A Visual Task Management Application for Acute Ischemic Stroke Care.

Background: To maximize the effect of intravenous (IV) thrombolysis and/or endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), stroke centers need to establish a parallel workflow on the basis of a code stroke (CS) protocol. At Kokura Memorial Hospital (KMH), we implemented a CS system in January 2014; however, the process of information sharing within the team has occasionally been burdensome. Objective: To solve this problem using information communication technology (ICT), we developed a novel application for smart devices, named "Task Calc. Stroke" (TCS), and aimed to investigate the impact of TCS on AIS care. Methods: TCS can visualize the real-time progress of crucial tasks for AIS on a dashboard by changing color indicators. From August 2015 to March 2017, we installed TCS at KMH and recommended its use during normal business hours (NBH). We compared the door-to-computed tomography time, the door-to-complete blood count (door-to-CBC) time, the door-to-needle for IV thrombolysis time, and the door-to-puncture for EVT time among three treatment groups, one using TCS ("TCS-based CS"), one not using TCS ("phone-based CS"), and one not based on CS ("non-CS"). A questionnaire survey regarding communication problems was conducted among the CS teams at 3 months after the implementation of TCS. Results: During the study period, 74 patients with AIS were transported to KMH within 4.5 h from onset during NBH, and 53 were treated using a CS approach (phone-based CS: 26, TSC-based CS: 27). The door-to-CBC time was significantly reduced in the TCS-based CS group compared to the phone-based CS group, from 31 to 19 min (p = 0.043). Other processing times were also reduced, albeit not significantly. The rate of IV thrombosis was higher in the TCS-based CS group (78% vs. 46%, p = 0.037). The questionnaire was correctly filled in by 34/38 (89%) respondents, and 82% of the respondents felt a reduction in communication burden by using the TCS application. Conclusions: TCS is a novel approach that uses ICT to support information sharing in a parallel CS workflow in AIS care. It shortens the processing times of critical tasks and lessens the communication burden among team members.

Clinical characteristics of atrial fibrillation-related cardioembolic stroke in patients aged 80 years or older.

AIM: Atrial fibrillation (AF)-related cardioembolic stroke is a serious problem in the aging society. The present study examined the clinical characteristics and outcomes of AF-related cardioembolic stroke in patients aged ≥80 years. METHODS: Between September 2011 and April 2014, consecutive patients with ischemic stroke and AF were retrospectively extracted from the multicenter database. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients aged ≥80 years and <80 years. Multivariate cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidential intervals on 90-day mortality for age of ≥80 years. RESULTS: A total of 253 patients aged ≥80 years (87 men, 86.4 ± 5.0 years) and 196 patients aged <80 years (134 men, 70.4 ± 7.1 years) were included. Patients aged ≥80 years were more frequently female, and more likely to have higher premorbid modified Rankin Scale score (mRS), lower body mass index, previous history of stroke, prior antiplatelet therapy, congestive heart failure, and persistent AF. Patients aged ≥80 years had higher initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and were more likely to have occlusion of the cervicocephalic arteries, but less likely to receive thrombolysis. Patients aged ≥80 years had a higher mRS and mortality after 3 months. Age of ≥80 years was a significant predictor of 90-day mortality after adjustment for sex (hazard ratio 2.20, 95% confidential interval 1.25-4.09), but was no longer significant after further adjustment for other clinical characteristics and stroke severity. CONCLUSIONS: In AF-related cardioembolic stroke, patients aged ≥80 years had different clinical characteristics and poorer outcome compared with patients aged <80 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 708-713.

Predictive Factors for Excellent or Extremely Poor Functional Outcome in Initial Atrial Fibrillation-Related Cardioembolic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the predictive factors for excellent or extremely poor functional outcome in patients with first-ever atrial fibrillation (AF)-related cardioembolic stroke. METHODS: Retrospective observational study from a database. Patients with AF-related cardioembolic stroke with a premorbid modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 or 1 and without a previous history of stroke were included. RESULTS: Factors associated with excellent functional outcome (mRS scores of 0 or 1; n = 77; 30.4% of patients) included age >78 years (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.15-0.61), male sex (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.04-4.60), absence of hypertension (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.22-0.94) and initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of >9 (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.03-0.16). Factors associated with extremely poor functional outcome (mRS scores of 5 or 6; n = 63; 24.9%) included age >78 years (OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.54-7.39), initial NIHSS score of >9 (OR 12.38, 95% CI 5.40-32.56), congestive heart failure (OR 4.82, 95% CI 2.00-12.19) and ischemic heart disease (OR 4.02, 95% CI 1.18-14.69). CONCLUSIONS: Predictive factors exist to delineate excellent and extremely poor functional outcomes after a first-time stroke associated with AF.

A Case of Central Pontine Myelinolysis Caused by Hypophosphatemia Secondary to Refeeding Syndrome.

Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM), which was originally considered to be the result of rapid correction of chronic hyponatremia, is not necessarily accompanied by hyponatremia or drastic changes in serum sodium level. Here, we report a case of an anorexic 55-year-old male with a history of pharyngo-laryngo-esophagogastrectomy, initially hospitalized with status epilepticus. Although his consciousness gradually recovered as we were controlling his convulsion, it deteriorated again with new onset of anisocoria, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at this point revealed CPM. Rapid change of serum sodium or osmolarity, which is often associated with CPM, had not been apparent throughout his hospitalization. Instead, a review of the serum biochemistry test results showed that serum phosphate had drastically declined the day before the MRI first detected CPM. In this case, we suspect that hypophosphatemia induced by refeeding syndrome greatly contributed to the occurrence of CPM.

Pure dysarthria and dysarthria-facial paresis syndrome due to internal capsule and/or corona radiata infarction.

BACKGROUND: Pure dysarthria (PD) and dysarthria-facial paresis syndrome (DFP) mainly result from lenticulostriate artery territory infarction. PD and DFP are rare clinical entities, often grouped without distinction. The purpose of this study was to examine clinical and radiographic differences between PD and DFP due to unilateral internal capsule and/or corona radiata infarction. METHODS: Using a database that included consecutive patients with ischemic stroke admitted to the neurological stroke units of three hospitals within 7 days from onset between September 2011 and April 2014, we retrospectively extracted first-ever stroke patient data, who presented with PD or DFP with a single ischemic lesion localized in the internal capsule and/or corona radiata. Patients with weakness, ataxia, sensory deficit, or cortical symptoms were excluded. Ischemic lesion volume was calculated by the ABC/2 method on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). DWI images were normalized and superimposed to the template for PD and DFP. We compared patients' characteristics between PD and DFP. RESULTS: A total of 2126 patients, including 65 patients (3.1%) with PD or DFP, were registered. Of these, 13 PD patients and 18 patients with DFP due to unilateral internal capsule and/or corona radiata infarction were included for analysis. Compared with DFP patients, PD patients had longer onset-to-door time (median 37.5 vs. 10.8 h, p = 0.031), shorter vertical length (C component) of ischemic lesions (median 12.0 vs. 18.8 mm, p = 0.007), and smaller ischemic lesion volume (median 285 vs. 828 mm(3), p = 0.023). Ischemic lesions causing PD were located more frequently in the left hemisphere than DFP (92% vs. 56%, p = 0.045). The superimposed lesion pattern indicated that DFP had lesions more medial and involving posterior portions of the putamen and the caudate body, as well as more of the genu and posterior limb of the internal capsule, than PD. Ninety days after onset, symptoms disappeared in 21 (72%) out of 29 patients. CONCLUSIONS: In cerebral infarction limited to the internal capsule and/or corona radiata, PD is derived from smaller and left-sided lesions with delay in diagnosis compared with DFP. The clinical course of those with PD and DFP might be benign.

Pre-admission CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and R2CHADS2 Scores on Severity and Functional Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke with Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: We examined the association between pre-admission risk scores and severity on admission and functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: Between September 2011 and April 2014, we retrospectively extracted consecutive ischemic stroke patients with AF whose pre-admission modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 2 or less from our prospective database. Pre-admission CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and R2CHADS2 scores were calculated in each patient, and their association with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission or unfavorable outcome (mRS ≥ 3 at 3 months from the onset) was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 344 patients (189 were men; age, 77.7 ± 10.0 years) were included in the analysis. The median pre-admission CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and R2CHADS2 scores were 2, 4, and 4, respectively. NIHSS score on admission was positively correlated with pre-admission CHADS2 (ρ = .116, P = .031), CHA2DS2-VASc (ρ = .166, P = .020), and R2CHADS2 scores (ρ = .106, P = .049). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that pre-admission CHADS2 score of 2 or more (sensitivity, 80%; specificity, 45%; area under the ROC curve [AUC], .654), CHA2DS2-VASc score of 3 or more (sensitivity, 86%; specificity, 44%; AUC, .683), and R2CHADS2 score of 4 or more (sensitivity, 61%; specificity, 62%; AUC, .657) were associated with unfavorable outcome. The pre-admission CHA2DS2-VASc score was better than the pre-admission CHADS2 score in estimating unfavorable outcome (P = .017). In multivariate analysis, cutoffs of these scores, female sex, higher NIHSS score, and internal carotid artery occlusion were associated with unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-admission CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and R2CHADS2 scores were associated with onset severity and functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke with AF.

[A case of cerebral cardioembolism successfully treated by Merci retriever despite a large ischemic change on diffusion-weighted MR imaging].

A 63-year-old man with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation presented with aphasia (16:30) followed by right hemiplegia. The last known time that he was clinically well was 14:30. On admission (17:43), his baseline NIHSS score was 34. Head diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) demonstrated large hyperintense signals throughout the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. The left carotid angiogram (CAG) demonstrated occlusion of the left ICA 2 cm distal from the bifurcation. The right CAG showed a small branch laterally extending from the left anterior cerebral artery (ACA). Mechanical thrombectomy with a Merci retriever removed a large amount of thrombi after the first trial. The left ICA and MCA were recanalized to grade TICI 2b. The left hemiplegia was markedly improved, and he could walk independently. His NIHSS score was 11 at discharge. Revascularization therapy may improve a motor deficit in patients with possible penumbra of the precentral gyrus by collateral circulation from the ACA even if the ischemic lesion in the MCA territory is large on DWI.

Clinical disability progression and platelet GP IIb/IIIa values in patients with atopic myelitis.

We aimed to clarify the disability progression and platelet aggregative function in atopic myelitis (AM). Seventeen AM patients and 35 healthy controls were subjected to clinico-allergological evaluations and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GP IIb/IIIa) measurements using a VerifyNow assay system. In AM patients, the disease duration had significant positive correlations with the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale scores and Sensory Functional Scale scores. The GP IIb/IIIa values were significantly higher in AM patients than in controls as well as in females compared with males. AM is essentially a progressive disease affecting the sensory system, and involves an increased platelet aggregative function.

[Hemicape-like sensory disturbance caused by cortical infarction in the postcentral gyrus].

We report a case of a small cortical infarction in the postcentral gyrus that presented an isolated hemicape-like sensory disturbance. A 47-year-old man suddenly developed numbness and paresthesia in the left neck, shoulder, arm, and upper trunk. Examination revealed hypoesthesia to touch and pain in these areas along with a hemicape-like distribution. The sensitivity to cold and vibration was normal, and two-point discrimination and graphesthesia were preserved. The patient had a normal visual field, muscle strength, and reflexes, and there were no neuropsychological deficits. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a fresh, small cerebral infarction in the right postcentral gyrus, which was superior medial to the precentral knob. The area of infarction in this patient corresponds well with the area of the upper trunk, neck, head, shoulder, and arm in the sensory homunculus drawn by Penfield and Rassumussen. The spinal MRI was normal. Transesophageal echocardiography disclosed a patent foramen ovale with a right-to-left-shunt. The patient was diagnosed as having acute cerebral infarction, probably due to paradoxical embolism, and was treated with warfarin. A small localized infarct in the postcentral gyrus can present an isolated sensory disturbance with an atypical hemicape-like distribution.

[A case of Charles Bonnet syndrome following syphilitic optic neuritis].

Charles Bonnet syndrome refers to visual hallucinations in patients with visual acuity loss or visual field loss without dementia. We report a case of Charles Bonnet syndrome following syphilitic optic neuritis. A 62-year-old man was admitted to our hospital suffering acute bilateral visual loss in a few months. On admission, he was almost blind and his optic discs were found to be atrophic on fundoscopy. In addition to increased cell counts and protein concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum and CSF rapid plasma reagin tests were positive. A diagnosis of syphilitic optic neuritis was made and he was treated with intravenous penicillin G (24 million units per day for 14 days) without any recovery. After treatment finished, he began to experience complex, vivid, elaborate and colored visual hallucinations. He recognized these visions as unreal and felt distressed by them. No cognitive impairment was observed on several neuropsychological tests. We diagnosed the patient as suffering from Charles Bonnet syndrome. Brain MRI revealed diffuse mild atrophy of the cerebral cortex and multiple T2 high signal intensity lesions in the deep cerebral white matter. Single photon emission computed tomography revealed decreased regional cerebral blood flow in bilateral medial occipital lobes. Administration of olanzapine resulted in a partial remission of visual hallucinations. Charles Bonnet syndrome following syphilitic optic neuritis is rare. In the present case, visual loss and dysfunction of bilateral medial occipital lobes may have triggered the visual hallucinations, which were alleviated by olanzapine.

[Peripheral neuropathy, myelopathy, cerebellar ataxia, and subclinical optic neuropathy associated with copper deficiency occurring 23 years after total gastrectomy].

We report a 61-year-old man with slowly progressive gait disturbance and paresthesia in the lower extremities following a total gastrectomy for gastric cancer 23 years previously. The patient presented with hyperreflexia, peripheral sensory neuropathy, and cerebellar ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging showed atrophy of the cerebellum, and electrophysiological findings suggested the presence of disorder in both sides of the pyramidal tract, dorsal column, peripheral nerves, and optic nerve. Laboratory findings revealed anemia, neutropenia, and a remarkably low serum copper level (10 microg/dl; normal: 68-128). His serum vitamin E was slightly low and his serum vitamin B12 was within the normal limits. After administering an oral copper supplement, his symptoms improved with normalization of the serum copper level. We need to pay attention to myeloneuropathy caused by copper deficiency if the patient has a past history of total gastrectomy.

A case of caseous calcification of the mitral annulus: A potential source of embolic stroke.

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a common finding especially among the elderly. Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) is a rare variant of MAC, which may be mistaken for an intracardiac tumor or abscess. The clinical significance of CCMA and its potential as a source for cerebral embolism is not known. A 76-year-old woman with an acute ischemic stroke was found to have CCMA on echocardiography apparent as a round mass with a central echolucent area and an echo-dense smooth border, in the periannular position of the mitral valve. She subsequently suffered a second embolic stroke. The central cavity of the CCMA seemed to communicate with the left atrium on echocardiography, suggesting the causal relationship between the second brain attack and the CCMA. She was anticoagulated and has not suffered any further strokes. Previous case reports have suggested that CCMA is a benign condition. This detailed report suggests that CCMA may be a potential source of embolic stroke.

[A case of hypertrophic cranial pachcymeningitis in a patient with lymphocytic hypophysitis].

We report a 67-year-old man of lymphocytic hypophysitis complicated by hypertrophic cranial pachcymeningitis. The hypophysitis presenting with central diabetes insipidus caused isolated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) deficiency after three years and two months since the onset of his illness. Moreover he suffered from left cavernous sinus syndrome after four years. Brain gadolinium (Gd) enhanced MRI, which was obtained in 2001, showed only enhancement of the pituitary stalk. However, brain Gd enhanced MRI, performed four years later, showed not only a remarkable thickening and enhancement of the pituitary stalk but also abnormal enhancement of the lesion in the left cavernous sinus. In addition, it showed diffuse thickening and enhancement of the dura mater. This clinical course suggested that chronic inflammation of the pituitary had spread to the dura mater, a clinical condition differing from parasellar chronic inflammatory disease (PSCID). In addition, because diffuse thickening and enhancement of the dura mater was present, it was likely that lymphocytic hypophysitis was complicated by hypertrophic cranial pachcymeningitis due to autoimmune reactions. We should carefully observe cases of lymphocytic hypophysitis and assess change over time in the dura mater of the whole brain by Gd enhanced MRI.

[A case of transient blindness due to severe stenosis of the internal carotid artery with persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA)].

We report a patient having transient blindness due to severe stenosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA) with persistent primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA). This 73 year-old man was admitted because of the transient visual impairment. At first, he had bilateral blindness for a several minutes and after that the right amaurosis continued for an hour. MRI showed an old lacunar infarction of the right caudate nucleus. Carotid duplex ultrasonography and conventional angiography demonstrated severe stenosis of the origin of the right ICA, and PPHA was arising from the right ICA at the level of 2nd cervical spine. The left ICA was normal. Because of the aplasia of the right vertebral artery and hypoplasia of the left vertebral artery, almost all blood flow of the basilar artery was supplied from the right ICA via PPHA. We considered that transient ischemia of both the bilateral posterior cerebral arteries and the right ocular artery occurred due to stenosis of the right ICA which branching PPHA. When ischemic neurological symptoms of multiple vascular territories occurr at the same time, we often think that ischemic mechanism was cardiogenic embolism. But we should recognize that stenosis of the ICA with PPHA cause the complex neurological deficits.

Dexamethasone induces different wheel running activity than corticosterone through vasopressin release from the suprachiasmatic nucleus.

During the analysis of wheel running activity, we found that corticosterone (1 mg/100 g BW) injection decreased wheel activity, while dexamethasone (0.1 mg/100 g) increased the activity. To clarify the functional differences between corticosterone and dexamethasone, we measured Arg-vasopressin (AVP) release from the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) slice culture in vitro and AVP coding mRNA in the SCN in vivo. The corticosterone (0.2 and 2 microg/ml, final concentration in medium) decreased the AVP release, while it increased by dexamethasone (0.2 and 2 microg/ml). An AVP mRNA in the SCN was decreased by both corticosterone (1 mg/100 g) and dexamethasone (0.1 mg/100 g). The differences in wheel activity by corticosterone and dexamethasone are discussed from the changes of AVP in the SCN.