Arterial stiffness, estimated by pulse wave velocity (PWV), is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. However, the clinical applicability of these measurements and the elaboration of reference PWV values are difficult due to differences between the various devices used. In a population of 50 subjects aged 20-84 years, we compared PWV measurements with three frequently used devices: the Complior and the PulsePen, both of which determine aortic PWV as the delay between carotid and femoral pressure wave and the PulseTrace, which estimates the Stiffness Index (SI) by analyzing photoplethysmographic waves acquired on the fingertip. PWV was measured twice by each device. Coefficient of variation of PWV was 12.3, 12.4 and 14.5% for PulsePen, Complior and PulseTrace, respectively. These measurements were compared with the reference method, that is, a simultaneous acquisition of pressure waves using two tonometers. High correlation coefficients with the reference method were observed for PulsePen (r ¼ 0.99) and Complior (r ¼ 0.83), whereas for PulseTrace correlation with the reference method was much lower (r ¼ 0.55). Upon Bland-Altman analysis, mean differences of values ± 2s.d. versus the reference method were À0.15 ± 0.62 m/s, 2.09 ± 2.68 m/s and À1.12±4.92 m/s, for PulsePen, Complior and PulseTrace, respectively. This study confirms the reliability of Complior and PulsePen devices in estimating PWV, while the SI determined by the PulseTrace device was found to be inappropriate as a surrogate of PWV. The present results indicate the urgent need for evaluation and comparison of the different devices to standardize PWV measurements and establish reference values.

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ObjectiveTo investigate in routine care the efficacy and safety of IV thrombolysis (IVT) with tenecteplase prior to mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with large vessel occlusion acute ischemic strokes (LVO-AIS), either secondarily transferred after IVT or directly admitted to a comprehensive stroke center (CSC).MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed clinical and procedural data of patients treated with 0.25 mg/kg tenecteplase within 270 minutes of LVO-AIS who underwent a brain angiography. The main outcome was 3-month functional independence (modified Rankin scale score ≤ 2). Recanalization (revised Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia score 2b-3), was evaluated before (pre-MT) and after MT (final).ResultsWe included 588 patients (median age 75 years [interquartile range (IQR) 61-84]; 315 women [54%]; median NIH Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score 16 [IQR 10-20]), of which 520 (88%) were secondarily transferred after IVT. Functional independence occurred in 47% (n = 269/570; 95%CI 43.0-51.4) of patients. Pre-MT recanalization occurred in 120 patients (20.4%; 95%CI 17.2-23.9), at a similar rate across treatment paradigms (direct admission, n = 14/68 [20.6%]; secondary transfer, n = 106/520 [20.4%]; p > .99) despite a shorter median IVT-to-puncture time in directly admitted patients (38 [IQR 23-55] vs 86 [IQR 70-110] minutes; p < .001). Final recanalization was achieved in 492 patients (83.7%; 95%CI 80.4-86.6). Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 2.5% of patients (n = 14/567; 95%CI 1.4-4.1).ConclusionsTenecteplase before MT is safe, effective and achieves a fast recanalization in everyday practice in patients secondarily transferred or directly admitted to a CSC, in line with published results. These findings should encourage its wider use in bridging therapy.Classification of EvidenceThis study provides class IV evidence that tenecteplase within 270 minutes of LVO-AIS is increases the probability of functional independence.

In elderly individuals of 60-75 years, an AoPWV value below 10 m/s, measured with the PulsePen device, can be considered as a normal value. Values of 10-13 m/s can be considered as 'high normal' or 'borderline', whereas an AoPWV above 13 m/s is frankly elevated. This study provides, for the first time in the elderly, reference values of AoPWV.