Management of refractory bacterial meningitis-associated cerebral vasospasm: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral vasospasm is an alarming complication of acute bacterial meningitis with potentially devastating consequences. It is essential for providers to recognize and treat it appropriately. Unfortunately, there is no well-established approach to the management of postinfectious vasospasm, which makes it especially challenging to treat these patients. More research is needed to address this gap in care. OBSERVATIONS: Here, the authors describe a patient with postmeningitis vasospasm that was refractory to induced hypertension, steroids, and verapamil. He eventually responded to a combination of intravenous (IV) and intra-arterial (IA) milrinone followed by angioplasty. LESSONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of successfully using milrinone as vasodilator therapy in a patient with postbacterial meningitis-associated vasospasm. This case supports the use of this intervention. In future cases of vasospasm after bacterial meningitis, IV and IA milrinone should be trialed earlier with consideration of angioplasty.

Flow diversion for cerebral aneurysms.

The treatment of cerebral aneurysms includes open microsurgical options (e.g., clipping, trapping/bypass) and evolving endovascular techniques. Following the landmark trials that propelled endovascular treatment to the forefront, flow diversion has shown high aneurysm cure rates with minimal complications. Flow diversion stents are placed in the parent vessel, redirecting blood flow from the aneurysm, promoting reendothelization across the neck, and resulting in complete occlusion of the aneurysm. As a result, flow diversion has become increasingly used as the primary treatment for unruptured aneurysms; however, its applications are being pushed to new frontiers. Here, the authors present three cases showcasing the treatment of intracranial aneurysms with flow diversion. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2022.7.FOCVID2253.

Angiographic Blush after Mechanical Thrombectomy is Associated with Hemorrhagic Transformation of Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Risk factors for hemorrhagic transformation of ischemic stroke after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are not well established. We conducted a study to determine if prominent angiographic cerebral vascularity following recanalization with thrombectomy (angiographic blush) is associated with hemorrhagic transformation. METHODS: Using the Cornell AcutE Stroke Academic Registry, we identified stroke patients who had thrombectomy and achieved recanalization of anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion between 2012 and 2015. The exposure variable was presence of angiographic blush after recanalization, defined as capillary blush with or without early venous drainage. The primary outcome was volume of hemorrhagic transformation on brain imaging after thrombectomy, as determined by semiautomated volumetric analysis on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging among those adjudicated to have hemorrhagic conversion by neuroradiology investigators blinded to angiography results. Using a doubly robust estimator with propensity scores and outcome regression adjusting for demographics and known risk factors for hemorrhagic transformation, we evaluated whether angiographic blush after recanalization is associated with an increased volume of hemorrhagic transformation. RESULTS: Among 48 eligible patients, 31 (64.6%) had angiographic blush and 26 (54.2%) had radiographic hemorrhagic transformation (mean volume, 7.6 ml). Patients with angiographic blush averaged lower thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scores and more often received intravenous thrombolysis. In adjusted analysis, angiographic blush was associated with an increased volume of hemorrhagic transformation: mean volume, 10.3ml (95% CI, 3.7-16.9 ml) with blush versus 1.8ml (95% Confidence Interval (CII = Confidence Interval), 0.1-3.4 ml) without (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of angiographic blush after MT was independently associated with the volume of hemorrhagic transformation.

Pulmonary blastoma--a rare tumor with variable presentation.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary blastoma is a rare primary lung tumor with poor prognosis that commonly presents at a younger age than the non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Classically they are large, symptomatic tumors with lymph nodal metastasis and carry poor prognosis. We report our experience of 7 patients with pulmonary blastoma who presented with varying clinical features. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of our database revealed seven patients with pulmonary blastoma that were operated between January 1993 and December 2004. During the same time, 889 lung resections were performed for primary NSCLC. Demographic and clinical details were obtained from hospital notes. The histopathology reports were reviewed with the department of pathology and the radiological images were reported. RESULTS: The tumors showed a bimodal pattern in age at incidence being (four patients were less than 49 years and three more than 66 years). All patients were symptomatic and demonstrated variable sized tumors. Lesions were common in lower lobes (lower:other lobes -4:3) and were staged T2N0 pathologically. All of the patients underwent surgical resections and had no chemotherapy/radiotherapy following surgery. Three of the seven patients died during follow-up due to unrelated causes between 24 and 29 months. The longest follow-up was more than 9 years and the survivor continues to do well. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary blastomas are rare tumors but can present with differing clinical features. Early detection and treatment may improve prognosis. Further larger series are needed to evaluate the characteristics of the tumor.