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One of the most frequent reasons for mortality and disability today is acute ischemic stroke, which occurs by an abrupt disruption of cerebral circulation. The intricate damage mechanism involves several factors, such as inflammatory response, disturbance of ion balance, loss of energy production, excessive reactive oxygen species and glutamate release, and finally, neuronal death. Stroke research is now carried out using several experimental models and potential therapeutics. Furthermore, studies are being conducted to address the shortcomings of clinical care. A great deal of research is being done on novel pharmacological drugs, mitochondria targeting compounds, and different approaches including brain cooling and new technologies. Still, there are many unanswered questions about disease modeling and treatment strategies. Before these new approaches may be used in therapeutic settings, they must first be tested on large animals, as most of them have been done on rodents. However, there are several limitations to large animal stroke models used for research. In this review, the damage mechanisms in acute ischemic stroke and experimental acute ischemic stroke models are addressed. The current treatment approaches and promising experimental methods such as mitochondrial transplantation, hydrogel-based interventions, and strategies like mitochondria encapsulation and chemical modification, are also examined in this work.

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Analyses of complex behaviors of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) have become increasingly important in diseases diagnosis. The changes of the phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) signal formed by the velocity of flowing CSF are represented as a set of velocity-encoded images or maps, which can be thought of as signal data in the context of medical imaging, enabling the evaluation of pulsatile patterns throughout a cardiac cycle. However, automatic segmentation of the CSF region in a PC-MRI image is challenging, and implementing an explained ML method using pulsatile data as a feature remains unexplored. This paper presents lightweight machine learning (ML) algorithms to perform CSF lumen segmentation in spinal, utilizing sets of velocity-encoded images or maps as a feature. The Dataset contains 57 PC-MRI slabs by 3T MRI scanner from control and idiopathic scoliosis participants are involved to collect data. The ML models are trained with 2176 time series images. Different cardiac periods image (frame) numbers of PC-MRIs are interpolated in the preprocessing step to align to features of equal size. The fivefold cross-validation procedure is used to estimate the success of the ML models. Additionally, the study focusses on enhancing the interpretability of the highest-accuracy eXtreme gradient boosting (XGB) model by applying the shapley additive explanations (SHAP) technique. The XGB algorithm presented its highest accuracy, with an average fivefold accuracy of 0.99% precision, 0.95% recall, and 0.97% F1 score. We evaluated the significance of each pulsatile feature's contribution to predictions, offering a more profound understanding of the model's behavior in distinguishing CSF lumen pixels with SHAP. Introducing a novel approach in the field, develop ML models offer comprehension into feature extraction and selection from PC-MRI pulsatile data. Moreover, the explained ML model offers novel and valuable insights to domain experts, contributing to an enhanced scholarly understanding of CSF dynamics.

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BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment with the woven endobridge (WEB) device has been widely utilized for managing intracranial aneurysms. However, predicting the probability of achieving adequate occlusion (Raymond-Roy classification 1 or 2) remains challenging. OBJECTIVE: Our study sought to develop and validate a predictive calculator for adequate occlusion using the WEB device via data from a large multi-institutional retrospective cohort. METHODS: We used data from the WorldWide WEB Consortium, encompassing 356 patients from 30 centers across North America, South America, and Europe. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed on a variety of demographic and clinical factors, from which predictive factors were selected. Calibration and validation were conducted, with variance inflation factor (VIF) parameters checked for collinearity. RESULTS: A total of 356 patients were included: 124 (34.8%) were male, 108 (30.3%) were elderly (≥65 years), and 118 (33.1%) were current smokers. Mean maximum aneurysm diameter was 7.09 mm (SD 2.71), with 112 (31.5%) having a daughter sac. In the multivariate regression, increasing aneurysm neck size (OR 0.706 [95% CI: 0.535-0.929], p = 0.13) and partial aneurysm thrombosis (OR 0.135 [95% CI: 0.024-0.681], p = 0.016) were found to be the only statistically significant variables associated with poorer likelihood of achieving occlusion. The predictive calculator shows a c-statistic of 0.744. Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test indicated a satisfactory model fit with a p-value of 0.431. The calculator is available at: https://neurodx.shinyapps.io/WEBDEVICE/. CONCLUSION: The predictive calculator offers a substantial contribution to the clinical toolkit for estimating the likelihood of adequate intracranial aneurysm occlusion by WEB device embolization.

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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite the numerous studies evaluating the occlusion rates of aneurysms following WEB embolization, there are limited studies identifying predictors of occlusion. Our purpose was to identify predictors of aneurysm occlusion and the need for retreatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a review of a prospectively maintained database across 30 academic institutions. We included patients with previously untreated cerebral aneurysms embolized using the WEB who had available intraprocedural data and long-term follow-up. RESULTS: We studied 763 patients with a mean age of 59.9 (SD, 11.7) years. Complete aneurysm occlusion was observed in 212/726 (29.2%) cases, and contrast stasis was observed in 485/537 (90.3%) of nonoccluded aneurysms. At the final follow-up, complete occlusion was achieved in 497/763 (65.1%) patients, and retreatment was required for 56/763 (7.3%) patients. On multivariable analysis, history of smoking, maximal aneurysm diameter, and the presence of an aneurysm wall branch were negative predictors of complete occlusion (OR, 0.5, 0.8, and 0.4, respectively). Maximal aneurysm diameter, the presence of an aneurysm wall branch, posterior circulation location, and male sex increase the chances of retreatment (OR, 1.2, 3.8, 3.0, and 2.3 respectively). Intraprocedural occlusion resulted in a 3-fold increase in the long-term occlusion rate and a 5-fold decrease in the retreatment rate (P < .001), offering a specificity of 87% and a positive predictive value of 85% for long-term occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Intraprocedural occlusion can be used to predict the chance of long-term aneurysm occlusion and the need for retreatment after embolization with a WEB device. Smoking, aneurysm size, and the presence of an aneurysm wall branch are associated with decreased chances of successful treatment.

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INTRODUCTION: The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is emerging as a novel therapy for intracranial aneurysms, but its use for off-label indications requires further study. Using machine learning, we aimed to develop predictive models for complete occlusion after off-label WEB treatment and to identify factors associated with occlusion outcomes. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study included 162 patients who underwent off-label WEB treatment for intracranial aneurysms. Baseline, morphological, and procedural variables were utilized to develop machine-learning models predicting complete occlusion. Model interpretation was performed to determine significant predictors. Ordinal regression was also performed with occlusion status as an ordinal outcome from better (Raymond Roy Occlusion Classification [RROC] grade 1) to worse (RROC grade 3) status. Odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were reported. RESULTS: The best performing model achieved an AUROC of 0.8 for predicting complete occlusion. Larger neck diameter and daughter sac were significant independent predictors of incomplete occlusion. On multivariable ordinal regression, higher RROC grades (OR 1.86, 95 % CI 1.25-2.82), larger neck diameter (OR 1.69, 95 % CI 1.09-2.65), and presence of daughter sacs (OR 2.26, 95 % CI 0.99-5.15) were associated with worse aneurysm occlusion after WEB treatment, independent of other factors. CONCLUSION: This study found that larger neck diameter and daughter sacs were associated with worse occlusion after WEB therapy for aneurysms. The machine learning approach identified anatomical factors related to occlusion outcomes that may help guide patient selection and monitoring with this technology. Further validation is needed.

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Research on magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) and sarcopenia for assessing Crohn's disease (CD) is growing. Our study examined the connections between the presence of sarcopenia, intramural fat accumulation (IFA), and clinical, laboratory, and MRE findings.This retrospective study was conducted on 112 patients with suspected or diagnosed CD who underwent 3-tesla MRE. The study examined the correlation between sarcopenia-related parameters and MRE findings. Results of MRE exams and clinical and laboratory results were statistically analyzed. The Kruskal-Wallis, Pearson chi-square, and Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests were used for comparison.It was determined that patients with active inflammation on a chronic basis had more IFA than the others (p<0.001). There were positive relationships between IFA and intramural edema (p<0.001). There were positive correlations between IFA and high b-values and negative correlations with apparent diffusion coefficient values (p<0.05). Positively significant relationships were found between IFA and wall thickness, affected segment length, disease duration, and sedimentation values (p<0.05). Strong correlations were found between sarcopenia and the CD activity index as well as wall thickness (p<0.001/p=0.003). There was no significant relationship between steroid usage and other variables.The presence of IFA is associated with chronic inflammation. There was no clear relationship between steroid use and IFA. Our findings support the idea that sarcopenia is related to the activity of CD. Further comprehensive research is required on these subjects. · The usage of MR enterography for the management of CD is increasing day by day due to its advantages.. · There is a paucity of evidence regarding the relationship between sarcopenia and MR enterography findings in patients with CD.. · Intramural fat accumulation (IFA) is a sign of chronicity in patients with CD.. · The presence of IFA seems to be associated with active inflammation on a chronic basis.. · There was no clear relationship between steroid use and IFA.. · Algin O, Günes YC, Cankurtaran RE et al. The Relationship Between Intramural Fat Accumulation and Sarcopenia on MR Enterography Exams in Patients with Crohn's Disease. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2330-8148.

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The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is primarily used for treating wide-neck intracranial bifurcation aneurysms under 10 mm. Limited data exists on its efficacy for large aneurysms. We aim to assess angiographic and clinical outcomes of the WEB device in treating large versus small aneurysms. We conducted a retrospective review of the WorldWide WEB Consortium database, from 2011 to 2022, across 30 academic institutions globally. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to compare small and large aneurysms on baseline characteristics. A total of 898 patients were included. There was no significant difference observed in clinical presentations, smoking status, pretreatment mRS, presence of multiple aneurysms, bifurcation location, or prior treatment between the two groups. After PSM, 302 matched pairs showed significantly lower last follow-up adequate occlusion rates (81% vs 90%, p = 0.006) and higher retreatment rates (12% vs 3.6%, p < 0.001) in the large aneurysm group. These findings may inform treatment decisions and patient counseling. Future studies are needed to further explore this area.

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OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the impact of antiplatelet administration in the periprocedural period on the occurrence of thromboembolic complications (TECs) in patients undergoing treatment using the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device for intracranial wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms. The primary objective was to assess whether the use of antiplatelets in the pre- and postprocedural phases reduces the likelihood of developing TECs, considering various covariates. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter observational study was conducted within the WorldWideWEB Consortium and comprised 38 academic centers with endovascular treatment capabilities. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between antiplatelet use and TECs, adjusting for covariates. Missing predictor data were addressed using multiple imputation. RESULTS: The study comprised two cohorts: one addressing general thromboembolic events and consisting of 1412 patients, among whom 103 experienced TECs, and another focusing on symptomatic thromboembolic events and comprising 1395 patients, of whom 50 experienced symptomatic TECs. Preprocedural antiplatelet use was associated with a reduced likelihood of overall TECs (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.19-0.53, p < 0.001) and symptomatic TECs (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.95, p = 0.036), whereas postprocedural antiplatelet use showed no significant association with TECs. The study also revealed additional predictors of TECs, including stent use (overall: OR 4.96, 95% CI 2.38-10.3, p < 0.001; symptomatic: OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.26-8.36, p = 0.015), WEB single-layer sphere (SLS) type (overall: OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.74, p = 0.017), and posterior circulation aneurysm location (symptomatic: OR 18.43, 95% CI 1.48-230, p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that the preprocedural administration of antiplatelets is associated with a reduced likelihood of TECs in patients undergoing treatment with the WEB device for wide-necked bifurcation aneurysms. However, postprocedural antiplatelet use did not show a significant impact on TEC occurrence.

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BACKGROUND: The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) devices have been used for treating wide neck bifurcation aneurysms (WNBAs) with several generational enhancements to improve clinical outcomes. The original device dual-layer (WEB DL) was replaced by a single-layer (WEB SL) device in 2013. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of these devices in managing intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: A multicenter cohort study was conducted, and data from 1,289 patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with either the WEB SL or WEB DL devices were retrospectively analyzed. Propensity score matching was utilized to balance the baseline characteristics between the two groups. Outcomes assessed included immediate occlusion rate, complete occlusion at last follow-up, retreatment rate, device compaction, and aneurysmal rupture. RESULTS: Before propensity score matching, patients treated with the WEB SL had a significantly higher rate of complete occlusion at the last follow-up and a lower rate of retreatment. After matching, there was no significant difference in immediate occlusion rate, retreatment rate, or device compaction between the WEB SL and DL groups. However, the SL group maintained a higher rate of complete occlusion at the final follow-up. Regression analysis showed that SL was associated with higher rates of complete occlusion (OR: 0.19; CI: 0.04 to 0.8, p = 0.029) and lower rates of retreatment (OR: 0.12; CI: 0 to 4.12, p = 0.23). CONCLUSION: The WEB SL and DL devices demonstrated similar performances in immediate occlusion rates and retreatment requirements for intracranial aneurysms. The SL device showed a higher rate of complete occlusion at the final follow-up.

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BACKGROUND: The potentially higher risk of hemorrhagic complications is of concern in stent-assisted coiling (SAC) of ruptured wide-necked intracranial aneurysms (IAs). The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) is considered an appealing alternative since antiplatelet therapy is not required. Herein, we aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of WEB vs. SAC for the treatment of ruptured wide-necked IAs. METHODS: This was an international cross-sectional study of consecutive patients treated for ruptured wide-neck IAs with WEB or SAC at four high-volume neurovascular centers between 2019 and 2022. Primary and secondary efficacy outcomes were radiographic aneurysm occlusion at follow-up and functional status at last follow-up. Safety outcomes included periprocedural hemorrhagic/ischemia-related complications. RESULTS: One hundred five patients treated with WEB and 112 patients treated with SAC were included. The median procedure duration of endovascular treatment was shorter for WEB than for SAC (69 vs. 76 min; p = 0.04). There were no significant differences in complete aneurysm occlusion rates (SAC: 64.5% vs. WEB: 60.9%; adjusted OR [aOR] = 0.70; 95%CI 0.34-1.43; p = 0.328). SAC had a significantly higher risk of complications (23.2% vs. 9.5%, p = 0.009), ischemic events (17% vs. 6.7%, p = 0.024), and EVD hemorrhage (16% vs. 0%, p = 0.008). The probability of procedure-related complications across procedure time was significantly lower with WEB compared with SAC (aOR = 0.40; 95%CI 0.20-1.13; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: WEB and SAC demonstrated similar obliteration rates at follow-up when used for embolization of ruptured wide-necked IAs. However, SAC showed higher rates of procedure-related complications primarily driven by ischemic events and higher rates of EVD hemorrhage. The overall treatment duration was shorter for WEB than for SAC.

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BACKGROUND: The Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device is frequently used for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Postoperative management, including the use of aspirin, varies among clinicians and institutions, but its impact on the outcomes of the WEB has not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicenter study involving 30 academic institutions in North America, South America, and Europe. Data from 1492 patients treated with the WEB device were included. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their postoperative use of aspirin (aspirin group: n=1124, non-aspirin group: n=368). Data points included patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, procedural details, complications, and angiographic and functional outcomes. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to balance variables between the two groups. RESULTS: Prior to PSM, the aspirin group exhibited significantly higher rates of modified Rankin scale (mRS) mRS 0-1 and mRS 0-2 (89.8% vs 73.4% and 94.1% vs 79.8%, p<0.001), lower rates of mortality (1.6% vs 8.6%, p<0.001), and higher major compaction rates (13.4% vs 7%, p<0.001). Post-PSM, the aspirin group showed significantly higher rates of retreatment (p=0.026) and major compaction (p=0.037) while maintaining its higher rates of good functional outcomes and lower mortality rates. In the multivariable regression, aspirin was associated with higher rates of mRS 0-1 (OR 2.166; 95% CI 1.16 to 4, p=0.016) and mRS 0-2 (OR 2.817; 95% CI 1.36 to 5.88, p=0.005) and lower rates of mortality (OR 0.228; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.83, p=0.025). However, it was associated with higher rates of retreatment (OR 2.471; 95% CI 1.11 to 5.51, p=0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Aspirin use post-WEB treatment may lead to better functional outcomes and lower mortality but with higher retreatment rates. These insights are crucial for postoperative management after WEB procedures, but further studies are necessary for validation.

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BACKGROUND: Lateral/radial forces and the mechanical properties of Woven EndoBridge (WEB) devices have significant importance for therapeutic success. In other words, adequate apposition of the lateral wall of a cerebral aneurysm is critical for preventing recurrence or re-rupture risk. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the pressure values applied by different WEB devices to the lateral walls of aneurysms and the relationships between these pressure measurements and the diameters of WEB devices. METHODS: By placing four WEB devices of different sizes and types between two rigid metal plates, the lateral forces applied by these WEB devices to plates of different apertures were measured quantitatively. We tested a single device of each size over multiple periods. The total number of examined WEB devices is four. RESULTS: There was a significant negative relationship between plate distances and pressure values (correlation coefficient:-0.956, p = 0.000). The lateral wall apposition pressure of a 4- or 5-mm aperture size was higher than a 6-mm aperture size for SL-type WEB devices with a 7-mm diameter. Similarly, the lateral wall apposition pressure detected for a 3- or 3.5-mm aperture size was higher than a 4-mm aperture size for W5-4.5-3 and W5-5-3.6. It was observed that maximum lateral wall pressure was detected in plate measurements of SLS-type devices compared to SL-type devices. The diameter and height values of 3 of the 4 unconstrained WEB devices analyzed differed from the catalog values. CONCLUSION: It seems that SLS-type devices apply more pressure on the aneurysm's lateral borders than SL-type devices.

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BACKGROUND: Limited research has examined the clinical consequences of sarcopenia and myosteatosis in Crohn's disease. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and effects of sarcopenia and myosteatosis on prognostic outcomes in Crohn's disease patients who underwent magnetic resonance enterography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 116 Crohn's disease patients who underwent magnetic resonance enterography between January 2015 and August 2021. Skeletal muscle index was the ratio of the cross-sectional area of skeletal muscles at the L3 vertebral level to the square of the neck in cross-sectional imaging. Sarcopenia was defined as skeletal muscle index <38.5 cm2/m2 in women and <52.4 cm2/m2 in men. Myosteatosis was considered positive if the ratio of the mean signal intensity of the psoas muscle to the mean signal intensity of the cerebrospinal fluid was above 0.107. RESULTS: Among the negative results in the post-procedure follow-up of the patients, a significant increase was observed in the sarcopenia group regarding abscess and the need for surgery (P < .05). Anti-tumor necrosis factor initiation was found to be significantly higher in the follow-up than in patients without myosteatosis (P = .029). In the multivariate model established with these variables, the presence of sarcopenia in the surgical follow-up was odds ratio = 5.34 (CI: 1.02-28.03, P = .047) and was found to be significantly associated with the increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of myosteatosis and sarcopenia detected in magnetic resonance enterography may be a harbinger of negative outcomes in Crohn's disease patients. Nutritional support should be provided to these patients with the potential to alter the course of the disease.

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BACKGROUND: In the absence of papilledema, the presentation of migraine and idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is very similar. In this respect, an IIH could be presented as a vestibular migraine. Our main objective in this case report is to demonstrate the similarities between IIH and vestibular migraine. CASES: This is a report of 14 patients who have IIH without papilledema presented as vestibular migraine to the clinic and followed from 2020 to 2022. RESULTS: The common presentation of patients was ear-facial pain, dizziness, and frequent pulsatile tinnitus. One-fourth of the patients reported episodes of true episodic vertigo. The average age was 37.8, the average BMI was 37.4, and the average lumbar puncture-opening pressure was 25.6 cm H2O. Transverse sinus venous flow alterations caused neuroimaging findings of sigmoid sinus dehiscence, empty sella, or tonsillar ectopia. Most patients improved with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and one patient was treated with a dural sinus stent. CONCLUSION: A transverse sinus stenosis, even in the non-dominant site, may elevate the CSF pressure in obese individuals. This stenosis causes dural sinus-related pulsatile tinnitus with characteristics different from those of an arterial origin. Dizziness is a common complaint in patients with IIH, just like VM. In our opinion, episodic vertigo in these patients is the direct effect of CSF flow alterations into the inner ear's vestibule. Patients with mild elevations will be presented to the clinic, similar to migraines with or without the presence of pulsatile tinnitus. Treatment requires lowering intracranial pressure and managing migraine symptoms.

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Purpose: To localize and identify chewing-related areas and their connections with other centres in the human brain using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Material and methods: The paradigm of the present study was block designed. Spontaneous and controlled chewing with sugar-free gum was used as the main task in a 3-Tesla fMRI unit with a 32-channel birdcage coil. Our study popu-lation comprised 32 healthy volunteers. To determine possible intersections, we also put the rosary pulling (silent tell one's beads) movement in the fMRI protocol. The data analyses were performed with the Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) toolbox integrated into the Matlab platform. Results: The superomedial part of the right cerebellum was activated during either pulling rosary beads or spontaneous chewing. This region, however, was not activated during controlled chewing. We did not find statistically significant activation or connection related to the brain stem. Conclusion: We have confirmed that the cerebellum plays an important role in chewing. However, we could not find a definite central pattern generator (CPG) in the brain stem, which has been hypothesized to underlie spontaneous chewing.

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Although the supplementary motor area (SMA) is a large region on the medial surface of the frontal lobe of the brain, little is known about its function. The current study uses 3-tesla high-resolution diffusion tensor tractography (DTI) in healthy individuals and biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) and fluoro-gold (FG) tracer in rats to demonstrate the afferent and efferent connections of the SMA with brainstem structures. It also aims to clarify how SMA fibers relate to the corticospinal tract (CST). The BDA (n = 6) and FG (n = 8) tracers were pressure-injected into the SMA of 14 Wistar albino rats. Light and fluorescence microscopy was used to capture images of the FG and BDA-labeled cells and axons. High-resolution 3-tesla DTI data were acquired from the Human Connectome Project database. Tracts between the SMA and brainstem structures were analyzed using diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) studio software. The FG injections into the SMA showed afferent projections from mesencephalic (periaqueductal gray matter, substantia nigra pars reticulata, ventral tegmental area, inferior colliculus, mesencephalic reticular, tegmental, and raphe nuclei), pontine (locus coeruleus, pontine reticular and vestibular nuclei), and medullary (area postrema, parabrachial, and medullary reticular nuclei) structures. The anterograde tracer BDA injections into the SMA showed efferent connections with mesencephalic (periaqueductal gray, substantia nigra pars compacta, dorsal raphe, trigeminal motor mesencephalic, and mesencephalic reticular nuclei), pontine (locus coeruleus, nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, vestibular, cochlear, and pontine reticular nuclei), and medullary (area postrema, medullary reticular, olivary, and parabrachial nuclei) structures. The SMA had efferent but no afferent connections with the cerebellar nuclei. The DTI results in healthy human subjects highly corresponded with the experimental results. Further, the DTI results showed a distinct bundle that descended to spinal levels closely related to the CST. Understanding SMA's afferent and efferent connections will enrich our knowledge of its contribution to various brainstem networks and may provide new perspectives for understanding its motor and non-motor functions.

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BACKGROUND: In this study, the role and efficiency of computerized tomography angiography (CTA) in the postoperative management of patients with penile revascularization were evaluated. METHODS: Between 2014 and 2018, penile revascularization surgery was performed in 78 patients who presented with the complaint of erectile dysfunction (ED). The mean age of the patients was 47.17 ± 13.26 (23-69) years. Patients with a regular sexual partner and relationship, who hadn't benefitted from medical treatment and who had ED complaints for at least three months were included in the study. The cases were divided into three groups according to their age (20-40, 41-60, and > 61 years). All the cases were evaluated preoperatively using the five and 15-item International Index of Erectile Dsysfunction (IIEF-5 and IIEF-15) questionnaire, cavernosometry, corpus cavernosum electromyography, and penil color doppler ultrasonography. At the postoperative third month, IIEF 5-15 questionnaire was repeated and anastomotic patency was evaluated by performing CTA scanning. RESULTS: CTA performed at the postoperative third month revealed anastomosis patency in 56. In 22 cases, the anastomosis area could not be observed. Among the patients with anastomosis patency, the rate of the IIEF-5 increase in the postoperative period was between 35.0 and 80.8%, while in those patients without anostomotic patency, the increase rate of IIEF-5 were between 12.5 and 23.3%. Increases in the IIEF-5 and IIEF-15 questionnaire scores were found to be significantly higher in the group in which anastomotic patency was observed on CTA compared to remaining patients. CONCLUSION: The CTA results and changes in the IIEF rates after penile revascularization had a high correlation. Anastomotic patency with CTA can guide the timing of more invasive procedures such as penile prosthesis implantation.

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