Thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke patients with isolated distal internal carotid artery occlusion: a retrospective observational study

Jan W. Hoving, Manon Kappelhof, Mark Schembri, Bart J. Emmer, Olvert A. Berkhemer, Adrien E. D. Groot, Diederik W. J. Dippel, Wim H. van Zwam, Jonathan M. Coutinho, Henk A. Marquering, Charles B. L. M. Majoie, Rene van den Berg*, MR CLEAN Registry Investigators

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose Acute stroke patients presenting with a distal internal carotid artery occlusion and patent carotid terminus, allowing for collateral flow via the circle of Willis, may have a more favorable natural history. Therefore, benefit of endovascular treatment (EVT) is less evident. We performed an exploratory analysis of EVT results compared to conservative treatment in patients with 'carotid-I' occlusions. Methods We report on EVT-treated and non-EVT-treated patients with carotid-I occlusions from the MR CLEAN Registry, MR CLEAN trial, and our comprehensive stroke center. CT-angiography was reviewed on primary collateral patency and choroid plexus enhancement. Perfusion deficits were assessed on CT-perfusion (CTP). Clot migration was assessed by comparing clot location on baseline CTA to its location on periprocedural digital subtraction angiography. Outcomes included 90-day functional independence (mRS 0-2), successful reperfusion and mortality. Results We included 51 patients. Forty-one patients received EVT, ten patients did not. Intravenous thrombolysis was administered in 32 (78%) EVT-treated patients and 6 (60%) non-EVT-treated patients. CTP, available for 17 patients, showed hypoperfusion on cerebral blood flow maps in 13 (76%) patients. Successful reperfusion after EVT occurred in 23 (56%), and clot migration in 8 patients (20%). Functional independence was achieved in 54% (21/39) of EVT-treated and in 10% (1/10) of non-EVT-treated patients. Mortality was 26% (10/39) and 30% (3/10), respectively. Anterior choroidal artery patency and choroid plexus enhancement were positively associated with functional independence. Conclusion In our population, data suggest improved outcomes after EVT in carotid-I occlusion patients and provide no arguments to withhold EVT in these patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)777-786
Number of pages10
JournalNeuroradiology
Volume63
Issue number5
Early online date7 Oct 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2021

Keywords

  • Stroke
  • Artery
  • Thrombectomy
  • CT angiography
  • ANTERIOR CHOROIDAL ARTERY
  • ENDOVASCULAR TREATMENT
  • SAFETY

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