Stroke; a journal of cerebral circulation
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Because there is no biologic marker offering precise information about stroke etiology, many patients receive a diagnosis of undetermined stroke even after all available diagnostic tests are done, precluding correct treatment. ⋯ Using a combination of biomarkers may be a feasible strategy to improve the diagnosis of cardioembolic stroke in the acute phase, thus rapidly guiding other diagnostic tests and accelerating the start of optimal secondary prevention.
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Rapid and safe recanalization of occluded intracranial arteries in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is challenging. Newly available self-expanding intracranial atherosclerotic stents (SEIS), which can be deployed rapidly and safely, make acute stenting an option for treating AIS. We present the feasibility of this technique. ⋯ This preliminary experience with SEIS in refractory AIS demonstrated the technical feasibility and high rate of recanalization with acute stenting. Long-term safety and strategies to limit in-stent thrombosis and optimize periprocedural management are crucial before initiating future randomized efficacy studies with SEIS in AIS refractory to standard therapy.