Outcomes of endovascular treatment of basilar artery occlusion in the stent retriever era: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

BackgroundStent retriever thrombectomy has recently been found to be effective for anterior circulation strokes, but its efficacy for basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is unclear.ObjectiveTo carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze the available evidence for the use of stent retrievers for BAO.MethodsTwo independent reviewers searched six databases for studies reporting outcomes following endovascular treatment for BAO.ResultsA total of 17 articles (6 prospective and 11 retrospective) were included. The weighted mean age of patients was 67 years (range 59–82) and 59% were male. Thrombolytic drugs were administered intravenously and intra-arterially in 46% (range 0–88%) and 38% (range 0–90%) of patients, respectively. Weighted pooled estimates of successful recanalization (TICI 2b–3) and good outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤2) were 80.0% (95% CI 70.7% to 88.0%; I2=80.28%; p<0.001) and 42.8% (95% CI 34.0% to 51.8%; I2=61.83%; p=0.002), respectively. Pooled mortality was 29.4% (95% CI 23.9% to 35.3%; I2=37.01%; p=0.087). Incidence of procedure-related complications and symptomatic hemorrhage was 10.0% (95% CI 3.7% to 18.3%; I2=61.05%; p=0.017) and 6.8% (95% CI 3.5% to 10.8%; I2=37.99%; p=0.08), respectively.ConclusionsStent retriever thrombectomy achieves a high rate of recanalization and functional independence while being relatively safe for patients with BAO. Future prospective studies with long-term follow-up are warranted.