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A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 August 2022) | Viewed by 60761

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Gergely Fehér

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Guest Editor

Department of Primary Health Care, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pecs, Hungary
Interests: stroke; stroke mimics; neuropathic pain; burnout; internet addiction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Péter Klivényi

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Guest Editor

Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
Interests: acute stroke care; neurodegeneration; neuroprotection; neurogenetics; rare diseases; neuroimaging

Dr. Joel Rodriguez-Saldana

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Guest Editor

Multidisciplinary Diabetes Center, 03100 Ciudad de México, Mexico
Interests: diabetology; chronic care management

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of disability and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Much effort has been made in the last three decades to establish multidisciplinary stroke services to improve patients’ outcome.

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) thrombolysis remains the gold standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke within a limited window (~4–5 hours in most countries in Europe). However, the role of endovascular treatment has been rapidly increasing, widening the time limit with the application of perfusion imaging techniques. Appropriate patient selection and rapid evaluation and selection of a treatment modality are essential as “time is brain”.

The number of patients receiving intravenous or endovascular treatment, however, remains low, and a limited number of potential candidates arrive at the hospital within the time window. Furthermore, stroke mimics (seizures, complicated migraines, conversion disorders, etc.) account for approximately one in five clinically diagnosed acute strokes, and the proportion of stroke mimics that are thrombolyzed can be as high as 15–20%.

For this Special Issue, we welcome original research, meta-analysis, and review articles on any topic associated with challenges in hyperacute stroke care, from preclinical research to multidisciplinary clinical management.

Topics relevant to this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

preclinical patient selection;
differential diagnosis of stroke mimics in thrombolysis situations;
challenges in systemic thrombolysis;
challenges in endovascular treatment;
stroke of unknown time of onset;
imaging-based patient selection;
the role of biomarkers (including in stroke mimics);
early seizures.

Dr. Gergely Fehér
Prof. Dr. Péter Klivényi
Dr. Joel Rodriguez-Saldana
Guest Editors

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Keywords

stroke
stroke mimic
biomarker
revascularisation
differential diagnosis
brain imaging
patient selection
stroke service

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Large Vessel Occlusion Detection in Acute Ischemic Stroke Using Machine Learning Methods

by Gabor Tarkanyi, Akos Tenyi, Roland Hollos, Peter Janos Kalmar and Laszlo Szapary

Life 2022, 12(2), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12020230 - 3 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3470

Abstract

The early detection of large-vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes is increasingly important as these patients are potential candidates for endovascular therapy, the availability of which is limited. Prehospital LVO detection scales mainly contain symptom variables only; however, recent studies revealed that other types of variables could be useful as well. Our aim was to comprehensively assess the predictive ability of several clinical variables for LVO prediction and to develop an optimal combination of them using machine learning tools. We have retrospectively analysed data from a prospectively collected multi-centre stroke registry. Data on 41 variables were collected and divided into four groups (baseline vital parameters/demographic data, medical history, laboratory values, and symptoms). Following the univariate analysis, the LASSO method was used for feature selection to select an optimal combination of variables, and various machine learning methods (random forest (RF), logistic regression (LR), elastic net method (ENM), and simple neural network (SNN)) were applied to optimize the performance of the model. A total of 526 patients were included. Several neurological symptoms were more common and more severe in the group of LVO patients. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was more common, and serum white blood cell (WBC) counts were higher in the LVO group, while systolic blood pressure (SBP) was lower among LVO patients. Using the LASSO method, nine variables were selected for modelling (six symptom variables, AF, chronic heart failure, and WBC count). When applying machine learning methods and 10-fold cross validation using the selected variables, all models proved to have an AUC between 0.736 (RF) and 0.775 (LR), similar to the performance of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (AUC: 0.790). Our study highlights that, although certain neurological symptoms have the best ability to predict an LVO, other variables (such as AF and CHF in medical history and white blood cell counts) should also be included in multivariate models to optimize their efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Stroke Care)

12 pages, 2041 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gradual Expansion of a Stent to Prevent Periprocedural Complications after Carotid Artery Stenting for Vulnerable Severe Stenotic Lesions with Intraplaque Hemorrhages: A Retrospective Observational Study

by Takahisa Mori, Kazuhiro Yoshioka, Yuhei Tanno and Shigen Kasakura

Life 2022, 12(1), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12010131 - 17 Jan 2022

Viewed by 2416

Abstract

Vulnerable lesions with intraplaque hemorrhages are associated with a high incidence of complications following carotid artery stenting (CAS). CAS for vulnerable lesions has not been established; therefore, we gradually expand stents in such patients. This study aimed to compare the incidences of complications between gradual-expansion CAS for vulnerable lesions and standard CAS for non-vulnerable lesions. For gradual-expansion CAS, we used 3.0 or 4.0 mm balloons for minimal luminal diameters (MLDs) <2.0 or ≥2.0 mm, respectively, for pre-stenting angioplasty (SA) and did not overinflate them. By contrast, for standard CAS, we used a 4.0 mm balloon and overinflated it to 4.23 mm. A closed-cell stent was deployed, and post-SA was not performed in both groups. We evaluated the MLD before and minimal stent diameter (MSD) immediately after CAS, as well as periprocedural complications of combined stroke, death, and myocardial infarction within 30 days after CAS. In the vulnerable and non-vulnerable groups, 30 and 38 patients were analyzed, the MLDs were 0.76 and 0.96 mm before CAS, the MSDs were 2.97 mm and 3.58 mm after CAS, and the numbers of complications were 0 and 1, respectively. Gradual-expansion CAS for vulnerable lesions was as safe as standard CAS for non-vulnerable lesions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Stroke Care)

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12 pages, 4247 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modelling Combined Intravenous Thrombolysis and Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischaemic Stroke: Understanding the Relationship between Stent Retriever Configuration and Clot Lysis Mechanisms

by Emily Louise Manchester, Dylan Roi, Boram Gu, Xiao Yun Xu and Kyriakos Lobotesis

Life 2021, 11(11), 1271; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11111271 - 20 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3622

Abstract

Background: Combined intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy (IVT-MT) is a common treatment in acute ischaemic stroke, however the interaction between IVT and MT from a physiological standpoint is poorly understood. In this pilot study, we conduct numerical simulations of combined IVT-MT with various idealised stent retriever configurations to evaluate performance in terms of complete recanalisation times and lysis patterns. Methods: A 3D patient-specific geometry of a terminal internal carotid artery with anterior and middle cerebral arteries is reconstructed, and a thrombus is artificially implanted in the MCA branch. Various idealised stent retriever configurations are implemented by varying stent diameter and stent placement, and a configuration without a stent retriever provides a baseline for comparison. A previously validated multi-level model of thrombolysis is used, which incorporates blood flow, drug transport, and fibrinolytic reactions within a fibrin thrombus. Results: Fastest total recanalisation was achieved in the thrombus without a stent retriever, with lysis times increasing with stent retriever diameter. Two mechanisms of clot lysis were established: axial and radial permeation. Axial permeation from the clot front was the primary mechanism of lysis in all configurations, as it facilitated increased protein binding with fibrin fibres. Introducing a stent retriever channel allowed for radial permeation, which occurred at the fluid-thrombus interface, although lysis was much slower in the radial direction because of weaker secondary velocities. Conclusions: Numerical models can be used to better understand the complex physiological relationship between IVT and MT. Two different mechanisms of lysis were established, providing a basis towards improving the efficacy of combined treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Stroke Care)

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12 pages, 1197 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inadvertent Detachment of Stent Retrievers during Mechanical Thrombectomy—A Clinical and Biomechanical Perspective

by Piotr Piasecki, Marek Wierzbicki, Piotr Tulik, Katarzyna Potocka, Adam Stępień, Jacek Staszewski, Aleksander Dębiec and Jerzy Narloch

Life 2021, 11(7), 658; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11070658 - 6 Jul 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3357

Abstract

Background: The inadvertent detachment of stent retrievers during mechanical thrombectomy is an extremely rare but feared complication associated with poor clinical outcomes. We discuss management considerations after an unexpected disconnection of the pRESET stent retriever during mechanical thrombectomy, based on clinical experience and mechanical and phantom studies. Methods: We present a clinical course of rare accidents of stent-retriever separation inside an intracranial vessel that occurred in patients in a comprehensive stroke centre between 2018 and 2020. We designed a phantom study to assess the Tigertriever’s ability to remove a detached stent retriever from intercranial vessels. In the mechanical study, several types of stent retrievers were evaluated in order to find the weakest point at which detachment occurred. Results: Two patients (~0.7%) with inadvertent stent-retriever detachment were found in our database. Failed attempts of endovascular removal with no recanalization at the end of procedure were reported in both cases. mRS after 3 months was three and four respectively. In the mechanical study, the Tigertriever was the most resistant to detachment and was followed by Embotrap > pRESET > 3D Separator. In the phantom study, the pRESET device detached in a configuration resembling the M1 segment was successfully removed with the Tigertriever. Conclusions: Conservative management of the inadvertent detachment of stent retrievers during mechanical thrombectomy in large vessel occlusion may be acceptable in order to avoid further periprocedural complications after unsuccessful device removal attempts. Based on the phantom and mechanical studies, the Tigertriever may be a useful tool for the removal of detached pRESET devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Stroke Care)

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12 pages, 823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mean Platelet Volume as a Potential Marker of Large Vessel Occlusion and Predictor of Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Reperfusion Therapy

by Aleksander Dębiec, Aleksandra Pogoda-Wesołowska, Piotr Piasecki, Adam Stępień and Jacek Staszewski

Life 2021, 11(6), 469; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11060469 - 24 May 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2436

Abstract

(1) Background: An early diagnosis of a large vessel occlusion (LVO) is crucial in the management of the acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The laboratory predictors of LVO and a stroke outcome remain unknown. We have hypothesized that high MPV—a surrogate marker of the activated platelet—may be associated with LVO, and it may predict a worse AIS outcome. (2) Methods: This was a retrospective study of 361 patients with AIS who were treated with thrombolysis (tPA, 65.7%) and/or mechanical thrombectomy (MT, 34.3%) in a tertiary Stroke Center between 2011 and 2019. (3) Results: The mean MPV in the cohort was 9.86 ± 1.5 fL (1st–4th quartiles: <8.8, >10.80 fL). Patients in the 4th quartile compared to the 1st had a significantly (p < 0.01) more often incidence of an LVO related stroke (75% vs. 39%) and a severe stroke manifestation with a higher RACE score (5.2 ± 2.8 vs. 3.3 ± 2.4), NIHSS at baseline (mean ± SD, 14 ± 6.5 vs. 10.9 ± 5.2), and NIHSS at discharge (6.9 ± 7 vs. 3.9 ± 3.6). A multivariate analysis revealed that quartiles of MPV (OR 1.4; 95%CI 1.2–1.8) significantly predicted an LVO stroke, also after the adjustment for RACE < 5 (OR 1.4; 95%CI 1.08–1.89), but MPV quartiles did not predict a favorable stroke outcome (mRS ≤ 2) (OR 0.89; 95%CI 0.7–1.13). (4) Conclusion: Our data suggest that MPV is an independent predictor of LVO in patients with an acute ischemic stroke. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Stroke Care)

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10 pages, 237 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing Endovascular Treatment Methods in Acute Ischemic Stroke Due to Tandem Occlusion Focusing on Clinical Aspects

by Peter Janos Kalmar, Gabor Tarkanyi, Csaba Balazs Nagy, Peter Csecsei, Gabor Lenzser, Edit Bosnyak, Zsofia Nozomi Karadi, Adam Annus, Istvan Szegedi, Andras Buki and Laszlo Szapary

Life 2021, 11(5), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11050458 - 20 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3236

Abstract

Introduction: Acute ischemic strokes (AIS) due to tandem occlusion (TO) of intracranial anterior large vessel and concomitant extracranial internal carotid artery (EICA) are represent in 15–20% of all ischemic strokes. The endovascular treatment (EVT) strategy for those patients is still unclear. Although the intracranial mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is considered as a standard treatment approach, the EICA lesion stent necessity remains a matter of debate. We sought to assess the efficacy and safety of EVT in tandem lesions, particularly the EICA stenting management. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients with anterior circulation stroke associated with EICA lesion and receiving EVT in the three participated stroke centers between November 2017 and December 2020. Patients’ data were collected from our prospective stroke registry (STAY ALIVE). Patients enrolled in our study were divided into two groups depending on whether acute carotid stenting (ACS) or balloon angioplasty only (BAO) technique was used. Our primary outcome was the 90-day functional outcome assessed by modified Rankin scale (mRS). Mortality at 90 days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) were considered as secondary outcomes. Results: A total of 101 patients (age: 67 ± 10 years, 38.6% female) were enrolled in our study, including 29 (28.3%) BAO cases, and 72 (71.3%) patients treated with ACS. Patients in the BAO group were slightly older (70 ± 9 years vs. 66 ± 10 years, p = 0.054), and had higher prevalence of comorbidities such as hypertension (100.0% vs. 59.4%, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in favorable outcomes (51.7% vs. 54.4%, p = 0.808) between the groups. However, we observed a trend towards higher rates of sICH (8.3% vs. 3.4%, p = 0.382) and 90-day mortality (23.5% vs. 13.8%, p = 0.278) with significantly higher frequency of distal embolization (39.1% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.043) in patients with ACS. In the overall population age (p = 0.013), atrial fibrillation (AF) (p = 0.008), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) baseline (p = 0.029), and successful recanalization (p = 0.023) were associated with favorable outcome. Conclusion: Endovascular approach of EICA in addition to MT was safe and effective in tandem occlusion of anterior circulation. Furthermore, our results suggest that balloon angioplasty technique without acute stenting shows a comparable favorable outcome rate to ACS with moderately less hemorrhagic events and mortality rates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Stroke Care)

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19 pages, 996 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and the Use of Inhaled Pulmonary Vasodilators in the COVID-19 Era: A Narrative Review

by Adeel Nasrullah, Shiza Virk, Aaisha Shah, Max Jacobs, Amina Hamza, Abu Baker Sheikh, Anam Javed, Muhammad Ali Butt and Swathi Sangli

Life 2022, 12(11), 1766; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12111766 - 2 Nov 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4608

Abstract

The Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic of 2019 has resulted in significant morbidity and mortality, especially from severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). As of September 2022, more than 6.5 million patients have died globally, and up to 5% required intensive care unit treatment. COVID-19-associated ARDS (CARDS) differs from the typical ARDS due to distinct pathology involving the pulmonary vasculature endothelium, resulting in diffuse thrombi in the pulmonary circulation and impaired gas exchange. The National Institute of Health and the Society of Critical Care Medicine recommend lung-protective ventilation, prone ventilation, and neuromuscular blockade as needed. Further, a trial of pulmonary vasodilators is suggested for those who develop refractory hypoxemia. A review of the prior literature on inhaled pulmonary vasodilators in ARDS suggests only a transient improvement in oxygenation, with no mortality benefit. This narrative review aims to highlight the fundamental principles in ARDS management, delineate the fundamental differences between CARDS and ARDS, and describe the comprehensive use of inhaled pulmonary vasodilators. In addition, with the differing pathophysiology of CARDS from the typical ARDS, we sought to evaluate the current evidence regarding the use of inhaled pulmonary vasodilators in CARDS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Stroke Care)

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15 pages, 1471 KiB

Open AccessReview

Epidemiology of Peripheral Artery Disease: Narrative Review

by Lilla Horváth, Noémi Németh, Gergely Fehér, Zsuzsanna Kívés, Dóra Endrei and Imre Boncz

Life 2022, 12(7), 1041; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12071041 - 12 Jul 2022

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 8722

Abstract

Past decades have witnessed a major epidemiologic transition with a considerable increase in the disease burden associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), with low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) experiencing substantial increase in CVDs. As the global population is aging and peripheral artery disease (PAD) is strongly age-related, it is estimated to become increasingly prevalent in the future. PAD shares risk factors with coronary and cerebrovascular risk factors, particularly diabetes mellitus and smoking, and is associated with significant CVD morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in therapeutic modalities, 236 million people were estimated to be suffering from PAD worldwide in 2015, and numbers have been rising since. The prevalence of asymptomatic PAD has remained high; PAD prevalence seems higher among women and is related to ethnicity. Although several epidemiological studies have been published on PAD during the past decades, data from LMICs are scarce. Besides providing up-to-date epidemiological data retrieved from the literature and the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study database, this narrative review also intends to draw attention to the substantial disease burden of PAD manifesting in more Years of Life Lost (YLL), age-adjusted mortality and amputation rates, with a special focus on some European countries and especially Hungary, i.e., the country with the highest amputation rate in Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Stroke Care)

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25 pages, 2519 KiB

Open AccessReview

How to Improve the Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke by Modern Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and New Treatment Methods

by Kamil Zeleňák, Antonín Krajina, Lukas Meyer, Jens Fiehler, ESMINT Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Ad hoc Committee, Daniel Behme, Deniz Bulja, Jildaz Caroff, Amar Ajay Chotai, Valerio Da Ros, Jean-Christophe Gentric, Jeremy Hofmeister, Omar Kass-Hout, Özcan Kocatürk, Jeremy Lynch, Ernesto Pearson and Ivan Vukasinovic

Life 2021, 11(6), 488; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11060488 - 27 May 2021

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 12338

Abstract

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability in Europe. The European Stroke Action Plan (ESAP) defines four main targets for the years 2018 to 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the use of innovative technologies and created pressure to improve internet networks. Moreover, 5G internet network will be helpful for the transfer and collecting of extremely big databases. Nowadays, the speed of internet connection is a limiting factor for robotic systems, which can be controlled and commanded potentially from various places in the world. Innovative technologies can be implemented for acute stroke patient management soon. Artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are used increasingly often without the exception of medicine. Their implementation can be achieved in every level of stroke care. In this article, all steps of stroke health care processes are discussed in terms of how to improve them (including prehospital diagnosis, consultation, transfer of the patient, diagnosis, techniques of the treatment as well as rehabilitation and usage of AI). New ethical problems have also been discovered. Everything must be aligned to the concept of “time is brain”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Stroke Care)

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15 pages, 1174 KiB

Open AccessReview

Antithrombotic Therapy for Secondary Prevention in Patients with Non-Cardioembolic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: A Systematic Review

by Dániel Tornyos, Alexandra Bálint, Péter Kupó, Oumaima El Alaoui El Abdallaoui and András Komócsi

Life 2021, 11(5), 447; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11050447 - 15 May 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3905

Abstract

Stroke embodies one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. We aimed to provide a comprehensive insight into the effectiveness and safety of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. A systematic search for randomized controlled trials, comparing antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy versus aspirin or placebo among patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, was performed in order to summarize data regarding the different regimens. Keyword-based searches in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were conducted until the 1st of January 2021. Our search explored 46 randomized controlled trials involving ten antiplatelet agents, six combinations with aspirin, and four anticoagulant therapies. The review of the literature reflects that antiplatelet therapy improves outcome in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Monotherapy proved to be an effective and safe choice, especially in patients with a high risk of bleeding. Intensified antiplatelet regimens further improve stroke recurrence; however, bleeding rate increases while mortality remains unaffected. Supplementing the clinical judgment of stroke treatment, assessment of bleeding risk is warranted to identify patients with the highest benefit of treatment intensification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Stroke Care)

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14 pages, 2819 KiB

Open AccessReview

Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms

by Antonis Adamou, Maria Alexandrou, Christian Roth, Achilles Chatziioannou and Panagiotis Papanagiotou

Life 2021, 11(4), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/life11040335 - 10 Apr 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6202

Abstract

Traditionally, surgical clipping was the only available treatment modality for intracranial aneurysms. However, in the last few decades, the endovascular therapy of intracranial aneurysms (IAs) has seen a tremendous evolution and development. From coiling to flow diversion and flow disruptor devices, endovascular treatment modalities have increased in number and received broader indications throughout the years. In this review article, the treatment modalities for the endovascular management of IAs are presented, emphasizing newer devices and technologies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Stroke Care)

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29 pages, 3012 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Futile Recanalization in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Endovascular Thrombectomy: Prevalence, Factors, and Clinical Outcomes

by Helen Shen, Murray C. Killingsworth and Sonu M. M. Bhaskar

Life 2023, 13(10), 1965; https://doi.org/10.3390/life13101965 - 26 Sep 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3400

Abstract

Background: Futile recanalization (FR) continues to raise concern despite the success of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Understanding the prevalence of FR and identifying associated factors are crucial for refining patient prognoses and optimizing management strategies. Objectives: This study aims to comprehensively assess the pooled prevalence of FR, explore the diverse factors connected with FR, and establish the association of FR with long-term clinical outcomes among AIS patients undergoing EVT. Materials and Methods: Incorporating studies focusing on FR following EVT in AIS patients, we conducted a random-effect meta-analysis to assess the pooled prevalence and its association with various clinical and imaging risk factors linked to FR. Summary estimates were compiled and study heterogeneity was explored. Results: Our comprehensive meta-analysis, involving 11,700 AIS patients undergoing EVT, revealed a significant pooled prevalence of FR at 51%, with a range of 48% to 54% (Effect Size [ES]: 51%; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 48–54%; z = 47.66; p < 0.001). Numerous clinical factors demonstrated robust correlations with FR, including atrial fibrillation (Odds Ratio [OR]: 1.39, 95% CI 1.22 1.59; p < 0.001), hypertension (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.41 1.92; p < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.47 1.99; p < 0.001), previous stroke or transient ischemic attack (OR 1.298, 95% CI 1.06 1.59; p = 0.012), prior anticoagulant usage (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.08 1.63; p = 0.007), cardioembolic strokes (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.10 1.63; p = 0.003), and general anesthesia (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.35 1.74; p < 0.001). Conversely, FR exhibited reduced likelihoods of smoking (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.57 0.77; p < 0.001), good collaterals (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.23 0.49; p < 0.001), male sex (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77 0.97; p = 0.016), and intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.66 0.86; p < 0.001). FR was strongly associated with increasing age (standardized mean difference [SMD] 0.49, 95% CI 0.42 0.56; p < 0.0001), baseline systolic blood pressure (SMD 0.20, 95% CI 0.13 0.27; p < 0.001), baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Severity Score (SMD 0.75, 95% CI: 0.65 0.86; p < 0.001), onset-to-treatment time (SMD 0.217, 95% CI 0.13 0.30; p < 0.001), onset-to-recanalization time (SMD 0.38, 95% CI 0.19; 0.57; p < 0.001), and baseline blood glucose (SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.22 0.41; p < 0.001), while displaying a negative association with reduced baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) (SMD −0.37, 95% CI −0.46 −0.27; p < 0.001). Regarding clinical outcomes, FR was significantly associated with increased odds of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages (OR 7.37, 95% CI 4.89 11.12; p < 0.001), hemorrhagic transformations (OR 2.98, 95% CI 2.37 3.75; p < 0.001), and 90-day mortality (OR 19.24, 95% CI 1.57 235.18; p = 0.021). Conclusions: The substantial prevalence of FR, standing at approximately 51%, warrants clinical consideration. These findings underscore the complexity of FR in AIS patients and highlight the importance of tailoring management strategies based on individual risk factors and clinical profiles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges in Stroke Care)

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