Bio


Neil Schwartz completed his undergraduate studies at UCLA, followed by MD and PhD degrees at Northwestern University. After his Neurology residency at Stanford, Dr. Schwartz joined the Stanford Stroke Center in 2004 as a fellow in Vascular Neurology and has remained on as faculty since 2007. Currently, his primary focus is the care of patients with cerebrovascular disease in both the inpatient and outpatient setting, including patients with both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. He has a particular interest and expertise in cervical artery dissection, non-atherosclerotic vasculopathies, stroke in young adults, and stroke recovery trials utilizing stem cells.

Dr. Schwartz is a national leader in neurological education and served as the Program Director for the Stanford Neurology Residency Program for nearly a decade, but remains involved as the Associate Program Director, and Vice Chair (Education). He also serves as the Medical Director for inpatient Neurology (L5) at Stanford HealthCare. He is the director of the Young Stroke Program within the Stanford Stroke Center


Learn more about the Neurology Residency Program and other educational opportunities at: http://neurology.stanford.edu/education

Clinical Focus


  • Vascular Neurology
  • Stroke in the young adult

Academic Appointments


Administrative Appointments


  • Vice Chair (Education), Dept. of Neurology & Neurological Sciences (2018 - Present)
  • Associate Program Director, Neurology Residency Program, Dept. of Neurology & Neurological Sciences (2018 - Present)
  • Director, Young Stroke Program, Stanford Health Care (2017 - Present)
  • Medical Director, Neurology (H1), Stanford Health Care (2018 - Present)
  • Medical Director, Clinical Neurosciences (G1/H1), Stanford Health Care (2010 - 2018)
  • Program Director, Neurology Residency Program, Dept. of Neurology & Neurological Sciences (2010 - 2018)

Professional Education


  • Fellowship: Stanford University Vascular Neurology Fellowship (2005) CA
  • Residency: Stanford University Neurology Residency (2004) CA
  • Internship: California Pacific Medical Center Internal Medicine Residency (2001) CA
  • Board Certification: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Vascular Neurology (2008)
  • Board Certification: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Neurology (2006)
  • Medical Education: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (2000) IL
  • MD, Northwestern University (2000)
  • PhD, Northwestern University, Neurophysiology Neuropharmacology (1998)

Current Research and Scholarly Interests


My clinical interests involve inpatient and outpatient care of patients with neurovascular diseases, mostly ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. I have a particular interest in cervical artery dissection, non-atherosclerotic vasculopathies, and stroke in the young.

Clinical Trials


  • Clot Lysis: Evaluating Accelerated Resolution of Intraventricular Hemorrhage Phase III Recruiting

    The overall objective of this Phase III clinical trial is to obtain information from a population of 500 ICH subjects with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), representative of current clinical practice and national demographics of ICH regarding the benefit (or lack thereof) of IVH clot removal on subject function as measured by modified Rankin Scale (mRS). This application requests funding for five years to initiate a Phase III randomized clinical trial (RCT) testing the benefit of clot removal for intraventricular hemorrhage. The investigators propose to compare extraventricular drainage (EVD) use plus recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA; Alteplase; Genentech, Inc., San Francisco, CA) with EVD+ placebo in the management and treatment of subjects with small intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and large intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH defined as ICH < 30 cc and obstruction of the 3rd or 4th ventricles by intraventricular blood clot).

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  • Computed Tomography Perfusion (CTP) to Predict Response to Recanalization in Ischemic Stroke Project (CRISP) Not Recruiting

    The overall goal of the CTP to predict Response to recanalization in Ischemic Stroke Project (CRISP) is to develop a practical tool to identify acute stroke patients who are likely to benefit from endovascular therapy. The project has two main parts. During the first part, the investigators propose to develop a fully automated system (RAPID) for processing of CT Perfusion (CTP) images that will generate brain maps of the ischemic core and penumbra. There will be no patient enrollment in part one of this project. During the second part, the investigators aim to demonstrate that physicians in the emergency setting, with the aid of a fully automated CTP analysis program (RAPID), can accurately predict response to recanalization in stroke patients undergoing revascularization. To achieve this aim the investigators will conduct a prospective cohort study of 240 consecutive stroke patients who will undergo a CTP scan prior to endovascular therapy. The study will be conducted at four sites (Stanford University, St Luke's Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and Emory University/Grady Hospital). Patients will have an early follow-up MRI scan within 12+/-6 hours to assess reperfusion and a late follow-up MRI scan at day 5 to determine the final infarct.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Stephanie M Kemp, BS, 650-723-4481.

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  • Diagnostic Utility of MRI in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Not Recruiting

    The overall aim of this project is to prospectively determine whether MRI can improve the conventional neuroradiological evaluation (CT with or without cerebral angiography) of patients with a spontaneous ICH or IVH. The study design will also allow us to identify the added benefit of specific MR sequences and repeat MRI in the chronic stage, thereby allowing us to prospectively determine their value in a consecutive series of patients. This information should have a major impact on the management of these patients by providing data on the diagnostic yield of routine MRI in patients presenting with a wide variety of causes for ICH or IVH. These data will help guide the diagnostic evaluation and the management of brain hemorrhage patients in the future.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Stephanie M Kemp, BS, 650-723-4481.

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  • Efficacy and Safety Study of Desmoteplase to Treat Acute Ischemic Stroke (DIAS-4) Not Recruiting

    The purpose of the study is to determine whether desmoteplase is effective and safe in the treatment of patients with acute ischaemic stroke when given within 3 to 9 hours from onset of stroke symptoms.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Maarten Lansberg, (650) 723 - 4448.

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  • Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke 3 Not Recruiting

    This is a study to evaluate the hypothesis that FDA cleared thrombectomy devices plus medical management leads to superior clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients at 90 days when compared to medical management alone in appropriately selected subjects with the Target mismatch profile and an MCA (M1 segment) or ICA occlusion who can be randomized and have endovascular treatment initiated between 6-16 hours after last seen well.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial.

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  • Imaging Collaterals in Acute Stroke (iCAS) Not Recruiting

    Stroke is caused by a sudden blockage of a blood vessel that delivers blood to the brain. Unblocking the blood vessel with a blood clot removal device restores blood flow and if done quickly may prevent the disability that can be caused by a stroke. However, not all stroke patients benefit from having their blood vessel unblocked. The aim of this study is to determine if special brain imaging, called MRI, can be used to identify which stroke patients are most likely to benefit from attempts to unblock their blood vessel with a special blood clot removal device. In particular, we will assess in this trial whether a noncontrast MR imaging sequence, arterial spin labeling (ASL), can demonstrate the presence of collateral blood flow (compared with a gold standard of the angiogram) and whether it is useful to predict who will benefit from treatment.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Gregory Zaharchuk, MD, 650-723-4448.

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  • Protected Carotid Artery Stenting in Subjects at High Risk for Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) (PROTECT) Not Recruiting

    The purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of the Xact™ Rapid Exchange Carotid Stent System used in conjunction with the Emboshield® Pro Rapid Exchange Embolic Protection System (Generation 5) and the Emboshield® BareWire™ Rapid Exchange Embolic Protection System (Generation 3), in the treatment of atherosclerotic carotid artery disease in high-surgical risk subjects.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Ronald Dalman, (650) 725 - 5227.

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  • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Triage and Evaluation of Stroke Risk Not Recruiting

    Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a transient neurological deficit (speech disturbance, weakness…), caused by temporary occlusion of a brain vessel by a blood clot that leaves no lasting effect. TIA diagnosis can be challenging and an expert stroke evaluation combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could improve the diagnosis accuracy. The risk of a debilitating stroke can be as high as 5% during the first 72 hrs after TIA. TIA characteristics (duration, type of symptoms, age of the patient), the presence of a significant narrowing of the neck vessels responsible for the patient's symptoms (symptomatic stenosis), and an abnormal MRI are associated with an increased risk of stroke. An emergent evaluation and treatment of TIA patients by a stroke specialist could reduce the risk of stroke to 2%. Stanford has implemented an expedited triage pathway for TIA patients combining a clinical evaluation by a stroke neurologist, an acute MRI of the brain and the vessels and a sampling of biomarkers (Lp-PLA2). The investigators are investigating the yield of this unique approach to improve TIA diagnosis, prognosis and secondary stroke prevention. The objective of this prospective cohort study is to determine which factors will help the physician to confirm the diagnosis of TIA and to define the risk of stroke after a TIA.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Stephanie Kemp, BS, 650-723-4481.

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2023-24 Courses


All Publications


  • Tenecteplase for Stroke at 4.5 to 24 Hours with Perfusion-Imaging Selection. The New England journal of medicine Albers, G. W., Jumaa, M., Purdon, B., Zaidi, S. F., Streib, C., Shuaib, A., Sangha, N., Kim, M., Froehler, M. T., Schwartz, N. E., Clark, W. M., Kircher, C. E., Yang, M., Massaro, L., Lu, X. Y., Rippon, G. A., Broderick, J. P., Butcher, K., Lansberg, M. G., Liebeskind, D. S., Nouh, A., Schwamm, L. H., Campbell, B. C. 2024

    Abstract

    Thrombolytic agents, including tenecteplase, are generally used within 4.5 hours after the onset of stroke symptoms. Information on whether tenecteplase confers benefit beyond 4.5 hours is limited.We conducted a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving patients with ischemic stroke to compare tenecteplase (0.25 mg per kilogram of body weight, up to 25 mg) with placebo administered 4.5 to 24 hours after the time that the patient was last known to be well. Patients had to have evidence of occlusion of the middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery and salvageable tissue as determined on perfusion imaging. The primary outcome was the ordinal score on the modified Rankin scale (range, 0 to 6, with higher scores indicating greater disability and a score of 6 indicating death) at day 90. Safety outcomes included death and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.The trial enrolled 458 patients, 77.3% of whom subsequently underwent thrombectomy; 228 patients were assigned to receive tenecteplase, and 230 to receive placebo. The median time between the time the patient was last known to be well and randomization was approximately 12 hours in the tenecteplase group and approximately 13 hours in the placebo group. The median score on the modified Rankin scale at 90 days was 3 in each group. The adjusted common odds ratio for the distribution of scores on the modified Rankin scale at 90 days for tenecteplase as compared with placebo was 1.13 (95% confidence interval, 0.82 to 1.57; P = 0.45). In the safety population, mortality at 90 days was 19.7% in the tenecteplase group and 18.2% in the placebo group, and the incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was 3.2% and 2.3%, respectively.Tenecteplase therapy that was initiated 4.5 to 24 hours after stroke onset in patients with occlusions of the middle cerebral artery or internal carotid artery, most of whom had undergone endovascular thrombectomy, did not result in better clinical outcomes than those with placebo. The incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was similar in the two groups. (Funded by Genentech; TIMELESS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03785678.).

    View details for DOI 10.1056/NEJMoa2310392

    View details for PubMedID 38329148

  • Inpatient Neurology Deaths and Factors Associated With Discharge to Hospice. The Neurohospitalist Dujari, S., Wei, J., Kraler, L., Goyal, T., Bernier, E., Schwartz, N., Hirsch, K., Gold, C. A. 2023; 13 (4): 337-344

    Abstract

    The Neurology Mortality Review Committee at our institution identified variability in location of death for patients on our inpatient neurology services. Hospice may increase the number of patients dying in their preferred locations. This study aimed to characterize patients who die on inpatient neurology services and explore barriers to discharge to hospice.This retrospective study was completed at a single, quaternary care medical center that is a Level I Trauma Center and Comprehensive Stroke Center. Patients discharged by an inpatient neurology service between 6/2019-1/2021 were identified and electronic medical record review was performed on patients who died in the hospital and who were discharged to hospice.69 inpatient deaths and 74 discharges to hospice occurred during the study period. Of the 69 deaths, 54 occurred following withdrawal of life sustaining treatment (WLST), of which 14 had a referral to hospice placed. There were 88 "hospice-referred" patients and 40 "hospice-eligible" patients. Hospice-referred patients were less likely to require the intensive care unit than hospice-eligible patients. Hospice-referred patients had their code status changed to Do Not Intubate earlier and were more likely to have advanced directives available.Our data highlight opportunities for further research to improve discharge to hospice including interhospital transfers, advanced directives, earlier goals of care discussions, palliative care consultations, and increased hospice bed availability. Importantly, it highlights the limitations of using in-hospital mortality as a quality indicator in this patient population.

    View details for DOI 10.1177/19418744231174577

    View details for PubMedID 37701246

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10494814

  • Final Analysis of the Double-Blind, Randomized, Surgical Sham-Controlled, Phase 2 Stemtra Trial: 1-Year Safety and Efficacy Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Motor Deficits Secondary to Traumatic Brain Injury Weintraub, A. H., Cramer, S. C., Steinberg, G. K., Kawabori, M., Kesari, S., Imai, H., Groysman, L. I., Yasuhara, T., Kim, A. S., Frishberg, B. M., Schwartz, N. E., Nejadnik, B., Bates, D., McAllister, P. TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD. 2023: 44-45
  • Response by Loube et al to Letter Regarding Article "Stroke Caused by a Paradoxical Embolus From a Rare Congenital Anomaly in the Adult: Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Draining Into the Left Upper Pulmonary Vein". Circulation. Cardiovascular imaging Loube, D. K., Sreekrishnan, A., Woo, J. P., Shen, J., Collins, R. T., Schwartz, N. 2023; 16 (9): e015862

    View details for DOI 10.1161/CIRCIMAGING.123.015862

    View details for PubMedID 37725668

  • Stroke Caused by a Paradoxical Embolus From a Rare Congenital Anomaly in the Adult: Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Draining into the Left Upper Pulmonary Vein. Circulation. Cardiovascular imaging Loube, D. K., Sreekrishnan, A., Woo, J. P., Shen, J., Collins, R. T., Schwartz, N. 2023: e014205

    View details for DOI 10.1161/CIRCIMAGING.122.014205

    View details for PubMedID 37283055

  • Inpatient Neurology Deaths and Factors Associated With Discharge to Hospice NEUROHOSPITALIST Dujari, S., Wei, J., Kraler, L., Goyal, T., Bernier, E., Schwartz, N., Hirsch, K., Gold, C. A. 2023
  • Transient Complete Reversal of Large Area of Restricted Diffusion Seen Early Following Thrombectomy. Stroke Zhou, L. W., Lee, S., Schwartz, N. E., Albers, G. W., Lansberg, M. G. 2022: 101161STROKEAHA122038825

    View details for DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.122.038825

    View details for PubMedID 35514284

  • Cell Therapy for Chronic TBI: Interim Analysis of the Randomized Controlled STEMTRA Trial. Neurology Kawabori, M., Weintraub, A. H., Imai, H., Zinkevych, L., McAllister, P., Steinberg, G. K., Frishberg, B. M., Yasuhara, T., Chen, J. W., Cramer, S. C., Achrol, A. S., Schwartz, N. E., Suenaga, J., Lu, D. C., Semeniv, I., Nakamura, H., Kondziolka, D., Chida, D., Kaneko, T., Karasawa, Y., Paadre, S., Nejadnik, B., Bates, D., Stonehouse, A. H., Richardson, R. M., Okonkwo, D. O. 2021

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVE: To determine if chronic motor deficits secondary to traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be improved by implantation of allogeneic modified bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (SB623).METHODS: This 6-month interim analysis of the 1-year double-blind, randomized, surgical sham-controlled, phase 2 STEMTRA trial (NCT02416492) evaluated safety and efficacy of the stereotactic intracranial implantation of SB623 in patients with stable chronic motor deficits secondary to TBI. Patients in this multi-center trial (N = 63) underwent randomization in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to 2.5 * 106, 5.0 * 106, 10 * 106 SB623 cells or control. Safety was assessed in patients who underwent surgery (N = 61), and efficacy in the modified intent-to-treat population of randomized patients who underwent surgery (N = 61; SB623 = 46, control = 15).RESULTS: The primary efficacy endpoint of significant improvement from baseline of Fugl-Meyer Motor Scale score at 6 months for SB623-treated patients was achieved. SB623-treated patients improved by (LS mean [SE]) +8.3 (1.4) vs +2.3 (2.5) for control at 6 months, the LS mean difference was 6.0 (95% CI: 0.3-11.8); p = 0.040. Secondary efficacy endpoints improved from baseline, but were not statistically significant vs control at 6 months. There were no dose-limiting toxicities or deaths, and 100% of SB623-treated patients experienced treatment-emergent adverse events vs 93.3% of control patients (p = 0.25).CONCLUSIONS: SB623 cell implantation appeared to be safe and well tolerated, and patients implanted with SB623 experienced significant improvement from baseline motor status at 6 months compared to controls.CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE: This study provides Class I evidence that implantation of SB623 was well tolerated and associated with improvement in motor status.

    View details for DOI 10.1212/WNL.0000000000011450

    View details for PubMedID 33397772

  • Pre-Specified Interim Analysis of the STEMTRA Trial: Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury Patients McAllister, P., Weintraub, A., Ikeda, S., Frishberg, B., Lai, A., Shinoda, Y., Cramer, S., Munin, M., Schwartz, N., Nejadnik, B., Bates, D. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2020
  • Clinical Features and Genetic Testing in Multivessel Cervical Artery Dissection Culbertson, C., Schwartz, N., Lee, S. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2020
  • Safety and Clinical Outcomes in Chronic Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: Pre-specified Interim Analysis of the STEMTRA Trial Weintraub, A., Semeniv, McAllister, P., Ikeda, S., Frishberg, B., Lai, A., Shinoda, Y., Cramer, S., Munin, M., Schwartz, N., Bates, D. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2020: E182–E183
  • Two-year safety and clinical outcomes in chronic ischemic stroke patients after implantation of modified bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SB623): a phase 1/2a study JOURNAL OF NEUROSURGERY Steinberg, G. K., Kondziolka, D., Wechsler, L. R., Lunsford, L., Kim, A. S., Johnson, J. N., Bates, D., Poggio, G., Case, C., McGrogan, M., Yankee, E. W., Schwartz, N. E. 2019; 131 (5): 1462–72
  • Intensive vs Standard Treatment of Hyperglycemia and Functional Outcome in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: The SHINE Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Johnston, K. C., Bruno, A., Pauls, Q., Hall, C. E., Barrett, K. M., Barsan, W., Fansler, A., Van de Bruinhorst, K., Janis, S., Durkalski-Mauldin, V. L. 2019; 322 (4): 326-335

    Abstract

    Hyperglycemia during acute ischemic stroke is common and is associated with worse outcomes. The efficacy of intensive treatment of hyperglycemia in this setting remains unknown.To determine the efficacy of intensive treatment of hyperglycemia during acute ischemic stroke.The Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort (SHINE) randomized clinical trial included adult patients with hyperglycemia (glucose concentration of >110 mg/dL if had diabetes or ≥150 mg/dL if did not have diabetes) and acute ischemic stroke who were enrolled within 12 hours from stroke onset at 63 US sites between April 2012 and August 2018; follow-up ended in November 2018. The trial included 1151 patients who met eligibility criteria.Patients were randomized to receive continuous intravenous insulin using a computerized decision support tool (target blood glucose concentration of 80-130 mg/dL [4.4-7.2 mmol/L]; intensive treatment group: n = 581) or insulin on a sliding scale that was administered subcutaneously (target blood glucose concentration of 80-179 mg/dL [4.4-9.9 mmol/L]; standard treatment group: n = 570) for up to 72 hours.The primary efficacy outcome was the proportion of patients with a favorable outcome based on the 90-day modified Rankin Scale score (a global stroke disability scale ranging from 0 [no symptoms or completely recovered] to 6 [death]) that was adjusted for baseline stroke severity.Among 1151 patients who were randomized (mean age, 66 years [SD, 13.1 years]; 529 [46%] women, 920 [80%] with diabetes), 1118 (97%) completed the trial. Enrollment was stopped for futility based on prespecified interim analysis criteria. During treatment, the mean blood glucose level was 118 mg/dL (6.6 mmol/L) in the intensive treatment group and 179 mg/dL (9.9 mmol/L) in the standard treatment group. A favorable outcome occurred in 119 of 581 patients (20.5%) in the intensive treatment group and in 123 of 570 patients (21.6%) in the standard treatment group (adjusted relative risk, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.87 to 1.08], P = .55; unadjusted risk difference, -0.83% [95% CI, -5.72% to 4.06%]). Treatment was stopped early for hypoglycemia or other adverse events in 65 of 581 patients (11.2%) in the intensive treatment group and in 18 of 570 patients (3.2%) in the standard treatment group. Severe hypoglycemia occurred only among patients in the intensive treatment group (15/581 [2.6%]; risk difference, 2.58% [95% CI, 1.29% to 3.87%]).Among patients with acute ischemic stroke and hyperglycemia, treatment with intensive vs standard glucose control for up to 72 hours did not result in a significant difference in favorable functional outcome at 90 days. These findings do not support using intensive glucose control in this setting.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01369069.

    View details for DOI 10.1001/jama.2019.9346

    View details for PubMedID 31334795

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC6652154

  • Clinicoradiographic Course of Focal Intracranial Arteriopathy in Young Adults MacLellan, A., Kraler, L., Schwartz, N., Lee, S. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2019
  • Two-year safety and clinical outcomes in chronic ischemic stroke patients after implantation of modified bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SB623): a phase 1/2a study. Journal of neurosurgery Steinberg, G. K., Kondziolka, D., Wechsler, L. R., Lunsford, L. D., Kim, A. S., Johnson, J. N., Bates, D., Poggio, G., Case, C., McGrogan, M., Yankee, E. W., Schwartz, N. E. 2018: 1–11

    Abstract

    OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes associated with stereotactic surgical implantation of modified bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SB623) in patients with stable chronic ischemic stroke.METHODSThis was a 2-year, open-label, single-arm, phase 1/2a study; the selected patients had chronic motor deficits between 6 and 60 months after nonhemorrhagic stroke. SB623 cells were administered to the target sites surrounding the subcortical stroke region using MRI stereotactic image guidance.RESULTSA total of 18 patients were treated with SB623 cells. All experienced at least 1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE). No patients withdrew due to adverse events, and there were no dose-limiting toxicities or deaths. The most frequent TEAE was headache related to the surgical procedure (88.9%). Seven patients experienced 9 serious adverse events, which resolved without sequelae. In 16 patients who completed 24 months of treatment, statistically significant improvements from baseline (mean) at 24 months were reported for the European Stroke Scale (ESS) score, 5.7 (95% CI 1.4-10.1, p < 0.05); National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, -2.1 (95% CI -3.3 to -1.0, p < 0.01), Fugl-Meyer (F-M) total score, 19.4 (95% CI 9.9-29.0, p < 0.01); and F-M motor scale score, 10.4 (95% CI 4.0-16.7, p < 0.01). Measures of efficacy reached plateau by 12 months with no decline thereafter. There were no statistically significant changes in the modified Rankin Scale score. The size of transient lesions detected by T2-weighted FLAIR imaging in the ipsilateral cortex at weeks 1-2 postimplantation significantly correlated with improvement in ESS (0.619, p < 0.05) and NIHSS (-0.735, p < 0.01) scores at 24 months.CONCLUSIONSIn this completed 2-year phase 1/2a study, implantation of SB623 cells in patients with stable chronic stroke was safe and was accompanied by improvements in clinical outcomes.Clinical trial registration no.: NCT01287936 (clinicaltrials.gov).

    View details for PubMedID 30497166

  • Clopidogrel and Aspirin in Acute Ischemic Stroke and High-Risk TIA. The New England journal of medicine Johnston, S. C., Easton, J. D., Farrant, M. n., Barsan, W. n., Conwit, R. A., Elm, J. J., Kim, A. S., Lindblad, A. S., Palesch, Y. Y. 2018

    Abstract

    Background Combination antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin may reduce the rate of recurrent stroke during the first 3 months after a minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). A trial of combination antiplatelet therapy in a Chinese population has shown a reduction in the risk of recurrent stroke. We tested this combination in an international population. Methods In a randomized trial, we assigned patients with minor ischemic stroke or high-risk TIA to receive either clopidogrel at a loading dose of 600 mg on day 1, followed by 75 mg per day, plus aspirin (at a dose of 50 to 325 mg per day) or the same range of doses of aspirin alone. The dose of aspirin in each group was selected by the site investigator. The primary efficacy outcome in a time-to-event analysis was the risk of a composite of major ischemic events, which was defined as ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, or death from an ischemic vascular event, at 90 days. Results A total of 4881 patients were enrolled at 269 international sites. The trial was halted after 84% of the anticipated number of patients had been enrolled because the data and safety monitoring board had determined that the combination of clopidogrel and aspirin was associated with both a lower risk of major ischemic events and a higher risk of major hemorrhage than aspirin alone at 90 days. Major ischemic events occurred in 121 of 2432 patients (5.0%) receiving clopidogrel plus aspirin and in 160 of 2449 patients (6.5%) receiving aspirin plus placebo (hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.95; P=0.02), with most events occurring during the first week after the initial event. Major hemorrhage occurred in 23 patients (0.9%) receiving clopidogrel plus aspirin and in 10 patients (0.4%) receiving aspirin plus placebo (hazard ratio, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.10 to 4.87; P=0.02). Conclusions In patients with minor ischemic stroke or high-risk TIA, those who received a combination of clopidogrel and aspirin had a lower risk of major ischemic events but a higher risk of major hemorrhage at 90 days than those who received aspirin alone. (Funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; POINT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00991029 .).

    View details for PubMedID 29766750

  • Interruption of Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Therapy Does Not Increase Risk of Recurrent Stroke in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices Tsai, J., Barrett, C., Schwartz, N. E., Banerjee, D. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2017
  • Response by Steinberg et al to Letter Regarding Article, "Clinical Outcomes of Transplanted Modified Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Stroke: A Phase 1/2A Study" STROKE Steinberg, G. K., Kondziolka, D., Bates, D. 2016; 47 (12): E269-E269

    View details for DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.116.015209

    View details for Web of Science ID 000389424200004

    View details for PubMedID 27895304

  • Clinical Outcomes of Transplanted Modified Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Stroke A Phase 1/2a Study STROKE Steinberg, G. K., Kondziolka, D., Wechsler, L. R., Lunsford, L. D., Coburn, M. L., Billigen, J. B., Kim, A. S., Johnson, J. N., Bates, D., King, B., Case, C., McGrogan, M., Yankee, E. W., Schwartz, N. E. 2016; 47 (7): 1817-1824

    Abstract

    Preclinical data suggest that cell-based therapies have the potential to improve stroke outcomes.Eighteen patients with stable, chronic stroke were enrolled in a 2-year, open-label, single-arm study to evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of surgical transplantation of modified bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SB623).All patients in the safety population (N=18) experienced at least 1 treatment-emergent adverse event. Six patients experienced 6 serious treatment-emergent adverse events; 2 were probably or definitely related to surgical procedure; none were related to cell treatment. All serious treatment-emergent adverse events resolved without sequelae. There were no dose-limiting toxicities or deaths. Sixteen patients completed 12 months of follow-up at the time of this analysis. Significant improvement from baseline (mean) was reported for: (1) European Stroke Scale: mean increase 6.88 (95% confidence interval, 3.5-10.3; P<0.001), (2) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale: mean decrease 2.00 (95% confidence interval, -2.7 to -1.3; P<0.001), (3) Fugl-Meyer total score: mean increase 19.20 (95% confidence interval, 11.4-27.0; P<0.001), and (4) Fugl-Meyer motor function total score: mean increase 11.40 (95% confidence interval, 4.6-18.2; P<0.001). No changes were observed in modified Rankin Scale. The area of magnetic resonance T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signal change in the ipsilateral cortex 1 week after implantation significantly correlated with clinical improvement at 12 months (P<0.001 for European Stroke Scale).In this interim report, SB623 cells were safe and associated with improvement in clinical outcome end points at 12 months.URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01287936.

    View details for DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.116.012995

    View details for Web of Science ID 000379844900035

    View details for PubMedID 27256670

  • Inter-rater agreement analysis of the Precise Diagnostic Score for suspected transient ischemic attack. International journal of stroke Cereda, C. W., George, P. M., Inoue, M., Vora, N., Olivot, J., Schwartz, N., Lansberg, M. G., Kemp, S., Mlynash, M., Albers, G. W. 2016; 11 (1): 85-92

    Abstract

    No definitive criteria are available to confirm the diagnosis of transient ischemic attack. Inter-rater agreement between physicians regarding the diagnosis of transient ischemic attack is low, even among vascular neurologists. We developed the Precise Diagnostic Score, a diagnostic score that consists of discrete and well-defined clinical and imaging parameters, and investigated inter-rater agreement in patients with suspected transient ischemic attack.Fellowship-trained vascular neurologists, blinded to final diagnosis, independently reviewed retrospectively identical history, physical examination, routine diagnostic studies, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (diffusion and perfusion images) from consecutive patients with suspected transient ischemic attack. Each patient was rated using the 8-point Precise Diagnostic Score score, composed of a clinical score (0-4 points) and an imaging score (0-4 points). The composite Precise Diagnostic Score determines a Precise Diagnostic Score Likelihood of Brain Ischemia Scale: 0-1 = unlikely, 2 = possible, 3 = probable, 4-8 = very likely.Three raters reviewed data from 114 patients. Using Precise Diagnostic Score, all three raters scored a similar percentage of the clinical events as being "probable" or "very likely" caused by brain ischemia: 57, 55, and 58%. Agreement was high for both total Precise Diagnostic Score (intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.94) and for the Likelihood of Brain Ischemia Scale (agreement coefficient of 0.84).Compared with prior studies, inter-rater agreement for the diagnosis of transient brain ischemia appears substantially improved with the Precise Diagnostic Score scoring system. This score is the first to include specific criteria to assess the clinical relevance of diffusion-weighted imaging and perfusion lesions and supports the added value of magnetic resonance imaging for assessing patients with suspected transient ischemic attack.

    View details for DOI 10.1177/1747493015607507

    View details for PubMedID 26763024

  • The association between lesion location and functional outcome after ischemic stroke INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE Yassi, N., Churilov, L., Campbell, B. C., Sharma, G., Bammer, R., Desmond, P. M., Parsons, M. W., Albers, G. W., Donnan, G. A., Davis, S. M., Investigators, E. P. 2015; 10 (8): 1270-1276

    Abstract

    Infarct location has a critical effect on patient outcome after ischemic stroke, but the study of its role independent of overall lesion volume is challenging. We performed a retrospective, hypothesis-generating study of the effect of infarct location on three-month functional outcome in a pooled analysis of the EPITHET and DEFUSE studies.Posttreatment MRI diffusion lesions were manually segmented and transformed into standard-space. A novel composite brain atlas derived from three standard brain atlases and encompassing 132 cortical and sub-cortical structures was used to segment the transformed lesion into different brain regions, and calculate the percentage of each region infarcted. Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was performed to determine the important regions in each hemisphere associated with nonfavorable outcome at day 90 (modified Rankin score [mRS] > 1).Overall, 152 patients (82 left hemisphere) were included. Median diffusion lesion volume was 37·0 ml, and median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Score was 13. In the left hemisphere, the strongest determinants of nonfavorable outcome were infarction of the uncinate fasciculus, followed by precuneus, angular gyrus and total diffusion lesion volume. In the right hemisphere, the strongest determinants of nonfavorable outcome were infarction of the parietal lobe followed by the putamen.Assessment of infarct location using CART demonstrates regional characteristics associated with poor outcome. Prognostically important locations include limbic, default-mode and language areas in the left hemisphere, and visuospatial and motor regions in the right hemisphere.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/ijs.12537

    View details for Web of Science ID 000367673700020

  • Yield of CT perfusion for the evaluation of transient ischaemic attack. International journal of stroke Kleinman, J. T., Mlynash, M., Zaharchuk, G., Ogdie, A. A., Straka, M., Lansberg, M. G., Schwartz, N. E., Singh, P., Kemp, S., Bammer, R., Albers, G. W., Olivot, J. 2015; 10: 25-29

    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging and perfusion-weighted imaging are able to identify ischaemic 'footprints' in transient ischaemic attack. Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) may be useful for patient triage and subsequent management. To date, less than 100 cases have been reported, and none have compared computed tomography perfusion to perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI). We sought to define the yield of computed tomography perfusion for the evaluation of transient ischaemic attack. METHODS: Consecutive patients with a discharge diagnosis of possible or definite transient ischaemic event who underwent computed tomography perfusion were included in this study. The presence of an ischaemic lesion was assessed on noncontrast computed tomography, automatically deconvolved CTP(TMax) (Time till the residue function reaches its maximum), and when available on diffusion-weighted imaging and PWI(TMax) maps. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included and 17 underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Median delay between onset and computed tomography perfusion was 4·4 h (Interquartile range [IQR]: 1·9-9·6), and between computed tomography perfusion and magnetic resonance imaging was 11 h (Interquartile range: 3·8-22). Noncontrast computed tomography was negative in all cases, while CTP(TMax) identified an ischaemic lesion in 12/34 patients (35%). In the subgroup of patients with multimodal magnetic resonance imaging, an ischaemic lesion was found in six (35%) patients using CTP(TMax) versus nine (53%) on magnetic resonance imaging (five diffusion-weighted imaging, nine perfusion-weighted imaging). The additional yield of CTP(TMax) over computed tomography angiography was significant in the evaluation of transient ischaemic attack (12 vs. 3, McNemar, P = 0·004). CONCLUSIONS: CTP(TMax) found an ischaemic lesion in one-third of acute transient ischaemic attack patients. Computed tomography perfusion may be an acceptable substitute when magnetic resonance imaging is unavailable or contraindicated, and has additional yield over computed tomography angiography. Further studies evaluating the outcome of patients with computed tomography perfusion lesions in transient ischaemic attack are justified at this time.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/j.1747-4949.2012.00941.x

    View details for PubMedID 23228203

  • Prodromal Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor Stroke and Outcome in Basilar Artery Occlusion JOURNAL OF STROKE & CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES Conforto, A. B., de Freitas, G. R., Schonewille, W. J., Kappelle, L. J., Algra, A. 2015; 24 (9): 2117-2121

    Abstract

    The presence of prodromal transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) has been associated with a favorable outcome in anterior circulation stroke. We aimed to determine the association between prodromal TIAs or minor stroke and outcomes at 1 month, in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study, a registry of patients presenting with an acute symptomatic and radiologically confirmed basilar artery occlusion.A total of 619 patients were enrolled in the registry. Information on prodromal TIAs was available for 517 patients and on prodromal stroke for 487 patients. We calculated risk ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for poor clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≥4) according to the variables of interest.Prodromal minor stroke was associated with poor outcome (crude risk ratio [cRR], 1.26; 95% CI, 1.12-1.42), but TIAs were not (cRR, .93; 95% CI, .79-1.09). These associations remained essentially the same after adjustment for confounding variables.Prodromal minor stroke was associated with an unfavorable outcome in patients with basilar artery occlusion, whereas prodromal TIA was not.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2015.05.020

    View details for Web of Science ID 000360649000034

    View details for PubMedID 26153508

  • Diagnostic and Prognostic Impact of pc-ASPECTS Applied to Perfusion CT in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study JOURNAL OF NEUROIMAGING Pallesen, L., Gerber, J., Dzialowski, I., van der Hoeven, E. J., Michel, P., Pfefferkorn, T., Ozdoba, C., Kappelle, L. J., Wiedemann, B., Khomenko, A., Algra, A., Hill, M. D., von Kummer, R., Demchuk, A. M., Schonewille, W. J., Puetz, V. 2015; 25 (3): 384-389

    Abstract

    The posterior circulation Acute Stroke Prognosis Early CT Score (pc-APECTS) applied to CT angiography source images (CTA-SI) predicts the functional outcome of patients in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS). We assessed the diagnostic and prognostic impact of pc-ASPECTS applied to perfusion CT (CTP) in the BASICS registry population.We applied pc-ASPECTS to CTA-SI and cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV), and mean transit time (MTT) parameter maps of BASICS patients with CTA and CTP studies performed. Hypoattenuation on CTA-SI, relative reduction in CBV or CBF, or relative increase in MTT were rated as abnormal.CTA and CTP were available in 27/592 BASICS patients (4.6%). The proportion of patients with any perfusion abnormality was highest for MTT (93%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 76%-99%), compared with 78% (58%-91%) for CTA-SI and CBF, and 46% (27%-67%) for CBV (P < .001). All 3 patients with a CBV pc-ASPECTS < 8 compared to 6/23 patients with a CBV pc-ASPECTS ≥ 8 had died at 1 month (RR 3.8; 95% CI, 1.9-7.6).CTP was performed in a minority of the BASICS registry population. Perfusion disturbances in the posterior circulation were most pronounced on MTT parameter maps. CBV pc-ASPECTS < 8 may indicate patients with high case fatality.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/jon.12130

    View details for Web of Science ID 000354129000007

    View details for PubMedID 24942473

  • Safety of stereotactic intracranial injection of modified bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SB623) in chronic stroke patients: A Phase 1/2A study Steinberg, G. K., Kondziolka, D., Wechsler, L., Lunsford, L. D., Kim, A. S., Johnson, J. N., Bates, D., McGrogan, M., Yankee, E. W., Schwartz, N. E. WILEY-BLACKWELL. 2015: 88
  • Precise Diagnostic Score (PREDISC) for suspected TIA: An inter-rater agreement analysis Cereda, C. W., Inoue, M., George, P., Vora, N., Olivot, J. M., Schwartz, N., Lansberg, M. G., Kemp, S., Mlynash, M., Albers, G. W. WILEY-BLACKWELL. 2015: 44
  • Clinical improvement and cortical flair hyperintensity associated with stereotactic intracranial injection of modified bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SB623) in chronic stroke patients Steinberg, G. K., Kondziolka, D., Wechsler, L., Lunsford, L. D., Kim, A. S., Johnson, J. N., Bates, D., McGrogan, M., Yankee, E. W., Schwartz, N. E. WILEY-BLACKWELL. 2015: 11
  • Vertebral artery stenosis in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS): prevalence and outcome JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY Compter, A., van der Hoeven, E. J., van der Worp, H. B., Vos, J. A., Weimar, C., Rueckert, C. M., Kappelle, L. J., Algra, A., Schonewille, W. J. 2015; 262 (2): 410-417

    Abstract

    We assessed the prevalence of vertebral artery (VA) stenosis or occlusion and its influence on outcome in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). We studied 141 patients with acute BAO enrolled in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS) registry of whom baseline CT angiography (CTA) of the intracranial VAs was available. In 72 patients an additional CTA of the extracranial VAs was available. Adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) for death and poor outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≥4, were calculated with Poisson regression in relation to VA occlusion, VA occlusion or stenosis ≥50 %, and bilateral VA occlusion. Sixty-six of 141 (47 %) patients had uni- or bilateral intracranial VA occlusion or stenosis ≥50 %. Of the 72 patients with intra- and extracranial CTA, 46 (64 %) had uni- or bilateral VA occlusion or stenosis ≥50 % and 9 (12 %) had bilateral VA occlusion. Overall, VA occlusion or stenosis ≥50 % was not associated with the risk of poor outcome. Patients with intra- and extracranial CTA and bilateral VA occlusion had a higher risk of poor outcome than patients without bilateral VA occlusion (aRR, 1.23; 95 % CI 1.02-1.50). The risk of death did not depend on the presence of unilateral or bilateral VA occlusion or stenosis ≥50 %. In conclusion, in patients with acute BAO, unilateral VA occlusion or stenosis ≥50 % is frequent, but not associated with an increased risk of poor outcome or death. Patients with BAO and bilateral VA occlusion have a slightly increased risk of poor outcome.

    View details for DOI 10.1007/s00415-014-7583-5

    View details for Web of Science ID 000349889200018

    View details for PubMedID 25417970

  • Cervical Arterial Dissections and Association With Cervical Manipulative Therapy A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association STROKE Biller, J., Sacco, R. L., Albuquerque, F. C., Demaerschalk, B. M., Fayad, P., Long, P. H., Noorollah, L. D., Panagos, P. D., Schievink, W. I., Schwartz, N. E., Shuaib, A., Thaler, D. E., Tirschwell, D. L. 2014; 45 (10): 3155-3174

    Abstract

    Cervical artery dissections (CDs) are among the most common causes of stroke in young and middle-aged adults. The aim of this scientific statement is to review the current state of evidence on the diagnosis and management of CDs and their statistical association with cervical manipulative therapy (CMT). In some forms of CMT, a high or low amplitude thrust is applied to the cervical spine by a healthcare professional.Members of the writing group were appointed by the American Heart Association Stroke Council's Scientific Statements Oversight Committee and the American Heart Association's Manuscript Oversight Committee. Members were assigned topics relevant to their areas of expertise and reviewed appropriate literature, references to published clinical and epidemiology studies, morbidity and mortality reports, clinical and public health guidelines, authoritative statements, personal files, and expert opinion to summarize existing evidence and to indicate gaps in current knowledge.Patients with CD may present with unilateral headaches, posterior cervical pain, or cerebral or retinal ischemia (transient ischemic or strokes) attributable mainly to artery-artery embolism, CD cranial nerve palsies, oculosympathetic palsy, or pulsatile tinnitus. Diagnosis of CD depends on a thorough history, physical examination, and targeted ancillary investigations. Although the role of trivial trauma is debatable, mechanical forces can lead to intimal injuries of the vertebral arteries and internal carotid arteries and result in CD. Disability levels vary among CD patients with many having good outcomes, but serious neurological sequelae can occur. No evidence-based guidelines are currently available to endorse best management strategies for CDs. Antiplatelet and anticoagulant treatments are both used for prevention of local thrombus and secondary embolism. Case-control and other articles have suggested an epidemiologic association between CD, particularly vertebral artery dissection, and CMT. It is unclear whether this is due to lack of recognition of preexisting CD in these patients or due to trauma caused by CMT. Ultrasonography, computed tomographic angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging with magnetic resonance angiography are useful in the diagnosis of CD. Follow-up neuroimaging is preferentially done with noninvasive modalities, but we suggest that no single test should be seen as the gold standard.CD is an important cause of ischemic stroke in young and middle-aged patients. CD is most prevalent in the upper cervical spine and can involve the internal carotid artery or vertebral artery. Although current biomechanical evidence is insufficient to establish the claim that CMT causes CD, clinical reports suggest that mechanical forces play a role in a considerable number of CDs and most population controlled studies have found an association between CMT and VAD stroke in young patients. Although the incidence of CMT-associated CD in patients who have previously received CMT is not well established, and probably low, practitioners should strongly consider the possibility of CD as a presenting symptom, and patients should be informed of the statistical association between CD and CMT prior to undergoing manipulation of the cervical spine.

    View details for DOI 10.1161/STR.0000000000000016

    View details for Web of Science ID 000342794700067

  • A Novel Phase 1/2A Study of Intraparenchymal Transplantation of Human Modified Bone Marrow-Derived Cells in Patients With Stable Ischemic Stroke Steinberg, G. K., Kondziolka, D., Schwartz, N. E., Wechsler, L., Lunsford, D., Coburn, M. L., Billigen, J. B., Keren-Gill, H., McGrogan, M., Case, C., Mori, K., Yankee, E. W. COGNIZANT COMMUNICATION CORP. 2014: 784
  • Simulation-Based Learning Improves Neurology Resident Training in Acute Stroke Care Tai, W., Baumann, J. J., Melamed, E., Vora, N., Schwartz, N. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2013
  • Time is Brain(stem) in Basilar Artery Occlusion STROKE Vergouwen, M. I., Algra, A., Pfefferkorn, T., Weimar, C., Rueckert, C. M., Thijs, V., Kappelle, L., Schonewille, W. J., Basilar Artery Int Cooperation Stu 2012; 43 (11): 3003–U367

    Abstract

    The frequent use of a longer time window for recanalization therapy in patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) in daily practice is not supported by any scientific evidence. We investigated the relationship between time to recanalization therapy and functional outcome in BAO with data from the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS).BASICS is a prospective multicenter registry of patients (n=619) with radiologically confirmed BAO. We analyzed patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis or intra-arterial treatment. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on the interval between estimated time of BAO and start of recanalization therapy: ≤3 hours (n=134), >3 to ≤6 hours (n=151), >6 to ≤9 hours (n=56), and >9 hours (n=68). Primary outcome measure was poor functional outcome (modified Rankin scale score 4-6) after 1 month. We calculated adjusted risk ratios with 95% CIs using Poisson regression analyses with the ≤3 hours group as the reference group.Patients had an increased risk of poor functional outcome as time to recanalization therapy became longer (≤3 hours: 62%; >3 to ≤6 hours: 67% [adjusted risk ratio, 1.06; 0.91-1.25]; >6 to ≤9 hours: 77% [adjusted risk ratio, 1.26; 1.06-1.51]; >9 hours: 85% [adjusted risk ratio, 1.47; 1.26-1.72]).Early recanalization therapy in patients with BAO is associated with a more favorable outcome with a significant increased chance of a poor outcome when recanalization therapy is started >6 hours after estimated time of BAO.

    View details for DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.112.666867

    View details for Web of Science ID 000310432800290

    View details for PubMedID 22989501

  • PREDICTING OUTCOME AFTER ACUTE BASILAR ARTERY OCCLUSION BASED ON ADMISSION CHARACTERISTICS NEUROLOGY He, Y., Li, T., Schonewille, W. J., Greving, J. P., Kappelle, L. J., Algra, A. 2012; 79 (13): 1410

    View details for DOI 10.1212/WNL.0b013e31826e1238

    View details for Web of Science ID 000309259700026

    View details for PubMedID 23008222

  • Clinical Assessment of Standard and Generalized Autocalibrating Partially Parallel Acquisition Diffusion Imaging: Effects of Reduction Factor and Spatial Resolution AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURORADIOLOGY Andre, J. B., Zaharchuk, G., Fischbein, N. J., Augustin, M., Skare, S., Straka, M., Rosenberg, J., Lansberg, M. G., Kemp, S., Wijman, C. A., Albers, G. W., Schwartz, N. E., Bammer, R. 2012; 33 (7): 1337-1342

    Abstract

    PI improves routine EPI-based DWI by enabling higher spatial resolution and reducing geometric distortion, though it remains unclear which of these is most important. We evaluated the relative contribution of these factors and assessed their ability to increase lesion conspicuity and diagnostic confidence by using a GRAPPA technique.Four separate DWI scans were obtained at 1.5T in 48 patients with independent variation of in-plane spatial resolution (1.88 mm(2) versus 1.25 mm(2)) and/or reduction factor (R = 1 versus R = 3). A neuroradiologist with access to clinical history and additional imaging sequences provided a reference standard diagnosis for each case. Three blinded neuroradiologists assessed scans for abnormalities and also evaluated multiple imaging-quality metrics by using a 5-point ordinal scale. Logistic regression was used to determine the impact of each factor on subjective image quality and confidence.Reference standard diagnoses in the patient cohort were acute ischemic stroke (n = 30), ischemic stroke with hemorrhagic conversion (n = 4), intraparenchymal hemorrhage (n = 9), or no acute lesion (n = 5). While readers preferred both a higher reduction factor and a higher spatial resolution, the largest effect was due to an increased reduction factor (odds ratio, 47 ± 16). Small lesions were more confidently discriminated from artifacts on R = 3 images. The diagnosis changed in 5 of 48 scans, always toward the reference standard reading and exclusively for posterior fossa lesions.PI improves DWI primarily by reducing geometric distortion rather than by increasing spatial resolution. This outcome leads to a more accurate and confident diagnosis of small lesions.

    View details for DOI 10.3174/ajnr.A2980

    View details for Web of Science ID 000307628200025

    View details for PubMedID 22403781

  • Automated Perfusion Imaging for the Evaluation of Transient Ischemic Attack STROKE Kleinman, J. T., Zaharchuk, G., Mlynash, M., Ogdie, A. A., Straka, M., Lansberg, M. G., Schwartz, N. E., Kemp, S., Bammer, R., Albers, G. W., Olivot, J. 2012; 43 (6): 1556-1560

    Abstract

    Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is recommended for the evaluation of transient ischemic attack. Perfusion imaging can increase the yield of MRI in transient ischemic attack. We evaluated automated bolus perfusion (the time when the residue function reaches its maximum [TMax] and mean transit time [MTT]) and arterial spin labeling (ASL) sequences for the detection of ischemic lesions in patients with transient ischemic attack.We enrolled consecutive patients evaluated for suspicion of acute transient ischemic attack by multimodal MRI within 36 hours of symptom onset. Two independent raters assessed the presence and location of ischemic lesions blinded to the clinical presentation. The prevalence of ischemic lesions and the interrater agreement were 1,410 assessed.From January 2010 to 2011, 93 patients were enrolled and 90 underwent perfusion imaging (69 bolus perfusion and 76 ASL). Overall, 25 of 93 patients (27%) were DWI-positive and 14 (15%) were perfusion-positive but DWI-negative (ASL n=9; TMax n=9; MTT n=2). MTT revealed an ischemic lesion in fewer patients than TMax (7 versus 20, P=0.004). Raters agreed on 89% of diffusion-weighted imaging cases, 89% of TMax, 87% o10f010 MTT, and 90% of ASL cases. The interrater agreement was good for DWI, TMax, and ASL (κ=0.73, 0.72, and 0.74, respectively) and fair for MTT (κ=0.43). Diffusion and/or perfusion were positive in 39 of 69 (57%) patients with a discharge diagnosis of possible ischemic event.Our results suggest that in patients referred for suspicion of transient ischemic attack, automated TMax is more sensitive than MTT, and both ASL and TMax increase the yield of MRI for the detection of ischemic lesions.

    View details for DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.644971

    View details for Web of Science ID 000304523800025

    View details for PubMedID 22474058

  • Predicting outcome after acute basilar artery occlusion based on admission characteristics NEUROLOGY Greving, J. P., Schonewille, W. J., Wijman, C. A., Michel, P., Kappelle, L. J., Algra, A. 2012; 78 (14): 1058-1063

    Abstract

    To develop a simple prognostic model to predict outcome at 1 month after acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) with readily available predictors.The Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS) is a prospective, observational, international registry of consecutive patients who presented with an acute symptomatic and radiologically confirmed BAO. We considered predictors available at hospital admission in multivariable logistic regression models to predict poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score 4-5 or death) at 1 month. We used receiver operator characteristic curves to assess the discriminatory performance of the models.Of the 619 patients, 429 (69%) had a poor outcome at 1 month: 74 (12%) had a mRS score of 4, 115 (19%) had a mRS score of 5, and 240 (39%) had died. The main predictors of poor outcome were older age, absence of hyperlipidemia, presence of prodromal minor stroke, higher NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and longer time to treatment. A prognostic model that combined demographic data and stroke risk factors had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.64. This performance improved by including findings from the neurologic examination (AUC 0.79) and CT imaging (AUC 0.80). A risk chart showed predictions of poor outcome at 1 month varying from 25 to 96%.Poor outcome after BAO can be reliably predicted by a simple model that includes older age, absence of hyperlipidemia, presence of prodromal minor stroke, higher NIHSS score, and longer time to treatment.

    View details for DOI 10.1212/WNL.0b013e31824e8f40

    View details for Web of Science ID 000302618700009

    View details for PubMedID 22442438

  • Antithrombotic and thrombolytic therapy for ischemic stroke: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest Lansberg, M. G., O'Donnell, M. J., Khatri, P., Lang, E. S., Nguyen-Huynh, M. N., Schwartz, N. E., Sonnenberg, F. A., Schulman, S., Vandvik, P. O., Spencer, F. A., Alonso-Coello, P., Guyatt, G. H., Akl, E. A. 2012; 141 (2): e601S-36S

    Abstract

    This article provides recommendations on the use of antithrombotic therapy in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).We generated treatment recommendations (Grade 1) and suggestions (Grade 2) based on high (A), moderate (B), and low (C) quality evidence.In patients with acute ischemic stroke, we recommend IV recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) if treatment can be initiated within 3 h (Grade 1A) or 4.5 h (Grade 2C) of symptom onset; we suggest intraarterial r-tPA in patients ineligible for IV tPA if treatment can be initiated within 6 h (Grade 2C); we suggest against the use of mechanical thrombectomy (Grade 2C) although carefully selected patients may choose this intervention; and we recommend early aspirin therapy at a dose of 160 to 325 mg (Grade 1A). In patients with acute stroke and restricted mobility, we suggest the use of prophylactic-dose heparin or intermittent pneumatic compression devices (Grade 2B) and suggest against the use of elastic compression stockings (Grade 2B). In patients with a history of noncardioembolic ischemic stroke or TIA, we recommend long-term treatment with aspirin (75-100 mg once daily), clopidogrel (75 mg once daily), aspirin/extended release dipyridamole (25 mg/200 mg bid), or cilostazol (100 mg bid) over no antiplatelet therapy (Grade 1A), oral anticoagulants (Grade 1B), the combination of clopidogrel plus aspirin (Grade 1B), or triflusal (Grade 2B). Of the recommended antiplatelet regimens, we suggest clopidogrel or aspirin/extended-release dipyridamole over aspirin (Grade 2B) or cilostazol (Grade 2C). In patients with a history of stroke or TIA and atrial fibrillation we recommend oral anticoagulation over no antithrombotic therapy, aspirin, and combination therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel (Grade 1B).These recommendations can help clinicians make evidence-based treatment decisions with their patients who have had strokes.

    View details for DOI 10.1378/chest.11-2302

    View details for PubMedID 22315273

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3278065

  • Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy for Ischemic Stroke Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines CHEST Lansberg, M. G., O'Donnell, M. J., Khatri, P., Lang, E. S., Nguyen-Huynh, M. N., Schwartz, N. E., Sonnenberg, F. A., Schulman, S., Vandvik, P. O., Spencer, F. A., Alonso-Coello, P., Guyatt, G. H., Akl, E. A. 2012; 141 (2): E601S-E636S

    Abstract

    This article provides recommendations on the use of antithrombotic therapy in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).We generated treatment recommendations (Grade 1) and suggestions (Grade 2) based on high (A), moderate (B), and low (C) quality evidence.In patients with acute ischemic stroke, we recommend IV recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) if treatment can be initiated within 3 h (Grade 1A) or 4.5 h (Grade 2C) of symptom onset; we suggest intraarterial r-tPA in patients ineligible for IV tPA if treatment can be initiated within 6 h (Grade 2C); we suggest against the use of mechanical thrombectomy (Grade 2C) although carefully selected patients may choose this intervention; and we recommend early aspirin therapy at a dose of 160 to 325 mg (Grade 1A). In patients with acute stroke and restricted mobility, we suggest the use of prophylactic-dose heparin or intermittent pneumatic compression devices (Grade 2B) and suggest against the use of elastic compression stockings (Grade 2B). In patients with a history of noncardioembolic ischemic stroke or TIA, we recommend long-term treatment with aspirin (75-100 mg once daily), clopidogrel (75 mg once daily), aspirin/extended release dipyridamole (25 mg/200 mg bid), or cilostazol (100 mg bid) over no antiplatelet therapy (Grade 1A), oral anticoagulants (Grade 1B), the combination of clopidogrel plus aspirin (Grade 1B), or triflusal (Grade 2B). Of the recommended antiplatelet regimens, we suggest clopidogrel or aspirin/extended-release dipyridamole over aspirin (Grade 2B) or cilostazol (Grade 2C). In patients with a history of stroke or TIA and atrial fibrillation we recommend oral anticoagulation over no antithrombotic therapy, aspirin, and combination therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel (Grade 1B).These recommendations can help clinicians make evidence-based treatment decisions with their patients who have had strokes.

    View details for DOI 10.1378/chest.11-2302

    View details for Web of Science ID 000208839900017

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3278065

  • Concurrent stenoocclusive disease of intracranial and extracranial arteries in a patient with polycythemia vera. Case reports in medicine Hua, L. H., Dodd, R. L., Schwartz, N. E. 2012; 2012: 151767-?

    Abstract

    Moyamoya disease is a stenoocclusive disease involving the intracranial carotid and proximal middle cerebral arteries. There are rarely any additional extracranial stenoses occurring concurrently with moyamoya. The pathophysiology of moyamoya remains obscure, but hematologic disorders, notably sickle-cell anemia, have been associated in some cases. We describe the novel case of polycythemia vera associated with severe steno-occlusive disease of both intracranial and extracranial large arteries. A 47-year-old woman with polycythemia vera had multiple transient ischemic attacks, and noninvasive vessel imaging revealed steno-occlusive disease of bilateral supraclinoid internal carotid arteries with moyamoya-type collaterals, proximal left subclavian artery, right vertebral artery origin, bilateral renal arteries, superior mesenteric artery, and right common iliac artery. Laboratory workup for systemic vasculitis was negative. She required bilateral direct external carotid to internal carotid bypass procedures and percutaneous balloon angioplasty of her right VA origin stenosis. This case suggests that hematologic disorders can lead to vessel stenoses and occlusion. The pathophysiology may be due to a prothrombotic state leading to repeated endothelial injury, resultant intimal hyperplasia, and progressive steno-occlusion.

    View details for DOI 10.1155/2012/151767

    View details for PubMedID 22690222

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3368357

  • Greater Effect of Stroke Thrombolysis in the Presence of Arterial Obstruction ANNALS OF NEUROLOGY De Silva, D. A., Churilov, L., Olivot, J., Christensen, S., Lansberg, M. G., Mlynash, M., Campbell, B. C., Desmond, P., Straka, M., Bammer, R., Albers, G. W., Davis, S. M., Donnan, G. A. 2011; 70 (4): 601-605

    Abstract

    Recanalization of arterial obstruction is associated with improved clinical outcomes. There are no controlled data demonstrating whether arterial obstruction status predicts the treatment effect of intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). We aimed to determine if the presence of arterial obstruction improves the treatment effect of IV tPA over placebo in attenuating infarct growth.We analyzed 175 ischemic stroke patients treated in the 3-6 hour time window from the Echoplanar Imaging Thrombolytic Evaluation Trial (EPITHET) trial (randomized to IV tPA or placebo) and Diffusion and perfusion imaging Evaluation For Understanding Stroke Evolution (DEFUSE) study (all treated with IV tPA). Infarct growth was calculated as the difference between baseline diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and final T2 lesion volumes. Baseline arterial obstruction of large intracranial arteries was graded on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).Among the 116 patients with adequate baseline MRA and final lesion assessment, 72 had arterial obstruction (48 tPA, 24 placebo) and 44 no arterial obstruction (33 tPA, 11 placebo). Infarct growth was lower in the tPA than placebo group (median difference 26ml, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1-50) in patients with arterial obstruction, but was similar in patients with no arterial obstruction (median difference 5ml, 95%CI, -3 to 9). Infarct growth attenuation with tPA over placebo treatment was greater among patients with arterial obstruction than those without arterial obstruction by a median of 32ml (95%CI, 21-43, p < 0.001).The treatment effect of IV tPA over placebo was greater with baseline arterial obstruction, supporting arterial obstruction status as a consideration in selecting patients more likely to benefit from IV thrombolysis.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/ana.22444

    View details for Web of Science ID 000296396700013

    View details for PubMedID 22028220

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3205432

  • TWO ACES Transient Ischemic Attack Work-Up as Outpatient Assessment of Clinical Evaluation and Safety STROKE Olivot, J., Wolford, C., Castle, J., Mlynash, M., Schwartz, N. E., Lansberg, M. G., Kemp, S., Albers, G. W. 2011; 42 (7): 1839-1843

    Abstract

    To evaluate a novel emergency department-based TIA triage system.We developed an approach to TIA triage and management based on risk assessment using the ABCD(2) score in combination with early cervical and intracranial vessel imaging. It was anticipated that this triage system would avoid hospitalization for the majority of TIA patients and result in a low rate of recurrent stroke. We hypothesized that the subsequent stroke rate among consecutively encountered patients managed with this approach would be lower than predicted based on their ABCD2 scores.From June 2007 to December 2009, 224 consecutive patients evaluated in the Stanford emergency department for a possible TIA were enrolled in the study. One hundred fifty-seven were discharged to complete their evaluation at the outpatient TIA clinic; 67 patients were hospitalized. One hundred sixteen patients had a final diagnosis of TIA/minor stroke or possible TIA. The stroke rates at 7, 30, and 90 days were 0.6% (0.1%-3.5%) for patients referred to the TIA clinic and 1.5% (0.3%-8.0%) for the hospitalized patients. Combining both groups, the overall stroke rate was 0.9% (0.3%-3.2%), which is significantly less than expected based on ABCD2 scores (P=0.034 at 7 days and P=0.001 at 90 days).This emergency department-based inpatient versus outpatient TIA triage system led to a low rate of hospitalization (30%). Recurrent stroke rates were low for both the hospitalized and outpatient subgroups.

    View details for DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.110.608380

    View details for Web of Science ID 000292090900019

    View details for PubMedID 21617143

  • The Albumin in Acute Stroke Part 1 Trial An Exploratory Efficacy Analysis STROKE Hill, M. D., Martin, R. H., Palesch, Y. Y., Tamariz, D., Waldman, B. D., Ryckborst, K. J., Moy, C. S., Barsan, W. G., Ginsberg, M. D. 2011; 42 (6): 1621-1625

    Abstract

    The Albumin in Acute Stroke (ALIAS) Part 2 Trial is directly testing whether 2 g/kg of 25% human albumin (ALB) administered intravenously within 5 hours of ischemic stroke onset results in improved clinical outcome. Recruitment into Part 1 of the ALIAS Trial was halted for safety reasons. ALIAS Part 2 is a new, reformulated trial with more-stringent exclusion criteria. Our aim was to explore the efficacy of ALB in the ALIAS Part 1 data and to assess the statistical assumptions underlying the ALIAS Part 2 Trial.ALIAS is a multicenter, blinded, randomized controlled trial. Data on 434 subjects, comprising the ALIAS Part 1 subjects, were analyzed. We examined both the thrombolysis and nonthrombolysis cohorts combined and separately in a "target population" by excluding subjects who would not have been eligible for the ALIAS Part 2 Trial; the latter comprised patients >83 years of age, those with elevated baseline troponin values, and those with in-hospital stroke. We examined the differences in the primary composite outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 1 and/or a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 0 to 1 at 90 days after randomization.In the combined thrombolysis plus nonthrombolysis cohorts of the target population, 44.7% of subjects in the ALB group had a favorable outcome compared with 36.0% in the saline group (absolute effect size=8.7%; 95% CI, -2.2% to 19.5%). Among thrombolyzed subjects of the target population, 46.7% had a favorable outcome in the ALB group compared with 36.6% in the saline group (absolute effect size=10.1%; 95% CI, -2.0% to 20.0%).Preliminary results from the ALIAS Part 1 suggest a trend toward a favorable primary outcome in subjects treated with ALB and support the validity of the statistical assumptions that underlie the ALIAS Part 2 Trial. The ALIAS Part 2 Trial will confirm or refute these results.URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ALIAS. Unique identifier: NCT00235495.

    View details for DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.110.610980

    View details for Web of Science ID 000291032700040

    View details for PubMedID 21546491

  • Mri Based Tia Triage Study International Stroke Conference Wolford, C., Mlynash, M., Schwartz, N. E., Purushotham, A., Lansberg, M., Kemp, S., Albers, G. W., Olivot, J. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2011: E210–E210
  • TIA Clinic Triage Strategy Reduces the Cost of TIA Evaluation International Stroke Conference Mlynash, M., Castle, J., Olivot, J., Wolford, C., Schwartz, N. E., Lansberg, M. G., Edwards, G., Kemp, S., Albers, G. W. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2011: E250–E250
  • MRI Profile of the Perihematomal Region in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage STROKE Olivot, J., Mlynash, M., Kleinman, J. T., Straka, M., Venkatasubramanian, C., Bammer, R., Moseley, M. E., Albers, G. W., Wijman, C. A. 2010; 41 (11): 2681-2683

    Abstract

    The pathophysiology of the presumed perihematomal edema immediately surrounding an acute intracerebral hemorrhage is poorly understood, and its composition may influence clinical outcome. Method-Twenty-three patients from the Diagnostic Accuracy of MRI in Spontaneous intracerebral Hemorrhage (DASH) study were prospectively enrolled and studied with MRI. Perfusion-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences were coregistered. TMax (the time when the residue function reaches its maximum) and apparent diffusion coefficient values in the presumed perihematomal edema regions of interest were compared with contralateral mirror and remote ipsilateral hemispheric regions of interest.Compared with mirror and ipsilateral hemispheric regions of interest, TMax (the time when the residue function reaches its maximum) and apparent diffusion coefficient were consistently increased in the presumed perihematomal edema. Two thirds of the patients also exhibited patchy regions of restricted diffusion in the presumed perihematomal edema.The MRI profile of the presumed perihematomal edema in acute intracerebral hemorrhage exhibits delayed perfusion and increased diffusivity mixed with areas of reduced diffusion.

    View details for DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.110.590638

    View details for PubMedID 20947849

  • Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study Does Gender Matter? STROKE Arnold, M., Fischer, U., Compter, A., Gralla, J., Findling, O., Mattle, H. P., Kappelle, L. J., Tanne, D., Algra, A., Schonewille, W. J. 2010; 41 (11): 2693-2696

    Abstract

    Randomized trials suggested a different benefit of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) between men and women with anterior circulation stroke because of a worse outcome of women in the control group.We compared outcome and recanalization in men and women with basilar artery occlusion treated with antithrombotic treatment alone, IVT or combined IVT-IAT, or IAT in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study.Overall, 389 male and 226 female patients were analyzed. In the antithrombotic treatment group, 68 of 111 (61%) men and 47 of 70 (67%) women had a poor outcome defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 4 to 6 (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 0.96; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.24), in the IVT/combined IVT-IAT group, 47 of 77 (61%) men and 24 of 43 (56%) women (aRR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.60), and in the IAT group, 142 of 185 (77%) men and 71 of 102 (70%) women (aRR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.88 to 1.17). Mortality was not different between men and women in the antithrombotic treatment group (aRR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.55 to 1.16), the IVT/combined IVT-IAT group (aRR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.73), or in the IAT group (aRR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.75 to 1.36). Insufficient recanalization after combined IVT-IAT or IAT was similar in men and women (23% versus 22%; aRR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.58 to 1.46).In patients with acute basilar artery occlusion, no significant gender differences for outcome and recanalization were observed, regardless of treatment modality.

    View details for DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.110.594036

    View details for Web of Science ID 000283443500062

    View details for PubMedID 20947845

  • Intravenous Thrombolysis Plus Hypothermia for Acute Treatment of Ischemic Stroke (ICTuS-L) Final Results STROKE Hemmen, T. M., Raman, R., Guluma, K. Z., Meyer, B. C., Gomes, J. A., Cruz-Flores, S., Wijman, C. A., Rapp, K. S., Grotta, J. C., Lyden, P. D. 2010; 41 (10): 2265-2270

    Abstract

    Induced hypothermia is a promising neuroprotective therapy. We studied the feasibility and safety of hypothermia and thrombolysis after acute ischemic stroke.Intravenous Thrombolysis Plus Hypothermia for Acute Treatment of Ischemic Stroke (ICTuS-L) was a randomized, multicenter trial of hypothermia and intravenous tissue plasminogen activator in patients treated within 6 hours after ischemic stroke. Enrollment was stratified to the treatment time windows 0 to 3 and 3 to 6 hours. Patients presenting within 3 hours of symptom onset received standard dose intravenous alteplase and were randomized to undergo 24 hours of endovascular cooling to 33°C followed by 12 hours of controlled rewarming or normothermia treatment. Patients presenting between 3 and 6 hours were randomized twice: to receive tissue plasminogen activator or not and to receive hypothermia or not. Results- In total, 59 patients were enrolled. One patient was enrolled but not treated when pneumonia was discovered just before treatment. All 44 patients enrolled within 3 hours and 4 of 14 patients enrolled between 3 to 6 hours received tissue plasminogen activator. Overall, 28 patients randomized to receive hypothermia (HY) and 30 to normothermia (NT). Baseline demographics and risk factors were similar between groups. Mean age was 65.5±12.1 years and baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 14.0±5.0; 32 (55%) were male. Cooling was achieved in all patients except 2 in whom there were technical difficulties. The median time to target temperature after catheter placement was 67 minutes (Quartile 1 57.3 to Quartile 3 99.4). At 3 months, 18% of patients treated with hypothermia had a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 or 1 versus 24% in the normothermia groups (nonsignificant). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 4 patients (68); all were treated with tissue plasminogen activator <3 hours (1 received hypothermia). Six patients in the hypothermia and 5 in the normothermia groups died within 90 days (nonsignificant). Pneumonia occurred in 14 patients in the hypothermia and in 3 of the normothermia groups (P=0.001). The pneumonia rate did not significantly adversely affect 3 month modified Rankin Scale score (P=0.32).This study demonstrates the feasibility and preliminary safety of combining endovascular hypothermia after stroke with intravenous thrombolysis. Pneumonia was more frequent after hypothermia, but further studies are needed to determine its effect on patient outcome and whether it can be prevented. A definitive efficacy trial is necessary to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic hypothermia for acute stroke.

    View details for DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.110.592295

    View details for Web of Science ID 000282221700036

    View details for PubMedID 20724711

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2947593

  • Dabigatran Challenges Warfarin's Superiority for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation STROKE Schwartz, N. E., Albers, G. W. 2010; 41 (6): 1307-1309

    View details for DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.110.584557

    View details for Web of Science ID 000278019400041

    View details for PubMedID 20395603

  • Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke in Failed Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator Versus Non-Intravenous Tissue Plasminogen Activator Patients Revascularization and Outcomes Stratified by the Site of Arterial Occlusions STROKE Shi, Z., Loh, Y., Walker, G., Duckwiler, G. R. 2010; 41 (6): 1185-1192

    Abstract

    Intracranial mechanical thrombectomy is a therapeutic option for acute ischemic stroke patients failing intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA). We compared patients treated by mechanical embolus removal in cerebral ischemia (MERCI) thrombectomy after failed IV tPA with those treated with thrombectomy alone.We pooled MERCI and Multi MERCI study patients, grouped them either as failed IV tPA or non-IV tPA, and assessed revascularization rates, procedural complications, symptomatic hemorrhage rates, clinical outcomes, and mortality. We also evaluated outcomes stratified by the occlusion site and final revascularization.Among 305 patients, 48 failed, and 257 were ineligible for IV tPA. Nonresponders to IV tPA trended toward a higher revascularization rate (73% versus 63%) and less mortality (27.7% versus 40.1%) and had similar rates of symptomatic hemorrhage and procedural complications. Favorable 90-day outcomes were similar in failed and non-IV tPA patients (38% versus 31%), with no difference according to occlusion site. Among patients failing IV tPA, good outcomes tended to occur more frequently in revascularized patients (47.1% versus 15.4%), although this relationship was attributable solely to middle cerebral artery and not internal carotid artery occlusions, with no difference in mortality. Among IV tPA-ineligible patients, revascularization correlated with good outcome (47.4% versus 4.4%) and less mortality (28.5% versus 59.6%).The risks of hemorrhage and procedure-related complications after mechanical thrombectomy do not differ with respect to previous IV tPA administration. Thrombectomy after IV tPA achieves similar rates of good outcomes, a tendency toward lower mortality, and similar revascularization rates when stratified by clot location. Good outcomes correlate with successful revascularization except with internal carotid artery occlusions in tPA-nonresponders.

    View details for DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.109.568451

    View details for Web of Science ID 000278019400021

    View details for PubMedID 20431084

  • Clinical Outcomes in Middle Cerebral Artery Trunk Occlusions Versus Secondary Division Occlusions After Mechanical Thrombectomy Pooled Analysis of the Mechanical Embolus Removal in Cerebral Ischemia (MERCI) and Multi MERCI Trials STROKE Shi, Z., Loh, Y., Walker, G., Duckwiler, G. R. 2010; 41 (5): 953-960

    Abstract

    The benefit of endovascular revascularization of patients with acute ischemic stroke with middle cerebral artery (MCA) secondary division (M2) occlusions as compared with MCA trunk (M1) occlusions is not known. In this analysis, we compared revascularization status and clinical outcomes in patients with angiographically confirmed MCA M1 versus isolated M2 occlusions treated with mechanical thrombectomy using the Merci Retriever devices.We retrospectively analyzed the pooled data of patients with MCA strokes from the Mechanical Embolus Removal in Cerebral Ischemia (MERCI) and Multi MERCI trials. Patient data were dichotomized into 2 groups: MCA M1 occlusions and isolated M2 occlusions. Baseline characteristics, revascularization rates, hemorrhage rates, complications, outcomes, and mortality were evaluated for both groups.Of 178 patients with MCA occlusion treated in the MERCI and Multi MERCI trials, 84.3% had M1 lesions and 15.7% had isolated M2 lesions. Patients with isolated M2 occlusions were revascularized at a higher rate, required a lower mean number of passes, and were associated with a trend toward shorter mean procedure time than patients with M1 occlusions. No statistically significant differences were found between M2 and M1 groups for symptomatic hemorrhage, clinically significant procedural adverse events, favorable 90-day outcome, or 90-day mortality, although in all instances, the M2 outcomes were numerically better than those in M1 subjects. In multivariate analysis, final revascularization was the strongest independent predictor of good outcome at 90 days.Patients with both MCA M1 occlusions and isolated M2 occlusions can achieve a relatively high rate of revascularization and favorable clinical outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy. In fact, patients with isolated M2 occlusions had a higher rate of revascularization, required fewer passes, and had no increased complications compared with patients with M1 occlusions.

    View details for DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.109.571943

    View details for Web of Science ID 000277064300021

    View details for PubMedID 20378867

  • Diagnostic Accuracy of MRI in Spontaneous Intra-cerebral Hemorrhage (DASH): Initial Results International Stroke Conference Wijman, C. A., Snider, R. W., Venkatasubramanian, C., Caulfield, A. F., Buckwalter, M., Eyngorn, I., Fischbein, N., Gean, A., Schwartz, N., Lansberg, M., Mlynash, M., Kemp, S., Thai, D., Narayana, R. K., Marks, M., Bammer, R., Moseley, M., Albers, G. W. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2010: E210–E211
  • Intravenous Thrombolysis Plus Hypothermia for Acute Treatment of Ischemic Stroke (ICTuS-L): Final Results International Stroke Conference Hemmen, T. M., Raman, R., Gomez, J. A., Cruz-Flores, S., Wijman, C. A., Rapp, K. S., Grotta, J. C., Lyden, P. D. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2010: E246–E246
  • MRI Profile of the Perihematomal Region in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage Olivot, J., Mlynash, M., Kleinman, J. T., Straka, M., Venkatasubramanian, C., Bammer, R., Moseley, M., Albers, G. W., Wijman, C. A., DASH Investigators LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2010: E343
  • Factors Predicting the Presence of Acute Ischemic Lesions on Diffusion Weighted in the Stanford TIA Study (Two Aces) International Stroke Conference Olivot, J. M., Wolford, C., Mlynash, M., Castle, J., Lansberg, M., Schwartz, N., Kemp, S., Albers, G. W. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2010: E273–E273
  • Utility of Early MRI in the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES Wijman, C. A., Venkatasubramanian, C., Bruins, S., Fischbein, N., Schwartz, N. 2010; 30 (5): 456-463

    Abstract

    The optimal diagnostic evaluation for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains controversial. In this retrospective study, we assessed the utility of early magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in ICH diagnosis and management.Eighty-nine (72%) of 123 patients with spontaneous ICH underwent a brain CT and MRI within 30 days of ICH onset. Seventy patients with a mean age of 62 ± 15 years were included. A stroke neurologist and a general neurologist, each blinded to the final diagnosis, independently reviewed the admission data and the initial head CT and then assigned a presumed ICH cause under 1 of 9 categories. ICH cause was potentially modified after subsequent MRI review. The final 'gold standard' ICH etiology was determined after review of the complete medical record by an independent investigator. Change in diagnostic category and confidence and the potential impact on patient management were systematically recorded.Mean time to MRI was 3 ± 5 days. Final ICH diagnosis was hypertension or cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) in 50% of patients. After MRI review the stroke neurologist changed diagnostic category in 14%, diagnostic confidence in an additional 23% and management in 20%, and the general neurologist did so in 19, 21 and 21% of patients, respectively. MRI yield was highest in ICH secondary to ischemic stroke, CAA, vascular malformations and neoplasms, and did not differ by age, history of hypertension, hematoma location or the presence of intraventricular hemorrhage.The results of this study suggest potential additive clinical benefit of early MRI in patients with spontaneous ICH.

    View details for DOI 10.1159/000316892

    View details for Web of Science ID 000282752200004

    View details for PubMedID 20733299

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2992640

  • Clinical and Radiographic Natural History of Cervical Artery Dissections JOURNAL OF STROKE & CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES Schwartz, N. E., Vertinsky, A. T., Hirsch, K. G., Albers, G. W. 2009; 18 (6): 416-423

    Abstract

    Cervical artery dissection (CADsx) is a common cause of stroke in young patients, but long-term clinical and radiographic follow-up from a large population is lacking.Epidemiologic data, treatment, recurrence, and other features were extracted from the records of all patients seen at our stroke center with confirmed CAD during a 15-year period. A subset of cases was examined to provide detailed information about vessel status.In all, 177 patients (mean age 44.0 +/- 11.1 years) were identified, with the male patients being older than the female patients. Almost 60% of dissections were spontaneous, whereas the remainder involved some degree of head and/or neck trauma. More than 70% of patients were treated with anticoagulation. During follow-up (mean 18.2 months; 0-220 months) there were 15 cases (8.5%) of recurrent ischemic events, and two cases (1.1%) of a recurrent dissection. About half of recurrent stroke/transient ischemic attack events occurred within 2 weeks of presentation. There was no clear association between the choice of antithrombotic agent and recurrent ischemic events. Detailed analysis of imaging findings was performed in 51 cases. Some degree of recanalization was seen in 58.8% of patients overall, and was more frequent in women. The average time to total or near-total recanalization was 4.7 +/- 2.5 months. Patients with complete occlusions at presentation tended not to recanalize.This large series from a single institution highlights many of the features of CAD. A relatively benign course with low recurrence rate is supported, independent of the type and duration of antithrombotic therapy.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2008.11.016

    View details for Web of Science ID 000272114400002

    View details for PubMedID 19900642

  • Improving Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast MRI Measurement of Quantitative Cerebral Blood Flow using Corrections for Partial Volume and Nonlinear Contrast Relaxivity: A Xenon Computed Tomographic Comparative Study JOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING Zaharchuk, G., Bammer, R., Straka, M., Newbould, R. D., Rosenberg, J., Olivot, J., Mlynash, M., Lansberg, M. G., Schwartz, N. E., Marks, M. M., Albers, G. W., Moseley, M. E. 2009; 30 (4): 743-752

    Abstract

    To test whether dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI-based CBF measurements are improved with arterial input function (AIF) partial volume (PV) and nonlinear contrast relaxivity correction, using a gold-standard CBF method, xenon computed tomography (xeCT).Eighteen patients with cerebrovascular disease underwent xeCT and MRI within 36 h. PV was measured as the ratio of the area under the AIF and the venous output function (VOF) concentration curves. A correction was applied to account for the nonlinear relaxivity of bulk blood (BB). Mean CBF was measured with both techniques and regression analyses both within and between patients were performed.Mean xeCT CBF was 43.3 +/- 13.7 mL/100g/min (mean +/- SD). BB correction decreased CBF by a factor of 4.7 +/- 0.4, but did not affect precision. The least-biased CBF measurement was with BB but without PV correction (45.8 +/- 17.2 mL/100 g/min, coefficient of variation [COV] = 32%). Precision improved with PV correction, although absolute CBF was mildly underestimated (34.3 +/- 10.8 mL/100 g/min, COV = 27%). Between patients correlation was moderate even with both corrections (R = 0.53).Corrections for AIF PV and nonlinear BB relaxivity improve bolus MRI-based CBF maps. However, there remain challenges given the moderate between-patient correlation, which limit diagnostic confidence of such measurements in individual patients.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/jmri.21908

    View details for PubMedID 19787719

  • Treatment and outcomes of acute basilar artery occlusion in the Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS): a prospective registry study LANCET NEUROLOGY Schonewille, W. J., Wijman, C. A., Michel, P., Rueckert, C. M., Weimar, C., Mattle, H. P., Engelter, S. T., Tanne, D., Muir, K. W., Molina, C. A., Thijs, V., Audebert, H., Pfefferkorn, T., Szabo, K., Lindsberg, P. J., de Freitas, G., Kappelle, L. J., Algra, A. 2009; 8 (8): 724-730

    Abstract

    Treatment strategies for acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO) are based on case series and data that have been extrapolated from stroke intervention trials in other cerebrovascular territories, and information on the efficacy of different treatments in unselected patients with BAO is scarce. We therefore assessed outcomes and differences in treatment response after BAO.The Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS) is a prospective, observational registry of consecutive patients who presented with an acute symptomatic and radiologically confirmed BAO between November 1, 2002, and October 1, 2007. Stroke severity at time of treatment was dichotomised as severe (coma, locked-in state, or tetraplegia) or mild to moderate (any deficit that was less than severe). Outcome was assessed at 1 month. Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin scale score of 4 or 5, or death. Patients were divided into three groups according to the treatment they received: antithrombotic treatment only (AT), which comprised antiplatelet drugs or systemic anticoagulation; primary intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), including subsequent intra-arterial thrombolysis; or intra-arterial therapy (IAT), which comprised thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, stenting, or a combination of these approaches. Risk ratios (RR) for treatment effects were adjusted for age, the severity of neurological deficits at the time of treatment, time to treatment, prodromal minor stroke, location of the occlusion, and diabetes.619 patients were entered in the registry. 27 patients were excluded from the analyses because they did not receive AT, IVT, or IAT, and all had a poor outcome. Of the 592 patients who were analysed, 183 were treated with only AT, 121 with IVT, and 288 with IAT. Overall, 402 (68%) of the analysed patients had a poor outcome. No statistically significant superiority was found for any treatment strategy. Compared with outcome after AT, patients with a mild-to-moderate deficit (n=245) had about the same risk of poor outcome after IVT (adjusted RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.60-1.45) or after IAT (adjusted RR 1.29, 0.97-1.72) but had a worse outcome after IAT compared with IVT (adjusted RR 1.49, 1.00-2.23). Compared with AT, patients with a severe deficit (n=347) had a lower risk of poor outcome after IVT (adjusted RR 0.88, 0.76-1.01) or IAT (adjusted RR 0.94, 0.86-1.02), whereas outcomes were similar after treatment with IAT or IVT (adjusted RR 1.06, 0.91-1.22).Most patients in the BASICS registry received IAT. Our results do not support unequivocal superiority of IAT over IVT, and the efficacy of IAT versus IVT in patients with an acute BAO needs to be assessed in a randomised controlled trial.Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/S1474-4422(09)70173-5

    View details for Web of Science ID 000268555800014

    View details for PubMedID 19577962

  • Tissue Plasminogen Activator Does Not Benefit Most Eligible Patients With Stroke ARCHIVES OF NEUROLOGY Lansberg, M. G., Schwartz, N. E. 2009; 66 (4): 540-541

    View details for Web of Science ID 000265104400025

    View details for PubMedID 19364946

  • SENSE Diffusion-weighted Imaging Improves Diagnostic Sensitivity in Acute Ischemic Stroke American-Association-International-Stroke Conference 2009 Schwartz, N. E., Newbould, R. D., Skare, S., Zaharchuk, G., Mlynash, M., Olivot, J., Lansberg, M. G., Eyngorn, I., Thai, D., Albers, G. W., Bammer, R. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2009: E115–E115
  • Perfusion MRI (Tmax and MTT) correlation with xenon CT cerebral blood flow in stroke patients NEUROLOGY Olivot, J., Mlynash, M., Zaharchuk, G., Straka, M., Bammer, R., Schwartz, N., Lansberg, M. G., Moseley, M. E., Albers, G. W. 2009; 72 (13): 1140-1145

    Abstract

    While stable xenon CT (Xe-CT) cerebral blood flow (CBF) is an accepted standard for quantitative assessment of cerebral hemodynamics, the accuracy of magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI-MRI) is unclear. The Improved PWI Methodology in Acute Clinical Stroke Study compares PWI findings with Xe-CT CBF values in patients experiencing symptomatic severe cerebral hypoperfusion.We compared mean transit time (MTT) and Tmax PWI-MRI with the corresponding Xe-CT CBF values in 25 coregistered regions of interest (ROIs) of multiple sizes and locations in nine subacute stroke patients. Comparisons were performed with Pearson correlation coefficients (R). We performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses to define the threshold of Tmax and absolute MTT that could best predict a Xe-CT CBF <20 mL/100 g/minute.The subjects' mean (SD) age was 50 (15) years, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) NIH Stroke Scale score was 2 (2-6), and the median (IQR) time between MRI and Xe-CT was 12 (-7-19) hours. The total number of ROIs was 225, and the median (IQR) ROI size was 550 (360-960) pixels. Tmax correlation with Xe-CT CBF (R = 0.63, p < 0.001) was stronger than absolute MTT (R = 0.55, p < 0.001), p = 0.049. ROC curve analysis found that Tmax >4 seconds had 68% sensitivity, 80% specificity, and 77% accuracy and MTT >10 seconds had 68% sensitivity, 77% specificity, and 75% accuracy for predicting ROIs with Xe-CT CBF <20 mL/100 g/minute.Our results suggest that in subacute ischemic stroke patients, Tmax correlates better than absolute mean transit time (MTT) with xenon CT cerebral blood flow (Xe-CT CBF) and that both Tmax >4 seconds and MTT >10 seconds are strongly associated with Xe-CT CBF <20 mL/100 g/minute. CBF = cerebral blood flow; DBP = diastolic blood pressure; DEFUSE = Diffusion and Perfusion Imaging Evaluation for Understanding Stroke Evolution; DWI = diffusion-weighted imaging; EPITHET = Echoplanar Imaging Thrombolytic Evaluation Trial; FOV = field of view; ICA = internal carotid artery; IQR = interquartile range; MCA = middle cerebral artery; MTT = mean transit time; NIHSS = NIH Stroke Scale; PWI = perfusion-weighted imaging; PWI-MRI = magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging; ROC = receiver operating characteristic; ROI = region of interest; SBP = systolic blood pressure; SVD = singular value decomposition; Xe-CT = xenon CT.

    View details for DOI 10.1212/01.wnl.0000345372.49233.e3

    View details for Web of Science ID 000264709000007

    View details for PubMedID 19332690

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2680065

  • Antithrombotic agents for stroke prevention. Handbook of clinical neurology Schwartz, N. E., Diener, H., Albers, G. W. 2009; 94: 1277-1294

    View details for DOI 10.1016/S0072-9752(08)94064-1

    View details for PubMedID 18793901

  • Acute strokes in the setting of a persistent primitive trigeminal artery. BMJ case reports Schwartz, N. E., Albers, G. W. 2009; 2009: bcr2006111773-?

    View details for DOI 10.1136/bcr.2006.111773

    View details for PubMedID 21687235

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3105872

  • Risk of Symptomatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Patients Treated with Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES Singer, O. C., Berkefeld, J., Lorenz, M. W., Fiehler, J., Albers, G. W., Lansberg, M. G., Kastrup, A., Rovira, A., Liebeskind, D. S., Gass, A., Rosso, C., Derex, L., Kim, J. S., Neumann-Haefelin, T. 2009; 27 (4): 368-374

    Abstract

    In intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis trials, higher rates of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH) were found than in trials with intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA); this observation could have been due to the inclusion of more severely affected patients in IA thrombolysis trials. In the present study, we investigated the rate of sICH in IA and combined IV + IA thrombolysis versus IV thrombolysis after adjusting for differences in clinical and MRI parameters.In this multicenter study, we systematically analyzed data from 645 patients with anterior-circulation strokes treated with either IV or IA thrombolysis within 6 h following symptom onset. Thrombolytic regimens included (1) IV tPA treatment (n = 536) and (2) IA treatment with either tPA or urokinase (n = 74) or (3) combined IV + IA treatment with either tPA or urokinase (n = 35).44 (6.8%) patients developed sICH. sICH patients had significantly higher scores on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission and pretreatment DWI lesions. The sICH risk was 5.2% (n = 28) in IV thrombolysis, which is significantly lower than in IA (12.5%, n = 9) or IV + IA thrombolysis (20%, n = 7). In a binary logistic regression analysis including age, NIHSS score, time to thrombolysis, initial diffusion weighted imaging lesion size, mode of thrombolytic treatment and thrombolytic agent, the mode of thrombolytic treatment remained an independent predictor for sICH. The odds ratio for IA or IV + IA versus IV treatment was 3.466 (1.19-10.01, 95% CI, p < 0.05).In this series, IA and IV + IA thrombolysis is associated with an increased sICH risk as compared to IV thrombolysis, and this risk is independent of differences in baseline parameters such as age, initial NIHSS score or pretreatment lesion size.

    View details for DOI 10.1159/000202427

    View details for Web of Science ID 000264862500010

    View details for PubMedID 19218803

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2715450

  • Comparison of Multidetector CT Angiography and MR Imaging of Cervical Artery Dissection AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURORADIOLOGY Vertinsky, A. T., Schwartz, N. E., Fischbein, N. J., Rosenberg, J., Albers, G. W., Zaharchuk, G. 2008; 29 (9): 1753-1760

    Abstract

    Conventional angiography has been historically considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of cervical artery dissection, but MR imaging/MR angiography (MRA) and CT/CT angiography (CTA) are commonly used noninvasive alternatives. The goal of this study was to compare the ability of multidetector CT/CTA and MR imaging/MRA to detect common imaging findings of dissection.Patients in the data base of our Stroke Center between 2003 and 2007 with dissections who had CT/CTA and MR imaging/MRA on initial work-up were reviewed retrospectively. Two neuroradiologists evaluated the images for associated findings of dissection, including acute ischemic stroke, luminal narrowing, vessel irregularity, wall thickening/hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, and intimal flap. The readers also subjectively rated each vessel on the basis of whether the imaging findings were more clearly displayed with CT/CTA or MR imaging/MRA or were equally apparent.Eighteen patients with 25 dissected vessels (15 internal carotid arteries [ICA] and 10 vertebral arteries [VA]) met the inclusion criteria. CT/CTA identified more intimal flaps, pseudoaneurysms, and high-grade stenoses than MR imaging/MRA. CT/CTA was preferred for diagnosis in 13 vessels (5 ICA, 8 VA), whereas MR imaging/MRA was preferred in 1 vessel (ICA). The 2 techniques were deemed equal in the remaining 11 vessels (9 ICA, 2 VA). A significant preference for CT/CTA was noted for VA dissections (P < .05), but not for ICA dissections.Multidetector CT/CTA visualized more features of cervical artery dissection than MR imaging/MRA. CT/CTA was subjectively favored for vertebral dissection, whereas there was no technique preference for ICA dissection. In many cases, MR imaging/MRA provided complementary or confirmatory information, particularly given its better depiction of ischemic complications.

    View details for DOI 10.3174/ajnr.A1189

    View details for Web of Science ID 000260023800029

    View details for PubMedID 18635617

  • Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke - Final results of the multi MERCI trial STROKE Smith, W. S., Sung, G., Saver, J., Budzik, R., Duckwiler, G., Liebeskind, D. S., Lutsep, H. L., Rymer, M. M., Higashida, R. T., Starkman, S., Gobin, Y. P. 2008; 39 (4): 1205-1212

    Abstract

    Endovascular mechanical thrombectomy may be used during acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel intracranial occlusion. First-generation MERCI devices achieved recanalization rates of 48% and, when coupled with intraarterial thrombolytic drugs, recanalization rates of 60% have been reported. Enhancements in embolectomy device design may improve recanalization rates.Multi MERCI was an international, multicenter, prospective, single-arm trial of thrombectomy in patients with large vessel stroke treated within 8 hours of symptom onset. Patients with persistent large vessel occlusion after IV tissue plasminogen activator treatment were included. Once the newer generation (L5 Retriever) device became available, investigators were instructed to use the L5 Retriever to open vessels and could subsequently use older generation devices and/or intraarterial tissue plasminogen activator. Primary outcome was recanalization of the target vessel.One hundred sixty-four patients received thrombectomy and 131 were initially treated with the L5 Retriever. Mean age+/-SD was 68+/-16 years, and baseline median (interquartile range) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 19 (15 to 23). Treatment with the L5 Retriever resulted in successful recanalization in 75 of 131 (57.3%) treatable vessels and in 91 of 131 (69.5%) after adjunctive therapy (intraarterial tissue plasminogen activator, mechanical). Overall, favorable clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 0 to 2) occurred in 36% and mortality was 34%; both outcomes were significantly related to vascular recanalization. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 16 patients (9.8%); 4 (2.4%) of these were parenchymal hematoma type II. Clinically significant procedural complications occurred in 9 (5.5%) patients.Higher rates of recanalization were associated with a newer generation thrombectomy device compared with first-generation devices, but these differences did not achieve statistical significance. Mortality trended lower and the proportion of good clinical outcomes trended higher, consistent with better recanalization.

    View details for DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.107.497115

    View details for Web of Science ID 000254632900025

    View details for PubMedID 18309168

  • Use of antiplatelet agents to prevent stroke: What is the role for combinations of medications? CURRENT NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE REPORTS Schwartz, N. E., Albers, G. W. 2008; 8 (1): 29-34

    Abstract

    Antiplatelet agents are the medications of choice for preventing non-cardioembolic strokes. The diverse pathways involved in platelet function suggest the possibility of synergistic effects by combining various agents. In heart disease and in the setting of coronary artery stents, antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin has established benefits. Although it is tempting to extrapolate the benefits of this combination for stroke prevention, recent clinical trials have not borne this out. Unacceptable bleeding risks without additional efficacy weigh against the routine use of clopidogrel with aspirin for stroke prophylaxis. The combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole has demonstrated superiority over aspirin in two large secondary stroke prevention trials.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000256319000004

    View details for PubMedID 18367036

  • Is there a role for combinations of antiplatelet agents in stroke prevention? Current treatment options in neurology Schwartz, N. E., Albers, G. W. 2007; 9 (6): 442-450

    Abstract

    Antiplatelet medications are the agents of choice for secondary prevention of noncardioembolic ischemic strokes. Multiple clinical trials have proven their reliable albeit modest clinical benefits and relatively good safety profile. The most commonly recommended antiplatelet agents for secondary stroke prevention in North America and Europe are aspirin, clopidogrel, and the combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole. Because of the multiple pharmacologic mechanisms available for platelet inhibition, combination antiplatelet agents have the potential for synergistic effects. However, combinations of antithrombotic agents do not necessarily improve clinical efficacy and are typically associated with increased toxicity. Clopidogrel and aspirin have been used in combination in patients with diverse arterial vascular diseases. Combination antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin has established clinical benefits, particularly in coronary disease and in patients who have undergone coronary stenting. Although it is tempting to extrapolate the benefits of clopidogrel and aspirin to the setting of secondary stroke prevention, recent clinical trials have failed to document significant clinical benefits in cerebrovascular patients. This failure has occurred because of a lack of significant efficacy for prevention of vascular events and a substantial increase in bleeding risk. Therefore, the clopidogrel and aspirin combination is not recommended for recurrent stroke prevention. In general, when clopidogrel is used for cerebrovascular patients, the addition of aspirin should be avoided unless there is a specific cardiac indication such as recent acute coronary syndrome or a coronary stent. The combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole is supported by Class I data from two large studies demonstrating superiority over aspirin alone for recurrent stroke prevention. Although dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin has never been directly compared with the combination of aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole, clinical trial results favor the latter for secondary stroke prevention. Currently, there are no data for primary stroke prevention with dual antiplatelet agents regarding aspirin and extended-release dipyridamole. Limited data from the recent Clopidogrel for High Atherothrombotic Risk and Ischemic Stabilization Management and Avoidance (CHARISMA) trial indicate that the combination of clopidogrel and aspirin may be harmful, compared with aspirin alone.

    View details for PubMedID 18173943

  • The Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS) INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF STROKE Schonewille, W. J., Wijman, C. A., Michel, P., Algra, A., Kappelle, L. J. 2007; 2 (3): 220-223

    Abstract

    Basilar artery occlusion is a rare cause of stroke with a high case fatality rate and an often poor clinical outcome among survivors. Our limited knowledge on the outcome in patients with basilar artery occlusion comes from small case series of selected patients.The main purpose of the registry is to collect preliminary data that will help direct the design of a future clinical treatment trial. The target number of patients included is 500.BASICS is a prospective, observational, multi-center, international registry of consecutive patients presenting with a symptomatic and radiologically confirmed basilar artery occlusion.From November 2002 until December 2006 data have been collected on 400 patients, from 42 centers in 12 countries. Most patients were treated with IA therapy (55%), followed by antithrombotics (29%) and IV thrombolysis (6%). The overall mortality was 45%.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000248857700013

    View details for PubMedID 18705948

  • Neurological picture. Acute strokes in the setting of a persistent primitive trigeminal artery. Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry Schwartz, N. E., Albers, G. W. 2007; 78 (7): 745-?

    View details for PubMedID 17575019

  • Acute strokes in the setting of a persistent primitive trigeminal artery JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY Schwartz, N. E., Albers, G. W. 2007; 78 (7): 745-745
  • Transient isolated vertigo secondary to an acute stroke of the cerebellar nodulus ARCHIVES OF NEUROLOGY Schwartz, N. E., Venkat, C., Albers, G. W. 2007; 64 (6): 897-898

    View details for Web of Science ID 000247143500018

    View details for PubMedID 17562941

  • Clinical and radiographic history of cervical artery dissections 32nd International Stroke Conference Hirsch, K., Vertinsky, T., Albers, G. W., Schwartz, N. E. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS. 2007: 587–87
  • Magnetic resonance perfusion-weighted imaging predicts symptomatic vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhag AANS Schwartz, N. E. 2007
  • Action at a distance: A lumbar spine tumor presenting as trigeminal neuralgia CLINICAL NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY Schwartz, N. E., Rosenberg, S., So, Y. T. 2006; 108 (8): 806-808

    Abstract

    Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is often secondary to an underlying structural cause, frequently compression of the fifth nerve root by an ectatic artery. Here we describe a case of a 36-year-old woman with symptoms of TN who was found to have severe communicating hydrocephalus. Further investigation revealed a lumbar myxopapillary ependymoma, which in turn was responsible for the communicating hydrocephalus. An argument connecting these seemingly disparate findings is made. This unusual set of circumstances is an example of "action at a distance" in the nervous system, and reminds clinicians to think broadly about the various pathophysiologic mechanisms that can potentially underlie common disorders.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.clineuro.2006.02.001

    View details for PubMedID 16530323

  • Physiological activation of presynaptic metabotropic glutamate receptors increases intracellular calcium and glutamate release JOURNAL OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGY Schwartz, N. E., Alford, S. 2000; 84 (1): 415-427

    Abstract

    Activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) has diverse effects on the functioning of vertebrate synapses. The cellular mechanisms that underlie these changes, however, are largely unknown. The role of presynaptic mGluRs in modulating Ca(2+) dynamics and regulating neurotransmitter release was investigated at the vestibulospinal-reticulospinal (VS-RS) synapse in the lamprey brain stem. Application of the specific Group I mGluRs antagonist 7-(hydroxyimino) cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxylate ethyl ester (CPCCOEt) reduced the amplitude of consecutive high-frequency evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs). A series of experiments using techniques of electrophysiology and calcium imaging were carried out to determine the cellular mechanisms by which this phenomenon occurs. Concentration-dependent increases in the pre- and postsynaptic [Ca(2+)](i) were seen with the application of mGluR agonists. Similarly, high-frequency stimulation of axons caused a Group I mGluR-dependent enhancement in presynaptic Ca(2+) transients. Application of mGluR agonist caused a depolarization of the presynaptic elements, while thapsigargin decreased the high-frequency stimulus- and agonist-induced rises in [Ca(2+)](i). These data suggest that both membrane depolarization and the release of Ca(2+) from intracellular stores potentially play a role in mGluR-induced Ca(2+) signaling. To determine the effect of this modulation of Ca(2+) dynamics on spontaneous glutamate release, miniature EPSCs were recorded from postsynaptic reticulospinal neurons. A potent Group I mGluR agonist, (S)-homoquisqualic acid, caused a large increase in the frequency of events. These results demonstrate the presence of presynaptic Group I mGluRs at the VS-RS synapse. Activation of these receptors leads to a rise in [Ca(2+)](i) and enhances the spontaneous and evoked release of glutamate. Taken together, these studies highlight the importance of synaptic activation of these facilitatory autoreceptors in both short-term plasticity and synaptic transmission.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000088215000038

    View details for PubMedID 10899215

  • Modulation of pre- and postsynaptic calcium dynamics by ionotropic glutamate receptors at a plastic synapse JOURNAL OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGY Schwartz, N. E., Alford, S. 1998; 79 (4): 2191-2203

    Abstract

    This study was conducted to assess the role of ionotropic glutamate receptors in the modulation of calcium dynamics on both sides of a vertebrate plastic synapse. Retrograde labeling of neuronal elements with high-affinity calcium-sensitive dyes was used in conjunction with confocal imaging techniques in an in vitro lamprey brain stem preparation. A prolonged calcium transient was measured both pre- and postsynaptically in response to a period of high-frequency ("tetanic") stimulation to the vestibulospinal-reticulospinal synapse. The ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (10 microM) and D,L-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoate (D,L-AP5; 100 microM) reduced the calcium signal in both compartments of the synapse. The presynaptic D,L-AP5-sensitive component was enhanced markedly by the removal of Mg2+ from the superfusate. Increasing the extracellular stimulus intensity progressively augmented the presynaptic calcium signal, suggesting the recruitment of excitatory axo-axonic inputs onto these fibers. Further, the presence of an excitatory amino acid-mediated presynaptic potential underlying a component of the Ca2+ signal was demonstrated by electrophysiological recordings from vestibulospinal axons. Bath application of agonist, in the presence of tetrodotoxin (1 microM), confirmed the existence of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors at the presynaptic element capable of modulating calcium levels. The postsynaptic Ca2+ response, which is known to be necessary for long-term potentiation (LTP) induction at this synapse, was localized to areas of the dendritic tree that correlated with the location of known synaptic inputs; thus the synaptically activated rise in postsynaptic calcium may confer the synapse specificity of LTP induction previously demonstrated. In summary, we have demonstrated the existence of physiologically activated presynaptic ionotropic glutamate receptors that are capable of modulating levels of intracellular calcium and have highlighted the importance of receptor-mediated increases in postsynaptic calcium for neuronal plasticity in the lamprey.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000073273700049

    View details for PubMedID 9535978