Implications for driving based on the risk of seizures after ischaemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: In addition to other stroke-related deficits, the risk of seizures may impact driving ability after stroke. METHODS: We analysed data from a multicentre international cohort, including 4452 adults with acute ischaemic stroke and no prior seizures. We calculated the Chance of Occurrence of Seizure in the next Year (COSY) according to the SeLECT2.0 prognostic model. We considered COSY<20% safe for private and <2% for professional driving, aligning with commonly used cut-offs. RESULTS: Seizure risks in the next year were mainly influenced by the baseline risk-stratified according to the SeLECT2.0 score and, to a lesser extent, by the poststroke seizure-free interval (SFI). Those without acute symptomatic seizures (SeLECT2.0 0-6 points) had low COSY (0.7%-11%) immediately after stroke, not requiring an SFI. In stroke survivors with acute symptomatic seizures (SeLECT2.0 3-13 points), COSY after a 3-month SFI ranged from 2% to 92%, showing substantial interindividual variability. Stroke survivors with acute symptomatic status epilepticus (SeLECT2.0 7-13 points) had the highest risk (14%-92%). CONCLUSIONS: Personalised prognostic models, such as SeLECT2.0, may offer better guidance for poststroke driving decisions than generic SFIs. Our findings provide practical tools, including a smartphone-based or web-based application, to assess seizure risks and determine appropriate SFIs for safe driving.

Predictive models for starting antiseizure medication withdrawal following epilepsy surgery in adults.

More than half of adults with epilepsy undergoing resective epilepsy surgery achieve long-term seizure freedom and might consider withdrawing antiseizure medications. We aimed to identify predictors of seizure recurrence after starting postoperative antiseizure medication withdrawal and develop and validate predictive models. We performed an international multicentre observational cohort study in nine tertiary epilepsy referral centres. We included 850 adults who started antiseizure medication withdrawal following resective epilepsy surgery and were free of seizures other than focal non-motor aware seizures before starting antiseizure medication withdrawal. We developed a model predicting recurrent seizures, other than focal non-motor aware seizures, using Cox proportional hazards regression in a derivation cohort (n = 231). Independent predictors of seizure recurrence, other than focal non-motor aware seizures, following the start of antiseizure medication withdrawal were focal non-motor aware seizures after surgery and before withdrawal [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 5.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.7-11.1], history of focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures before surgery (aHR 1.6, 95% CI 0.9-2.8), time from surgery to the start of antiseizure medication withdrawal (aHR 0.9, 95% CI 0.8-0.9) and number of antiseizure medications at time of surgery (aHR 1.2, 95% CI 0.9-1.6). Model discrimination showed a concordance statistic of 0.67 (95% CI 0.63-0.71) in the external validation cohorts (n = 500). A secondary model predicting recurrence of any seizures (including focal non-motor aware seizures) was developed and validated in a subgroup that did not have focal non-motor aware seizures before withdrawal (n = 639), showing a concordance statistic of 0.68 (95% CI 0.64-0.72). Calibration plots indicated high agreement of predicted and observed outcomes for both models. We show that simple algorithms, available as graphical nomograms and online tools (predictepilepsy.github.io), can provide probabilities of seizure outcomes after starting postoperative antiseizure medication withdrawal. These multicentre-validated models may assist clinicians when discussing antiseizure medication withdrawal after surgery with their patients.

Underweight and weight loss are predictors of poor outcome in patients with brain metastasis.

PURPOSE: Overweight may be associated with favorable outcome whereas tumor cachexia may be associated with worse outcome in patients with metastatic cancer. Here we evaluate the association of abnormal body mass index and weight change with outcome in patients with brain metastasis. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of brain metastasis treated at the University Hospital Zurich (n = 703) were assessed for associations of body mass index, weight change, comorbidities and survival. RESULTS: Compared with patients with normal body mass index of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 and a median overall survival of 9 months (95% confidence interval 7.5-10.5), overall survival was inferior in patients with body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2 (overall survival 6 months, 95% confidence interval 1.6-10.3, p = 0.04), but superior in patients with body mass index > 25 kg/m2 (overall survival 13 months, 95% confidence interval 11.0-15.0; p = 0.033). We report a median relative weight loss of 5% within the first 6 months of diagnosis of brain metastasis (95% confidence interval 3.3-6.5), and reduction exceeding the median was associated with an unfavorable outcome (weight loss < 5% 22.0 months, 95% confidence interval 19.2-24.8; weight loss > 5% 14.0 months, 95% confidence interval 11.9-16.). CONCLUSION: High body mass index is associated with better, and underweight with worse outcome in patients with brain metastasis. Conversely, weight loss above median may predict poor outcome. Future studies need to address whether vigorous treatment of tumor cachexia, e.g. by specific nutrition management, might improve outcome of patients with brain metastasis. In contrast, regimens associated with weight loss such as ketogenic diet may be detrimental.

New insights in radiation-induced leukoencephalopathy: a prospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Radiation-induced leukoencephalopathy (RIL) is the most threatening delayed complication of cerebral radiotherapy (RT) and remains roughly defined by cognitive dysfunction associated with diffuse FLAIR MRI white matter hyperintensities after brain irradiation. We documented clinical, neuropsychological, and radiological aspects of RI in order to refine diagnostic criteria. METHODS: Patients referred to our center for deterioration in cognitive complaint at least 6 months after completing a focal or whole brain RT underwent a systematic cross-sectional assessment including clinical examination, neuropsychological tests, and a standardized MRI protocol. Patients with progressive tumor were excluded. RESULTS: Forty patients were prospectively enrolled. Of these, 26 had received a focal RT, median dose of 53 Gy (range 50 to 60), and 14 had received a whole brain RT, median dose of 30 Gy. Cognitive complaints, gait apraxia, and urinary troubles were reported in 100, 67, and 38% of cases, respectively. On neuropsychological examination, patients displayed a global and severe cognitive decline through a subcortical frontal mode. The cognitive changes observed were not hippocampic, but related to executive dysfunction. On MRI, 68% of the patients had extensive FLAIR hyperintensities with anterior predominance, 87% had brain atrophy, and 21% had intraparenchymal cysts. T2*-weighted MRI showed small asignal areas in 53% of the patients. These abnormalities are evocative of cerebral small vessel disease. Fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum correlated with the cognitive evaluation. No differentiation in terms of cognitive and MRI features could be made between patients treated with focal brain RT (glioma) and patients treated with WBRT (for brain metastases or PCNSL). CONCLUSIONS: RIL can be defined by clinical symptoms (subcortical frontal decline, gait apraxia, urinary incontinence) and MRI criteria (cortico-subcortical atrophy, spread FLAIR HI, T2* asignals). This condition mimics a diffuse progressive cerebral small vessel disease triggered by RT, independent of RT protocol.

[Improving the management of rare brain cancers with the POLA network]. / Améliorer la prise en charge des cancers rares du cerveau avec le réseau POLA.

The national POLA network is dedicated to the management of certain rare brain tumours, mainly anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, anaplastic oligoastrocytomas and glioblastomas with oligodendroglioma component. The nursing team and the patient are at the heart of the organisation.

Autoimmune encephalitis: Early and late findings on serial MR imaging and correlation to treatment timepoints.

Introduction: MRI is negative in a large percentage of autoimmune encephalitis cases or lacks findings specific to an antibody. Even rarer is literature correlating the evolution of imaging findings with treatment timepoints. We aim to characterize imaging findings in autoimmune encephalitis at presentation and on follow up correlated with treatment timepoints for this rare disease. Methods: A full-text radiological information system search was performed for "autoimmune encephalitis" between January 2012 and June 2022. Patients with laboratory-identified autoantibodies were included. MRI findings were assessed in correlation to treatment timepoints by two readers in consensus. For statistical analysis, cell-surface vs intracellular antibody groups were assessed for the presence of early limbic, early extralimbic, late limbic, and late extralimbic findings using the χ2 test. Results: Thirty-seven patients (female n = 18, median age 58.8 years; range 25.7 to 82.7 years) with 15 different autoantibodies were included in the study. Twenty-three (62%) patients were MRI-negative at time of presentation; 5 of these developed MRI findings on short-term follow up. Of the 19 patients with early MRI findings, 9 (47%) demonstrated improvement upon treatment initiation (7/9 cell-surface group). There was a significant difference (p = 0.046) between the MRI spectrum of cell-surface vs intracellular antibody syndromes as cell-surface antibody syndromes demonstrated more early classic findings of limbic encephalitis and intracellular antibody syndromes demonstrated more late extralimbic abnormalities. Conclusion: MRI can be used to help narrow the differential diagnosis in autoimmune encephalitis and can be used as a monitoring tool for certain subtypes of this rare disease.

The split apparent diffusion coefficient sign: A novel magnetic resonance imaging biomarker for cortical pathology with possible implications in autoimmune encephalitis.

INTRODUCTION: MRI is the imaging modality of choice for assessing patients with encephalopathy. In this context, we discuss a novel biomarker, the "split ADC sign," where the cerebral cortex demonstrates restricted diffusion (high DWI signal and low ADC) and the underlying white matter demonstrates facilitated diffusion (high or low DWI signal and high ADC). We hypothesize that this sign can be used as a biomarker to suggest either acute encephalitis onset or to raise the possibility of an autoimmune etiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A full-text radiological information system search of radiological reports was performed for all entities known to produce restricted diffusion in the cortex excluding stroke between January 2012 and June 2022. Initial MRI studies performed upon onset of clinical symptoms were screened for the split ADC sign. RESULTS: 25 subjects were encountered with a positive split ADC sign (15 female; median age = 57 years, range 18-82). Diagnosis included six herpes simplex encephalitis, three peri-ictal MRI changes, eight PRES, two MELAS, and six autoimmune (3 anti-GABAAR, two seronegative, and one anti-Ma2/Ta). Subjects were imaged at a mean 1.8 days after the onset of symptoms (range 0-8). DISCUSSION: We present a novel visual MRI biomarker, the split ADC sign, and highlight its potential usefulness in subjects with encephalopathy to suggest acute disease onset or to raise the possibility of an autoimmune etiology when location-based criteria are applied. When positive, the sign was present on the initial MRI and can therefore be used to help focus further clinical and laboratory workup.

A Novel Dual-Energy CT Method for Detection and Differentiation of Intracerebral Hemorrhage From Contrast Extravasation in Stroke Patients After Endovascular Thrombectomy : Feasibility and First Results.

PURPOSE: Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) has been shown to be able to differentiate between intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and extravasation of iodinated contrast media (contrast staining [CS]). TwinSpiral DECT is a recently introduced technique, which allows image acquisition at two different energy levels in two consecutive spiral scans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of TwinSpiral DECT to distinguish between ICH and CS after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: This retrospective single-center study conducted between November 2019 and July 2020 included non-contrast TwinSpiral DECT scans (tube voltages 80 and 150Sn kVp) of 39 ischemic stroke patients (18 females, 21 males, mean age 69 ± 11 years) within 48-72 h after endovascular thrombectomy. Parenchymal hyperdensity was assessed for the presence of ICH or/and CS by two board certified and fellowship-trained, blinded and independent neuroradiologists using standard mixed images and virtual non-contrast (VNC) images with corresponding iodine maps from TwinSpiral DECT. Follow-up examinations (FU; CT or MRI) were used as a standard of reference. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the detection of ICH as well as the inter-reader agreement were calculated. RESULTS: Parenchymal hyperdensities were detected in 17/39 (44%) patients. Using DECT, they were classified by both readers as ICH in 9 (53%), CS in 8 (47%), and mixture of both in 6 (35%) cases with excellent agreement (κ = 0.81, P < 0.0001). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for the detection of ICH in DECT was 90% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84-96%), 100% (95% CI 94-100%) and 95% (95% CI 89-100%), and in mixed images 90% (95% CI 84-96%), 86% (95% CI 80-92%) and 88% (95% CI 82-94%), respectively. Inter-reader agreement for detecting ICH on DECT compared to the mixed images was κ = 1.00 (P < 0.0001) vs. κ = 0.51 (P = 0.034). CONCLUSION: TwinSpiral DECT demonstrates high accuracy and excellent specificity for differentiating ICH from CS in patients after mechanical thrombectomy due to acute ischemic stroke, and improves inter-reader agreement for detecting ICH compared to the standard mixed images.

Association of Mortality and Risk of Epilepsy With Type of Acute Symptomatic Seizure After Ischemic Stroke and an Updated Prognostic Model.

Importance: Acute symptomatic seizures occurring within 7 days after ischemic stroke may be associated with an increased mortality and risk of epilepsy. It is unknown whether the type of acute symptomatic seizure influences this risk. Objective: To compare mortality and risk of epilepsy following different types of acute symptomatic seizures. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study analyzed data acquired from 2002 to 2019 from 9 tertiary referral centers. The derivation cohort included adults from 7 cohorts and 2 case-control studies with neuroimaging-confirmed ischemic stroke and without a history of seizures. Replication in 3 separate cohorts included adults with acute symptomatic status epilepticus after neuroimaging-confirmed ischemic stroke. The final data analysis was performed in July 2022. Exposures: Type of acute symptomatic seizure. Main Outcomes and Measures: All-cause mortality and epilepsy (at least 1 unprovoked seizure presenting >7 days after stroke). Results: A total of 4552 adults were included in the derivation cohort (2547 male participants [56%]; 2005 female [44%]; median age, 73 years [IQR, 62-81]). Acute symptomatic seizures occurred in 226 individuals (5%), of whom 8 (0.2%) presented with status epilepticus. In patients with acute symptomatic status epilepticus, 10-year mortality was 79% compared with 30% in those with short acute symptomatic seizures and 11% in those without seizures. The 10-year risk of epilepsy in stroke survivors with acute symptomatic status epilepticus was 81%, compared with 40% in survivors with short acute symptomatic seizures and 13% in survivors without seizures. In a replication cohort of 39 individuals with acute symptomatic status epilepticus after ischemic stroke (24 female; median age, 78 years), the 10-year risk of mortality and epilepsy was 76% and 88%, respectively. We updated a previously described prognostic model (SeLECT 2.0) with the type of acute symptomatic seizures as a covariate. SeLECT 2.0 successfully captured cases at high risk of poststroke epilepsy. Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, individuals with stroke and acute symptomatic seizures presenting as status epilepticus had a higher mortality and risk of epilepsy compared with those with short acute symptomatic seizures or no seizures. The SeLECT 2.0 prognostic model adequately reflected the risk of epilepsy in high-risk cases and may inform decisions on the continuation of antiseizure medication treatment and the methods and frequency of follow-up.

Cumulative incidence and risk factors for radiation induced leukoencephalopathy in high grade glioma long term survivors.

The incidence and risk factors associated with radiation-induced leukoencephalopathy (RIL) in long-term survivors of high-grade glioma (HGG) are still poorly investigated. We performed a retrospective research in our institutional database for patients with supratentorial HGG treated with focal radiotherapy, having a progression-free overall survival > 30 months and available germline DNA. We reviewed MRI scans for signs of leukoencephalopathy on T2/FLAIR sequences, and medical records for information on cerebrovascular risk factors and neurological symptoms. We investigated a panel of candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to assess genetic risk. Eighty-one HGG patients (18 grade IV and 63 grade III, 50M/31F) were included in the study. The median age at the time of radiotherapy was 48 years old (range 18-69). The median follow-up after the completion of radiotherapy was 79 months. A total of 44 patients (44/81, 54.3%) developed RIL during follow-up. Twenty-nine of the 44 patients developed consistent symptoms such as subcortical dementia (n = 28), gait disturbances (n = 12), and urinary incontinence (n = 9). The cumulative incidence of RIL was 21% at 12 months, 42% at 36 months, and 48% at 60 months. Age > 60 years, smoking, and the germline SNP rs2120825 (PPARg locus) were associated with an increased risk of RIL. Our study identified potential risk factors for the development of RIL (age, smoking, and the germline SNP rs2120825) and established the rationale for testing PPARg agonists in the prevention and management of late-delayed radiation-induced neurotoxicity.

Risk factors for the development of epilepsy in patients with brain metastases.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines do not recommend primary prophylactic anti-epileptic drug (AED) therapy for patients with brain metastases (BM). Yet, subgroups of patients at high seizure risk might still benefit from prophylaxis. METHODS: We identified 799 patients diagnosed with BM by retrospective screening of our electronic chart system. Candidate risk factors for the development of epilepsy were tested by univariate and multivariate Cox regression models. RESULTS: Epilepsy was diagnosed in 226 of 799 patients (28%). Risk factors for epilepsy in non-operated patients were single BM (P = 0.002, hazard ratio [HR] 3.2, 95% CI: 1.5-6.6) and detection of tumoral hemorrhage (P = 0.008, HR 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3-4.9). Preoperative seizures occurred predominantly in patients with supratentorial BM (P = 0.003, HR 20.78, 95% CI: 2.8-153.4) and lung cancer (P = 0.022; HR 2.0, 95% CI: 1.1-3.6). Postoperative seizures were associated with supratentorial localization (P = 0.017, HR 5.8, 95% CI: 1.4-24.3), incomplete resection (P = 0.005, HR 4.6, 95% CI: 1.6-13.1), and by trend for multiple brain surgeries (P = 0.095, HR 1.9, 95% CI: 0.9-4.0). These risk factors were integrated into a predictive score model for postoperative epilepsy (score sum 0-8). A gradual increase of seizure rates along with higher sum score was confirmed post hoc (score 0 = no seizures; score 8 = 48% seizures). Receiver operating characteristic analysis supported diagnostic accuracy (P = 0.00001, area under the curve = 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Here we have defined risk profiles for the development of BM-related epilepsy and derived a score which might help to estimate the risk of postoperative seizures and identify individuals at risk who might benefit from primary prophylactic AED therapy.

Multicenter Phase IB Trial of Carboxyamidotriazole Orotate and Temozolomide for Recurrent and Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma and Other Anaplastic Gliomas.

Purpose Carboxyamidotriazole orotate (CTO) is a novel oral inhibitor of non-voltage-dependent calcium channels with modulatory effects in multiple cell-signaling pathways and synergistic effects with temozolomide (TMZ) in glioblastoma (GBM) models. We conducted a phase IB study combining CTO with two standard TMZ schedules in GBM. Methods In cohort 1, patients with recurrent anaplastic gliomas or GBM received escalating doses of CTO (219 to 812.5 mg/m2 once daily or 600 mg fixed once-daily dose) combined with TMZ (150 mg/m2 5 days during each 28-day cycle). In cohort 2, patients with newly diagnosed GBM received escalating doses of CTO (219 to 481 mg/m2/d once daily) with radiotherapy and TMZ 75 mg/m2/d, followed by TMZ 150 mg to 200 mg/m2 5 days during each 28-day cycle. Results Forty-seven patients were enrolled. Treatment was well tolerated; toxicities included fatigue, constipation, nausea, and hypophosphatemia. Pharmacokinetics showed that CTO did not alter TMZ levels; therapeutic concentrations were achieved in tumor and brain. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed; the recommended phase II dose was 600 mg/d flat dose. Signals of activity in cohort 1 (n = 27) included partial (n = 6) and complete (n = 1) response, including in O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase unmethylated and bevacizumab-refractory tumors. In cohort 2 (n = 15), median progression-free survival was 15 months and median overall survival was not reached (median follow-up, 28 months; 2-year overall survival, 62%). Gene sequencing disclosed a high rate of responses among EGFR-amplified tumors ( P = .005), with mechanisms of acquired resistance possibly involving mutations in mismatch-repair genes and/or downstream components TSC2, NF1, NF2, PTEN, and PIK3CA. Conclusion CTO can be combined safely with TMZ or chemoradiation in GBM and anaplastic gliomas, displaying favorable brain penetration and promising signals of activity in this difficult-to-treat population.

Multicenter, Phase 1, Dose Escalation Study of Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiation Therapy With Bevacizumab for Recurrent Glioblastoma and Anaplastic Astrocytoma.

PURPOSE: To establish the maximum tolerated dose of a 3-fraction hypofractionated stereotactic reirradiation schedule when delivered with concomitant bevacizumab to treat recurrent high-grade gliomas. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with recurrent high-grade glioma with Karnofsky performance status ≥60, history of standard fractionated initial radiation, tumor volume at recurrence ≤40 cm3, and absence of brainstem or corpus callosum involvement were eligible. A standard 3+3 phase 1 dose escalation trial design was utilized, with dose-limiting toxicities defined as any grade 3 to 5 toxicities possibly, probably, or definitely related to radiation. Bevacizumab was given at a dose of 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Hypofractionated stereotactic reirradiation was initiated after 2 bevacizumab doses, delivered in 3 fractions every other day, starting at 9 Gy per fraction. RESULTS: A total of 3 patients were enrolled at the 9 Gy × 3 dose level cohort, 5 in the 10 Gy × 3 cohort, and 7 in the 11 Gy × 3 cohort. One dose-limiting toxicity of grade 3 fatigue and cognitive deterioration possibly related to hypofractionated stereotactic reirradiation was observed in the 11 Gy × 3 cohort, and this dose was declared the maximum tolerated dose in combination with bevacizumab. Although no symptomatic radionecrosis was observed, substantial treatment-related effects and necrosis were observed in resected specimens. The intent-to-treat median overall survival was 13 months. CONCLUSIONS: Reirradiation using a 3-fraction schedule with bevacizumab support is feasible and reasonably well tolerated. Dose-escalation was possible up to 11 Gy × 3, which achieves a near doubling in the delivered biological equivalent dose to normal brain, in comparison with our previous 6 Gy × 5 schedule. Promising overall survival warrants further investigation.

Multicenter phase II study of temozolomide and myeloablative chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant for newly diagnosed anaplastic oligodendroglioma.

BACKGROUND: Anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AO) and anaplastic oligoastrocytoma (AOA) are chemotherapy-sensitive tumors with prolonged survival after radiochemotherapy. We report a prospective trial using induction temozolomide (TMZ) followed by myeloablative high-dose chemotherapy (HDC) with autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT) as a potential strategy to defer radiotherapy. METHODS: Patients with AO/AOA received 6 cycles of TMZ (200 mg/m2 × 5/28 day). Responding patients were eligible for HDC (thiotepa 250 mg/m2/day × 3 days, then busulfan 3.2 mg/kg/day × 3 days), followed by ASCT. Genomic characterization was performed using next-generation sequencing. RESULTS: Forty-one patients were enrolled; 85% had 1p/19q codeleted tumors. After induction, 26 patients were eligible for HDC-ASCT and 21 agreed to proceed. There were no unexpected adverse events or toxic deaths. After median follow-up of 66 months, 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) for transplanted patients was 86%, 5-year PFS 60%, and no patient has died. Among all 1p/19q codeleted patients (N = 33), 5-year PFS was 50% and 5-year overall survival (OS) 93%, with median time to radiotherapy not reached. Next-generation sequencing disclosed typical oligodendroglioma-related mutations, including IDH1, TERT, CIC, and FUBP1 mutations in 1p/19q codeleted patients, and glioblastoma-like signatures in 1p/19q intact patients. Aside from IDH1, potentially oncogenic/actionable mutations were variable, depicting wide molecular heterogeneity within oligodendroglial tumors. CONCLUSIONS: TMZ followed by HDC-ASCT can be safely administered to patients with newly diagnosed 1p/19q codeleted AO. This strategy was associated with promising PFS and OS, suggesting that a chemotherapy-based approach may delay the need for radiotherapy and radiation-related toxicities. Raw data for further genomic and meta-analyses are publicly available at http://cbioportal.org/study?id=odg_msk_2017, accessed 6 January 2017. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV REGISTRY: NCT00588523.