In our cohort, the ADAPT technique was associated with significantly higher good clinical outcomes at 90 days in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation ELVOs treated with mechanical thrombectomy.

Background and Purpose— Nearly 30% of large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke clots are from an unknown source. We assessed histological clot composition in a series of patients with large vessel occlusion and investigated correlations between clot composition and stroke pathogenesis. Methods— As part of the multi-institutional STRIP registry (Stroke Thromboembolism Registry of Imaging and Pathology), consecutive emboli retrieved during mechanical thrombectomy were stained using Martius Scarlett Blue and analyzed using machine learning software. We assessed proportions of red blood cells, fibrin, platelets, and white blood cells. Correlations between clot components and stroke pathogenesis (large artery atherosclerosis, cardioembolism, and stroke of undetermined pathogenesis) were assessed using SPSS22. Results— One hundred five patients were included. The proportion of platelet-rich clots (55.0% versus 21.2%; P =0.005) and percentage of platelet content (22.1±4.2% versus 13.9±14.2%; P =0.03) was significantly higher in the large artery atherosclerosis group compared with the cardioembolic group. The proportion of platelet-rich clots (50.0% versus 21.2%; P =0.024) was also significantly higher in the cryptogenic group compared with cardioembolic cases. Large artery atherosclerosis and cryptogenic cases had a similar proportion of platelet-rich clots (55.0% versus 50.0%; P =0.636). There was no significant difference between stroke pathogenesis and the other major clot components. Conclusions— High platelet content of emboli is associated with a large artery atherosclerosis etiology of large vessel occlusion.

BackgroundCurrent studies on clot characterization in acute ischemic stroke focus on fibrin and red blood cell composition. Few studies have examined platelet composition in acute ischemic stroke clots. We characterize clot composition using the Martius Scarlet Blue stain and assess associations between platelet density and CT density.Materials and methodHistopathological analysis of the clots collected as part of the multi-institutional STRIP registry was performed using Martius Scarlet Blue stain and the composition of the clots was quantified using Orbit Image Analysis (www.orbit.bio) machine learning software. Prior to endovascular treatment, each patient underwent non-contrast CT (NCCT) and the CT density of each clot was measured. Correlations between clot components and clinical information were assessed using the χ2 test.ResultsEighty-five patients were included in the study. The mean platelet density of the clots was 15.7% (2.5–72.5%). There was a significant correlation between platelet-rich clots and the absence of hyperdensity on NCCT, (ρ=0.321, p=0.003*, n=85). Similarly, there was a significant inverse correlation between the percentage of platelets and the mean Hounsfield Units on NCCT (ρ=−0.243, p=0.025*, n=85).ConclusionMartius Scarlet Blue stain can identify patients who have platelet-rich clots. Platelet-rich clots are isodense on NCCT.

Use of the larger-bore ACE 68 aspiration catheter was associated with shorter groin puncture to reperfusion time, higher rate of successful reperfusion after the first ADAPT pass, and lower rate of stent-retriever rescue. Further, a first-pass effect was demonstrated in our ADAPT patient cohort.

BackgroundThe aim of this publication is to provide a detailed update on the diagnosis, treatment, and endovascular techniques for posterior circulation emergent large vessel occlusion (pc-ELVO).MethodsWe performed a review of the literature to specifically evaluate this disease and its treatments.ResultsData were analyzed, and recommendations were reported based on the strength of the published evidence and expert consensus.ConclusionWhile many questions about pc-ELVO remain to be studied, there is evidence to support particular practices in its evaluation and treatment.