Understanding physician preferences about combined thrombolysis and thrombectomy in patients with large vessel occlusion: An international cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: A recently published individual participant-level meta-analysis found that EVT alone was not non-inferior to combined intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and EVT. Our aim was to determine factors that influence physicians' treatment choice of IVT-alone versus EVT-alone versus a combined approach. METHODS: We performed an international, structured, invite-only survey among physicians treating patients presenting with AIS. Respondents were asked 16 multiple choice questions. Fourteen questions involved the respondent being provided with a clinical scenario. In each scenario, a patient was presenting with an AIS with LVO, varying a single clinical or imaging feature. RESULTS: A total of 282 stroke physicians (mean age 46 years, 75 % males) participated in the survey. In LVO stroke, eligible for both IVT and EVT, without other qualifiers, 220 (85.9 %) respondents chose to pursue a combined approach. For age over 80 years, 191 (74 %) participants opted for combined approach, which decreased to 121 (48.2 %) with dementia and 148 (57.4 %) if the patient was on dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT). Of respondents choosing combination therapy in a patient above the age of 80, only 105 (56.8 %) would pursue the same in a patient with dementia. For imaging factors, 177 (72.8 %) opted for a combined approach for intracranial carotid occlusion, which decreased to 160 (65.3 %) in tandem occlusions. Overall, 88 (38 %) respondents agreed to the statement "I am uncomfortable with uncertainty in patient care". CONCLUSIONS: In a typical patient with AIS due to LVO, most respondents still choose a combined revascularization approach but discrepancy in decision-making increases in complex scenarios.

Mortality in cerebral venous thrombosis: results from the national inpatient sample database.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) vary from full recovery to death. Few studies have been performed examining epidemiologic and medical risk factors associated with high mortality in CVT. In this study, we examined the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to determine the epidemiologic and medical risk factors associated with increased mortality from CVT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the NIS from 2001 to 2008, patients who suffered from CVT were identified using the ICD-9 codes 437.6 (nonpyogenic thrombosis of intracranial venous sinus), 325 (phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of intracranial venous sinuses) and 671.5 (peripartum phlebitis and thrombosis, cerebral venous thrombosis, thrombosis of intracranial venous sinus). We analyzed the associations of demographic factors, risk factors, comorbidities, complications of CVT, and therapeutic interventions with in-hospital mortality. We performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine which variables were independently associated with in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: 11,400 patients were hospitalized with CVT between 2001 and 2008. Two-hundred and thirty-two (2.0%) suffered in-hospital mortality. Patients 15-49 years old had the lowest mortality rate (1.5%) compared with 2.8% for patients aged 50-64 (p < 0.001) and 6.1% for patients ≥65 years old (p < 0.001). The most common condition associated with CVT was pregnancy/puerperium (24.6%), and these women had a low mortality rate (0.4%). On multivariate analysis, the comorbidity most strongly associated with increased risk of mortality was sepsis (mortality rate 15.6%, OR = 7.5, 95% CI = 4.79-11.53, p < 0.001). Malignancy, underlying autoimmune disease and substance abuse were also independently associated with mortality, but with lower mortality rates (<5%). Complications associated with increased risk of mortality included paralysis (8.0%, OR = 3.4, 95% CI = 3.17-6.96, p < 0.001), intracranial hemorrhage (8.7%, OR = 5.4, 95% CI = 4.38-7.96, p < 0.001), and hydrocephalus (15.0%, OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 5.54-15.11, p = 0.004). Demographic variables associated with decreased mortality on multivariate analysis were male gender (2.1%, OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.43-0.87, p = 0.006) and Asian/Pacific Islander race (OR = 0.00, 95% CI = 0-0.27, p < 001). CONCLUSIONS: CVT is associated with a low in-hospital mortality rate. Amongst patients suffering CVT, male gender and Asian/Pacific Islander race were independently associated with lower odds of in-hospital mortality when compared to their female and white counterparts, respectively. Septic patients with CVT have the greatest risk of in-hospital mortality. Hydrocephalus, intracranial hemorrhage, and motor deficits are also associated with higher risk of death. Our results build on previous evidence that serves to define a group of patients with CVT at high risk of early death.

Factors associated with treatment escalation among MS specialists and general neurologists: Results from an International cojoint study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies in multiple sclerosis (MS) showed that therapeutic inertia (TI) affects 60-90% of neurologists and up to 25% of daily treatment decisions. The objective of this study was to determine the most common factors and attribute levels associated with decisions to treatment escalation in an international study in MS care. METHODS: 300 neurologists with MS expertise from 20 countries were invited to participate. Participants were presented with 12 pairs of simulated MS patient profiles described by 13 clinically relevant factors. We used disaggregated discrete choice experiments to estimate the weight of factors and attributes affecting physicians' decisions when considering treatment selection. Participants were asked to select the ideal candidate for treatment escalation from modest to higher-efficacy therapies. RESULTS: Overall, 229 neurologists completed the study (completion rate: 76.3%). The top 3 weighted factors associated with treatment escalation were: previous relapses (20%), baseline expanded disability status scale [EDSS] (18%), and MRI activity (13%). Patient demographics and desire for pregnancy had a modest influence (≤ 3%). We observed differences in the weight of factors associated with treatment escalation between MS specialists and non-MS specialists. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide critical information on factors influencing neurologists' treatment decisions and should be applied to continuing medical education strategies.

Impact of seizures on morbidity and mortality after stroke: a Canadian multi-centre cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Limited information is available about the impact of seizures on stroke outcome, health care delivery and resource utilization. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the presence of seizures after stroke increases disability, mortality and health care utilization (length of hospital stay, ICU admission, consults, discharge to a long-term care facility). METHODS: This cohort study included consecutive patients with acute stroke between July 2003 and June 2005 from the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network (RCSN), the largest clinical database of patients in Canada with acute stroke seen at selected acute care hospitals. We compared clinical characteristics and outcomes amongst patients experiencing stroke without and with seizures occurring during inpatient stay. Main outcome measures included: case-fatality, disability at discharge, length-of-stay, and discharge disposition. A logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether the presence of seizures was associated with poor stroke outcomes. RESULTS: Amongst 5027 patients included in the study; seizures occurred in 138 (2.7%) patients with stroke. Patients with seizures had a higher mortality at 30-day (36.2% vs. 16.8%, P < 0.0001) and at 1-year post-stroke (48.6% vs. 27.7%, P < 0.001), longer hospitalization, and greater disability at discharge (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that stroke severity, hemorrhagic stroke, and presence of neglect were associated to occurrence of seizures after stroke. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of seizures after stroke was associated with increased resources utilization, length of hospital stay, whilst decreasing both 30-day and 1-year survival. Quality improvement strategies targeting patients with seizures may help optimize the management of this subgroup of more disabled patients.

Endovascular Treatment Decisions in Patients with M2 Segment MCA Occlusions.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Endovascular therapy in acute ischemic stroke is rapidly evolving. We explored physicians' treatment attitudes and practice in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to M2 occlusion, given the absence of Level-1 guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an international multidisciplinary survey among physicians involved in acute stroke care. Respondents were presented with 10 of 22 case scenarios (4 with proximal M2 occlusions and 1 with a small-branch M2 occlusion) and asked about their treatment approach under A) current local resources, and B) assumed ideal conditions (no monetary or infrastructural restraints). Overall treatment decisions were evaluated; subgroup analyses by physician and patient baseline characteristics were performed. RESULTS: A total of 607 physicians participated. Most of the respondents decided in favor of endovascular therapy in M2 occlusions, both under current local resources and assumed ideal conditions (65.4% versus 69.6%; P = .017). Under current local resources, older patient age (P < .001), longer time since symptom onset (P < .001), high center endovascular therapy volume (P < .001), high personal endovascular therapy volume (P = .005), and neurosurgeons (P < .001) were more likely to favor endovascular therapy. European respondents were less likely to favor endovascular therapy (P = .001). Under assumed ideal conditions, older patient age (P < .001), longer time since symptom onset (P < .001), high center endovascular therapy volume (P = .041), high personal endovascular therapy volume (P = .002), and Asian respondents were more likely to favor endovascular therapy (P = .037). Respondents with more experience (P = .048) and high annual stroke thrombolysis treatment volume (P = .001) were less likely to favor endovascular therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with M2 occlusions are considered appropriate candidates for endovascular therapy by most respondents in this survey, especially by those performing endovascular therapy more often and those practicing in high-volume centers.

How Do Physicians Approach Intravenous Alteplase Treatment in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Who Are Eligible for Intravenous Alteplase and Endovascular Therapy? Insights from UNMASK-EVT.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: With increasing use of endovascular therapy, physicians' attitudes toward intravenous alteplase in endovascular therapy-eligible patients may be changing. We explored current intravenous alteplase treatment practices of physicians in endovascular therapy- and alteplase-eligible patients with acute stroke using prespecified case scenarios and compared how their current local treatment practices differ compared with an assumed ideal environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an international multidisciplinary survey, 607 physicians involved in acute stroke care were randomly assigned 10 of 22 case scenarios, among them 14 with guideline-based alteplase recommendations (9 with level 1A and 5 with level 2B recommendation) and were asked how they would treat the patient: A) under their current local resources, and B) under assumed ideal conditions. Answer options were the following: 1) anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy, 2) endovascular therapy, 3) endovascular therapy plus intravenous alteplase, and 4) intravenous alteplase. Decision rates were calculated, and multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine variables associated with the decision to abandon intravenous alteplase. RESULTS: In cases with guideline recommendations for alteplase, physicians favored alteplase in 82.0% under current local resources and in 79.3% under assumed ideal conditions (P < .001). Under assumed ideal conditions, interventional neuroradiologists would refrain from intravenous alteplase most often (6.28%, OR = 2.40; 95% CI, 1.01-5.71). When physicians' current and ideal decisions differed, most would like to add endovascular therapy to intravenous alteplase in an ideal setting (196/3861 responses, 5.1%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients eligible for endovascular therapy and intravenous alteplase, we observed a slightly lower decision rate in favor of intravenous alteplase under assumed ideal conditions compared with the decision rate under current local resources.

In-hospital myocardial infarction following acute ischaemic stroke: an observational study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute myocardial infarction is expected to be an important medical complication following ischaemic stroke. We sought to describe the frequency and clinical impact of in-hospital myocardial infarction following acute ischaemic stroke. METHODS: Consecutive patients with acute ischaemic stroke were identified from the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network (2003-2006). Stroke severity was measured using the Canadian Neurological Scale (CNS). Functional status at discharge was measured with the modified-Rankin Scale, and categorized into strokes with no or mild-moderate dependency (m-Rankin 0-3) and those with severe dependence or death (m-Rankin 4-6). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between myocardial infarction and clinical outcome (death or severe dependence at hospital discharge and 1 year mortality), independent of co-morbidities and in-hospital medical complications. RESULTS: In total, 9180 patients with acute ischaemic stroke were included. The mean age was 72 years (SD 13.9) and 48% were female. Overall, 211 (2.3%) patients were reported to have myocardial infarction during hospitalization. At hospital discharge, 64.9% of patients with in-hospital myocardial infarction had died or were severely disabled, compared with 35.8% in the entire cohort. Mortality at 1 year after ischaemic stroke was 56.4% in patients with myocardial infarction and 21.9% in the entire cohort. On multivariable analyses, myocardial infarction was also associated with death or severe dependence at discharge (OR 2.51; 95%CI 1.75-3.59) and mortality within 1 year (HR 1.83; 95%CI 1.51-2.23). Previous history of myocardial infarction (OR 1.50; 95%CI 1.05-2.15), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.55; 95%CI 1.42-2.10), stroke severity (OR 1.13; 95% CI 1.09-1.17) and peripheral vascular disease (OR 1.61; 95%CI 1.04-2.49) were independently associated with myocardial infarction during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial infarction is an important medical complication after acute ischaemic stroke.

Acute stroke with hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign benefits from IV rtPA.

OBJECTIVES: The current management of acute ischemic stroke is intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). The presence of a hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) on pre-treatment head computed tomogram (CT) is considered a poor prognostic sign. We compared the clinical outcome in IV rtPA-treated patients with and without a HMCAS. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected cases treated with IV rtPA within three hours. Inclusion criteria were the presence of: i) an anterior circulation stroke; ii) a pre-treatment CT available; iii) a pre-treatment National Institutes of Health (NIH) stroke scale (NIHSS) score; and iv) a modified Rankin Score (mRS) at three months. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty patients were eligible for the analysis, 64 (49%) had a HMCAS. The HMCAS group had a trend toward a higher mean (+/-SD) pre-treatment NIHSS score compared to the non-HMCAS group (13.9+/-6 vs. 12.2+/-6; p=0.12). Accordingly, there were more patients with severe strokes (NIHSS>10) in the HMCAS group compared to the non-HMCAS one (48/64=75% vs. 35/66=53%; p=0.009). The mean (+/-SD) NIHSS score 24 hours after treatment was 10.6 (+/-8) in the HMCAS group and 8.3 (+/-7) in the non-HMCAS group (p=0.08). In a multiple logistic regression analysis, the only independent predictor of poor outcome (mRS 3-6) was pre-treatment NIHSS score (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with a HMCAS receiving IV rtPA did not fare worse at three months despite a greater proportion of patients with more severe strokes. Based on the current knowledge, IV rtPA remains a good treatment for patients with a HMCAS within three hours of symptom onset.

Contribution and additional impact of imaging to the SPAN-100 score.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Stroke Prognostication by Using Age and NIHSS score (SPAN-100 index) facilitates stroke outcomes. We assessed imaging markers associated with the SPAN-100 index and their additional impact on outcome determination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 273 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke (<4.5 hours), 55 were characterized as SPAN-100-positive (age +NIHSS score ≥ 100). A comprehensive imaging review evaluated differences, using the presence of the hyperattenuated vessel sign, ASPECTS, clot burden score, collateral score, CBV, CBF, and MTT. The primary outcome assessed was favorable outcome (mRS ≤ 2). Secondary outcomes included recanalization, lack of neurologic improvement, and hemorrhagic transformation. Uni- and multivariate analyses assessed factors associated with favorable outcome. Area under the curve evaluated predictors of favorable clinical outcome. RESULTS: Compared with the SPAN-100-negative group, the SPAN-100-positive group (55/273; 20%) demonstrated larger CBVs (<0.001), poorer collaterals (P < .001), and increased hemorrhagic transformation rates (56.0% versus 36%, P = .02) despite earlier time to rtPA (P = .03). Favorable outcome was less common among patients with SPAN-100-positive compared with SPAN-100-negative (10.9% versus 42.2%; P < .001). Multivariate regression revealed poorer outcome for SPAN-100-positive (OR = 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06-0.38; P = .001), clot burden score (OR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.05-1.25; P < .001), and CBV (OR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.46-0.72; P = .001). The addition of the clot burden score and CBV improved the predictive value of SPAN-100 alone for favorable outcome from 60% to 68% and 74%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SPAN-100-positivity predicts a lower likelihood of favorable outcome and increased hemorrhagic transformation. CBV and clot burden score contribute to poorer outcomes among high-risk patients and improve stroke-outcome prediction.

Differences in stroke subtypes among natives and caucasians in Boston and Buenos Aires.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Several issues regarding ethnic-cultural factors, sex-related variation, and risk factors for stroke have been described in the literature. However, there have been no prospective studies comparing ethnic differences and stroke subtypes between populations from South America and North America. It has been suggested that natives from Buenos Aires, Argentina, may have higher frequency of hemorrhagic strokes and penetrating artery disease than North American subjects. The aim of this study was to validate this hypothesis. METHODS: We studied the database of all consecutive acute stroke patients admitted to the Ramos Mejia Hospital (RMH) in Buenos Aires and to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIMC) in Boston, Massachusetts, from July 1997 to March 1999. Stroke subtypes were classified according to the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria. All information on patients (demographic, clinical, and radiographic) was recorded prospective to the assessment of the stroke subtype. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-one and 479 stroke patients were included at RMH and BIMC stroke data banks, respectively. Coronary artery disease was significantly more frequent in BIMC (P:<0.001), whereas tobacco and alcohol intake were significantly more frequent in RMH (P:<0.001). Intracerebral hemorrhage (P:<0.001) and penetrating artery disease (P:<0.001) were significantly more frequent in the RMH registry, whereas large-artery disease (P:<0.02) and cardioembolism (P:<0.001) were more common in the BIMC data bank. CONCLUSIONS: Penetrating artery disease and intracerebral hemorrhage were the most frequent stroke subtypes in natives from Buenos Aires. Lacunar strokes and intracerebral hemorrhage were more frequent among Caucasians from Buenos Aires than Caucasians from Boston. Poor risk factor control and dietary habits could explain these differences.

Convulsive-like movements in brainstem stroke.

BACKGROUND: Involuntary convulsive-like movements sometimes occur in patients with brainstem strokes. These movements vary in nature, frequency, and trigger, including fasciculation-like, shivering, jerky, tonic-clonic, and intermittent shaking movements. Some are interpreted as decerebrate postures or seizures. It is important to recognize this type of motor phenomenon since it may be a diagnostic clue for early diagnosis and treatment of brainstem strokes. DESIGN: Case report and review of the literature OBSERVATION: A 72-year-old-man presented with impaired consciousness and jerks of the upper limbs mimicking seizures. These episodes consisted of brief clonic contractions of the proximal and distal upper extremities. They were observed in paroxysms lasting for 3 to 5 seconds. Magnetic resonance imaging showed large midpontine infarction. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed the absence of basilar artery blood flow. No seizure discharges were observed in the electroencephalogram. Anticoagulation with intravenous heparin was started. Two days after admission, the patient had a cardiac arrest and died. We review the frequency and nature of convulsive-like movements in brainstem stroke in the literature. CONCLUSIONS: Movements associated with brainstem lesions are not easily differentiated from convulsions. Unexpected onset and inexperience of the observers limit the characterization of this phenomenon. Convulsive-like movements in brainstem stroke may occur more frequently than reported. Early detection of this motor phenomenon may have practical implications.

Multiple simultaneous intracerebral hemorrhages: clinical features and outcome.

BACKGROUND: The simultaneous occurrence of intracerebral hemorrhages in different arterial territories is an uncommon clinical event. Its predisposing factors and pathophysiological mechanisms are not clearly defined. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the frequency, risk factors, clinical features, neuroimaging findings, and outcome of multiple simultaneous intracerebral hemorrhages (SIHs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied all patients with acute stroke admitted to our hospital from July 18, 1997, through December 18, 1999. Multiple SIHs were defined as the presence of 2 or more intracerebral hemorrhages affecting different arterial territories with identical computed tomographic density profiles. Patients with a history of traumatic brain injury were excluded from this study. Diagnostic investigation included routine blood and urine tests, coagulation studies, a chest radiograph, electrocardiogram, 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography, and computed tomography of the head without contrast medium. Disability was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and Modified Rankin Scale. RESULTS: Among 142 patients with hemorrhagic stroke, we found 4 (2.8%) with SIHs. All 4 patients had a history of uncontrolled arterial hypertension. We excluded other potential causes of multiple SIHs by using appropriate diagnostic tests. The most common clinical manifestations were headache and weakness. Localization of hematomas was supratentorial, except for one patient who had both infratentorial and supratentorial hemorrhages. The mean National Institutes of Health score on admission was 15 and the Modified Rankin Scale score was higher than 4 at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, all patients with multiple SIHs had arterial hypertension and a poor outcome. Additional analytic studies, including new imaging techniques, can help to elucidate the association between arterial hypertension and multiple SIHs, risk factors, and underlying mechanisms of this clinical condition.

Catalepsy after stroke.

Catalepsy denotes a tendency to maintain postures. We prospectively looked for catalepsy in 216 acute stroke patients. We found five patients with cataleptic postures. They were seen on the nonparetic side in all cases. Other movement abnormalities seen in the catatonic syndrome were absent. CT scans of the head showed ischemic infarctions in the middle cerebral artery territory in the five cases. Cataleptic postures associated with hemispheric lesions due to stroke may be a more common phenomenon than is believed, and their mechanism remains to be elucidated.

Spontaneous and reflex movements in brain death.

Spontaneous and reflex movements may be found in patients with brain death (BD). The authors prospectively evaluated their frequency using a standardized protocol. Among 38 patients who fulfilled criteria for BD, the authors found 15 (39%) with spontaneous or reflex movements. The most common movement was finger jerks. Undulating toe flexion sign, triple flexion response, Lazarus sign, pronation-extension reflex, and facial myokymia also were seen. These movements may be more common than reported and do not preclude the diagnosis of BD.

Activated protein C resistance in patients with arterial ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Activated C protein resistance (APC-R) has recently been reported to be a common cause of thrombophilia; it may be acquired or caused by a genetic defect (factor V Leiden mutation). It is clear that there is an association between APC-R and venous thrombosis. It has been suggested that there is a possible relationship of APC-R with arterial ischemic stroke (IS), but case-control studies have not given enough clues for considering APC-R as a main risk factor. OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of APC-R in patients with IS of several ethiologies in Buenos Aires. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-two patients with IS were assessed for signs or symptoms of previous clinical thrombophilia and the presence of vascular risk factors (RF). They were searched for APC-R (COATEST, APC resistance-V, with a predilution of the samples) test. Determinations were carried out between 1 to 4 months after the ischemic episode. The plasma of 50 healthy control subjects (blood donors) was used as controls. RESULTS: None of the patients had signs of previous thrombophilia; 57 (79.2%) had RF for IS, and 3 (4.2%) had APC-R (all of them with RF). One subject in the control group (2%) showed a low APC response (1/50). The occurrence of APC-R among patients with stroke was not significantly higher when compared with the occurrence of APC-R among the control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: In the present series, the incidence of factor V Leiden related APC-R in the group with IS was similar to the healthy population. Other risk factors were associated in patients showing APC-R.

Arteriosclerosis and the promise of GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors in stroke.

Ischemic mechanisms in pa2000Mar;58(1)1-10 studied for more than 150 years. Antiplatelet agents did show benefit in secondary prevention. Aspirin is the most common antiaggregant in clinical use today. However, the benefit produced by the "best" antiplatelet regimen in stroke prevention is lower than 40%. The adherence of circulating platelets to the subendothelium is mediated by glycoprotein (GP) residing on the cell's surface. GPIIb/IIIa is the most important platelet membrane receptor that mediates the process of platelet aggregation, and thrombus formation. Thus, new drugs that block the GPIIb/IIIa receptor have recently emerged. Clinical trials using these agents have shown effectiveness in acute coronary syndromes. However, the absence of studies in cerebrovascular disease and the potential hemorrhagic complications questioned their use in stroke prevention. We review the clinical trials using the new GPIIb/IIIa agents in myocardial ischemia, and consider the potential implications for cerebrovascular disease.

Pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum during the apnea test: how safe is this procedure?

Apnea test is a crucial requirement for determining the diagnosis of brain death (BD). There are few reports considering clinical complications during this procedure. We describe a major complication during performing the apnea test. We also analyse their practical and legal implications, and review the complications of this procedure in the literature. A 54 year-old man was admitted for impaired consciousness due to a massive intracerebral hemorrhage. Six hours later, he had no motor response, and all brainstem reflexes were negative. The patient fulfilled American Academy of Neurology (AAN) criteria for determining BD. During the apnea test, the patient developed pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, and finally cardiac arrest. Apnea test is a necessary requirement for the diagnosis of brain death. However, it is not innocuous and caution must be take in particular clinical situations. Complications during the apnea test could be more frequent than reported and may have practical and legal implications. Further prospective studies are necessary to evaluate the frequency and nature of complications during this practice.

Cataleptic postures in thalamic hemorrhage: case report.

We report a case of catalepsy associated with thalamic hemorrhage. A 72 year-old hypertensive woman had acute onset of right-sided weakness and speech disturbances. She was on anticoagulants because of aortic valve replacement. When postures were imposed, the patient maintained the left upper limb raised for several minutes, even in uncomfortable or bizarre positions. A CT scan of the head revealed a left thalamic hemorrhage. Cataleptic postures have been reported in few cases with acute stroke.