Disruption of Resting-State Functional Connectivity in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Comparisons Between Right and Left Hemispheric Insults.

Few resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) studies evaluated the impact of acute ischemic changes on cerebral functional connectivity (FC) and its relationship with functional outcomes after acute ischemic stroke (AIS), considering the side of lesions. To characterize alterations of FC of patients with AIS by analyzing 12 large-scale brain networks (NWs) with RS-fMRI. Additionally, we evaluated the impact of the side (right (RH) or left (LH) hemisphere) of insult on the disruption of brain NWs. 38 patients diagnosed with AIS (17 RH and 21 LH) who performed 3T MRI scans up to 72 h after stroke were compared to 44 healthy controls. Images were processed and analyzed with the software toolbox UF2C with SPM12. For the first level, we generated individual matrices based on the time series extraction from 70 regions of interest (ROIs) from 12 functional NWs, constructing Pearson's cross-correlation; the second-level analysis included an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to investigate differences between groups. The statistical significance was determined with p < 0.05, after correction for multiple comparisons with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Overall, individuals with LH insults developed poorer clinical outcomes after six months. A widespread pattern of lower FC was observed in the presence of LH insults, while a contralateral pattern of increased FC was identified in the group with RH insults. Our findings suggest that LH stroke causes a severe and widespread pattern of reduction of brain networks' FC, presumably related to the impairment in their long-term recovery.

Quantification of the Tissue Oxygenation Delay Induced by Breath-Holding in Patients with Carotid Atherosclerosis.

Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is a common vascular disease with long-term consequences for the brain. Although CAS is strongly associated with impaired cerebral hemodynamics and neurodegeneration, the mechanisms underlying hemodynamic impairment in the microvasculature remain unknown. In this work, we employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to introduce a methodological approach for quantifying the temporal delay of the evoked hemodynamic response. The method was validated during a vasodilatory task (breath-holding) in 50 CAS patients and 20 controls. Our results suggest that the hemodynamic response to breath-holding can be delayed by up to 6 s in the most severe patients, a significant increase from the median 4 s measured for the control group (p = 0.01). In addition, the fraction of brain regions that responded to the task decreased as the CAS severity increased, from a median of 90% in controls to 73% in the most severe CAS group (p = 0.04). The presence of collateral circulation increases the response to breath-holding and decreases the average time delays across the brain, although the number of communicating arteries alone cannot predict these fNIRS-based hemodynamic variables (p > 0.09). Overall, this work proposes a method to quantitatively assess impaired cerebral hemodynamics in CAS patients.

Carotid Plaque Composition and the Importance of Non-Invasive in Imaging Stroke Prevention.

Luminal stenosis has been the standard feature for the current management strategies in patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease. Histological and imaging studies show considerable differences between plaques with identical degrees of stenosis. They indicate that specific plaque characteristics like Intraplaque hemorrhage, Lipid Rich Necrotic Core, Plaque Inflammation, Thickness and Ulceration are responsible for the increased risk of ischemic events. Intraplaque hemorrhage is defined by the accumulation of blood components within the plaque, Lipid Rich Necrotic Core is composed of macrophages loaded with lipid, Plaque Inflammation is defined as the process of atherosclerosis itself and Plaque thickness and Ulceration are defined as morphological features. Advances in imaging methods like Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasound, Computed Tomography and Positron Emission Tomography have enabled a more detailed characterization of the plaque, and its vulnerability is linked to these characteristics, changing the management of these patients based only on the degree of plaque stenosis. Studies like Rotterdam, ARIC, PARISK, CAPIAS and BIOVASC were essential to evaluate and prove the relevance of these characteristics with cerebrovascular symptoms. A better approach for the prevention of stroke is needed. This review summarizes the more frequent carotid plaque features and the available validation from recent studies with the latest evidence.

Gut microbiome in neuropsychiatric disorders.

BACKGROUND: Neuropsychiatric disorders are a significant cause of death and disability worldwide. The mechanisms underlying these disorders include a constellation of structural, infectious, immunological, metabolic, and genetic etiologies. Advances in next-generation sequencing techniques have demonstrated that the composition of the enteric microbiome is dynamic and plays a pivotal role in host homeostasis and several diseases. The enteric microbiome acts as a key mediator in neuronal signaling via metabolic, neuroimmune, and neuroendocrine pathways. OBJECTIVE: In this review, we aim to present and discuss the most current knowledge regarding the putative influence of the gut microbiome in neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODS: We examined some of the preclinical and clinical evidence and therapeutic strategies associated with the manipulation of the gut microbiome. RESULTS: targeted taxa were described and grouped from major studies to each disease. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the complexity of these ecological interactions and their association with susceptibility and progression of acute and chronic disorders could lead to novel diagnostic biomarkers based on molecular targets. Moreover, research on the microbiome can also improve some emerging treatment choices, such as fecal transplantation, personalized probiotics, and dietary interventions, which could be used to reduce the impact of specific neuropsychiatric disorders. We expect that this knowledge will help physicians caring for patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.

Gut microbiome in neuropsychiatric disorders / O microbioma intestinal nas doenças neuropsiquiátricas

ABSTRACT Background: Neuropsychiatric disorders are a significant cause of death and disability worldwide. The mechanisms underlying these disorders include a constellation of structural, infectious, immunological, metabolic, and genetic etiologies. Advances in next-generation sequencing techniques have demonstrated that the composition of the enteric microbiome is dynamic and plays a pivotal role in host homeostasis and several diseases. The enteric microbiome acts as a key mediator in neuronal signaling via metabolic, neuroimmune, and neuroendocrine pathways. Objective: In this review, we aim to present and discuss the most current knowledge regarding the putative influence of the gut microbiome in neuropsychiatric disorders. Methods: We examined some of the preclinical and clinical evidence and therapeutic strategies associated with the manipulation of the gut microbiome. Results: targeted taxa were described and grouped from major studies to each disease. Conclusions: Understanding the complexity of these ecological interactions and their association with susceptibility and progression of acute and chronic disorders could lead to novel diagnostic biomarkers based on molecular targets. Moreover, research on the microbiome can also improve some emerging treatment choices, such as fecal transplantation, personalized probiotics, and dietary interventions, which could be used to reduce the impact of specific neuropsychiatric disorders. We expect that this knowledge will help physicians caring for patients with neuropsychiatric disorders.

RESUMO Antecedentes: Os transtornos neuropsiquiátricos são uma importante causa de morte e invalidez no mundo. Os mecanismos subjacentes a esses transtornos incluem uma constelação de etiologias estruturais, infecciosas, imunológicas, metabólicas e genéticas. Avanços nas técnicas de sequenciamento do DNA têm demonstrado que a composição do microbioma entérico é dinâmica e desempenha um papel fundamental não apenas na homeostase do hospedeiro, mas também em várias doenças. O microbioma entérico atua como mediador na sinalização das vias metabólica, neuroimune e neuroendócrina. Objetivo: Apresentar os estudos mais recentes sobre a possível influência do microbioma intestinal nas diversas doenças neuropsiquiátricas e discutir tanto os resultados quanto a eficácia dos tratamentos que envolvem a manipulação do microbioma intestinal. Métodos: foram examinadas algumas das evidências pré-clínicas e clínicas e estratégias terapêuticas associadas à manipulação do microbioma intestinal. Resultados: os táxons-alvo foram descritos e agrupados a partir dos principais estudos para cada doença. Conclusões: Entender a fundo a complexidade das interações ecológicas no intestino e sua associação com a suscetibilidade a certas doenças agudas e crônicas pode levar ao desenvolvimento de novos biomarcadores diagnósticos com base em alvos moleculares. Além disso, o estudo do microbioma intestinal pode auxiliar na otimização de tratamentos não farmacológicos emergentes, tais como o transplante de microbiota fecal, o uso de probióticos e intervenções nutricionais personalizadas. Dessa forma, terapias alternativas poderiam ser usadas para reduzir o impacto dos transtornos neuropsiquiátricos na saúde pública. Esperamos que esse conhecimento seja útil para médicos que cuidam de pacientes com diversos transtornos neuropsiquiátricos.

Cerebral Structure and Function in Stroke-free Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

OBJECTIVES: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with high risk of dementia and brain atrophy in stroke-free patients, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. We aimed to examine the brain volume and connectivity of paramount cognitive brain networks in stroke-free patients with AF without dementia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six stroke-free patients with AF and 26 age and sex-matched subjects without AF were submitted to a 3-tesla brain structural and functional MRI. An extensive clinical evaluation excluded stroke, dementia, low cardiac output, carotid stenosis and metabolic diseases without optimal therapy. We used CHA2DS2-VASc score to classify the cardiovascular risk factor burden and a broad neuropsychological battery to assess the cognitive performance. Voxel based morphometry analysis of. structural MRI defined whole-brain gray and white matter volumes. Finally, we used eco-plannar MRI images to compare the differences of functional connectivity of 7 large-scale resting-state networks between AF patients and controls. RESULTS: Taking into account the history of hypertension and heart failure, AF was associated to volume decrease of the right basal frontal lobe and right inferior cerebellum. Decreased connectivity of the ventral Default Mode Network (vDMN) was observed in the AF group. No disruption of connectivity was observed in the executive, visuospatial and salience networks. CONCLUSION: Individuals with AF without stroke or dementia have subtle reduction of gray and white matter, restricted to frontal areas and cerebellum. These patients show decreased vDMN connectivity, without other large-scale brain network disruption.

Management of acute stroke and urgent neurointerventional procedures during COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations on the Scientific Department on Cerebrovascular Diseases of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology, Brazilian Society of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Brazilian Society of Neuroradiology.

INTRODUCTION: Although the 2019 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) pandemic poses new challenges to the healthcare system to provide support for thousands of patients, there is special concern about common medical emergencies, such as stroke, that will continue to occur and will require adequate treatment. The allocation of both material and human resources to fight the pandemic cannot overshadow the care for acute stroke, a time-sensitive emergency that with an inefficient treatment will further increase mortality and long-term disability. OBJECTIVE: This paper summarizes the recommendations from the Scientific Department on Cerebrovascular Diseases of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology, the Brazilian Society of Cerebrovascular Diseases and the Brazilian Society of Neuroradiology for management of acute stroke and urgent neuro-interventional procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic, including proper use of screening tools, personal protective equipment (for patients and health professionals), and patient allocation.

Management of acute stroke and urgent neurointerventional procedures during COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations on the Scientific Department on Cerebrovascular Diseases of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology, Brazilian Society of Cerebrovascular Diseases and Brazilian Society of Neuroradiology / Tratamento do acidente vascular cerebral agudo e realização de procedimentos de neurointervenção urgentes durante a pandemia de COVID-19: recomendações do Departamento Científico de Doenças Cerebrovasculares da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, Sociedade Brasileira de Doenças Cerebrovasculares e Sociedade Brasileira de Neurorradiologia

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although the 2019 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) pandemic poses new challenges to the healthcare system to provide support for thousands of patients, there is special concern about common medical emergencies, such as stroke, that will continue to occur and will require adequate treatment. The allocation of both material and human resources to fight the pandemic cannot overshadow the care for acute stroke, a time-sensitive emergency that with an inefficient treatment will further increase mortality and long-term disability. Objective: This paper summarizes the recommendations from the Scientific Department on Cerebrovascular Diseases of the Brazilian Academy of Neurology, the Brazilian Society of Cerebrovascular Diseases and the Brazilian Society of Neuroradiology for management of acute stroke and urgent neuro-interventional procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic, including proper use of screening tools, personal protective equipment (for patients and health professionals), and patient allocation.

RESUMO Introdução: A pandemia causada pelo novo coronavírus da síndrome respiratória aguda grave 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) apresenta novos e importantes desafios à gestão de saúde no Brasil. Além da difícil missão de prestar atendimento aos milhares de pacientes infectados pelo COVID-19, os sistemas de saúde têm que manter a assistência às emergências médicas comuns em períodos sem pandemia, tais como o acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), que continuam ocorrendo e requerem tratamento com presteza e eficiência. A alocação de recursos materiais e humanos para o enfrentamento à pandemia não pode comprometer o atendimento ao AVC agudo, uma emergência cujo tratamento é tempo-dependente e se não realizado implica em importante impacto na mortalidade e incapacitação a longo prazo. Objetivo: Este trabalho resume as recomendações do Departamento Científico de Doenças Cerebrovasculares da Academia Brasileira de Neurologia, da Sociedade Brasileira de Doenças Cerebrovasculares e da Sociedade Brasileira de Neurorradiologia para o tratamento do AVC agudo e para a realização de procedimentos de neurointervenção urgentes durante a pandemia de COVID-19, incluindo o uso adequado de ferramentas de triagem e equipamentos de proteção pessoal (para pacientes e profissionais de saúde), além da alocação apropriada de pacientes.

Evaluation of the brain hemodynamic response by means of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring in patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease undergoing endarterectomy.

BACKGROUNDS: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is non-invasive technique that detects hemodynamic alterations in tissues. It enables continuous monitoring of intracerebral vascular physiologic information. Due to its portable nature, NIRS may be used bedside or in the operating room. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate use of NIRS for intraoperative monitoring of the brain hemodynamic response, during carotid endarterectomy. METHODS: 10 patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease scheduled for endarterectomy were evaluated. After patients had been selected, they answered a questionnaire on epidemiological data and information about comorbidities and then carotid disease was confirmed with diagnostic methods. NRIS monitoring was used during the surgical procedure. The variables analyzed before, during and after carotid clamping were oxygen saturation (SatO2), total hemoglobin (THb), reduced hemoglobin (RHb), and oxyhemoglobin (OHb). A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The results obtained from NIRS show that RHb and SatO2 vary during the different stages of surgery. RHb levels are higher during clamping, when compared with the other two surgical stages. On the other hand, SatO2 is lower during clamping. CONCLUSIONS: During carotid endarterectomy, NIRS is a feasible, real-time, and non-invasive intracranial monitoring method that accurately and reliably measures the changes in intracerebral capillary hemodynamic conditions.

Avaliação da resposta hemodinâmica cerebral através da monitorização com a espectroscopia próxima ao infravermelho (NIRS) em pacientes com doença aterosclerótica da artéria carótida submetidos a endarterectomia / Evaluation of the brain hemodynamic response by means of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring in patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease undergoing endarterectomy

Resumo Contexto A espectroscopia próxima ao infravermelho (NIRS) é uma técnica não invasiva que detecta as alterações hemodinâmicas teciduais. A NIRS pode monitorar de forma contínua as informações fisiológicas vasculares intracranianas. Por ser portátil, ela pode ser utilizada à beira do leito e no centro cirúrgico. Objetivos Avaliar as possíveis alterações hemodinâmicas cerebrais durante a endarterectomia em pacientes com estenoses maiores que 70% utilizando NIRS. Métodos Foram avaliados 10 voluntários portadores de doença carotídea aterosclerótica com indicação de endarterectomia. Após a seleção dos pacientes, que responderam um questionário com dados epidemiológicos e informações referentes à presença de comorbidades, a doença foi confirmada por métodos diagnósticos. No procedimento cirúrgico, utilizou-se a NIRS para monitorização. Foram avaliadas as variáveis saturação de oxigênio (SatO2), hemoglobina total (HbT), hemoglobina reduzida (HbR) e hemoglobina oxigenada (HbO) nos três tempos cirúrgicos pré-, trans e pós-clampeamento carotídeo. Utilizou-se p < 0,05 como nível de significância. Resultados A avaliação dos resultados obtidos por meio das medidas registradas pela NIRS permite afirmar que HbR e SatO2 variam ao longo das etapas da cirurgia. Durante o clampeamento, a variável HbR mostra valores mais elevados que nas outras duas etapas da cirurgia. Por outro lado, a variável SatO2 mostra redução durante o clampeamento. Conclusões A NIRS é um método viável e aplicável de monitorização intracerebral, não invasivo e em tempo real, durante a endarterectomia carotídea, capaz de medir de forma precisa as mudanças das condições hemodinâmicas capilares intracerebrais.

Abstract Backgrounds Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is non-invasive technique that detects hemodynamic alterations in tissues. It enables continuous monitoring of intracerebral vascular physiologic information. Due to its portable nature, NIRS may be used bedside or in the operating room. Objectives To evaluate use of NIRS for intraoperative monitoring of the brain hemodynamic response, during carotid endarterectomy. Methods 10 patients with atherosclerotic carotid disease scheduled for endarterectomy were evaluated. After patients had been selected, they answered a questionnaire on epidemiological data and information about comorbidities and then carotid disease was confirmed with diagnostic methods. NRIS monitoring was used during the surgical procedure. The variables analyzed before, during and after carotid clamping were oxygen saturation (SatO2), total hemoglobin (THb), reduced hemoglobin (RHb), and oxyhemoglobin (OHb). A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The results obtained from NIRS show that RHb and SatO2 vary during the different stages of surgery. RHb levels are higher during clamping, when compared with the other two surgical stages. On the other hand, SatO2 is lower during clamping. Conclusions During carotid endarterectomy, NIRS is a feasible, real-time, and non-invasive intracranial monitoring method that accurately and reliably measures the changes in intracerebral capillary hemodynamic conditions.

Latin American Consensus Statement for the Use of Contrast-Enhanced Transcranial Ultrasound as a Diagnostic Test for Detection of Right-to-Left Shunt.

BACKGROUND: The role of patent foramen ovale is a field of debate and current publications have increasing controversies about the patients' management in young undetermined stroke. Work up with echocardiography and transcranial Doppler (TCD) can aid the decision with better anatomical and functional characterization of right-to-left shunt (RLS). Medical and interventional strategy may benefit from this information. SUMMARY: a group of experts from the Latin American participants of the Neurosonology Research Group (NSRG) of World Federation of Neurology created a task force to review literature and describe the better methodology of contrast TCD (c-TCD). All signatories of the present consensus statement have published at least one study on TCD as an author or co-author in an indexed journal. Two meetings were held while the consensus statement was being drafted, during which controversial issues were discussed and voted on by the statement signatories. The statement paper was reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee of the NSRG of the World Federation of Neurology. The main objective of this consensus statement is to establish a standardization of the c-TCD technique and its interpretation, in order to improve the informative quality of the method, resulting in expanding the application of TCD in the clinical setting. These recommendations optimize the comparison of different diagnostic methods and encourage the use of c-TCD for RLS screening and complementary diagnosis in multicenter studies.

Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) cohort of Brazilian patients in a university hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is an important group of cryptogenic strokes that are in evidence due recent ongoing trials. We reviewed medical records at discharge from the stroke unit of all patients who met ESUS criteria and attended our institution between February 2016 and July 2017. Among 550 stroke patients, 51 had ESUS. We found that hypertension (60%), diabetes mellitus (34%), and smoking (36%) were the most prevalent risk factors. The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were 7 at admission and 4 at discharge, while median scores on the modified Rankin scale were 0 and 2 at admission and discharge, respectively. Our sample had similar ages, risk factors prevalence and NIHSS scores at admission and discharge when compared with European and North American cohorts. Although a small cohort, our study suggests that the ESUS population is similar in countries with different health financing.

Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) cohort of Brazilian patients in a university hospital / Coorte brasileira de pacientes com AVC embólico de fonte indeterminada (ESUS) em um hospital universitário

ABSTRACT Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is an important group of cryptogenic strokes that are in evidence due recent ongoing trials. We reviewed medical records at discharge from the stroke unit of all patients who met ESUS criteria and attended our institution between February 2016 and July 2017. Among 550 stroke patients, 51 had ESUS. We found that hypertension (60%), diabetes mellitus (34%), and smoking (36%) were the most prevalent risk factors. The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were 7 at admission and 4 at discharge, while median scores on the modified Rankin scale were 0 and 2 at admission and discharge, respectively. Our sample had similar ages, risk factors prevalence and NIHSS scores at admission and discharge when compared with European and North American cohorts. Although a small cohort, our study suggests that the ESUS population is similar in countries with different health financing.

RESUMO Acidentes vasculares cerebrais (AVC) embólicos de fonte indeterminada (ESUS) é um grupo importante de pacientes com AVC criptogênico que estão em evidência devido a recentes ensaios clínicos. Foram revisados os prontuários médicos na alta da unidade de AVC de todos os pacientes que preencheram os critérios para ESUS atendidos em nossa instituição entre fevereiro de 2016 e julho de 2017. Entre 550 AVCs, 51 eram pacientes com ESUS. Hipertensão (60%), diabetes mellitus (34%) e tabagismo (36%) foram os fatores de risco mais prevalentes. Os escores médios do National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) foram 7 na admissão e 4 na alta, enquanto os escores médios na escala de Rankin modificada (mRs) foram 0 e 2 na admissão e alta, respectivamente. Nossa amostra teve idade, prevalência de fatores de risco, escores NIHSS na admissão e alta, quando comparados com coortes europeias e norte-americanas semelhantes. Apesar de ser uma pequena coorte, nosso estudo sugere que a população ESUS é semelhante em países com diferentes níveis de financiamento em saúde.

Default Mode Network Disruption in Stroke-Free Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a widely accepted risk for causing stroke. However, recent studies show AF as a risk factor for dementia, even without causing stroke. The mechanisms by which dementia develops in stroke-free patients with AF are still poorly understood and the association of AF with abnormal function of brain networks activities, such as the default mode network (DMN), has not been previously studied. We aimed to determine whether, in the absence of stroke and dementia, patients with AF have abnormal resting-state brain networks compared to controls without AF. METHODS: Twenty-one stroke-free patients with AF and 21 age- and sex-matched controls without AF underwent brain functional magnetic resonance imaging acquired at a 3.0 Tesla scanner. During the exam, the subjects were instructed to lie still with eyes closed. At first-level analysis, connectivity of the DMN was obtained for all subjects. Second-level analysis compared the DMN connectivity between AF patients and controls with a general linear model (two-sample t test, p < 0.05, False Discovery Rate corrected, minimum of 50 contiguous voxels). RESULTS: Patients with AF compared with controls showed decreased connectivity in regions of the DMN including the frontal lobe (left medial frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus and anterior cingulate), left angular gyrus, and bilateral precuneus. CONCLUSIONS: Stroke-free patients with AF have evidence of abnormal DMN connectivity. This study adds evidence to the occurrence of cerebral dysfunction in patients with AF.

Electroencephalography Patterns and Prognosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The prognostic significance of interictal epileptiform discharges (IED) and periodic patterns (PP) after ischemic stroke has not been assessed. We sought to test whether IED and PP, detected on standard Electroencephalography (EEG) performed during the acute phase of ischemic stroke are associated with a worse functional outcome. METHODS: One-hundred-fifty-seven patients 18 years or older with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke presenting within 72 h from stroke onset were prospectively enrolled and followed. Patients with a pre-stroke history of seizures or epilepsy, previous debilitating neurological disease or conditions that precluded the performance of EEG were excluded. Interpretation was performed by a blinded board certified neurophysiologist. IED and PP (grouped as epileptiform activity [EA]) were defined according to proposed guidelines. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to identify predictors of outcome (modified Rankin Scale dichotomized ≤2 vs. ≥3) at 3 months. RESULTS: In the univariable analysis, admission NIHSS (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.12-1.28, p = 0.001), age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.05, p = 0.02), and presence of EA (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.51-5.88, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with the outcome at 3 months. In the multivariable analysis, only admission NIHSS (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.11-1.28, p < 0.001) and the presence of EA (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.04-5.00, p = 0.04) were independently associated with the prognosis. SIGNIFICANCE: The importance of EEG in the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke warrants additional research, examining the role of medication therapy on the outcome and the occurrence of seizures for those patients with specific EEG patterns.

A comparative analysis of transcranial Doppler parameters acquired during carotid stenting and semi-eversion carotid endarterectomy / Uma análise comparativa de parâmetros do Doppler transcraniano adquiridos durante a colocação de stent carotídeo e endarterectomia carotídea por semieversão

Abstract Background Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) have both been proposed for treatment of critical atherosclerotic stenosis located at the carotid bifurcation. Monitoring of hyperintense microembolic signals (MES) by transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) is considered a method of quality control, both in CEA and in CAS. Objective To analyze temporal distribution of MES throughout both semi-eversion CEA and CAS procedures and to evaluate changes in mean velocity of blood flow through the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA). Method Thirty-three procedures (17 CEA and 16 CAS) were prospectively monitored using TCD and the data were related to three different stages of surgery (pre-cerebral protection, during cerebral protection and post-cerebral protection). Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA and contrast tests were used for statistical analysis. Results The MES were uniformly distributed in the CEA group, but not in the CAS group (p = 0.208). The number of MES was higher in the CAS group in all stages. The average flow in the MCA was similarly lower in both groups during the protection stage. Conclusion CEA provoked a lower incidence of MES per procedure than CAS in all stages. The behavior of the averages of the mean of blood flow through the MCA was similar in both groups.

Resumo Contexto A endarterectomia carotídea (EC) e a angioplastia carotídea (AC) são propostas para o tratamento de estenoses críticas localizadas na bifurcação carotídea. O monitoramento dos sinais de microembolias (SMs) pela ultrassonografia Doppler transcraniana (UDT) é considerado um método de controle de qualidade para ambas as técnicas. Objetivos Analisar a distribuição temporal dos SMs ao longo de diferentes estágios da EC por semieversão e da AC, e avaliar o significado das mudanças nas médias das velocidades médias do fluxo na artéria cerebral média ipsilateral (ACM). Método Trinta e três procedimentos (17 ECs e 16 ACs) foram monitorados com UDT, e os dados foram coletados prospectivamente para diferenciar os diferentes estágios cirúrgicos (pré, durante e pós-proteção cerebral). Para análise estatística foram usados os testes qui-quadrado, Mann-Whitney, análise de variância (ANOVA) e contraste. Resultados Em ambos os grupos, os SMs foram distribuídos uniformemente (p = 0,208). Em todos os tempos, o número de SMs foi superior no grupo AC. A média das velocidades médias do fluxo na ACM foi menor durante o tempo de proteção em ambos os grupos. Conclusão A EC teve uma menor incidência de SMs que a AC em todos os estágios. A média das velocidades médias na ACM teve comportamento similar em ambos os grupos.

A comparative analysis of transcranial Doppler parameters acquired during carotid stenting and semi-eversion carotid endarterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) have both been proposed for treatment of critical atherosclerotic stenosis located at the carotid bifurcation. Monitoring of hyperintense microembolic signals (MES) by transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) is considered a method of quality control, both in CEA and in CAS. OBJECTIVE: To analyze temporal distribution of MES throughout both semi-eversion CEA and CAS procedures and to evaluate changes in mean velocity of blood flow through the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA). METHOD: Thirty-three procedures (17 CEA and 16 CAS) were prospectively monitored using TCD and the data were related to three different stages of surgery (pre-cerebral protection, during cerebral protection and post-cerebral protection). Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA and contrast tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The MES were uniformly distributed in the CEA group, but not in the CAS group (p = 0.208). The number of MES was higher in the CAS group in all stages. The average flow in the MCA was similarly lower in both groups during the protection stage. CONCLUSION: CEA provoked a lower incidence of MES per procedure than CAS in all stages. The behavior of the averages of the mean of blood flow through the MCA was similar in both groups.

CONTEXTO: A endarterectomia carotídea (EC) e a angioplastia carotídea (AC) são propostas para o tratamento de estenoses críticas localizadas na bifurcação carotídea. O monitoramento dos sinais de microembolias (SMs) pela ultrassonografia Doppler transcraniana (UDT) é considerado um método de controle de qualidade para ambas as técnicas. OBJETIVOS: Analisar a distribuição temporal dos SMs ao longo de diferentes estágios da EC por semieversão e da AC, e avaliar o significado das mudanças nas médias das velocidades médias do fluxo na artéria cerebral média ipsilateral (ACM). MÉTODO: Trinta e três procedimentos (17 ECs e 16 ACs) foram monitorados com UDT, e os dados foram coletados prospectivamente para diferenciar os diferentes estágios cirúrgicos (pré, durante e pós-proteção cerebral). Para análise estatística foram usados os testes qui-quadrado, Mann-Whitney, análise de variância (ANOVA) e contraste. RESULTADOS: Em ambos os grupos, os SMs foram distribuídos uniformemente (p = 0,208). Em todos os tempos, o número de SMs foi superior no grupo AC. A média das velocidades médias do fluxo na ACM foi menor durante o tempo de proteção em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A EC teve uma menor incidência de SMs que a AC em todos os estágios. A média das velocidades médias na ACM teve comportamento similar em ambos os grupos.

Asymptomatic carotid stenosis is associated with gray and white matter damage.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive deficits in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis have been reported. The ultimate mechanism of cognitive deficits remains unclear and might be related to subtle structural brain damage. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of subtle white and grey matter abnormalities associated with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with asymptomatic ≥70%/occlusion carotid stenosis and 25 healthy controls, matched for gender and age, underwent 3 Tesla brain magnetic resonance imaging. Gray and white matter macrostructural abnormalities were evaluated with voxel-based morphometry using spm8 software. White matter microstructural abnormalities were evaluated with diffusion tensor images with the Diffusion Toolbox package and tract-based spatial statistics from FMRIB Software Library. RESULTS: We observed significant macro- and microstructural white matter abnormalities, and these findings were diffuse and symmetrical in both hemispheres. In contrast, gray matter atrophy was observed in the areas corresponding to the anterior circulation of the hemisphere ipsilateral to the carotid stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis have different patterns of gray and white matter abnormalities. While the white matter damage is diffuse, the gray matter atrophy is localized in the territory of anterior circulation ipsilateral to the stenosis. The role of asymptomatic carotid stenosis in the gray matter damage must be further investigated with longitudinal studies and comparison with neuropsychological evaluation.

Avaliação das alterações da substância branca e cinzenta cerebral nos pacientes com doença carotídea assintomática / Evaluation of brain white and gray matter in patients with asymptomatic carotid disease

A prevalência da estenose carotídea assintomática (>50%) aumenta com a idade, sendo 10% nos homens acima de 80 anos. A conduta, nesses pacientes, quanto ao tratamento clínico ou correção por angioplastia ou endarterectomia ainda gera discussões. Os primeiros estudos com endarterectomia indicavam um benefício em diminuir o risco de evento cerebrovascular em 5 anos. Com a melhora do tratamento clínico, em que o risco absoluto caiu de 2,5 em meados da década de 80 para 1% ano, a correção de tais estenoses se tornou motivo de discórdia, visto que existe um risco de 2,5% para angioplastia e 1,4% para endarterectomia, como mostrado no estudo CREST, publicado em 2010. Portanto, o uso indiscriminado do procedimento não parece justificado nesse grupo de pacientes. Desta forma, o procedimento cirúrgico somente é recomendado em pacientes selecionados com base na idade, fatores de risco, expectativa de vida e risco peri-procedimento. Entretanto, há estudos que evidenciaram declínio cognitivo em pacientes com estenoses assintomáticas >70%, os quais tiveram melhora após a angioplastia, além de casos de distúrbios do movimento, em especial hemicoreia, os quais reverteram após correção da mesma. Nosso trabalho avaliou 25 pacientes com estenose de carótida/oclusão, assintomáticos quanto às possíveis alterações de substância branca e cinzenta. A estenose/oclusão foi definida pela angiotomografia e então todos os pacientes foram submetidos à ressonância magnética de encéfalo e as imagens foram analisadas através do método de morfometria baseada em voxel (VMB) e através de imagens de tensor de difusão (DTI). Para comparação estatística, usamos imagens de 25 indivíduos saudáveis, pareados por idade.

The prevalence of asymptomatic carotid stenosis (>50%) increases with age, affecting 10% of men 80 years or older. However there is still no consensus whether clinical, angioplasty or endarterectomy is the best therapeutic option. In earlier studies, endarterectomy showed a benefit in reducing the risk of event in 5 years. The advances in medical treatment though, decreased the absolute risk of stroke to 1% per year and surgical treatment was put in check, since both angioplasty and endarterectomy carry a stroke risk of 2,5 and 1,4 % respectively, as shown in the CREST study. Therefore, the indiscriminate use of the procedure does not seem justified in this group of patients and it should only be recommended in selected patients based on age, risk factors, life expectancy and the risks associated with the procedure. However, studies have demonstrated cognitive decline in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis >70%, which showed improvement after angioplasty, and case reports described patients with hemichorea contralateral to the stenosis, which reversed after the surgical procedure. We studied the white and grey matter changes in 25 patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis/occlusion. The stenosis/occlusion was defined by angiography and all patients underwent brain MRI. Images were analyzed by the method of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and through diffusion tensor images.