on a criterion of statistical significance of a mutual information functional. This algorithm is applied to a sample of independent individuals from the GAIT project. Main SNPs found by the algorithm are in correspondence with previous results published using family-based techniques.

[Paraspinal arteriovenous malformations with perimedullary venous drainage]

Symptoms of chronic myelopathy in cases of paraspinal arteriovenous malformations are most often related to perimedullary venous drainage. Here, we report on three cases of such malformations that have unique epidural venous drainage. These thoracolumbar lesions manifested as isolated back pain (in two cases) and S1 lumboradicular pain (in one case). MRI presented evidence to suggest a diagnosis of these rare conditions, based on signs of vertebral erosion, signal loss (flow void) on T1- and T2-weighted imaging, and partial enhancement after gadolinium injection, with no signs of congestive myelopathy. Spinal angiography confirmed the presence of a paraspinal fistula and, at the same time, allowed treatment by intra-arterial onyx injection.

MRI-based score for acute basilar artery thrombosis

BACKGROUND

Intra-arterial thrombolysis may reduce mortality in acute basilar artery (BA) occlusion. We wanted to identify an easy-to-use pre-treatment MR-based predictor of clinical outcome in patients with acute BA occlusion treated with IAT.

METHODS

We analyzed 16 patients with acute BA occlusion prospectively. Vascular risk factors, as well as National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores were recorded on admission, together with a 10-point semiquantitative score reflecting the number of acute ischaemic brain lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging. The recanalization grade was evaluated by angiography. The clinical outcome, using the modified Rankin scale (mRs), was measured 3 months later.

RESULTS

Risk factors, NIHSS and GCS scores, time from symptom onset to treatment, recanalization rate, outcome and outcome predictors (such as age, NIHSS and GCS scores) were comparable to other studies. Haemorrhagic transformation of infarction occurred in 2 patients (12.5%). We found that a high lesion score was an additional predictor of poor outcome (p = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with acute BA occlusion, treated with intra-arterial recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, a high number of acute ischaemic lesions, based on diffusion-weighted imaging, is a predictor of poor clinical outcome.

[Diffusion-weighted MRI in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease]

Conventional MRI with T1, T2 and FLAIR sequences has an important role for the diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, but the usual examination does not exclude the disease. The objective of this study is to report on the role of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the diagnostic strategy. From 2002 to 2006, four patients with a suspected diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which was retrospectively confirmed, underwent DWI. In all patients, MRI demonstrated high-signal intensities on FLAIR sequences and on spin-echo T2-weighted MRI, with restricted diffusion of caudate and lenticular nuclei. In one patient, DWI revealed cortical high-signal intensities that were not visualized on either FLAIR or T2-weighted MRI. In two other patients, MRI showed restricted thalamic diffusion, which is a classic sign of the new variant of the disease. Thus, thalamic involvement can be found in the sporadic form of the disease. It can be revealed on DWI and by apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) mapping or detected only by ADC measurement.

L’angio-scanner cérébral multibarrette peut-il supplanter l’angiographie conventionnelle dans le diagnostic étiologique des hémorragies sous-arachnoïdiennes ?

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the reliability of CT angiography in the diagnosis of non traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively studied 57 patients presenting with non traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. In all cases, CT angiography of the circle of Willis was performed, followed by conventional angiography. We compared the results of both techniques, with conventional angiography considered as the gold standard.

RESULTS

The specificity of CT angiography for diagnosing intracranial aneurysms was 100% with sensitivity and negative predictive values of 86% and 65% respectively. The aneurysms that were not diagnosed on CT angiography were located on the supra-cavernous internal carotid artery and their size was less than 5mm. Futhermore CT angiography failed to diagnose the other causes of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION

CT angiography can be considered as a first line imaging technique for diagnosis of non traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage. However, conventional angiography including three dimensional acquisitions must be performed for all cases where the cause of hemorrhage remains undiagnosed at CT angiography.