Antithrombotic Treatment for Stroke Prevention in Cervical Artery Dissection: The STOP-CAD Study.

BACKGROUND: Small, randomized trials of patients with cervical artery dissection showed conflicting results regarding optimal stroke prevention strategies. We aimed to compare outcomes in patients with cervical artery dissection treated with antiplatelets versus anticoagulation. METHODS: This is a multicenter observational retrospective international study (16 countries, 63 sites) that included patients with cervical artery dissection without major trauma. The exposure was antithrombotic treatment type (anticoagulation versus antiplatelets), and outcomes were subsequent ischemic stroke and major hemorrhage (intracranial or extracranial hemorrhage). We used adjusted Cox regression with inverse probability of treatment weighting to determine associations between anticoagulation and study outcomes within 30 and 180 days. The main analysis used an as-treated crossover approach and only included outcomes occurring with the above treatments. RESULTS: The study included 3636 patients (402 [11.1%] received exclusively anticoagulation and 2453 [67.5%] received exclusively antiplatelets). By day 180, there were 162 new ischemic strokes (4.4%) and 28 major hemorrhages (0.8%); 87.0% of ischemic strokes occurred by day 30. In adjusted Cox regression with inverse probability of treatment weighting, compared with antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulation was associated with a nonsignificantly lower risk of subsequent ischemic stroke by day 30 (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.71 [95% CI, 0.45-1.12]; P=0.145) and by day 180 (adjusted HR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.28-2.24]; P=0.670). Anticoagulation therapy was not associated with a higher risk of major hemorrhage by day 30 (adjusted HR, 1.39 [95% CI, 0.35-5.45]; P=0.637) but was by day 180 (adjusted HR, 5.56 [95% CI, 1.53-20.13]; P=0.009). In interaction analyses, patients with occlusive dissection had significantly lower ischemic stroke risk with anticoagulation (adjusted HR, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.18-0.88]; Pinteraction=0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Our study does not rule out the benefit of anticoagulation in reducing ischemic stroke risk, particularly in patients with occlusive dissection. If anticoagulation is chosen, it seems reasonable to switch to antiplatelet therapy before 180 days to lower the risk of major bleeding. Large prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.

Anterior ischemic stroke: Analysis of the multivariable CT-based models for prediction of clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictive value of multiple CT-based measurements, individually and collectively, including arterial collateral filling (AC), tissue perfusion parameters, as well as cortical venous (CV) and medullary venous (MV) outflow, in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a database of patients with AIS in the middle cerebral artery distribution, who underwent evaluation by multiphase CT-angiography and perfusion. AC pial filling was evaluated using a multiphase CTA imaging. The CV status was scored using the adopted PRECISE system based on contrast opacification of the main cortical veins. The MV status was defined by the degree of contrast opacification of medullary veins in one cerebral hemisphere as compared to the contralateral hemisphere. The perfusion parameters were calculated using FDA-approved automated software. A good clinical outcome was defined as a Modified Rankin Scale of 0-2 at 90 days. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients were included. Each of the CT-based measurements could predict clinical outcomes independently (P<0.05). AC pial filling and perfusion core based models did slightly better compared to each of the other models (AUC = 0.66). Among models with two variables, the perfusion core combined with MV status had the highest AUC=0.73 followed by a combination of MV status and AC (AUC=0.72). Multivariable modeling with all four variables resulted in the highest predictive value (AUC=0.77). CONCLUSION: The combination of arterial collateral flow, tissue perfusion, and venous outflow provides a more accurate prediction of clinical outcome in AIS than each variable alone. This additive effect of these techniques suggests that the information collected by each of these methods only partially overlaps.

Evaluation of Adult Neurology Residency Program Websites.

OBJECTIVE: Neurology residency program websites often serve as the initial face of a program for prospective residents early in the application process. We evaluated adult neurology residency program websites to determine their comprehensiveness to identify areas for improvement. METHODS: A list of adult neurology residency programs in the United States was compiled using information on the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database (FREIDA) websites. A total of 24 website criteria covering educational, recruitment, and compensation content were assessed for comprehensiveness. Programs' website comprehensiveness was compared based on geographic location, program affiliation (community and/or academic), program size, and program/hospital Doximity and U.S. News & World Report rankings. RESULTS: A total of 153 US adult neurology residency program websites were evaluated. Fewer than one-half of program websites were accessible with a direct link from either FREIDA or ERAS. The number of residency program websites reporting each content criterion varied greatly. Mean percentage of overall website comprehensiveness among neurology residency programs was 65.9%. Northeast location, academic affiliation, larger programs, and top-ranked programs on Doximity were associated with greater program website comprehensiveness. INTERPRETATION: There is opportunity for all neurology residency programs to improve their websites to provide prospective applicants with a more informed and comprehensive perspective of programs during the application process. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:637-642.

Aetiology, secondary prevention strategies and outcomes of ischaemic stroke despite oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the aetiology, subsequent preventive strategies and outcomes of stroke despite anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: We analysed consecutive patients with AF with an index imaging-proven ischaemic stroke despite vitamin K-antagonist (VKA) or direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) treatment across 11 stroke centres. We classified stroke aetiology as: (i) competing stroke mechanism other than AF-related cardioembolism; (ii) insufficient anticoagulation (non-adherence or low anticoagulant activity measured with drug-specific assays); or, (iii) AF-related cardioembolism despite sufficient anticoagulation. We investigated subsequent preventive strategies with regard to the primary (composite of recurrent ischaemic stroke, intracranial haemorrhage, death) and secondary endpoint (recurrent ischaemic stroke) within 3 months after index stroke. RESULTS: Among 2946 patients (median age 81 years; 48% women; 43% VKA, 57% DOAC), stroke aetiology was competing mechanism in 713 patients (24%), insufficient anticoagulation in 934 (32%) and cardioembolism despite sufficient anticoagulation in 1299 (44%). We found high rates of the primary (27% of patients; completeness 91.6%) and secondary endpoint (4.6%; completeness 88.5%). Only DOAC (vs VKA) treatment after index stroke showed lower odds for both endpoints (primary: adjusted OR (aOR) (95% CI) 0.49 (0.32 to 0.73); secondary: 0.44 (0.24 to 0.80)), but not switching between different DOAC types. Adding antiplatelets showed higher odds for both endpoints (primary: aOR (95% CI) 1.99 (1.25 to 3.15); secondary: 2.66 (1.40 to 5.04)). Only few patients (1%) received left atrial appendage occlusion as additional preventive strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Stroke despite anticoagulation comprises heterogeneous aetiologies and cardioembolism despite sufficient anticoagulation is most common. While DOAC were associated with better outcomes than VKA, adding antiplatelets was linked to worse outcomes in these high-risk patients. Our findings indicate that individualised and novel preventive strategies beyond the currently available anticoagulants are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN48292829.

Anticoagulation Timing in Cardioembolic Stroke and Recurrent Event Risk.

OBJECTIVE: Guidelines recommend initiating anticoagulation within 4 to 14 days after cardioembolic stroke. Data supporting this did not account for key factors potentially affecting the decision to initiate anticoagulation, such as infarct size, hemorrhagic transformation, or high-risk features on echocardiography. METHODS: We pooled data from stroke registries of 8 comprehensive stroke centers across the United States. We included consecutive patients admitted with ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation. The primary predictor was timing of initiating anticoagulation (0-3 days, 4-14 days, or >14 days), and outcomes were recurrent stroke/transient ischemic attack/systemic embolism, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and major extracranial hemorrhage (ECH) within 90 days. RESULTS: Among 2,084 patients, 1,289 met the inclusion criteria. The combined endpoint occurred in 10.1% (n = 130) subjects (87 ischemic events, 20 sICH, and 29 ECH). Overall, there was no significant difference in the composite endpoint between the 3 groups (0-3 days: 10.3%, 64/617; 4-14 days: 9.7%, 52/535; >14 days: 10.2%, 14/137; p = 0.933). In adjusted models, patients started on anticoagulation between 4 and 14 days did not have a lower rate of sICH (vs 0-3 days; odds ratio [OR] = 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.50-4.43), nor did they have a lower rate of recurrent ischemic events (vs >14 days; OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.36-1.62, p = 0.482). INTERPRETATION: In this multicenter real-world cohort, the recommended (4-14 days) time frame to start oral anticoagulation was not associated with reduced ischemic and hemorrhagic outcomes. Randomized trials are required to determine the optimal timing of anticoagulation initiation. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:807-816.

Anticoagulation Type and Early Recurrence in Cardioembolic Stroke: The IAC Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation, treatment with low molecular weight heparin increases early hemorrhagic risk without reducing early recurrence, and there is limited data comparing warfarin to direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) therapy. We aim to compare the effects of the treatments above on the risk of 90-day recurrent ischemic events and delayed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. METHODS: We included consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation from the IAC (Initiation of Anticoagulation after Cardioembolic) stroke study pooling data from stroke registries of 8 comprehensive stroke centers across the United States. We compared recurrent ischemic events and delayed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage between each of the following groups in separate Cox-regression analyses: (1) DOAC versus warfarin and (2) bridging with heparin/low molecular weight heparin versus no bridging, adjusting for pertinent confounders to test these associations. RESULTS: We identified 1289 patients who met the bridging versus no bridging analysis inclusion criteria and 1251 patients who met the DOAC versus warfarin analysis inclusion criteria. In adjusted Cox-regression models, bridging (versus no bridging) treatment was associated with a high risk of delayed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (hazard ratio, 2.74 [95% CI, 1.01-7.42]) but a similar rate of recurrent ischemic events (hazard ratio, 1.23 [95% CI, 0.63-2.40]). Furthermore, DOAC (versus warfarin) treatment was associated with a lower risk of recurrent ischemic events (hazard ratio, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.29-0.87]) but not delayed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (hazard ratio, 0.57 [95% CI, 0.22-1.48]). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that patients with ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation would benefit from the initiation of a DOAC without bridging therapy. Due to our study limitations, these findings should be interpreted with caution pending confirmation from large prospective studies.

Early ischaemic and haemorrhagic complications after atrial fibrillation-related ischaemic stroke: analysis of the IAC study.

INTRODUCTION: Predictors of long-term ischaemic and haemorrhagic complications in atrial fibrillation (AF) have been studied, but there are limited data on predictors of early ischaemic and haemorrhagic complications after AF-associated ischaemic stroke. We sought to determine these predictors. METHODS: The Initiation of Anticoagulation after Cardioembolic stroke study is a multicentre retrospective study across that pooled data from consecutive patients with ischaemic stroke in the setting of AF from stroke registries across eight comprehensive stroke centres in the USA. The coprimary outcomes were recurrent ischaemic event (stroke/TIA/systemic arterial embolism) and delayed symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (d-sICH) within 90 days. We performed univariate analyses and Cox regression analyses including important predictors on univariate analyses to determine independent predictors of early ischaemic events (stroke/TIA/systemic embolism) and d-sICH. RESULTS: Out of 2084 patients, 1520 patients qualified; 104 patients (6.8%) had recurrent ischaemic events and 23 patients (1.5%) had d-sICH within 90 days from the index event. In Cox regression models, factors associated with a trend for recurrent ischaemic events were prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) (HR 1.42, 95% CI 0.96 to 2.10) and ipsilateral arterial stenosis with 50%-99% narrowing (HR 1.54, 95% CI 0.98 to 2.43). Those associated with sICH were male sex (HR 2.68, 95% CI 1.06 to 6.83), history of hyperlipidaemia (HR 2.91, 95% CI 1.08 to 7.84) and early haemorrhagic transformation (HR 5.35, 95% CI 2.22 to 12.92). CONCLUSION: In patients with ischaemic stroke and AF, predictors of d-sICH are different than those of recurrent ischaemic events; therefore, recognising these predictors may help inform early stroke versus d-sICH prevention strategies.

Factors associated with therapeutic anticoagulation status in patients with ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Understanding factors associated with ischemic stroke despite therapeutic anticoagulation is an important goal to improve stroke prevention strategies in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). We aim to determine factors associated with therapeutic or supratherapeutic anticoagulation status at the time of ischemic stroke in patients with AF. METHODS: The Initiation of Anticoagulation after Cardioembolic stroke (IAC) study is a multicenter study pooling data from stroke registries of eight comprehensive stroke centers across the United States. Consecutive patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke in the setting of AF were included in the IAC cohort. For this study, we only included patients who reported taking warfarin at the time of the ischemic stroke. Patients not on anticoagulation and patients who reported use of a direct oral anticoagulant were excluded. Analyses were stratified based on therapeutic (INR ≥2) versus subtherapeutic (INR <2) anticoagulation status. We used binary logistic regression models to determine factors independently associated with anticoagulation status after adjustment for pertinent confounders. In particular, we sought to determine whether atherosclerosis with 50% or more luminal narrowing in an artery supplying the infarct (a marker for a competing atherosclerotic mechanism) and small stroke size (≤ 10 mL; implying a competing small vessel disease mechanism) related to anticoagulant status. RESULTS: Of the 2084 patients enrolled in the IAC study, 382 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 77.4 ± 10.9 years and 52.4% (200/382) were women. A total of 222 (58.1%) subjects presented with subtherapeutic INR. In adjusted models, small stroke size (OR 1.74 95% CI 1.10-2.76, p = 0.019) and atherosclerosis with 50% or more narrowing in an artery supplying the infarct (OR 1.96 95% CI 1.06-3.63, p = 0.031) were independently associated with INR ≥2 at the time of their index stroke. CONCLUSION: Small stroke size (≤ 10 ml) and ipsilateral atherosclerosis with 50% or more narrowing may indicate a competing stroke mechanism. There may be important opportunities to improve stroke prevention strategies for patients with AF by targeting additional ischemic stroke mechanisms to improve patient outcomes.

Fixed Dose IV rt-PA and Clinical Outcome in Ischemic Stroke Patients With Body Weight >100 kg: Pooled Data From 3 Randomized Clinical Trials.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The ASA/AHA guidelines recommend a fixed dose of 90 mg of intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) for acute stroke patients weighing more than 100 kg. We aimed to determine if body weight >100 kg (and receiving <0.9 mg/kg dose) independently influence patient clinical outcomes following IV rt-PA treatment. METHODS: We pooled data from IV rt-PA treatment arms from 3 randomized controlled clinical trials; NINDS IV rt-PA study, Interventional Management of Stroke 3 and ALIAS (part 1 and 2). Baseline characteristic, hospital course and 90-day mRS were compared between patients >100 kg and those ≤100 kg body weight. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the independent effect of >100 kg body weight on favorable 90-day outcome (defined as mRS 0-2), the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and poor 90-day outcome (mRS 4-6). RESULTS: Among 873 patients treated with IV rt-PA, a total of 105 (12%) subjects had body weight >100 kg. Compared with patients having ≤100 kg body weight, the rate of favorable outcome at 90 days was not significantly different among patients with >100 kg body weight (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.91-1.01; p=0.91) , after adjusting for potential confounders. The ordinal analysis did not show any significant shift in the distribution of 90-day mRS score in patients with >100 kg body weight (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.64-1.37; P = 0.74) CONCLUSIONS: There was no reduction in the rate of favorable outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke with body weight >100 kg who received <0.9 mg/kg dose of IV rt-PA. Our results support the current recommendations in the ASA/AHA guidelines.

Numerous Fusiform and Saccular Cerebral Aneurysms in Central Nervous System Lupus Presenting with Ischemic Stroke.

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement occurs in up to 50% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Cerebral aneurysm formation is a rare complication of CNS lupus. The majority of these patients present with subarachnoid hemorrhage. We report a patient with an active SLE flare who presented with a recurrent ischemic stroke and was found to have numerous unruptured fusiform and saccular aneurysms in multiple vascular territories. He was treated with high-dose steroid and rituximab along with aspirin and blood pressure control for stroke prevention.

Evaluation of sleep medicine fellowship program websites.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Sleep fellowship program websites likely serve as a preliminary source of information for prospective fellows. Arguably, applicants have likely become even more reliant on program websites during the COVID-19 pandemic due to travel restrictions and social-distancing measures limiting in-person interviews. In this study, we evaluated the content and comprehensiveness of sleep medicine fellowship websites to identify areas of improvement. METHODS: A list of sleep medicine fellowship programs in the United States participating in the 2021 match cycle was compiled using the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive database (FREIDA) websites. Twenty-two prespecified content criteria related to education, recruitment, and compensation were used to evaluate each program website. Sleep programs' website comprehensiveness were compared based on US location, type, matching status, core specialty, and size of programs. RESULTS: Seventy-eight US sleep fellowship program websites were evaluated. Most program websites had a working hyperlink on ERAS or FREIDA. There was considerable variability in content reported across program websites, with a mean of 56.8% of content items reported per program. There was a greater educational website content comprehensiveness for internal medicine compared with other specialty-based sleep programs. There was no difference in sleep programs' website comprehensiveness based on US location, type, matching status, or size of programs. CONCLUSIONS: Website content comprehensiveness among sleep fellowship programs is variable. There is opportunity for all sleep fellowship programs to improve their websites to better inform prospective trainees. CITATION: Shenoy S, Akberzie W, Landeo-Gutierrez JS, Leon Guerrero CR, Karroum EG. Evaluation of sleep medicine fellowship program websites. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(6):1083-1088.

Appearance of medullary and cortical veins on multiphase CT-angiography in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine if interhemispheric asymmetry of cortical and medullary veins evaluated on CT angiography can provide a more accurate prediction of outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke when compared to hemispheric asymmetry of cortical or medullary vein drainage alone. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a database of patients with anterior circulation distribution acute ischemic stroke, who were evaluated by multiphase CTA. Cortical veins were evaluated using the adopted Prognostic Evaluation based on Cortical vein score difference In Stroke (PRECISE) system. Medullary veins were evaluated by the presence of asymmetry determined by 5 or more medullary veins visualized in one hemisphere as compared to the contralateral. Good clinical outcome was defined as a Modified Rankin Scale of 0-2 at 90 days. RESULTS: 64 patients were included. The adopted PRECISE score was associated with a good clinical outcome in patients with AIS (OR=3.29; 95 % CI: 1.16 - 9.30; p = 0.023) and had a stronger association with clinical outcome (AUC=0.644) as compared to the asymmetry of MV (AUC=0.609). In a multivariable logistic regression model, combined medullary and cortical vein asymmetry were independently associated with clinical outcomes (AUC=0.721). CONCLUSION: Combined cortical and medullary vein interhemispheric asymmetry is a stronger predictor of clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke compared to cortical or medullary vein asymmetry alone.

Clinical impact of the first pass effect on clinical outcomes in patients with near or complete recanalization during mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The first pass effect has been reported as a mechanical thrombectomy (MT) success metric in patients with large vessel occlusive stroke. We aimed to compare the clinical and neuroimagign outcomes of patients who had favorable recanalization (mTICI 2c or mTICI 3) achieved in one pass versus those requiring multiple passes. METHODS: In this "real-world" multicenter study, patients with mTICI 2c or 3 recanalization were identified from three prospectively collected stroke databases from January 2016 to December 2019. Clinical outcomes were a favorable functional outcome at 90 days (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2), and the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) any ICH, and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: Favorable recanalization was achieved in 390/664 (59%) of consecutive patients who underwent MT (age 71.2 ± 13.2 years, 188 [48.2%] women). This was achieved after a single thrombectomy pass (n = 290) or multiple thrombectomy passes (n = 100). The rate of favorable clinical outcome was higher (41% vs. 28 %, p = .02) in the first pass group with a continued trend on multivariate analysis that did not reaching statistical significance (OR 1.68 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-2.95, p = .07). Similarly, the odds of any ICH were significantly lower (OR 0.56 CI 0.32-0.97, p = .03). A similar trend of favorable clinical outcomes was noticed on subgroup analysis of patients with M1 occlusion (OR 1.81 CI 1.01-3.61, p = .08). CONCLUSION: The first-pass reperfusion was associated with a trend toward favorable clinical outcome and lower rates of ICH. These data suggest that the first-pass effect should be the mechanical thrombectomy procedure goal.

Effect of Alteplase Use on Outcomes in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Analysis of the Initiation of Anticoagulation After Cardioembolic Stroke Study.

Background Intravenous alteplase improves outcome after acute ischemic stroke without a benefit in 90-day mortality. There are limited data on whether alteplase is associated with reduced mortality in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF)-related ischemic stroke whose mortality rate is relatively high. We sought to determine the association of alteplase with hemorrhagic transformation and mortality in patients with AF. Methods and Results We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke between 2015 and 2018 diagnosed with AF included in the IAC (Initiation of Anticoagulation After Cardioembolic Stroke) study, which pooled data from stroke registries at 8 comprehensive stroke centers across the United States. For our primary analysis, we included patients who did not undergo mechanical thrombectomy (MT), and secondary analyses included patients who underwent MT. We used binary logistic regression to determine whether alteplase use was associated with risk of hemorrhagic transformation and 90-day mortality. There were 1889 patients (90.6%) who had 90-day follow-up data available for analyses and were included; 1367 patients (72.4%) did not receive MT, and 522 patients (27.6%) received MT. In our primary analyses we found that alteplase use was independently associated with an increased risk for hemorrhagic transformation (odds ratio [OR], 2.23; 95% CI, 1.57-3.17) but reduced risk of 90-day mortality (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39-0.87). Among patients undergoing MT, alteplase use was not associated with a significant reduction in 90-day mortality (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.45-1.04). Conclusions Alteplase reduced 90-day mortality of patients with acute ischemic stroke with AF not undergoing MT. Further study is required to assess the efficacy of alteplase in patients with AF undergoing MT.

COVID-19: Neurology residents' perspective.

Throughout this pandemic, neurology resident education and service has, and will continue to be, affected during this unprecedented time. Balancing the safety of our residents as well as the anticipated inpatient service demands, we have, and continue to, make changes to meet the needs of our community. Education certainly has been affected but we have made great effort to maintain normalcy. We are leveraging web-based technologies to continue formal didactics. The American Academy of Neurology has provided program directors with various tools to share to provide high-yield academic education. AAN Synapse, distance learning modules, and podcasts are a few examples. Each residency training program will likely face different challenges depending on location and community structure. We have an obligation to help all of our colleagues in the hospital in providing quality and compassionate care during this time of need. Our training and education will only benefit from this experience teaching us lessons on adaptability, the importance of teamwork, and self-sacrifice.

Education Research: Physician identification and patient satisfaction on an academic neurology inpatient service.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between neurology inpatient satisfaction and (1) number of physicians involved in the patient's care and (2) patients' ability to identify their physicians. METHODS: A 10-item questionnaire addressing patient satisfaction and identification of physicians on the care team was administered to patients admitted to an academic, tertiary care, inpatient neurology service from May 1 to October 31, 2012. We hypothesized higher satisfaction among patients having fewer physicians on the care team and among patients able to identify their physicians. RESULTS: A total of 652 patients were enrolled. An average of 3.9 (range 3-8) physicians were involved in each patient's care. Patients were able to correctly identify on average 2.4 (60.7%) physicians involved in their care. Patients who were very satisfied correctly identified a larger percentage of physicians involved in their care (63.8% vs 50.7%, p < 0.001), were more likely to identify a physician who knew them best (94.3% vs 43.6%, p < 0.001) and who was "in charge" of their care (94.1% vs 57.6%, p < 0.001), and were more likely to have private insurance (82.8% vs 70.5%, p < 0.001) and fewer physicians involved in their care (3.84 vs 4.06, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Neurology inpatients' ability to identify physicians involved in their care is associated with patient satisfaction. Strategies to enhance patient satisfaction might target improving physician identification, reducing actual or perceived disparities in care based on payer status, and reducing handoffs or conducting handoffs at the bedside.

Early Outcomes after Carotid Endarterectomy and Carotid Artery Stenting for Carotid Stenosis in the ACS-NSQIP Database.

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) are both viable treatment options for carotid artery stenosis. We sought to compare perioperative outcomes after CEA and CAS for the management of carotid stenosis using a "real-world" sample. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to compare 30-day (periprocedural) outcomes in patients with carotid stenosis undergoing CEA versus CAS from 2005 to 2012. Baseline characteristics and periprocedural outcomes including stroke, myocardial infarction, mortality and combined outcome (composite of any stroke, myocardial infarction, or death) were compared. RESULTS: A total of 54,640 patients were identified who underwent CEA and 488 who underwent CAS. Patients undergoing CEA were more likely to be older and have symptomatic stenosis, and less likely to be white, have congestive heart failure, and have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There were no significant differences between CEA and CAS in periprocedural mortality (0.9% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.33), stroke (1.6% vs. 1.6 p = 0.93), myocardial infarction (0.9% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.08), or combined outcome (3.0% vs. 4.9%, p = 0.09). The interaction between symptomatic status and procedure type was not significant, indicating the association of symptomatic status with 30-day mortality (p = 0.29) or the combined periprocedural outcome (p = 0.57) were similar in cases receiving CEA and CAS. CONCLUSION: Early outcomes after CEA and CAS for carotid artery stenosis appear to be similar in a "real-world" sample and comparable to clinical trials. Patients undergoing CAS were more likely to be younger and surgically have higher risk based on baseline characteristics likely reflecting clinical practice case selection.

Inpatient versus Outpatient Management of TIA or Minor Stroke: Clinical Outcome.

BACKGROUND: The management of patients with acute transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke is highly variable. Whether hospitalization of such patients significantly improves short-term clinical outcome is unknown. We assessed the short-term clinical outcome associated with inpatient versus outpatient management of patients with TIA or minor stroke. METHODS: We evaluated a consecutive series of patients with acute TIA or minor ischemic stroke (NIH Stroke Scale score ≤ 3) presenting to a single emergency department (ED). We randomized patients to either hospital-based or outpatient-based management. All patients underwent interview and examination 7-10 days following the index event. RESULTS: This study included 100 patients, 41 with TIA and 59 with minor stroke. Nineteen (46%) of the TIA patients and 29 (49%) of the minor stroke patients randomized to hospital management, and the remaining 22 TIA patients and 30 minor stroke patients randomized to outpatient-based management. In the patients with a minor stroke, neurologic worsening occurred in 6 out of 29 (21%) in the inpatient arm compared with 3 out of 30 (10%) in the outpatient arm (p = 0.3). In none of these cases was acute interventional therapy or need for urgent admission considered medically appropriate. In the patients with a TIA, recurrence of a TIA occurred in 2 out of 19 (11%) in the inpatient arm compared with 2 out of 22 (9%) in the outpatient arm (p = 1). None of the patients with a TIA randomized to the inpatient arm experienced a stroke compared with 1 out of 22 in the outpatient arm (p = 1). There were no deaths in either group. CONCLUSION: Routine hospitalization of all patients with TIA or minor ischemic stroke may not positively affect short-term clinical outcome.

Neurologic and neuroimaging manifestations of Cantú syndrome: A case series.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the neurologic and neuroimaging manifestations associated with Cantú syndrome. METHODS: We evaluated 10 patients with genetically confirmed Cantú syndrome. All adult patients, and pediatric patients who were able to cooperate and complete the studies, underwent neuroimaging, including vascular imaging. A salient neurologic history and examination was obtained for all patients. RESULTS: We observed diffusely dilated and tortuous cerebral blood vessels in all patients who underwent vascular imaging. White matter changes were observed in all patients who completed an MRI brain study. Two patients had a persistent trigeminal artery. One patient had an occluded right middle cerebral artery. One patient had transient white matter changes suggestive of posterior reversible encephalopathic syndrome. Four patients had migraines with one patient having complicated migraines. Seizures were seen in early life but infrequent. The majority of patients had mild developmental delays and one patient had a diagnosis of autism. CONCLUSIONS: Cantú syndrome is associated with various neurologic manifestations, particularly cerebrovascular findings including dilated and tortuous cerebral vessels, white matter changes, and persistent fetal circulation. Involvement of the KATP SUR2/Kir6.1 subtype potentially plays an important role in the neurologic manifestations of Cantú syndrome.