No abstract

Hyperperfusion syndrome (HPS) after carotid artery stenting (CAS) may cause hemorrhagic or ischemic events leading to serious sequelae. We previously reported the staged angioplasty (SAP) to prevent HPS. In the present study, we analyzed our treatment results of SAP to know its effectiveness and problems. The study included 43 patients scheduled for SAP in whom preoperative single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) showed severely impaired cerebral blood flow (CBF). The analyzed subjects were 38 males and 4 females, mean age was 73 ± 8.5 years old. SAP was indicated for the patients whose CBF ratio in the affected/unaffected hemisphere (asymmetry index) was below 0.8, and cerebrovascular reactivity measured by acetazolamide challenge was below 10%. First, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed. If PTA was successful, CAS was performed 2 weeks later. If PTA was not successful due to inadequate dilatation or extensive dissection, a stent was placed. SPECT was performed immediately after PTA and CAS to confirm the presence or absence of hyperperfusion phenomenon (HPP) indicating radiologic hyperperfusion. In 39 of 43 patients (91%), SAP was successfully performed and HPP was not observed. On the other hand, in the other four patients (9%), immediate stent placement was added due to inadequate dilatations in three patients and vascular dissection in one. Among 43 candidates for SAP, 41 patients (95.4%) had favorable course, but one hemorrhagic and one ischemic complications were observed after PTA. SAP was a relatively simple procedure, and its clinical results seemed acceptable.

This study analyzed the efficacy and safety of the “drip, ship, and retrieve (DSR)” approach used to improve patient access to thrombectomy for acute stroke. Methods: The study participants were 45 patients who underwent thrombectomy following intravenous tissue plasminogen activator between September 2013 and August 2015. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they were transferred from another hospital (DSR group; n = 33) or were brought in directly (Direct group; n = 12). The two groups were compared based on their baseline characteristics, time from stroke onset to reperfusion, outcome, and adverse events. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. Time from onset until admission to our facility was significantly shorter in the Direct group (56.9 min) than in the DSR group (163.5 min) (P <0.0001). Conversely, time from arrival at the hospital to arterial puncture was significantly shorter in the DSR group (25.0 min) than in the Direct group (109.5 min) (P <0.0001). Time from onset to reperfusion did not differ significantly between the groups. There was no significant difference in patient outcomes, with a modified Rankin scale score of 0–2 (44.8% in DSR group versus 48.7% in Direct group). Moreover, there was no difference in the incidence of adverse events. Discussion: Despite the time required to transfer patients in the DSR group between hospitals, reducing the time from arrival until commencement of endovascular therapy meant that the time from onset to reperfusion was approximately equivalent to that of the Direct group. Conclusion: Time-saving measures need to be taken by both the transferring and receiving hospitals in DSR paradigm.

Background: Carotid atherosclerotic disease is recognized as an important risk factor for brain ischemic events. However, high-grade stenosis does not always cause ischemic strokes, whereas moderate-grade stenosis may often cause ischemic strokes. It has been reported that there is an association between carotid intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) and new cerebral ischemic events. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the relationship between high-intensity signals (HIS) on maximum intensity projection (MIP) images from routine 3-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3D-TOF-MRA) and prior ischemic strokes in the patients with moderate carotid stenosis. Materials and Methods: Sixty-one patients with moderate carotid artery stenosis (50-69% stenosis based on North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial criteria) were included. Carotid IPH was defined as the presence of HIS in carotid plaques on MIP images detected by 3D-TOF-MRA using criteria we previously reported. We analyzed the relationship between the presence of HIS in plaques and prior ischemic strokes defined as ischemic lesions on diffusion-weighted brain images. Results: HIS in carotid plaques were present in 27 (44%) of 61 patients. Prior ipsilateral ischemic strokes occurred more frequently in the HIS-positive group than the HIS-negative group (67 vs. 9%, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there were more smokers in the group with ischemic stroke than without it (62 vs. 25%, p = 0.005). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, HIS in carotid plaque (OR 23.4, 95% CI 4.62-118.3, p < 0.001) and smoking (OR 5.44, 95% CI 1.20-24.6, p = 0.028) were independent determinants of prior ischemic strokes after adjustment for age. Conclusions: HIS in carotid plaques on 3D-TOF-MRA MIP images are independent determinants of prior ischemic strokes in patients with moderate carotid artery stenosis, and they can potentially provide a reliable risk stratification of patients with moderate carotid artery stenosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Rupture of the plaque fibrous cap and subsequent thrombosis are the major causes of stroke. This study evaluated morphologic features of plaque rupture in the carotid artery by using optical coherence tomography in vivo.