Measurement of carotid stenosis using duplex ultrasonography with a microconvex array transducer: a validation with cerebral angiography.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the validity of duplex ultrasonography (DUS) using a microconvex array transducer (MAT) with enhanced flow imaging (EFI) for visualization of the distal, internal carotid artery (ICA) and the accurate assessment of ICA stenosis. METHODS: Patients who underwent both DUS and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were registered for this study. DUS was performed by using a linear array transducer (LAT) and an MAT with EFI. The visibility of the ICA was compared between the 2 transducers. ICA stenosis was evaluated by the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) method on DUS, and the peak systolic flow velocity (PSV) was evaluated by using an MAT. These results were compared with DSA. RESULTS: In 238 internal carotid arteries, the average length of visualized ICA was longer for DUS using an MAT than an LAT (38.7±11.7 mm versus 25.8±9.8 mm, P<.0001). In 68 stenotic, internal carotid arteries, the degree of ICA stenosis detected by the NASCET method on DUS was correlated to that on DSA (P<.0001, r=.969, and adjusted r2=.938). PSV also correlated to NASCET method on DSA (P<.0001, r=.804, and adjusted r2=.640). CONCLUSIONS: DUS using an MAT with EFI technology could reveal more extended distal views of the ICA and was strongly correlated with NASCET method on DSA.

Surgical Venous Drainage Disconnection from Cavernous Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistula and Ruptured Varix.

BACKGROUND: Cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CS dAVFs) occasionally behave aggressively (e.g., intracranial hemorrhage, venous infarction, seizures) depending on the drainage flow and presence of a collateral route of cortical or basal cerebral venous drainage. When a CS dAVF with aggressive behavior is encountered, a radical cure is required to avoid catastrophic deficits. However, conventional transvenous cavernous sinus (CS) embolization via the inferior petrosal sinus does not always achieve shunt obliteration. We herein report a case of surgical venous drainage disconnection in an 83-year-old woman with a CS dAVF. CASE DESCRIPTION: The patient presented with coma and anisocoria due to intracranial hemorrhage. Because of the patient's critical condition, we had no choice but to perform emergency decompressive craniectomy and hematoma evacuation without detailed preoperative hemodynamic information obtained by digital subtraction angiography. Postoperative digital subtraction angiography showed a CS dAVF with retrograde venous drainage of the deep middle cerebral vein (DMCV) and varix formation in the affected DMCV, causing hemorrhagic episodes. Five days after admission, the patient's neurologic state worsened because of rebleeding from the varix, which had increased in size. The percutaneous transvenous approach failed because of compartmentalization within the CS. Open surgery was performed; the deep vasculature was exposed by the transsylvian approach, and the arterialized DMCV was permanently clipped at its proximal segment with disconnection from the venous varix and fistulous point. Shunt obliteration was successfully achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical venous drainage disconnection from the fistulous point may be an alternative radical therapy for CS dAVFs with aggressive behaviors.

Subacute lesion volume as a potential prognostic biomarker for acute ischemic stroke after intravenous thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify whether subacute diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion volume could predict long-term outcome in patients who had undergone intravenous thrombolysis. METHOD: Patients underwent DWI at baseline and 7days after thrombolysis. Outcomes included complete independence (modified Rankin scale [mRS] score 0 to 1), unfavorable outcome (mRS score 4 to 6) at 90days, and mortality within 90days. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify outcome predictors. RESULTS: Of 164 patients, 72 patients (43%) achieved complete independence. Poor outcomes were observed in 45 patients (27%) with an unfavorable outcome and 10 patients (6%) who died. Subacute DWI lesion volume was 3.4mL (interquartile range, 1.1-11.6) in patients with complete independence, 90.1mL (23.8-180.2) in patients with unfavorable outcome and 155.5mL (78.4-377.5) in patients who died. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, subacute DWI lesion volume was an independent predictor of complete independence (odds ratio [OR], 0.939; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.914-0.965; p<0.001), unfavorable outcome (OR, 1.023; 95% CI, 1.014-1.033; p<0.001), and mortality (OR, 1.016; 95% CI, 1.005-1.028; p=0.005). CONCLUSION: Subacute DWI lesion volume is a critical determinant of 90-day functional outcome and mortality after thrombolysis.

"Snake fang" sign without carotid stenosis on duplex ultrasonography indicates high risk of artery-to-artery embolic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Artery-to-artery embolism generally occurs in patients with not only moderate to severe arterial stenosis but also plaque vulnerability. Two unique cases with free-floating thrombi at the distal side of the small plaque in the internal carotid artery without stenosis are presented and its clinical implications are discussed. RESULTS: Two middle-aged men suffered embolic stroke. Initial duplex ultrasonography revealed small plaques and vortex flow without significant stenosis or plaque vulnerability in their internal carotid arteries. Continuous examination by duplex ultrasonography showed that free-floating thrombi developed and regressed at the distal side of the small plaques. Histological examination disclosed plaque erosion at the distal side of the plaques without lipid core rupture. CONCLUSIONS: In these two cases, duplex ultrasonography revealed free-floating thrombi developed at the distal region of small plaques. Aggressive treatment should be considered in a patient with thromboembolic stroke who has the small plaque presenting "snake fang" sign even if there is no stenosis or plaque vulnerability.

Cardiac diastolic dysfunction predicts in-hospital mortality in acute ischemic stroke with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify whether diastolic dysfunction predicts in-hospital death in ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation. METHOD: We retrospectively analyzed data from enrolled patients with ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation who presented within 24h of onset. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography to evaluate diastolic filling pressure estimated as the ratio of early transmitral flow velocity (E) to mitral annular velocity (e') within 24h of admission. We evaluated initial ischemic lesion volume and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-six patients were enrolled. During hospitalization, 30 patients (11%) died. The deceased group had a higher NIHSS score, a higher D-dimer level, a higher creatinine level, a larger initial ischemic lesion volume and a higher E/e' ratio than those in the survival group. In a multivariate analysis, a higher E/e' ratio was an independent predictor of in-hospital death. The cutoff value for the E/e' ratio for prediction in-hospital death was 20 with the sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 86%. CONCLUSION: Diastolic dysfunction may be associated with in-hospital death in ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation.