Safety of intravenous thrombolysis for ischemic stroke in patients with hematologic malignancies: A single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Data on safety of thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in patients with hematologic malignancy is not well established. We report our single institution experience with thrombolysis in this patient population. METHODS: We identified patients with pathology-confirmed hematologic malignancy from 2000-2022. Primary exposure was presence of AIS and receipt of intravenous (IV) thrombolysis. Primary outcome was safety of IV thrombolysis in this patient population. Safety was measured through imaging review for hemorrhagic transformation, post-stroke mortality, and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days. RESULTS: Among 45,894 patients with hematologic malignancy, 1,099 (2.4%) were identified as having a suspected AIS. Twenty (1.8%) received IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for AIS, three underwent endovascular intervention, and 17 had AIS confirmed on MRI. Two patients with confirmed AIS experienced hemorrhagic transformation, one of which was symptomatic. Most patients (n=10, 59%) were functionally independent (mRS 0-2) at 90 days post-stroke, including all patients with active hematologic malignancy at the time of stroke (n=3). Four patients died within 90 days of AIS. None of these deaths were patients with active hematologic malignancy at the time of stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Without other contraindications, IV alteplase should be considered for management of AIS in patients with hematologic malignancy. The safety profile of tPA administration in this patient population may be similar to the general population, whether underlying hematologic malignancy is active or in remission.

Chorea Associated with Lamotrigine Use.

Background: Movement disorders, including chorea, have been cited as a side effect of lamotrigine use. However, the association is controversial and clinical characteristics in such cases are unclear. We sought to explore whether chorea may be associated with lamotrigine use. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients diagnosed with chorea who had concurrent use of lamotrigine between 2000-2022. Demographic information and clinical characteristics were analyzed, including medical comorbidities and concurrent medication use. A literature search and review were conducted, with additional cases of lamotrigine-associated chorea analyzed. Results: Eight patients met the inclusion criteria for the retrospective review. In 7 patients, other causes of chorea were considered more likely. However, a 58-year-old woman with bipolar disorder on lamotrigine for mood stabilization had a clear association of chorea induced by lamotrigine. The patient was on multiple centrally active medications. Three additional cases of lamotrigine-associated chorea were identified through a literature review. In 2 of these cases, other centrally acting agents were used, and chorea was resolved with weaning lamotrigine. Discussion: Chorea is infrequently seen in the setting of lamotrigine use. In these rare cases, the presence of other centrally acting medications with lamotrigine may contribute to chorea. Highlights: Lamotrigine use is associated with movement disorders, including chorea, but the characteristics are not clearly defined. From our retrospective review, one adult had clear temporal and dose-related association between chorea and lamotrigine. We analyzed this case in conjunction with a literature review of cases of chorea associated with lamotrigine.