Clinical Outcomes of Extracranial Carotid Artery-Related Stroke Eligible for Mechanical Reperfusion on Top of Per-Guidelines Thrombolytic Therapy: Analysis from a 6-Month Consecutive Patient Sample in 2 Centers

Karolina Dzierwa (Lead / Corresponding author), Magdalena Knapik, Łukasz Tekieli, Adam Mazurek, Małgorzata Urbańczyk-Zawadzka, Artur Klecha, Tomasz Kowalczyk, Teresa Koźmik, Łukasz Wiewiórka, Paweł Banyś, Ewa Węglarz, Justyna Stefaniak, Rafał T. Nizankowski, Iris Q. Grunwald, Piotr Musiałek (Lead / Corresponding author)

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    Abstract

    Background: Systemic intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are guideline-recommended reperfusion therapies in large-vessel-occlusion ischemic stroke. However, for acute ischemic stroke of extracranial carotid artery origin (AIS-CA) there have been no specific trials, resulting in a data gap.

    Material and Methods: We evaluated referral/treatment pathways, serial imaging, and neurologic 90-day outcomes in consecutive patients, presenting in a real-life series in 2 stroke centers over a period of 6 months, with AIS-CA eligible for emergency mechanical reperfusion (EMR) on top of thrombolysis as per guideline criteria.

    Results: Of 30 EMR-eligible patients (33.3% in-window for thrombolysis and thrombolysed, 73.3% male, age 39-87 years, median Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) 10, pre-stroke mRS 0-1 in all, tandem lesions 26.7%), 20 (66.7%) were EMR-referred (60% - endovascular, 6.7% - surgery referrals). Only 40% received EMR, nearly exclusively in stroke centers with carotid artery stenting (CAS) expertise (100% eligible patient acceptance rate, 100% treatment delivery involving CAS±MT with culprit lesion sequestration using micronet-covered stents). The emergency surgery rate was 0%. Baseline clinical and imaging characteristics did not differ between EMR-treated and EMR-untreated patients. Ninety-day neurologic status was profoundly better in EMR-treated patients: mRS 0-2 (91.7% vs 0%; P<0.001); mRS 3-5 (8.3% vs 88.9%; P<0.001), mRS 6 (0% vs 11.1%; P<0.001).

    Conclusions: In a real-life AIS-CA setting, the referral rate of EMR-eligible patients for EMR was low, and the treatment rate was even lower. AIS-CA revascularization was delivered predominantly in stroke thrombectomy-capable cardioangiology centers, resulting in overwhelmingly superior patient outcome. Large vessel occlusion stroke referral and management pathways should involve centers with proximal-protected CAS expertise. AIS-CA, irrespective of any thrombolysis administration, is a hyperacute cerebral emergency and EMR-eligible patients should be immediately referred for mechanical reperfusion.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article numbere938549
    Number of pages13
    JournalMedical Science Monitor : International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research
    Volume28
    Early online date9 Nov 2022
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2022

    Keywords

    • Carotid Stenosis
    • Endovascular Procedures
    • Ischemic Stroke
    • Mechanical Thrombolysis
    • Thrombectomy

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Medicine

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