Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a prevalent medical condition with potentially severe consequences if left untreated. While surgical removal has traditionally been the standard approach for treatment, middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has emerged as a promising minimally invasive alternative to reduce recurrences. This comprehensive review provides the general radiology community with an overview of MMA embolization as a therapeutic option for managing CSDH. The authors base their insights on existing evidence and their institutional experience. This overview encompasses the pathophysiology of CSDH as well as the potential advantages and limitations, safety profile, and potential complications of MMA embolization as compared with surgical treatment. The imaging findings seen before and after MMA, as well as insights into the procedural techniques used at the authors' institution, are described. On the basis of reports in the current literature, MMA embolization appears to be a safe and effective therapeutic option for managing CSDH, especially in patients who are unsuitable for surgery or at risk for recurrence. Nonetheless, further research is needed to validate these findings. Results from ongoing clinical trials hold promise for future validation and the establishment of scientific evidence. ^©RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material. See the invited commentary by Chatterjee in this issue.

BACKGROUND: The double-stent retriever (SR) technique has been described as an effective rescue technique when single-SR fails to induce recanalization. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of first-line double-SR in patients with stroke undergoing thrombectomy. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, controlled, blinded adjudicated primary outcome study. Patients with a large vessel occlusion stroke within 24 hours after onset and undergoing thrombectomy were included. Upon confirmation of large vessel occlusion on initial angiogram, patients were randomly allocated to receive a first-line strategy: single-SR versus double-SR technique. Investigators could use their technique of choice if further passes were needed. The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of double-SR defined as first-pass complete recanalization (expanded Treatment in Cerebral Infarction grade 2c-3) compared with single-SR. First-pass recanalization and final successful recanalization (expanded Treatment in Cerebral Infarction grade 2b50-3) were centrally assessed by a blinded investigator. The safety outcome was the occurrence of a symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. The data safety monitoring board stopped the recruitment after a preplanned interim analysis because a predefined efficacy boundary was reached. RESULTS: From April 2022 to October 2023, 108 patients were included: 50 (46%) in the single-SR group and 58 (54%) in the double-SR group. First-pass recanalization was achieved in 12 of 50 patients (24%) allocated to single-SR and 27 of 58 patients (46%) allocated to double-SR (adjusted odds ratio, 2.72 [95% CI, 1.19–6.46]). Substantial reperfusion within 3 attempts was obtained in 42 patients (84%) allocated to single-SR and in 52 patients (89%) allocated to double-SR (adjusted odds ratio, 1.74 [95% CI, 0.5–5.76]). The mean number of passes was 2±1.3 with single-SR and 1.7±1 with double-SR (mean difference, −0.37 [95% CI, −0.9 to 0.06]). A symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 3 patients (6%) allocated to single-SR and in 6 patients (10%) allocated to double-SR (adjusted odds ratio, 1.66 [95% CI, 0.40–8.35]). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stroke undergoing thrombectomy, first-line double-SR is safe and superior to single-SR in achieving first-pass recanalization but not final recanalization. Implications on clinical outcomes should be studied in specifically designed trials. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT05632458.

Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common condition in older adults with rising rates of incidence. While burr hole drainage remains the standard treatment, it is associated with significant recurrence and complications. This study assesses MMA embolization with Squid, both as a standalone procedure and as an adjunct to surgery. Methods: Our prospective registry included 101 patients with 134 CSDH cases treated at two tertiary care centers from December 2020 to January 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: embolization alone and embolization combined with surgery. Demographic, clinical, radiological, and procedural data were collected. Follow-up imaging was conducted at 1, 3, and 6 months. Treatment failure was defined as rescue surgery, hematoma thickness ≥ 10 mm, midline shift > 3 mm at 6 months, or procedure-related death. Results: Fifty-two patients (51.5%) underwent combined treatment, and forty-nine (48.5%) received embolization alone. Most were men (68.3%) and the median age was 82 years. Combined-treatment patients had larger hematomas and more symptoms. Procedures were performed under general anesthesia in 72.3% of patients, with radial and femoral access used equally frequently, and 32.7% underwent bilateral embolization. Patients’ hematoma thickness in follow-up imaging showed a significant decrease (p = 0.000), reaching a median of 0 mm at six months, with no significant difference between groups. Complications occurred in 5.9%, and treatment failure in 4%. Mortality was higher in the embolization-only group, likely reflecting greater rates of comorbidities. Conclusions: This study supports the use of MMA embolization with Squid as a safe and effective treatment for CSDH. Comparable procedural and radiological outcomes in both groups suggest embolization alone may suffice in select patients, offering a less invasive alternative.

Objective: This study aims to describe our experience and safety considerations associated with the use of the transulnar approach in neurointerventional procedures when radial access is not feasible. Methods: A prospective exploratory analysis was conducted on 35 patients who underwent diagnostic or therapeutic neuroangiography via transulnar approach due to radial access limitations. Technical aspects of the transulnar approach, patient demographics, procedural details, and complications were documented. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics software. Results: Among the 35 procedures, the transulnar approach demonstrated a high success rate (97.14%), with only one procedural failure. Indications for transulnar access included larger ulnar artery caliber (46%), radial artery spasm (37%), severe tortuosity of the radial artery (17%), and other anatomical considerations. Complications were rare, with only two access-related complications observed: a type I hematoma and ulnar artery vasospasm. No major bleeding episodes occurred, highlighting the safety profile of transulnar access. Conclusion: The transulnar approach represents a feasible alternative for neurointerventional procedures when radial access is not achievable. It offers high success rates and minimal complications, comparable to the radial approach. Anatomical considerations, safety profile, and patient preference support its consideration as a secondary option in neurointerventional practice. Further research and larger studies are warranted to validate its efficacy and safety in a broader patient population.

Anterior spinal artery (ASA) syndrome is a rare cause of spinal cord infarction and is most commonly associated with aortic pathology or systemic hypoperfu