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Background Breast arterial calcifications (BAC) are commonly observed as an incidental finding on screening mammography and have been linked to cardiovascular disease. Whether BAC is independently associated with stroke risk remains uncertain. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched from inception to May 2024 for cohort studies evaluating the association between BAC and stroke. Eligible studies included women undergoing mammography with documented BAC status and subsequent stroke outcomes. Data on patient characteristics and vascular risk factors were extracted. Study quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist. Random-effects meta-analyses with restricted maximum likelihood (REML) estimation were performed to pool risk ratios (RRs) and mean differences (MDs). Heterogeneity was assessed with the I 2 statistic, and publication bias with Egger’s test. Results Ten cohort studies including 52,413 women were analyzed. The presence of BAC was associated with more than a twofold increased risk of stroke (RR 2.09, 95% CI 1.58–2.75; I 2 = 64.4%). This association persisted after adjustment for age, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and menopausal status. Compared with BAC-negative women, those with BAC were significantly older (MD 7.07 years, 95% CI 5.44–8.70) and more frequently hypertensive (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.23–1.78), diabetic (RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.38–2.02), hyperlipidemic (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.07–1.51), and postmenopausal (RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.00–1.59). Interestingly, BAC was less common among smokers (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.45–0.86). Egger’s test showed no evidence of publication bias ( p = 0.143). Conclusion BAC detected on screening mammography is independently associated with an increased risk of stroke, even after accounting for traditional risk factors. These findings support BAC as a promising, underutilized imaging biomarker of cerebrovascular risk in women and highlight the need for standardized reporting and prospective validation.

Background: In younger patients (<60 years) with cryptogenic stroke presumed to be patent foramen ovale (PFO)-related, the standard approach involves transcatheter PFO closure combined with antithrombotic therapy (ATA). However, due to their exclusion from randomized clinical trials, no formal recommendations exist for patients ≥60 years. This study investigates whether PFO closure benefits patients ≥60 years with prior cryptogenic stroke or if ATA remains the preferred option. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases to obtain articles in all languages from January 2004 until July 2025. The primary outcome was a risk of recurrent stroke during follow-up and secondary outcomes were risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF), all-cause mortality and in-hospital complications. PROSPERO registration ID: CRD420250652870. Results: One post hoc evaluation of the DEFENSE-PFO trial and eleven observational studies were included. Compared to ATA, PFO closure was associated with a reduced risk of recurrent stroke (HR=0.60; 95% CI: 0.45 to 0.80, p<.001) and mortality (HR=0.41; 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.90, p=.02; I2 = 43.8%) with no difference in risk of new-onset AF (HR=1.13, 95%CI: 0.53 to 2.44, p=.74). When compared with patients <60 years, individuals ≥60 years had a higher risk of recurrent stroke (HR = 2.68; 95% CI 1.40–5.13; p=.002), new-onset AF (HR = 4.12; 95% CI 1.90–8.95; p<0.001) and mortality during follow-up (HR = 8.24; 95% CI 3.49–19.46; p<.0001). In-hospital complications after PFO closure were comparable between two age groups. Conclusion: While PFO closure may reduce ischemic stroke risk in older patients with cryptogenic stroke, this benefit is offset by higher absolute risks for recurrent stroke, new-onset AF, and mortality. Therefore, highly individualized patient selection and age-specific risk tools are crucial. Further long-term randomized trials are essential to optimize PFO closure in this population.

Introduction Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a well‐established treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, its role in cervical artery dissection‐related (CeAD) LVO remains debated due to anatomical complexities and procedural challenges. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of MT in patients with AIS due to CeAD‐related LVO, compared with other AIS etiologies. Methods PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were systematically searched from inception through March 2025. Comparative observational studies evaluating the use of MT in adult patients with AIS due to LVO were included, specifically those comparing outcomes in those with CeAD versus non‐CeAD etiologies. Most studies were retrospective and multicentric. Eligible interventions included stent retriever thrombectomy, direct aspiration (ADAPT), or combined approaches. Results Nine studies with a total of 4889 patients were included, comprising 446 CeAD‐related and 4443 non‐CeAD LVO cases. MT for CeAD‐related AIS showed no statistically significant difference in successful recanalization compared with non‐CeAD cases (OR:0.81, CI: [0.63,1.04], p=0.10). However, CeAD patients had significantly higher rates of 90‐day functional independence (mRS 0‐2) (OR:2.17, CI: [1.55, 3.05], p < 0.0001) and lower 90‐day mortality (OR:0.34, CI: [0.22, 0.53], p < 0.0001). Rates of distal embolization (OR:1.60, CI: [0.69, 3.70], p = 0.27), symptomatic ICH (OR:0.84, CI: [0.51, 1.38], p=0.49), or iatrogenic dissection (OR:1.58, CI: [0.59, 4.22], p=0.36) did not differ significantly. Conclusions Mechanical thrombectomy in CeAD‐related LVO is safe and associated with clinical outcomes comparable to patients with non‐CeAD acute ischemic causes. They demonstrated a similar patient safety profile, such as functional outcomes and mortality.

Background Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is a well-established treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, its role in cervical artery dissection-related (CeAD) LVO remains debated due to anatomical complexities and procedural challenges. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of MT in patients with AIS due to CeAD-related LVO compared with other AIS etiologies. Methods PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were systematically searched from inception to March 2025. Comparative observational studies evaluating the use of MT in adult patients with AIS due to LVO were included, specifically those comparing outcomes in patients with CeAD versus non-CeAD etiologies. Results MT for CeAD-related AIS showed no statistically significant difference in successful recanalization compared with non-CeAD cases (OR 0.81 (95% CI 0.63 to 1.04), P=0.10). However, patients with CeAD-related AIS had significantly higher rates of 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) (OR 2.17 (95% CI 1.55 to 3.05), P<0.01) and lower 90-day mortality (OR 0.34 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.53), P<0.01). Rates of distal embolization (OR 1.60 (95% CI 0.69 to 3.70), P=0.27), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR 0.84 (95% CI 0.51 to 1.38), P=0.49), or iatrogenic dissection (OR 1.58 (95% CI 0.59 to 4.22), P=0.36) did not differ significantly between patient groups. Conclusions MT in patients with CeAD-related LVO is safe, effective, and associated with improved functional outcomes and lower mortality compared with patients with non-CeAD acute ischemic causes.

High-resolution imaging is critical for the diagnosis, treatment planning, and postoperative monitoring of cerebral aneurysms, which affect up to 5% of the population and pose a significant risk of rupture and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Surgical clipping remains a definitive treatment option, but metallic clips can introduce substantial imaging artifacts, complicating posttreatment assessment. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the impact of aneurysm clip materials and designs on artifact generation and explores strategies for artifact mitigation. Conventional materials like titanium are favored for their biocompatibility and reduced ferromagnetism but still cause beam hardening, streak artifacts, and signal loss in CT and MRI scans. Emerging alternatives, including ceramics, composites, polymers, and bioresorbable clips, show promise in reducing artifacts while maintaining mechanical reliability. Innovations in clip design, such as fenestrated or low-profile models, further aid in minimizing imaging distortion. Advanced imaging methods, including dual-energy CT, iterative reconstruction algorithms, and metal artifact reduction software, demonstrate significant improvements in image quality but may introduce limitations such as increased processing demands or subtle anatomical distortions. Future directions emphasize the development of next-generation clip materials, robotic-assisted surgical approaches, and artificial intelligence-driven reconstruction techniques to further optimize visualization and patient safety. Continued research and multidisciplinary collaboration will be essential to translate these innovations into routine neurosurgical practice.

Background: In younger patients (<60 years) with cryptogenic stroke (CS) presumed to be patent foramen ovale (PFO)-related, the standard approach involves transcatheter PFO closure combined with antithrombotic therapy. However, due to their exclusion from randomized clinical trials (RCTs), no formal recommendations exist for patients ⩾60 years. This study had two objectives (1) to compare the efficacy and safety of PFO closure versus antithrombotic therapy alone (ATA) exclusively in older patients (⩾60 years) and (2) to assess the outcomes of PFO closure in patients ⩾ 60 years versus < 60 years. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect databases to obtain articles in all languages from January 2004 until July 2025. The primary outcome was risk of recurrent stroke during follow-up. Secondary outcomes were risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF), all-cause mortality, and in-hospital complications. PROSPERO registration ID: CRD420250652870. Results: Only one RCT (post hoc evaluation of the DEFENSE-PFO trial) and 11 observational studies were included. In patients aged ⩾ 60 years, risk of recurrent stroke was lower when PFO was closed compared with ATA (5.48% vs 10.05%, respectively, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.45–0.80, p < 0.001, I 2 = 45.6%). All-cause mortality was also lower for PFO closure versus ATA (1.73% vs 7.59%, respectively, HR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.19–0.90, p = 0.02; I 2 = 43.8%). There was no difference between PFO closure and ATA in risk of new-onset AF (HR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.53–2.44, p = 0.74). Compared with patients < 60 years, individuals ⩾ 60 years who underwent PFO closure had a higher risk of recurrent stroke (2.94% vs 1.04%, respectively, HR = 3.47; 95% CI = 1.61–7.48; p = 0.001), new-onset AF (4.86% vs 1.01%, respectively, HR = 4.12; 95% CI = 1.90–8.95; p < 0.001), and all-cause mortality during follow-up (8.32% vs 0.39%, respectively, HR = 8.24; 95% CI = 3.49–19.46; p < 0.0001). In-hospital complications after PFO closure were comparable between two age groups. Due to insufficient data, we were not able to perform a subgroup analysis based on anatomic features of PFO, antithrombotic regimen, or occluder devices. Conclusion: Based on available data, which is predominantly derived from observational studies, PFO closure is associated with a reduced risk of recurrent stroke compared to ATA in patients over 60 years. However, these findings are subjected to limitations, including the potential for selection bias, unmeasured confounding, and insufficient long-term follow-up. Furthermore, long-term randomized trials are essential to definitively confirm efficacy and establish clinical guidelines for PFO closure in this older population.

Background Guide catheter (GC) placement, whether distal or proximal, may influence the efficacy and safety of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, definitions of placement and procedural strategies vary across studies, limiting clarity. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to September 1, 2024. Comparative studies of adult patients with anterior circulation AIS-LVO undergoing MT that reported GC placement were included. Both balloon GCs (BGCs) and non-BGCs were eligible. Data were pooled using random-effects models in R. Outcomes included functional independence (modified Rankin Scale 0–2 at 90 days), successful reperfusion (modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥2b or expanded thrombolysis in cerebral infarction ≥2c), first-pass recanalization (FPR), mortality, puncture-to-recanalization (PTR) time, and complications. Subgroup analyses were performed by thrombectomy technique and catheter type. Results Seven retrospective studies comprising 2148 patients (1042 proximal, 1106 distal) were analyzed. Distal placement was associated with higher rates of functional independence (risk ratio (RR): 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10–1.42), successful reperfusion (RR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04–1.22), and FPR (RR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.15–1.58), as well as lower 90-day mortality (RR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28–0.82). PTR time was shorter with distal placement (mean difference: −7.7 min, 95% CI: −10.8 to −4.6). No significant differences were observed for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (RR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.55–1.65) or emboli to new territory (RR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.28–2.52). Benefits were consistent across both BGCs and non-BGCs. Heterogeneity existed in outcome definitions and techniques, and publication bias could not be excluded. Conclusions Distal GC placement is associated with improved reperfusion, efficiency, and functional outcomes in MT for anterior circulation AIS-LVO, without increased complications. Given the retrospective nature of included studies, anatomic confounding, and inconsistent outcome definitions, findings should be considered preliminary. Multicenter trials are needed to confirm whether catheter position independently predicts MT outcomes.

Background The first-pass effect (FPE) refers to the complete or near-complete revascularization with a single pass of mechanical thrombectomy devices. While previous claims suggest a link between larger catheters and the effectiveness of contact aspiration (CA) thrombectomy, no extensive research has confirmed if larger distal inner diameter (ID) catheters achieve higher FPE rates. Methods We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to assess the impact of aspiration catheter distal ID size on FPE. The primary outcome was FPE rate, defined as thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia (TICI) grades 2c-3 at first pass, and the secondary outcome was modified FPE (TICI 2b-3 in a single pass). Aspiration catheters were categorized based on distal ID: 0.060–0.069 (medium bore), 0.070–0.074 (large bore), and greater than 0.074 inches (super-large bore). Rates of FPE were pooled using random effect models and compared using a Chi-square test. Results Our study included 34 articles with 4831 patients. FPE rates were 27.7% (95% CI, 15.1–45.3) for medium bore, 46.6% (95% CI, 33.7–59.9) for large, and 58.3% (95% CI, 44.8–70.7) for super-large catheters. The FPE rate was significantly higher for super-large bore catheters compared with other groups (χ² = 7.26, p = 0.03). A similar trend was observed for modified FPE rates, which were 51.1% (95% CI, 45.3–56.8) for medium bore, 60.0% (95% CI, 52.8–66.8) for large bore, and 80% (95% CI, 56.3–94.2) for super-large bore catheters (χ² = 8.14, p = 0.03). Conclusion Our analysis indicates that larger CA catheters are correlated with higher FPE rates.

Background Accurate and timely prehospital detection of large vessel occlusion (LVO) is critical for optimizing patient triage and initiating appropriate reperfusion therapies. Recent advances in portable stroke detection technologies, such as electroencephalography (EEG) and transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound, offer potential solutions but their diagnostic performance remains unclear. Methods We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science, following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they assessed the diagnostic performance of non-invasive prehospital LVO detection tools compared to CT or MR angiography. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. Results A total of 13 studies were included, examining various portable detection tools including EEG or neurophysiological monitoring, ultrasound-based techniques including TCD or TCCD, portable Openwater optical blood flow monitor and cranial accelerometry. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 52.7 (95% CI: 28.3–97.8), indicating strong diagnostic performance, with significant heterogeneity among studies (I 2 = 67.3%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that TCD-based methods had the highest DOR (120.4, 95% CI: 76.9–188.7), followed by other tools (26.8, 95% CI: 13.7–52.6), and EEG (18.2, 95% CI: 9.1–36.3). The pooled sensitivity was 87.4% (95% CI: 82.5–91.0) and specificity was 89.39% (95% CI: 83.0–93.5) across all methods. TCD-based methods showed the highest specificity (95.0%, 95% CI: 91.8–97.0). Conclusion Non-invasive prehospital LVO detection tools show promising diagnostic performance, particularly TCD-based methods. Future studies should focus on validating these tools in larger, diverse populations to enhance prehospital stroke triage and improve patient outcomes.