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Background and PurposeMultiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory demyelination. Recent studies have shown that long-term exposure to air pollutants (including PM10 particulates) is potentially an environmental risk factor for MS. We aimed to determine the prevalence rates of MS in two cities with different levels of air pollution.MethodsThis door-to-door population-based study was conducted between April 2014 and June 2015. Two cities were screened for the prevalence rates of MS: 1) Karabük, which borders an iron-and-steel factory, and 2) Akçakoca, which is a coastal city located in the same region. A validated survey form was used for screening MS. The 2010 McDonald Criteria were used for diagnosing MS. The patients were examined twice, first by a neurology assistant in the field and then by a senior neurologist in public health centers in the cities.ResultsThe prevalence of MS was 95.9/100,000 in Karabük and 46.1/100,000 in Akçakoca. In total, 33 patients were diagnosed with clinically definite MS. The female/male ratio was 1.5, and 21 patients were diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS, 9 with secondary progressive MS, and 3 with primary progressive MS.ConclusionsWe found that the prevalence of MS was more than two fold higher in Karabük than in Akçakoca, which supports a link between air pollution and the pathogenesis of MS. However, larger etiological and epidemiological studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Background The NeVa™ thrombectomy device (Vesalio LLC, Nashville, USA) has been reported to succeed in large vessel occlusion thrombectomy in animal, in-vitro, and clinical studies. Designed with Drop Zone technology, a closed distal tip, and strong expansive radial force, the device demonstrated particular efficiency in resistant “white” thrombi in preclinical research. Our goal is to determine the safety and performance of this novel stent retriever on first-pass rates and overall recanalization. Methods The Interventional Neurology Database is a prospectively maintained database of anterior and posterior circulation stroke thrombectomy cases. We retrospectively analyzed cases where the NeVa™ thrombectomy device was used as the first-line treatment strategy. Data collection occurred between January 2019 and January 2020. First-pass recanalization, final recanalization, 90-day functional outcome, complication, and bleeding rates are reported. Results One hundred eighteen patients were treated with the NeVa™ thrombectomy device. The mean patient age was 69 ± 14 years, the median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 14, and the median initial Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography score was 8. The median time from groin puncture to successful recanalization was 29 min (interquartile range (IQR): 20–40). First-pass recanalization rates were 56.8% (modified treatment in cerebral infarction (mTICI) 2b/3) and 44.9% (mTICI 2c/3). Final successful recanalization rate was 95.8% (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b/3). Favorable functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) was 53% in the “first-pass” subgroup and 42.4% in the total patient population. The median number of passes to achieve the final recanalization score was 1 (IQR 1–2). The rate of embolization into new territory was 1.7%. Four patients (3.3%) had symptomatic hemorrhage. Conclusions In our experience, the NeVa™ device demonstrated high first-pass and overall recanalization rates along with a good safety profile.

IntroductionStroke has been projected to increase in developing countries like Turkey. Information about the prevalence of stroke may uncover the etiology of stroke and overcome its impact burden. However, data is limited due to a lack of studies based in Turkey and neighboring regions. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of stroke in the Turkish city of Karabük and to pave the way for future epidemiological studies in Turkey.MethodsThe study was designed as a cross-sectional, door-to-door survey. The questionnaire was completed by a trained team in the presence of the participants according to their answers. Patients who had been diagnosed with stroke prior to the survey were re-examined by a neurologist.Results3131 persons who were above 44 years old were screened. 129 of them were found to have had a stroke previously. The prevalence rate of stroke above 44 years was found to be 4.12% (98% confidence level and ± 2% margin of error). 72.1% of stroke patients had hypertension. Male/female ratio was 0.72.ConclusionThis study showed a high prevalence rate of stroke in Karabük Turkey with a low male/female ratio when compared to other studies.