BACKGROUND:Cerebral edema is a life-threatening complication of ischemic stroke that disproportionally affects patients with large established infarction. We assessed whether endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) reduces or exacerbates edema development, and the association between edema with short-term and long-term outcomes in this high-risk population. METHODS:In this prespecified secondary analysis of the SELECT2 randomized clinical trial (Randomized Controlled Trial to Optimize Patient's Selection for Endovascular Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke), which tested the efficacy and safety of EVT versus medical management in adult patients with acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion presenting with large ischemic core (defined as Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score of 3-5 or core volume ≥50 mL on computed tomography perfusion or diffusion magnetic resonance imaging), we assessed maximum midline shift (MLS) within 7 days of randomization between treatment groups using a probabilistic index model. RESULTS:After exclusion of 10 patients who underwent hemicraniectomy before follow-up imaging, 342 patients were analyzed. The median MLS on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography was 6.39 mm (interquartile range, 0-12.0) in the EVT and 4.18 mm (interquartile range, 0-9.66) in medical management patients (P=0.021). EVT was independently associated with greater MLS (adjusted odds ratio, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.25-2.12]; P=0.0027) after adjusting for age and core volume. There was no interaction between EVT and core volume at presentation on the association with MLS (P>0.79). MLS was associated with the development of early neurological worsening (adjusted odds ratio, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.07-1.23]; P<0.001), and a lower likelihood of long-term functional improvement assessed on modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days (adjusted odds ratio, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.93-0.98]; P=0.0029). On mediation analysis, cerebral edema reduced the effect of EVT on functional outcome by 10.6%. CONCLUSIONS:Despite overall clinical benefit, EVT in patients presenting with a large ischemic core was associated with increased cerebral edema, which, in turn, was associated with early neurological worsening and worse functional outcome at 90 days. Early recognition and individualized treatment to prevent secondary injury from cerebral edema in this population are warranted. REGISTRATION:URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03876457.

BACKGROUND:Patients with extensive ischaemic change are often excluded from endovascular thrombectomy. We aimed to synthesise the evidence from recent trials in these patients by performing a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis to estimate treatment benefit, including within clinical and imaging subgroups. METHODS:In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed and Embase for randomised trials published between March 1, 2018, and March 1, 2025, that evaluated efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy compared with medical management in patients with large-core ischaemic stroke (based on an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score [ASPECTS] of ≤5 or estimated ischaemic core ≥50 mL) presenting within 24 h of onset. Individual patient-level data from all eligible trials were obtained. A central imaging core laboratory readjudicated ASPECTS and reanalysed ischaemic core volume. A two-stage meta-analysis with random-effects model was used to evaluate the distribution of 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores (the primary outcome) using adjusted pooled generalised odds ratios (aGenORs). Missing data were handled by multiple imputation. Safety outcomes were all-cause mortality within 90-day follow-up and neurological worsening within 24-48 h of randomisation, reported as adjusted pooled relative risk (aRR); and symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage within 36 h of randomisation (reported as risk difference). Subgroup analyses based on clinical and imaging characteristics were done, including subgroups defined by ischaemic core volume, ASPECTS, and time window from onset to randomisation. The meta-analysis was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251058584). FINDINGS:We included 1886 patients (944 assigned to endovascular thrombectomy and 942 assigned to medical management) from six trials. Baseline characteristics were similar between treatment groups. At day 90, the distribution of mRS scores was improved in patients in the endovascular thrombectomy group (median score 4 [IQR 3-6]; n=940) versus those in the medical management group (5 [4-6]; n=931; aGenOR 1·63 [95% CI 1·42-1·88], p<0·0001). The endovascular thrombectomy group also had reduced mortality (292 [31·1%]) compared with the medical management group (347 [37·3%]; aRR 0·82 [95% CI 0·70-0·97], p=0·022). No significant differences were observed in symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (ten [1·1%] of 944 vs nine [1·0%] of 942 patients; pooled unadjusted risk difference -0·17 percentage points [95% CI -1·01 to 0·67], p=0·69) or neurological worsening (197 [22·0%] of 896 patients vs 161 [17·9%] of 899; aRR 1·19 [0·87-1·62], p=0·27). Improved functional outcomes with endovascular thrombectomy were consistent across clinical and imaging subgroups, except for those with an estimated ischaemic core volume of 150 mL or greater, in whom point estimates favoured endovascular thrombectomy, particularly in the early time window (0-6 h), but wide 95% CIs limited interpretation. INTERPRETATION:Endovascular thrombectomy was associated with improved functional outcomes and reduced mortality versus medical management in patients with large-core ischaemic stroke presenting within 24 h of onset. With the exception of very extensive ischaemic changes (core volume ≥150 mL) presenting beyond 6 h, where evidence remains limited, benefit was sustained across ASPECTS and ischaemic core strata for patients presenting up to 24 h after onset. FUNDING:None.

In acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), hematoma mass and perihematomal edema (PHE) contribute to elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). The release of red blood cell lysis products accelerates PHE formation. Animal studies show that the accumulation of blood-clotting factors contributes to PHE growth. Controlling hematoma expansion (HE) remains a medical priority. Promoting hematoma coagulation reduces HE; however, coagulation may increase PHE. Using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for imaging coagulation status, we studied the interaction between coagulation and PHE. Twenty patients with hypertensive ICH who completed three consecutive MRIs at three time points (T1, T2, T3) within the first 72 h after onset were included in this study. Images were obtained on a 3 T MRI system with three-dimensional (3D) FLAIR, T1w, and multi-gradient echo (mGRE) sequences. FLAIR and mGRE images quantified the hematoma volume (HV) and PHE volume, while clotted blood volume (CBVol) was measured via Quantitative Susceptibility Maps (QSM). Within the hematoma, voxels with susceptibility greater than 0.5 ppm were considered clotted blood. CBVol was analyzed in relation to hematoma and PHE volumes. Group-wise comparisons across serial time points were performed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Among 12 M/8F patients, the mean age was 63.4 ± 11.5 years. Between the first (T1) and last imaging (T3), the PHE volume (22.6 ± 14.2 to 31.5 ± 20.2 mL; p = 0.005), and CBVol (3.21 ± 3.3 to 5.58 ± 4.8 mL; p = 0.0007) significantly increased. The CBVol demonstrated a significant positive correlation with PHE volume at T2 (r = 0.543, p < 0.05) and T3 (r = 0.80, p < 0.001). After adjusting for HV, the association remained independently significant at T3 [(partial r = 0.554, p = 0.021)]. Similarly, HV showed a strongly significant association with PHE volume at all time points (p < 0.001), and after adjusting for CBVol, the association remained significant across all time points [(partial r = 0.578–0.692, all p < 0.02)]. Both hematoma clotting and hematoma size influence PHE volume. The findings of this study have implications for clinical management when treating patients with procoagulant therapies.

Background and ObjectivesAlthough previous trials have established the efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in large ischemic core strokes, most of them excluded patients with extracranial internal carotid artery (e-ICA) occlusion. We aimed to compare outcomes in patients with e-ICA occlusion and large ischemic core infarcts treated with EVT vs medical management (MM).MethodsThis was a secondary analysis of the SELECT2 trial, a randomized controlled trial conducted at 31 international sites. Adult patients with proximal intracranial anterior circulation large ischemic strokes, defined as Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) 3-5 on noncontrast CT or ischemic core >= 50 mL on CT-perfusion/magnetic resonance-diffusion imaging, and concomitant e-ICA occlusion were selected. The primary outcomes were the distribution of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90-day follow-up and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH).ResultsAmong 352 enrolled patients, 62 (17.6%) with e-ICA occlusions were included. Of those 62 patients, 37 received EVT (median [interquartile range (IQR)] age, 65 [58-71] years; 15 women [38.5%]) and 25 received MM (median [IQR] age, 66 [61-71] years; 7 women [28%]). ASPECTS (EVT: 5 [3-5] vs MM: 5 [4-5]) and ischemic core volume (EVT: 100 [69-134] mL vs MM: 103 [78-135] mL) were similar between groups. The successful reperfusion rate with EVT was 64.9%. Patients receiving EVT demonstrated significantly better functional outcomes (adjusted generalized odds ratio 2.51; 95% CI 1.43-4.39; p = 0.001) and a higher proportion of patients achieving 90-day independent ambulation (EVT: 37.8% vs MM: 8%; adjusted relative ratio [aRR] 4.58; 95% CI 1.18-17.79; p = 0.037) and functional independence (EVT: 21.6% vs MM: 8%; aRR 2.16; 95% CI 0.53-8.83; p = 0.285). Furthermore, no heterogeneity of EVT benefit was observed by the presence or absence of e-ICA occlusion (p-interaction = 0.248). There were no sICH or parenchymal hemorrhage type 2 events in either group, and mortality was similar in the 2 groups (aRR 0.75; 95% CI 0.39-1.45; p = 0.388).DiscussionAmong patients with e-ICA occlusions and large ischemic core stroke, EVT was associated with better functional outcomes without significant safety concerns when compared with MM. Our findings suggest that EVT in these patients is beneficial, while the optimal treatment of the extracranial carotid occlusion remains unclear.Trial Registration InformationName of the trial: SELECT2 trial. Registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03876457. Date of registration submission: August 3, 2019. Date of first patient enrollment: November 10, 2019.Classification of EvidenceThis study provides Class II evidence that for patients with large core acute ischemic stroke and concomitant e-ICA occlusion, EVT is associated with better functional outcome at 90 days compared with MM alone.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Brain parenchymal mass effect after acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) causes neurologic deficits by displacing and or damaging the corticospinal tract (CST). The impact of corticospinal tract displacement (CSTD) on arm recovery and the influence of hematoma reversal on recovery are not well understood. We conducted a serial MRI study to explore these relationships. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Eighteen patients with spontaneous subcortical ICH were scanned on days 2 (baseline) and 90 (90 days) of onset. We used 3D-anatomic and 2D-DTI MRI, segmenting hematoma volume (HV), perihematomal edema (PHE), and the posterior limbs of the internal capsule (PLIC) volume labeled as native space. Presegmented PLIC volumes labeled as standard PLIC were obtained by using DTI-atlas. All segmented volumes were registered on a standard T1-weighted image followed by inverse-matrix transformation. Centroid-coordinates in native and standard PLIC were determined and a change in Euclidean distance was used to assess CSTD. Additionally, we measured changes in corticospinal tract volume due to lesion load (LLCSTV). ICH severity and upper extremity impairment were assessed by using NIHSS and Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (FM-UE) scores. A generalized linear mixed-model was applied to analyze CSTD and volume changes. A Bayesian inference was used to determine the posterior probability (PP). The CSTD, LLCSTV, and HV were correlated with NIHSS and FM-UE scores. RESULTS:We enrolled 11 men and 7 women, with a mean age of 54.8 (standard deviation = 11.8). Analyses found strong support for temporal change in hematoma volume (14.8 ± 23.7 to 4.46 ± 4.99 mL) 75.5% decrease in log HV (b = -1.41, PP > 99.9%), a 64.3% decrease in NIHSS (b = -7.95, PP > 99.9%), and a 111.8% increase (25.9 ± 22.0 to 41.0 ± 22.1 mL) in FM-UE (b = 20.2, PP = 99.8%). The average ipsilesional (absolute = 10.1 ± 4.5 to 5.78 ± 2.26 mm) log CSTD decreased by 44.9% (b = -0.59, PP = 99.9%). The LLCSTV (27.8 ± 3.8 to 31.4 ± 2.8 mL) increased by 12.9% (b = 3.69, PP > 99.9%). Both ipsilesional log CSTD (b = -0.011, PP > 99.2%) and CST volume (b = 0.06, PP >99.8%), were strongly associated with arm recovery (FM-UE) substantiated by a strong association with stroke severity (NIHSS). CONCLUSIONS:We present a quantitative surrogate imaging marker of CSTD and its association with arm recovery after ICH.

BACKGROUND:We aimed to determine whether extensive severe computed tomography (CT) hypodensity, representing blood-brain barrier injury, would be associated with a reduced benefit of endovascular therapy (EVT) in patients presenting with large core stroke. METHODS:This study is an exploratory analysis of SELECT2 (Randomized Controlled Trial to Optimize Patient's Selection for Endovascular Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke), a randomized controlled trial of EVT versus medical management in patients with large ischemic core who presented to 31 comprehensive stroke centers across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Visible CT hypodensity was outlined, and a threshold of severe CT hypodensity was defined as the lower 99% CI of contralateral thalamic gray matter in Hounsfield units (HU). The association between the volume of severe CT hypodensity and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 3 was evaluated using logistic regression models, with adjustment for age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, total noncontrast CT core volume, and a volume-by-treatment interaction. The relationship between severe CT hypodensity volume and the probability of an mRS score of 0 to 3 was used to select clinically relevant volume cut points for further evaluation. The treatment effect of EVT versus medical management on independent ambulation and hemicraniectomy was assessed in 2 subgroups based on these volume cut points. RESULTS:In 322 patients, the median CT density was 31 HU (interquartile range, 28-34). The selected threshold of severe CT hypodensity was 26 HU. The volume of ischemic core ≤26 HU (per 1 mL increase) was associated with lower odds of mRS score of 0 to 3 after EVT (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.96 [95% CI, 0.94-0.99]), but not medical management (aOR, 1.01 [95% CI, 0.98-1.03]; Pinteraction<0.01). In 101 patients with ≥26 mL of severe CT hypodensity, EVT, compared with medical management, was not associated with mRS score of 0 to 3 (aOR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.33-2.88]) and was associated with hemicraniectomy (≥26 mL: aOR, 3.45 [95% CI, 1.09-10.86] versus <26 mL: aOR, 0.74 [95% CI, 0.31-1.75]; Pinteraction=0.03), whereas among 221 patients with <26 mL of severe hypodensity EVT was associated with mRS score of 0 to 3 (aOR, 7.20 [95% CI, 3.55-15.47]; Pinteraction<0.01). CONCLUSIONS:Severe hypodensity within large ischemic regions modifies the thrombectomy treatment effect and increases the likelihood of hemicraniectomy, independent of lesion volume. REGISTRATION:URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03876457.

The association of anesthesia approach during endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) with clinical outcomes in large strokes is unexplored. We aimed to evaluate whether general anesthesia (GA), compared with non-GA, was associated with better functional outcomes in the SELECT2 trial. In a prespecified secondary analysis of the SELECT2 trial that enrolled patients with large strokes on noncontrast CT (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score [ASPECTS] 3-5), CT perfusion/MRI (core volume ≥50 mL), or both, functional outcomes were compared in EVT-treated patients who received GA or non-GA and whether this association was modified by stroke severity (NIH Stroke Scale score), ischemic injury estimates, and collateral status was evaluated. The primary outcome was 90-day functional status (ordinal modified Rankin Scale [mRS]). Secondary outcomes were functional independence (mRS scores 0-2), independent ambulation (mRS scores 0-3), complete dependence or death (mRS scores 5-6), and mortality. Of 178 EVT patients (median [interquartile range] age 66 [58-75] years, stroke severity 19 [15-23], CT-ASPECTS 4 [3-5], and core volume 101.5 [70-138] mL, 71 women [39.9%]), 104 (58%) received GA. Time from randomization to arterial puncture was longer with GA (40 [23-59] minutes) vs non-GA (27 [18-47] minutes), but procedural duration (GA: 57 [31.5-77] minutes vs non-GA: 49.5 [30-71] minutes) was similar. Successful reperfusion (modified treatment in cerebral infarction [mTICI] score 2b-3) rates were similar (GA 81 (78%) vs non-GA 62 (84%), adjusted relative risk [aRR] 0.91, 95% CI 0.79-1.06). In addition, mRS distribution did not differ between GA and non-GA groups (adjusted generalized odds ratio 1.21, 95% CI 0.86-1.70), as well as independent ambulation (GA: 41% vs non-GA: 34%, aRR 1.22, 95% CI 0.86-1.74) and functional independence (GA: 22% vs non-GA: 18%, aRR 1.32, 95% CI 0.75-2.35). Stroke severity, ASPECTS, ischemic core volume, or collaterals did not modify the association between anesthesia and functional outcome (all p-interaction >0.05). Patients experienced systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability ≥40 mm Hg and minimum intraprocedural SBP (<100 mm Hg) more frequently with GA, but this did not modify GA association with functional outcomes (p-interaction = 0.77 and 0.89, respectively). In patients with large core strokes randomized in SELECT2, EVT outcomes did not differ significantly based on anesthesia approach (GA or non-GA) without heterogeneity across stroke severity and size. While GA was associated with higher SBP variability and lower minimum SBP, this did not modify GA association with functional outcomes. While allocation to anesthesia approach was nonrandomized, our findings suggest that optimizing institutional protocols for preferred anesthesia technique, whether GA or non-GA, may enhance EVT procedural outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03876457. This study provides Class II evidence that in patients presenting within 24 hours with large vessel occlusion strokes undergoing EVT, the 90-day mRS score is comparable in those with or without GA.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Although previous trials have established the efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in large ischemic core strokes, most of them excluded patients with extracranial internal carotid artery (e-ICA) occlusion. We aimed to compare outcomes in patients with e-ICA occlusion and large ischemic core infarcts treated with EVT vs medical management (MM). METHODS:This was a secondary analysis of the SELECT2 trial, a randomized controlled trial conducted at 31 international sites. Adult patients with proximal intracranial anterior circulation large ischemic strokes, defined as Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) 3-5 on noncontrast CT or ischemic core ≥50 mL on CT-perfusion/magnetic resonance-diffusion imaging, and concomitant e-ICA occlusion were selected. The primary outcomes were the distribution of modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90-day follow-up and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH). RESULTS:Among 352 enrolled patients, 62 (17.6%) with e-ICA occlusions were included. Of those 62 patients, 37 received EVT (median [interquartile range (IQR)] age, 65 [58-71] years; 15 women [38.5%]) and 25 received MM (median [IQR] age, 66 [61-71] years; 7 women [28%]). ASPECTS (EVT: 5 [3-5] vs MM: 5 [4-5]) and ischemic core volume (EVT: 100 [69-134] mL vs MM: 103 [78-135] mL) were similar between groups. The successful reperfusion rate with EVT was 64.9%. Patients receiving EVT demonstrated significantly better functional outcomes (adjusted generalized odds ratio 2.51; 95% CI 1.43-4.39; p = 0.001) and a higher proportion of patients achieving 90-day independent ambulation (EVT: 37.8% vs MM: 8%; adjusted relative ratio [aRR] 4.58; 95% CI 1.18-17.79; p = 0.037) and functional independence (EVT: 21.6% vs MM: 8%; aRR 2.16; 95% CI 0.53-8.83; p = 0.285). Furthermore, no heterogeneity of EVT benefit was observed by the presence or absence of e-ICA occlusion (p-interaction = 0.248). There were no sICH or parenchymal hemorrhage type 2 events in either group, and mortality was similar in the 2 groups (aRR 0.75; 95% CI 0.39-1.45; p = 0.388). DISCUSSION:Among patients with e-ICA occlusions and large ischemic core stroke, EVT was associated with better functional outcomes without significant safety concerns when compared with MM. Our findings suggest that EVT in these patients is beneficial, while the optimal treatment of the extracranial carotid occlusion remains unclear. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION:Name of the trial: SELECT2 trial. Registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03876457. Date of registration submission: August 3, 2019. Date of first patient enrollment: November 10, 2019. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE:This study provides Class II evidence that for patients with large core acute ischemic stroke and concomitant e-ICA occlusion, EVT is associated with better functional outcome at 90 days compared with MM alone.

BACKGROUND:Several social and biological factors are shown to differentially affect stroke outcomes between men and women. We evaluated whether clinical outcomes and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) treatment effects differed between the sexes in patients presenting with large ischemic stroke. METHODS:The SELECT2 trial (A Randomized Controlled Trial to Optimize Patient's Selection for Endovascular Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke) was a randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy and safety of EVT in patients with large strokes across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand between October 2019 and September 2022. In this subanalysis, baseline characteristics and clinical and imaging outcomes were compared between women and men, each further divided into cohorts receiving medical treatment without and with EVT. Functional outcomes at 90-day and 1-year follow-ups were assessed using regression models, adjusting for potential confounders. Sex-related effect modification was examined. RESULTS:Women accounted for 145 (41%) of 352 patients enrolled in the SELECT2 trial. Seventy-one (49%) of 145 women and 109 (53%) of 207 men underwent EVT. Endovascular intervention was associated with better functional outcomes (women: adjusted generalized odds ratio, 1.73 [1.22-2.45]; men: adjusted generalized odds ratio, 1.66 [1.24-2.23]; P-int: 0.94), functional independence (women: EVT, 20% versus medical management, 4%; adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 5.04 [1.59-16.02]; men: EVT, 20% versus medical management, 9%; aRR, 1.99 [0.99-4.02]; P-int: 0.20), and independent ambulation (women: EVT, 39% versus medical management, 16%; aRR, 2.44 [1.40-4.24]; men: EVT, 38% versus medical management, 20%; aRR, 1.98 [1.29-3.03]; P-int: 0.67) in both men and women at 90-day follow-up, without significant heterogeneity. Similar results were observed at 1-year follow-up. In women, as age increased (aRR, 0.97 [95% CI, 0.95-0.99]; P=0.004 per year) and core volume estimates increased (aRR, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.98-1.00]; P=0.015 per mL increase), the rate of independent ambulation after EVT decreased. A similar association of age and core volume was seen in men. CONCLUSIONS:EVT treatment benefit was maintained in both women and men, with higher rates of functional independence and independent ambulation as compared with medical management. Age and estimated core infarct volume were independently associated with independent ambulation in both male and female patients. EVT should be equally considered for patients of both sexes meeting large core eligibility criteria. REGISTRATION:URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03876457.

Background The incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and its effect on the outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for patients with large core infarcts have not been well-characterized. Methods SELECT2 trial follow-up imaging was evaluated using the Heidelberg Bleeding Classification (HBC) to define hemorrhage grade. The association of ICH with clinical outcomes and treatment effect was examined. Results Of 351 included patients, 194 (55%) and 189 (54%) demonstrated intracranial and intracerebral hemorrhage, respectively, with a higher incidence in EVT (134 (75%) and 130 (73%)) versus medical management (MM) (60 (35%) and 59 (34%), both P<0.001). Hemorrhagic infarction type 1 (HBC=1a) and type 2 (HBC=1b) accounted for 93% of all hemorrhages. Parenchymal hematoma (PH) type 1 (HBC=1c) and type 2 (HBC=2) were observed in 1 (0.6%) EVT-treated and 4 (2.2%) MM patients. Symptomatic ICH (sICH) (SITS-MOST definition) was seen in 0.6% EVT patients and 1.2% MM patients. No trend for ICH with core volumes (P=0.10) or Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) (P=0.74) was observed. Among EVT patients, the presence of any ICH did not worsen clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days: 4 (3-6) vs 4 (3-6); adjusted generalized OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.47, P>0.99) or modify EVT treatment effect (P-interaction=0.77). Conclusions ICH was present in 75% of the EVT population, but PH or sICH were infrequent. The presence of any ICH did not worsen functional outcomes or modify EVT treatment effect at 90-day follow-up. The high rate of hemorrhages overall still represents an opportunity for adjunctive therapies in EVT patients with a large ischemic core.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:The association of anesthesia approach during endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) with clinical outcomes in large strokes is unexplored. We aimed to evaluate whether general anesthesia (GA), compared with non-GA, was associated with better functional outcomes in the SELECT2 trial. METHODS:In a prespecified secondary analysis of the SELECT2 trial that enrolled patients with large strokes on noncontrast CT (Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score [ASPECTS] 3-5), CT perfusion/MRI (core volume ≥50 mL), or both, functional outcomes were compared in EVT-treated patients who received GA or non-GA and whether this association was modified by stroke severity (NIH Stroke Scale score), ischemic injury estimates, and collateral status was evaluated. The primary outcome was 90-day functional status (ordinal modified Rankin Scale [mRS]). Secondary outcomes were functional independence (mRS scores 0-2), independent ambulation (mRS scores 0-3), complete dependence or death (mRS scores 5-6), and mortality. RESULTS:Of 178 EVT patients (median [interquartile range] age 66 [58-75] years, stroke severity 19 [15-23], CT-ASPECTS 4 [3-5], and core volume 101.5 [70-138] mL, 71 women [39.9%]), 104 (58%) received GA. Time from randomization to arterial puncture was longer with GA (40 [23-59] minutes) vs non-GA (27 [18-47] minutes), but procedural duration (GA: 57 [31.5-77] minutes vs non-GA: 49.5 [30-71] minutes) was similar. Successful reperfusion (modified treatment in cerebral infarction [mTICI] score 2b-3) rates were similar (GA 81 (78%) vs non-GA 62 (84%), adjusted relative risk [aRR] 0.91, 95% CI 0.79-1.06). In addition, mRS distribution did not differ between GA and non-GA groups (adjusted generalized odds ratio 1.21, 95% CI 0.86-1.70), as well as independent ambulation (GA: 41% vs non-GA: 34%, aRR 1.22, 95% CI 0.86-1.74) and functional independence (GA: 22% vs non-GA: 18%, aRR 1.32, 95% CI 0.75-2.35). Stroke severity, ASPECTS, ischemic core volume, or collaterals did not modify the association between anesthesia and functional outcome (all p-interaction >0.05). Patients experienced systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability ≥40 mm Hg and minimum intraprocedural SBP (<100 mm Hg) more frequently with GA, but this did not modify GA association with functional outcomes (p-interaction = 0.77 and 0.89, respectively). DISCUSSION:In patients with large core strokes randomized in SELECT2, EVT outcomes did not differ significantly based on anesthesia approach (GA or non-GA) without heterogeneity across stroke severity and size. While GA was associated with higher SBP variability and lower minimum SBP, this did not modify GA association with functional outcomes. While allocation to anesthesia approach was nonrandomized, our findings suggest that optimizing institutional protocols for preferred anesthesia technique, whether GA or non-GA, may enhance EVT procedural outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION:ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03876457. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE:This study provides Class II evidence that in patients presenting within 24 hours with large vessel occlusion strokes undergoing EVT, the 90-day mRS score is comparable in those with or without GA.

Introduction: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) reduces disability in patients with large ischemic core stroke. Increasing core volume is prognostic but does not modify treatment effect. CT hypodensity can vary within an area of core. We assessed the relationship between the severity of CT core hypodensity and clinical outcome in the SELECT2 trial. Methods: Non-contrast CT ischemic core was drawn manually by two blinded investigators with consensus review by a third investigator. An absolute Hounsfield unit (HU) threshold for severe hypodensity was set at the lower 99% confidence interval [CI] for normal contralateral thalamic grey matter. Outcomes assessed included ordinal mRS, functional independence (mRS 0-2), independent ambulation (mRS 0-3), and mortality at 90 days. The association between the volume of severe hypodensity and outcome was adjusted for age, baseline NIHSS, and total baseline core volume, via logistic and proportional odds models with treatment*hypodensity interaction. Results: Of 317 assessable patients, the median hypodensity of ischemic core was 31HU (IQR 28-33). Median density of normal thalamus was 38HU. The severe hypodensity threshold (lower 99% CI) was 26HU with median volume affected 14mL (IQR 5.6-29.2) or median 19% (IQR 9-35%) of the total hypodensity volume. The volume of core ≤26HU (per 1 mL increase) was associated with a 90-day mRS shift towards worse outcomes in EVT patients (n=161, adjusted common odds ratio, acOR 1.03, 95%CI 1.01-1.05) but not medical management ([MM], n=156, acOR 1.00, 95%CI 0.98-1.02, p-interaction 0.005); lower functional independence in EVT (aOR 0.96 95%CI 0.93-0.99) but not MM (aOR 1.02, 95%CI 0.99-1.06, p-interaction 0.004); lower independent ambulation in EVT (aOR 0.97, 95%CI 0.94-0.99) but not MM (aOR 1.01, 95%CI 0.98-1.04, p-interaction 0.002) and higher mortality in EVT (aOR 1.03, 95%CI 1.01-1.05) but not MM (aOR 1.00, 95%CI 0.98-1.02, p-interaction 0.02). Conclusion: In patients with large ischemic core, areas of significant CT hypodensity are associated with worse clinical outcomes after EVT but not MM. This is independent of total core volume and modifies the treatment effect of EVT. This may improve prognostic decision-making and drive developments in automated image processing.

Diagnosing and differentiating spinal vascular pathologic conditions is challenging. Small structures, lengthy imaging examinations, and overlapping imaging features increase the difficulty. Yet, subtle findings and helpful protocols can narrow the differential diagnosis. The authors aim to help radiologists make ac-curate and timely diagnoses of spinal vascular pathologic conditions in and around the spinal cord by highlighting spinal vascular anatomy, imaging findings, and three broad categories of abnormalities: infarcts, anomalies, and tumors.

Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) was shown to be safe and efficacious in patients with large core stroke in multiple randomized controlled trials. However, the impact of reperfusion and other procedural metrics on EVT outcomes in this population has not been well-characterized. Methods: From the SELECT2 trial, we evaluated the association between reperfusion status, first-pass effect (near-complete or complete reperfusion [extended thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (eTICI) 2c-3] in 1 pass), procedure time and primary technique (aspiration vs stent-retriever) with functional outcomes in patients receiving EVT across ASPECTS (3 vs 4 vs 5) and core estimate strata (<70 vs >= 70ml, <100 vs >= 100ml, and <150 vs >= 150ml). Results: Of 180 patients who received thrombectomy, 144 (80%) achieved successful reperfusion (eTICI 2b-3) and demonstrated better clinical outcomes (adjusted generalized odds ratios [aGenOR]: 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-2.15), compared with unsuccessful reperfusion. Results were consistent across ASPECTS and core estimate strata. Additionally, complete or near-complete reperfusion (eTICI 2c-3) was associated with better functional outcome (aGenOR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.33-2.97) in patients achieving successful reperfusion. Functional outcome point estimates favored those with first-pass-effect (42 of 167 (25%), aGenOR: 1.46, 95% CI: 0.96-2.24). Longer procedure time was associated with worse modified Rankin scale (mRS) distribution (aGenOR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.96, p-value = 0.001 for 10 minutes increment). Aspiration-first technique was used in 43 of 154 (25%) patients and was not associated with higher reperfusion (88% vs 78%, p = 0.18) or better functional outcome (aGenOR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.50-1.10) as compared with stent-retriever first. Interpretation: Successful reperfusion resulted in improved clinical outcomes in large core patients across baseline ischemic core strata. Near complete or complete reperfusion was further associated with better outcomes, whereas prolonged procedures were associated with worse outcomes. Results were consistent regardless of the technique used.

OBJECTIVE:Among patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) and large ischemic cores, critical decisions often need to be made about decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) or early withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy (WLST). In this study, we aimed to evaluate utilization of DHC and early WLST and factors associated with them in patients with large strokes from the SELECT2 trial. METHODS:We analyzed the entire SELECT2 trial population, which randomized 352 patients with stroke due to LVO and large ischemic cores to endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) or medical management. We used the as-treated principle to compare the use of DHC and early WLST within 7 days after randomization. We further assessed functional outcomes (modified Rankin Score) after these decisions. RESULTS:Of 352 patients enrolled in this study, 55 received DHC and 81 transitioned to early WLST. Patients treated with EVT were as likely to undergo DHC (16% vs 15%, adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 1.19, 95% CI:0.75-1.88, p = 0.46) or WLST (22% vs 24%, aRR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.66-1.34, p = 0.72) as those given medical management. DHC was used more frequently in younger patients and WLST more in older patients. EVT efficacy was maintained after adjusting for DHC (adjusted generalized odds ratio [aGenOR] = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.24-2.11, p < 0.001), with no interaction between DHC and treatment (p-interaction = 0.93). At 1 year, 21% of DHC-treated patients were ambulatory; the outcomes were universally poor after early WLST. INTERPRETATION:In the SELECT2 trial of patients with large ischemic core, DHC was performed in ~1 of 6 patients and early WLST in ~1 of 5 patients, without differences based on treatment with EVT or medical management, nor successful reperfusion. DHC or WLST did not detract from thrombectomy treatment benefit. Additionally, ~20% of patients achieved independent ambulation despite receiving DHC by the 1-year follow-up. The similar distribution of these critical care decisions provides reassurance that the overall trial outcomes were not biased by open-label treatment allocation. ANN NEUROL 2025;97:698-708.

Importance Patients with large ischemic core stroke have poor clinical outcomes and are frequently not considered for interfacility transfer for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Objective To assess EVT treatment effects in transferred vs directly presenting patients and to evaluate the association between transfer times and neuroimaging changes with EVT clinical outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants This prespecified secondary analysis of the SELECT2 trial, which evaluated EVT vs medical management (MM) in patients with large ischemic stroke, evaluated adults aged 18 to 85 years with acute ischemic stroke due to occlusion of the internal carotid or middle cerebral artery (M1 segment) as well as an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) of 3 to 5, core of 50 mL or greater on imaging, or both. Patients were enrolled between October 2019 and September 2022 from 31 EVT-capable centers in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Data were analyzed from August 2023 to January 2024. Interventions EVT vs MM. Main Outcomes and Measures Functional outcome, defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days with blinded adjudication. Results A total of 958 patients were screened and 606 patients were excluded. Of 352 enrolled patients, 145 (41.2%) were female, and the median (IQR) age was 66.5 (58-75) years. A total of 211 patients (59.9%) were transfers, while 141 (40.1%) presented directly. The median (IQR) transfer time was 178 (136-230) minutes. The median (IQR) ASPECTS decreased from the referring hospital (5 [4-7]) to an EVT-capable center (4 [3-5]). Thrombectomy treatment effect was observed in both directly presenting patients (adjusted generalized odds ratio [OR], 2.01; 95% CI, 1.42-2.86) and transferred patients (adjusted generalized OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.11-2.03) without heterogeneity ( P for interaction = .14). Treatment effect point estimates favored EVT among 82 transferred patients with a referral hospital ASPECTS of 5 or less (44 received EVT; adjusted generalized OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.89-2.58). ASPECTS loss was associated with numerically worse EVT outcomes (adjusted generalized OR per 1-ASPECTS point loss, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.77-1.02). EVT treatment effect estimates were lower in patients with transfer times of 3 hours or more (adjusted generalized OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.73-1.80). Conclusions and Relevance Both directly presenting and transferred patients with large ischemic stroke in the SELECT2 trial benefited from EVT, including those with low ASPECTS at referring hospitals. However, the association of EVT with better functional outcomes was numerically better in patients presenting directly to EVT-capable centers. Prolonged transfer times and evolution of ischemic change were associated with worse EVT outcomes. These findings emphasize the need for rapid identification of patients suitable for transfer and expedited transport. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03876457

We developed a noninvasive biomarker to quantify the rate of ventricular blood clearance in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage and extension to the ventricles—intraventricular hemorrhage. We performed magnetic resonance imaging in 26 patients at 1, 14, 28, and 42 days of onset and measured their hematoma volume (HV), ventricular blood volume (VBV), and two diffusion metrics: fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean diffusivity (MD). The ipasilesional ventricular cerebral spinal fluid’s FA and MD were associated with VBV and stroke severity scores (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS]). A subcohort of 14 patients were treated with external ventricular drain (EVD). A generalized linear mixed model was applied for statistical analysis. At day 1, the average HVs and NIHSS scores were 14.6 ± 16.7 cm3 and 16 ± 8, respectively. A daily rate of 2.1