Baseline clinical and neuroradiological predictors of outcome in patients with large ischemic core undergoing mechanical thrombectomy: A retrospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Recent randomized trials have shown the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) also in patients with an established large ischemic core. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to define baseline predictors of clinical outcome in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation and an Alberta Stroke Program Early CT score (ASPECTS) ⩽ 5, undergoing MT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The databases of 16 comprehensive stroke centers were retrospectively screened for patients with LVO and ASPECTS ⩽5 that received MT. Baseline clinical and neuroradiological features, including the differential contribution of all ASPECTS regions to the composite score, were collected. Primary clinical outcome measure was a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2. Statistical analysis used a logistic regression model and random forest algorithm. RESULTS: A total of 408 patients were available for analysis. In multivariate model, among baseline features, lower age (odd ratio (OR) = 0.962, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.943-0.982) and lower National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR = 0.911, 95% CI = 0.862-0.963) were associated with the mRS score 0-2. Involvement of the M2 (OR = 0.398, 95% CI = 0.206-0.770) or M4 (OR = 0.496, 95% CI = 0.260-0.945) ASPECTS regions was associated with an unfavorable outcome. Random forest analysis confirmed that age and baseline NIHSS score are the most important variables influencing clinical outcome, whereas involvement of cortical regions M5, M4, M2, and M1 can have a negative impact. CONCLUSION: Our retrospective analysis shows that, along with age and baseline clinical impairment, presence of early ischemic changes involving cortical areas has a role in clinical outcome in patients with large ischemic core undergoing MT. DATA ACCESS STATEMENT: The data that support the findings of this study are available upon reasonable request.

Movement disorders following mechanical thrombectomy resulting in ischemic lesions of the basal ganglia: An emerging clinical entity.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Post-stroke movement disorders (PMDs) following ischemic lesions of the basal ganglia (BG) are a known entity, but data regarding their incidence are lacking. Ischemic strokes secondary to proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion treated with thrombectomy represent a model of selective damage to the BG. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and features of movement disorders after selective BG ischemia in patients with successfully reperfused acute ischemic stroke (AIS). METHODS: We enrolled 64 consecutive subjects with AIS due to proximal MCA occlusion treated with thrombectomy. Patients were clinically evaluated by a movement disorders specialist for PMDs onset at baseline, and after 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: None of the patients showed an identifiable movement disorder in the subacute phase of the stroke. At 6 and 12 months, respectively, 7/25 (28%) and 7/13 (53.8%) evaluated patients developed PMDs. The clinical spectrum of PMDs encompassed parkinsonism, dystonia and chorea, either isolated or combined. In most patients, symptoms were contralateral to the lesion, although a subset of patients presented with bilateral involvement and prominent axial signs. CONCLUSION: Post-stroke movement disorders are not uncommon in long-term follow-up of successfully reperfused AIS. Follow-up conducted by a multidisciplinary team is strongly advisable in patients with selective lesions of the BG after AIS, even if asymptomatic at discharge.

Effect of General Anesthesia Versus Conscious Sedation/Local Anesthesia on the Outcome of Patients with Minor Stroke and Isolated M2 Occlusion Undergoing Immediate Thrombectomy: A Retrospective Multicenter Matched Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the impact of general anesthesia (GA) versus conscious sedation/local anesthesia (CS/LA) on the outcome of patients with minor stroke and isolated M2 occlusion undergoing immediate mechanical thrombectomy (iMT). METHODS: The databases of 16 comprehensive stroke centers were retrospectively screened for consecutive patients with isolated M2 occlusion and a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤5 who received iMT. Propensity score matching was used to estimate the effect of GA versus CS/LA on clinical outcomes and procedure-related adverse events. The primary outcome measure was a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-1. Secondary outcome measures were a 90-day mRS score of 0-2 and all-cause mortality, successful reperfusion, procedural-related symptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraprocedural dissections, and new territory embolism. RESULTS: Of the 172 patients who were selected, 55 received GA and 117 CS/LA. After propensity score matching, 47 pairs of patients were available for analysis. We found no significant differences in clinical outcome, rates of efficient reperfusion, and procedural-related complications between patients receiving GA or LA/CS (mRS score 0-1, P = 0.815; mRS score 0-2, P = 0.401; all-cause mortality, P = 0.408; modified Treatment in Cerebral Infarction score 2b-3, P = 0.374; symptomatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, P = 0.082; intraprocedural dissection, P = 0.408; new territory embolism, P = 0.462). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with minor stroke and isolated M2 occlusion undergoing iMT, the type of anesthesia does not affect clinical outcome or the rate of procedural-related complications. Our results agree with recent data showing no benefit of one specific anesthesiologic procedure over the other and confirm their generalizability also to patients with minor baseline symptoms.

Predictors of parenchymal hematoma and clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large ischemic core due to large vessel occlusion: a retrospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to find predictors of parenchymal hematoma (PH) and clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) and baseline large infarct. METHODS: The databases of 16 stroke centers were retrospectively screened for patients with anterior circulation LVO and baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) ≤5 that received MT. Procedural parameters, including the number of passes during first and second technique of MT, were recorded. Outcome measures were occurrence of PH type 2 and any type of PH after MT, and the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-3 and 0-2. RESULTS: In total, 408 patients were available for analysis. A higher number of passes in the second technique was predictive of PH type 2 (odds ratio (OR) - 3.204, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.140 to 9.005), whereas procedure conducted under general anesthesia was associated with lower risk (OR 0.127, 95% CI 0.002 to 0.808). The modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade 2c-3 was associated with the mRS score 0-3 (OR 3.373, 95% CI 1.891 to 6.017), whereas occurrence of PH type 2 was predictive of unfavorable outcome (OR 0.221, 95% CI 0.063 to 0.773). Similar results were found for the mRS score 0-2 outcome measure. CONCLUSION: In patients with large ischemic core, a higher number of passes during MT and procedure not conducted under general anesthesia are associated with increased rate of PH type 2, that negatively impact the clinical outcome. Our data outline a delicate balance between the need of a complete recanalization and the risk of PH following MT.

Exploring the emotional and behavioural profile in paediatric narcolepsy type 1: A case-control study.

Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is a central disorder of hypersomnolence often arising in childhood and adolescence. NT1 has a significant, but poorly defined, psychological impact. We aimed to investigate the psycho-social functioning of children and adolescents with NT1. We performed a cross-sectional, child and parent-reported questionnaire survey in 37 children and adolescents (6-17 years) with NT1, compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Questionnaires (SSHS, ESS-CHAD, CDI, MASC, CBCL, CRS-R, and SNAP-IV) evaluated various aspects of behavioural and emotional profiles, sleep habits, and daytime sleepiness. Subsequently, NT1 intra-group analysis was performed to investigate the effect of sex (males vs females) and pharmacological treatment (treated vs non-treated) on psychological features. The NT1 questionnaires total scores were then correlated with the clinical characteristics (age, body mass index [BMI], ESS-CHAD score, cerebrospinal hypocretin-1 [Hcrt-1] levels, and diagnostic delay). Patients with NT1 showed a higher tendency to depressive symptoms, anxiety, somatisation, inattention, hyperactivity, oppositional/defiant problems, and other maladaptive behaviours compared with controls. Among NT1 patients, females showed a higher propensity to anxiety, and non-treated patients displayed higher depressive symptoms. Psychological symptoms increased with age, BMI, and daytime sleepiness in patients with NT1, while a younger age was associated with more frequent somatisation symptoms. Lower cerebrospinal Hcrt-1 levels correlated with poorer social competencies, daily activities, and inattention. Diagnostic delay was associated with a higher impact of depressive symptoms and behavioural problems. NT1 in children and adolescents is associated with poorer functioning in multiple psychological domains calling for a multidisciplinary approach and monitoring to reduce disease burden and to prevent psychiatric consequences.

Clinical and dopaminergic imaging characteristics of the FARPRESTO cohort of trial-ready idiopathic rapid eye movement sleep behavior patients.

INTRODUCTION: Idiopathic/isolated rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is considered the prodromal stage of alpha-synucleinopathies. Thus, iRBD patients are the ideal target for disease-modifying therapy. The risk FActoRs PREdictive of phenoconversion in iRBD Italian STudy (FARPRESTO) is an ongoing Italian database aimed at identifying risk factors of phenoconversion, and eventually to ease clinical trial enrollment of well-characterized subjects. METHODS: Polysomnography-confirmed iRBD patients were retrospectively and prospectively enrolled. Baseline harmonized clinical and nigrostriatal functioning data were collected at baseline. Nigrostriatal functioning was evaluated by dopamine transporter-single-photon emission computed tomography (DaT-SPECT) and categorized with visual semi-quantification. Longitudinal data were evaluated to assess phenoconversion. Cox regressions were applied to calculate hazard ratios. RESULTS: 365 patients were enrolled, and 289 patients with follow-up (age 67.7 ± 7.3 years, 237 males, mean follow-up 40 ± 37 months) were included in this study. At follow-up, 97 iRBD patients (33.6%) phenoconverted to an overt synucleinopathy. Older age, motor and cognitive impairment, constipation, urinary and sexual dysfunction, depression, and visual semi-quantification of nigrostriatal functioning predicted phenoconversion. The remaining 268 patients are in follow-up within the FARPRESTO project. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical data (older age, motor and cognitive impairment, constipation, urinary and sexual dysfunction, depression) predicted phenoconversion in this multicenter, longitudinal, observational study. A standardized visual approach for semi-quantification of DaT-SPECT is proposed as a practical risk factor for phenoconversion in iRBD patients. Of note, non-converted and newly diagnosed iRBD patients, who represent a trial-ready cohort for upcoming disease-modification trials, are currently being enrolled and followed in the FARPRESTO study. New data are expected to allow better risk characterization.

Short- vs long-term assessment of heart rate variability: Clinical significance in Dravet Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Heart rate variability (HRV) is a promising prognostic biomarker in Dravet Syndrome (DS), but different studies are not always comparable, limiting its clinical application. In fact, multiple HRV parameters, analyzed over different timescales and in different states are reported. The aim of this study was to assess which HRV parameter is more reproducible and clinically significant, analyzing differences between wake and sleep. METHOD: Patients with DS, with available 24 h-ECG Holter-derived HRV, were screened to evaluate if they had EEG-derived ECG traces available within one month before/after the Holter. A 5-minute period in the awake and sleep state were analyzed and correlated with the 24 h-HRV. Several relevant clinical features such as age, a recent history of status epilepticus (SE), and frequent generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTCS) were correlated to HRV parameters with multiple linear regression models. RESULTS: Thirty-oneawake recordings and 22 sleep recordings were included. HF was the parameter with the highest correlation in awake (Rho 0.745, p < 0.001) and in sleep (Rho 0.727, p < 0.001). Age was a significant factor in simple models for most of the parameters except RMSSD. A recent history of SE was associated with a significant reduction of HRV, both in simple and multiple regressions for all parameters except for awake LF and for sleep RMSSD and PNN50. Frequent GTCS were associated with a significant decrease in sleep RMSSD, HF, and LF, also when correcting for the effect of age and history of SE. When compared pairwise, a significant increase in sleep was seen for HF (median + 24.45 ms2, IQR -7.51/+172.18 ms2, p = 0.036; increase in 15/22 patients). CONCLUSION: A moderate degree of correlation between long- and short-term HRV was seen both in sleep and in awake, and a strong correlation for awake HF. HF, both in awake and sleep, was significantly associated with high seizure burden, including SE and frequent GTCS.

Basal ganglia ischaemic infarction after thrombectomy: cognitive impairment at acute stage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: After successful mechanical thrombectomy for middle cerebral artery occlusion, basal ganglia infarction is commonly detectable. Whilst the functional outcome of these patients is often good, less knowledge is available about the cognitive outcome. The aim of our study was to assess the presence of cognitive impairment within 1 week after thrombectomy. METHODS: In all, 43 subjects underwent a general cognitive assessment using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and an extensive battery of tests. Patients were classified as cognitively impaired (CImp) or not (noCImp) according to a Montreal Cognitive Assessment score below 18. RESULTS: Cognitively impaired and noCImp subjects did not differ either in their National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at admittance, or in their Fazekas score and Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score. At discharge, CImp subjects showed higher scores than noCImp subjects on NIHSS (p = 0.002) and mRS (p < 0.001). The percentage of pathological performances on each neuropsychological test in the whole sample and in CImp and noCImp patients shows a similar cognitive profile between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Some patients who underwent thrombectomy experienced a detectable cognitive impairment that probably led to worse NIHSS and mRS. The neuropsychological profile of such cognitive impairment at the acute stage consists of wide deficits in numerous cognitive domains, suggesting that basal ganglia damage may lead to complex functional impairments.

Association of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: There is a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and atrial fibrillation (AF). The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the association between OSA and AF in acute ischemic stroke. The secondary objective is to describe the clinical features of patients with acute ischemic stroke and concomitant OSA. Methods: We enrolled consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke. All patients underwent full-night cardiorespiratory polygraphy. To determine if there is an association between AF and OSA, we compared the observed frequency of this association with the expected frequency from a random co-occurrence of the two conditions. Subsequently, patients with and without OSA were compared. Results: A total of 174 patients were enrolled (mean age 67.3 ± 11.6 years; 95 males). OSA and AF were present in 89 and 55 patients, respectively. The association OSA + AF was observed in 33/174 cases, which was not statistically different compared to the expected co-occurrence of the two conditions. Patients with OSA showed a higher neck circumference and body mass index, a higher prevalence of hypertension and dysphagia, and a higher number of central apneas/hypoapneas. In the multivariate analysis, dysphagia and hypertension were independent predictors of OSA. A positive correlation was observed between OSA severity, BMI, and neck circumference. The number of central apneas/hypoapneas was positively correlated with stroke severity. Conclusions: Our data suggest that OSA and AF are highly prevalent but not associated in acute stroke. Our findings support the hypothesis that OSA acts as an independent risk factor for stroke.

Early neurological deterioration in patients with minor stroke due to isolated M2 occlusion undergoing medical management: a retrospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with minor stroke and M2 occlusion undergoing best medical management (BMM) may face early neurological deterioration (END) that can lead to poor long-term outcome. In case of END, rescue mechanical thrombectomy (rMT) seems beneficial. Our study aimed to define factors relevant to clinical outcome in patients undergoing BMM with the possibility of rMT on END, and find predictors of END. METHODS: Patients with M2 occlusion and a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score≤5 that received either BMM only or rMT on END after BMM were extracted from the databases of 16 comprehensive stroke centers. Clinical outcome measures were a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-1 or 0-2, and occurrence of END. RESULTS: Among 10 169 consecutive patients with large vessel occlusion admitted between 2016 and 2021, 208 patients were available for analysis. END was reported in 87 patients that were therefore all subjected to rMT. In a logistic regression model, END (OR 3.386, 95% CI 1.428 to 8.032), baseline NIHSS score (OR 1.362, 95% CI 1.004 to 1.848) and a pre-event mRS score=1 (OR 3.226, 95% CI 1.229 to 8.465) were associated with unfavorable outcome. In patients with END, successful rMT was associated with favorable outcome (OR 4.549, 95% CI 1.098 to 18.851). Among baseline clinical and neuroradiological features, presence of atrial fibrillation was a predictor of END (OR 3.547, 95% CI 1.014 to 12.406). CONCLUSION: Patients with minor stroke due to M2 occlusion and atrial fibrillation should be closely monitored for possible worsening during BMM and, in this case, promptly considered for rMT.

Stroke and endocarditis: Reversing the point of view. A retrospective, cohort study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of our study is to assess the endocarditis prevalence in patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) for a primary diagnosis of acute stroke (AS). Secondary objectives are the identification of early markers of endocarditis in AS patients and the analysis of the short-term outcome of this population. METHODS: In this observational, retrospective, cohort study we enrolled consecutive adult patients with a primary diagnosis of AS admitted to the Stroke Unit or to the Neurological Intensive Care Unit of our hospital who were then discharged with a diagnosis of endocarditis. These patients were then compared with age and sex-matched controls with a diagnosis of AS and atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: Endocarditis prevalence in patients admitted to the Stroke Unit or Neurological Intensive Care Unit with a primary diagnosis of AS is 1.0% (95% confidence interval 0.61-1.55). Fever on ED admission, concomitant cancer, low hemoglobin, low lymphocyte levels, a high neutrophils count and erythrocyte sedimentation levels could early differentiate among AS patients, those with endocarditis from those with atrial fibrillation. A moderate-to-severe valvular regurgitation is strongly suggestive of endocarditis. The short term-outcome is markedly worse in endocarditis patients compared to patients with atrial fibrillation, in terms of in-hospital mortality and discharge disability. CONCLUSIONS: Endocarditis prevalence in patients admitted for a primary diagnosis of AS is low, but this etiology leads to a poor outcome. Some laboratory, clinical-epidemiological and echocardiographic parameters may help the physician to early recognize this condition and, consequently, to promptly start an antibiotic therapy.

Mechanical thrombectomy in minor stroke due to isolated M2 occlusion: a multicenter retrospective matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with isolated M2 occlusion and minor symptoms and identify possible baseline predictors of clinical outcome. METHODS: The databases of 16 high-volume stroke centers were retrospectively screened for consecutive patients with isolated M2 occlusion and a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≤5 who received either early MT (eMT) or best medical management (BMM) with the possibility of rescue MT (rMT) on early neurological worsening. Because our patients were not randomized, we used propensity score matching (PSM) to estimate the treatment effect of eMT compared with the BMM/rMT. The primary clinical outcome measure was a 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0-1. RESULTS: 388 patients were initially selected and, after PSM, 100 pairs of patients receiving eMT or BMM/rMT were available for analysis. We found no significant differences in clinical outcome and in safety measures between patients receiving eMT or BMM/rMT. Similar results were also observed after comparison between eMT and rMT. Concerning baseline predicting factors of outcome, the involvement of the M2 inferior branch was associated with a favorable outcome. CONCLUSION: Our multicenter retrospective analysis has shown no benefit of eMT in minor stroke patients with isolated M2 occlusion over a more conservative therapeutic approach. Although our results must be viewed with caution, in these patients it appears reasonable to consider BMM as the first option and rMT in the presence of early neurological deterioration.

Dissociative episode and panic attacks triggered by pitolisant in a narcoleptic patient.

Pitolisant is a histamine 3-receptor antagonist/inverse agonist effective and safe for the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in narcolepsy. We report a 19-year-old woman affected by narcolepsy type 1 who presented panic attacks and dissociative symptoms induced by pitolisant. The patient medical history was unremarkable except that for familiarity for anxiety disorder and chronic insomnia. Moreover, a detailed psychometric evaluation revealed a profile of low resilience, a severe grade of depression, an anxiety trait and a propension to dissociative symptoms. Our report suggests that caution should be used in patients with predisposing factors to psychiatric disorders, especially during the first period of treatment with pitolisant. In consideration of the high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities in narcolepsy, it seems worth to carefully investigate psychiatric background of narcoleptic patients.

COVID-19 Vaccination Is Associated with a Better Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background: It is unclear whether and how COVID-19 vaccination may affect the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We investigated this potential association in a retrospective study by comparing previously vaccinated (VAX) versus unvaccinated (NoVAX) stroke patients. Methods: We collected clinical reports for all consecutive AIS patients admitted to our hospital and evaluated the outcome predictors in VAX and NoVAX groups. Adjustments were made for possible confounders in multivariable logistic regression analysis, and adjusted hazard ratios were calculated. Results: A total of 466 AIS patients (287 VAX and 179 NoVAX) were included in this study. The NIHSS score at discharge and mRS score at a 3-month follow-up visit were significantly lower in VAX patients compared to NoVAX patients (p < 0.001). Good outcomes (mRS 0−2) were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccination before AIS (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.400 [95% CI = 0.216−0.741]). Conclusions: The observation that COVID-19 vaccination can influence the outcome of AIS provides support for further studies investigating the role of immunity in ischemic brain damage.

Sleep and Stroke: Opening Our Eyes to Current Knowledge of a Key Relationship.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To elucidate the interconnection between sleep and stroke. RECENT FINDINGS: Growing data support a bidirectional relationship between stroke and sleep. In particular, there is strong evidence that sleep-disordered breathing plays a pivotal role as risk factor and concur to worsening functional outcome. Conversely, for others sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movements of sleep, REM sleep behavior disorder), the evidence is weak. Moreover, sleep disturbances are highly prevalent also in chronic stroke and concur to worsening quality of life of patients. Promising novel technologies will probably allow, in a near future, to guarantee a screening of commonest sleep disturbances in a larger proportion of patients with stroke. Sleep assessment and management should enter in the routinary evaluation of stroke patients, of both acute and chronic phase. Future research should focus on the efficacy of specific sleep intervention as a therapeutic option for stroke patients.

Validation Study of the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire in Patients with Acute Stroke.

Sleep disorders are frequent in acute stroke. The Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) is a validated scale for the sleep assessment in intensive care unit. The aim of the present study is to validate RCSQ for use in patients with acute stroke. We performed a validation study by comparing the RCSQ with polysomnography (PSG), the standardized measure of sleep. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years and a radiologically confirmed diagnosis of stroke. Exclusion criteria were global aphasia, extreme severity of clinical conditions and inability to attend PSG. All patients underwent PSG in a stroke unit, the day after a subjective sleep assessment by means of the RCSQ. The RCSQ was compared with PSG parameters to assess the degree of concordance of the two measures. The cohort consisted of 36 patients. Mean RCSQ score was 61.5 ± 24.8. The total score of the RCSQ showed a good degree of concordance with the sleep efficiency index of PSG. Accuracy of the RCSQ was 70%, sensitivity 71% and specificity 68%. The RCSQ is a good tool for screening the sleep quality in the setting of a stroke unit. Therefore, it could be useful to select the patients who might beneficiate from an instrumental sleep evaluation.

Th1/Th2 polarization of peripheral immune response in atherothrombotic and cardioembolic stroke: a prospective study.

Compelling evidence suggest a key role of immune system in the development and progression of ischemic stroke. Although the balance between proinflammatory CD4 + T helper (Th)-1 lymphocytes, expressing T-bet transcription factor, and anti-inflammatory Th2 cells expressing GATA3 seems to influence the outcome in experimental stroke, the role of peripheral immune response in acute stroke patients is poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the peripheral Th1/Th2 balance in acute atherothrombotic (ATHS) and cardioembolic stroke (CES) patients and in age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Using flow cytometry, we analyzed the percentage of CD4 + T-bet + T cells and CD4 + GATA3 + T cells from peripheral blood of ATHS and CES patients (2,4 and 7 days after stroke onset). Patients and controls were screened for infectious conditions, autoimmune, inflammatory, or cancerous diseases. On day 2 circulating CD4 + T-bet + T cells were significantly higher in stroke patients compared to controls, and in ATHS compared to CES and controls. On day 7, we observed a significant increase of CD4 + T-bet + T cells in both ATHS and CES patients compared to baseline. No difference was observed in circulating CD4 + GATA3 + T cells among ATHS, CES patients, and controls. These data suggest that circulating CD4 + T-bet + T cells could be useful marker indicating atherothrombotic genesis of stroke and provide new insight into the peripheral adaptive immune response in acute stroke.

Impact of delirium on the outcome of stroke: a prospective, observational, cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Delirium is an acute fluctuating disorder of attention and awareness, which often complicates the clinical course of several conditions, including acute stroke. The aim of the present study was to determine whether delirium occurrence impacts the outcome of patients with acute stroke. METHODS: The study design is single center, prospective, observational. We consecutively enrolled patients admitted to the stroke unit from April to October 2020. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 years and diagnosis of acute stroke. Exclusion criteria were stroke mimics, coma, and terminal conditions. All patients were screened for delirium upon admission, within 72 h, and whenever symptoms suggesting delirium occurred by means of the Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit and the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale. Outcomes were evaluated with the 90-days modified Rankin Scale (mRS) by telephone interview. RESULTS: The final study cohort consisted of 103 patients (62 men; median age 75 years, interquartile range 63-81). Thirty-one patients (30%) developed delirium. In the multivariate ordinal logistic regression, patients with delirium had higher mRS scores at 3 months (DLR + : mRS = 4 (3-6); DLR-: mRS = 1 (1-3); adjusted odds ratio = 4.83; CI = 1.88-12.35; p = 0.006). Delirium was a risk factor for death (mRS = 6) in the univariate logistic regression (OR 4.5, CI = 1.44-14.07; p = 0.010), but not in the adjusted analysis (OR 3.45; CI = 0.66-17.95; p = 0.142). Survival time during 90-days follow-up was shorter in the delirium group (Log Rank χ2 3.89; p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: Delirium negatively impacts the prognosis of patients with acute stroke. Patients with post-stroke delirium have a worse functional outcome and a shorter survival.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery infarction: A real-world study.

BACKGROUND: Malignant middle cerebral artery infarction (mMCA) is a devastating disease with rates of fatality as high as 80%. Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) reduces mortality, but many survivors inevitably remain severely disabled. This study aimed to analyze patients with mMCA undergoing DHC or best medical treatment (BMT) baseline characteristics and factors linked to therapeutic choice and determinants of prognosis. METHODS: We recorded clinical and radiological features of patients undergoing BMT or DHC. The two groups were compared for epidemiology, clinical presentation, neuroimaging, and prognosis. Regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of surgical treatment and outcome. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-five patients were included (age 67.41 ± 1.39 yo; 65 M). Patients undergoing DHC (N = 57) were younger (DHC 55.71 ± 1.48 yo vs. BMT 77.22 ± 1.38) and had midline shift (DHC 96.5% (55/57) vs. BMT 35.3% (24/68), a larger volume of the affected hemisphere and reduced ventricles volume as compared to BMT. The chance of surgery depended on age (Exp(B) = 0.871, p < 0.001), clinical status at onset (NIHSS Exp(B) = 0.824, p = 0.030) and volume of the ventricle of the affected hemisphere (Exp(B) = 0.736, p = 0.006). Death rate during admission was significantly lower for DHC (DHC 15% (6/41) vs BMT 71.7% (38/53), Fisher's test = 30.234, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although DHC may cause prolonged hospitalization and long-term disabled patients, it is a lifesaving therapy that should be considered for selected patients with mMCA but perioperative complications and cost-utility should be considered. Patients and families should be correctly counseled about this therapeutic choice and its short- and long-term consequences.

Autonomic Dysfunction during Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review.

Although autonomic dysfunction (AD) after the recovery from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been thoroughly described, few data are available regarding the involvement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) during the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The primary aim of this review was to summarize current knowledge regarding the AD occurring during acute COVID-19. Secondarily, we aimed to clarify the prognostic value of ANS involvement and the role of autonomic parameters in predicting SARS-CoV-2 infection. According to the PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic review across Scopus and PubMed databases, resulting in 1585 records. The records check and the analysis of included reports' references allowed us to include 22 articles. The studies were widely heterogeneous for study population, dysautonomia assessment, and COVID-19 severity. Heart rate variability was the tool most frequently chosen to analyze autonomic parameters, followed by automated pupillometry. Most studies found ANS involvement during acute COVID-19, and AD was often related to a worse outcome. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of autonomic parameters in predicting SARS-CoV-2 infection. The evidence emerging from this review suggests that a complex autonomic nervous system imbalance is a prominent feature of acute COVID-19, often leading to a poor prognosis.