COVID-19 Lockdown Effects on Acute Stroke Care in Latin America.

OBJECTIVES: COVID-19 pandemic has forced important changes in health care worldwide. Stroke care networks have been affected, especially during peak periods. We assessed the impact of the pandemic and lockdowns in stroke admissions and care in Latin America. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multinational study (7 countries, 18 centers) of patients admitted during the pandemic outbreak (March-June 2020). Comparisons were made with the same period in 2019. Numbers of cases, stroke etiology and severity, acute care and hospitalization outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Most countries reported mild decreases in stroke admissions compared to the same period of 2019 (1187 vs. 1166, p = 0.03). Among stroke subtypes, there was a reduction in ischemic strokes (IS) admissions (78.3% vs. 73.9%, p = 0.01) compared with 2019, especially in IS with NIHSS 0-5 (50.1% vs. 44.9%, p = 0.03). A substantial increase in the proportion of stroke admissions beyond 48 h from symptoms onset was observed (13.8% vs. 20.5%, p < 0.001). Nevertheless, no differences in total reperfusion treatment rates were observed, with similar door-to-needle, door-to-CT, and door-to-groin times in both periods. Other stroke outcomes, as all-type mortality during hospitalization (4.9% vs. 9.7%, p < 0.001), length of stay (IQR 1-5 days vs. 0-9 days, p < 0.001), and likelihood to be discharged home (91.6% vs. 83.0%, p < 0.001), were compromised during COVID-19 lockdown period. CONCLUSIONS: In this Latin America survey, there was a mild decrease in admissions of IS during the COVID-19 lockdown period, with a significant delay in time to consultations and worse hospitalization outcomes.

[Long-term psychosocial impact in young stroke survivors: a frequent but often under diagnosed complication]. / Impacto psicosocial del ataque cerebral en pacientes jóvenes: una complicación frecuente y habitualmente sub-diagnosticada.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 15% of all strokes occur in young patients, affecting them in the most productive years of their lives. Currently, there is limited information (particularly in Latin America) regarding the long-term psychosocial consequences of stroke in young patients. Therefore, the objective of our study was to analyze the functional impact of stroke in this group of patients, regarding both cognitive and psychosocial aspects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered to outpatients with ischemic stroke between 16 and 55 years of age in two centers of Argentina. The following variables were compared in depressed and non-depressed individuals: NIHSS, modified Rankin Score, Mini-Mental State Examination, Barthel Index, as well as clinical-demographic variables. A BDI score greater than 10 was considered as marker of depression. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients with cerebral infarction were included, 67% (n = 23) were women, mean age: 45.53 ± 9.78 years (range: 21-59). Eleven patients (33%) had depression; 50% of the population was unable to continue with their previous job and 15% divorced or separated from their partner after the vascular event. The stroke recurrence rate was 0.03%. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of patients with depressive symptoms was observed. It should be noted that, in the majority, symptoms of depression had not been recognized and the patients were under-treated. Likewise, depression spread persistently after several years of the cerebrovascular event. Likewise, a significant proportion of patients were not able to re-insert themselves into their usual work activity. Moreover, stroke also had an important impact on their affective relationships. Treatment of depression after stroke should be particularly considered in these individuals due to their long-term survival, and should be offered to achieve the highest possible quality of recovery after stroke.

Cerebral venous thrombosis in Argentina: clinical presentation, predisposing factors, outcomes and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare medical condition that primarily affects young adults. The clinical spectrum is broad and its recognition remains a challenge for clinicians. Limited information is available on CVT in Argentina. Our goal was to report the results of the first National registry on CVT in Argentina and to compare clinical presentation, predisposing factors and outcomes with other international registries. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The Argentinian National Registry on CVT (ANR-CVT) is a multicenter retrospective cohort study comprising patients aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of CVT from January 2015 to January 2019. We evaluated demographics, predisposing factors, clinical presentation, and radiological characteristics (e.g. number of involved sinuses, venous infarction or hemorrhage on CT and MRI scans at admission), therapeutic interventions and functional outcomes at discharge and at 90 days. Our results were compared to a literature review of CVT registries. RESULTS: Overall, one hundred and sixty-two patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 42 (±17) years; 72% were women. Seventy percent of patients were younger than 50 years. The most common presenting symptom was headache (82%). The transverse sinus was the most common site of thrombosis (70%) followed by the sigmoid sinus (46%). The main predisposing factor in women was contraceptive use (44%), 3% of the events occurred during pregnancy and 9% during the puerperium. Participants 50 years and older had a higher frequency on malignancy related (7.5% vs. 30%, p = 0.0001) and infections (2% vs. 11%, p = 0.001). The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2 at discharge was 81% and the rate of mortality at discharge was 4%. At 90 days, the mRS≤2 was 93%. When the ANR-CVT was compared with larger registries from Europe and Asia, the prevalence of cancer among patients with CVT was two to five-fold higher (15% vs. 7% and 3%, respectively; p = 0.002 and p < 0.001). Anticoagulation rates at discharge were also higher (94%) compared to registries from Asia (ASCVT - 68%) or Turkey (VENOST - 67%). CONCLUSION: Participants in the first ANR-CVT had a low mortality and disability at 90 days. Clinical and radiological characteristics were similar to CVT from other international registries with a higher prevalence of cancer. There was a high variability in treatment adherence to guidelines as reflected by anticoagulation rates (range 54.5%-100%) at discharge.

Blood pressure evolution in young patients with acute ischemic stroke: a new model for understanding the natural course of spontaneous hypertension?

BACKGROUND: Approximately 80% of patients suffering an acute ischemic stroke develop transient hypertension. The physiopathological mechanism remains unclear. Due to the lack of vascular risk factors, young adults could be a useful model for understanding blood pressure (BP) evolution in this setting. METHODS: Patients between 18 and 55 years old admitted with an acute ischemic stroke were included. BP was evaluated during the following 48 h. Hypertension was defined as: systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥90 mmHg. Patients were divided into two groups: RF group included those who had a previous vascular risk factor and/or other medical condition known to affect the autonomic function; noRF group included patients without any of the previously stated conditions. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients were included: mean age: 44.26 years old, 21 were males (53.8%). Mean SBP and DBP at admission were 139.77 ± 5.35 mmHg (range: 90-243) and 84.44 ± 3.02 mmHg (range: 60-128), respectively; 43.58% patients were hypertensive at admission. SBP decreased significantly during the first 48 h (p = 0.044) for the entire population. RF group has higher SBP (p = 0.009) and DBP (p = 0.011) at admission than the noRF group. CONCLUSION: Most patients were normotensive at admission and BP fell spontaneously despite BP at admission. Young patients without medical conditions that could alter the autonomic system function could be a useful model for understanding acute hypertension in ischemic stroke.

Prevalence of Fabry Disease in Young Patients with Stroke in Argentina.

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease (FD) is an underdiagnosed cause of stroke in young adults, but the frequency of this association is largely unknown. We estimated the prevalence of FD in a nationwide cohort of young adults who had stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) in Argentina. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter study of stroke and FD in young adults (18-55 years) conducted in Argentina between 2011 and 2015. Patients were enrolled if they had had a TIA or an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within the previous 180 days. FD was diagnosed by measuring α-galactosidase A activity (males) and through genetic studies (females). RESULTS: We enrolled 311 patients (54% men, mean age: 41 years). Ischemic events occurred in 89% of patients (80% infarcts, 9% TIA) and hemorrhagic strokes in 11%. One female (.3% of the total group, 1% of the cryptogenic ischemic strokes) had the pathogenic mutation c.888G>A/p.Met296Ile /Exon 6 on the GAL gene. Her only other manifestation of FD was angiokeratoma. Eighteen females had nonpathogenic intronic variations: c.-10C>T, c.-12G>A, or both. Two patients had the nonpathogenic mutation D313Y, while a third had the likely benign mutation S126G. CONCLUSIONS: FD was identified in 1 patient (.3%) in this first Latin American study. The patient presented with a late-onset oligo-symptomatic form of the disease. A large number of nonpathogenic mutations were present in our cohort, and it is essential that they not be mistaken for pathogenic mutations to avoid unnecessary enzyme replacement treatment.

[Cerebral infarction in young patients: clinical characteristics and evolution in an Argentine cohort]. / Infarto cerebral en pacientes jóvenes: características clínicas y evolución en una cohorte argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke (CVA) in young adults comprises approximately 10% of all cerebrovascular events. The information available on the recurrence of a new event in this population and particularly in Latin America is limited. Our objective was to examine the presence of stroke recurrence after having presented a stroke. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out, including patients with arterial cerebral infarctions between the ages of 18 and 55, between January 2005 and May 2020. The main outcome was the recurrence of a cerebrovascular attack. RESULTS: 138 patients were included during a median follow-up of 24 months. The 52.2% (n = 72) were male patients and 73.4% (n = 94) had an initial NIHSS score of less than 4. The 38% (n = 52) had a history of arterial hypertension and 13, 1% (n = 18) history of previous stroke / TIA. 13% (n = 18) presented recurrence during their follow-up. DISCUSSION: The recurrence of neurovascular events occurs predominantly in patients with a history of previous stroke/TIA, probably secondary to diseases that are difficult to diagnose.

Introducción: El ataque cerebral (ACV) en adultos jóvenes comprende aproximadamente el 10% de todos los eventos cerebrovasculares. La información disponible sobre la recurrencia de un nuevo evento en esta población y particularmente en Latinoamérica es limitada. Nuestro objetivo fue examinar la presencia de recurrencia de ACV luego de haber presentado un infarto cerebral. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, incluyendo pacientes con infartos cerebrales arteriales en edades comprendidas entre 18 y 55 años, entre enero de 2005 a mayo de 2020. El resultado principal fue la recurrencia de un ataque cerebrovascular. Resultados: Se incluyeron 138 pacientes durante una mediana de seguimiento de 24 meses. El 52.2% (n = 72) de sexo masculino y el 73,4% (n = 94) tuvo un NIHSS inicial menor a 4. El 38% (n = 52) tenía antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y 13,1% (n = 18) antecedentes de ACV / ataque isquémico transitorio (AIT) previo. El 13% (n = 18) presento recurrencia durante su seguimiento. Discusión: La recurrencia de los eventos neurovasculares ocurren predominantemente en pacientes con antecedentes de ACV/AIT previo, probablemente secundario a enfermedades de difícil diagnóstico.

High-flow carotid cavernous fistula and 'white eye': A rare and easily misdiagnosed presentation - A case report and literature review.

The three classic symptoms of carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) are pulsating exophthalmos, bruit and conjunctival chemosis. Here, we present a clinical case of isolated abducens nerve palsy due to a high-flow CCF in an 84-year-old woman, without the typical congestive orbito-ocular features. It was a diagnostic challenge because, for patients older than 50 years with cardiovascular risk factors, ischaemic mononeuropathy is the most frequent aetiology. This case illustrates the least common type of CCF that can be easily misdiagnosed. Physicians should consider fistula as a possible diagnosis in a patient with isolated abducens nerve palsy even without the classic triad.

Central Venous Reflux, a Rare Cause of Neurological Manifestations in Hemodialysis Patients: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Central venous disease (CVD) is a serious complication in hemodialysis patients. Neurological manifestations are rare. We describe a female with end-stage renal disease with throbbing headache accompanied by paresthesia, weakness, and abnormal posture of her right hand during dialysis sessions. Motor symptoms completely resolved after each dialysis session, although the headaches persisted for several hours. No neurological deficit was evidenced on physical examination. Digital subtraction angiography identified an incomplete thrombosis of the left brachiocephalic vein with retrograde flow in the internal jugular vein, sigmoid sinus, and transverse sinus on the left side. This case illustrates that cerebral venous congestion due to CVD can produce neurological symptoms. Furthermore, we systematically review the literature to identify the characteristics of the cases described so far. This allows clinicians to know the entity and have a high index of suspicion in a hemodialysis patient who develops neurological symptoms.

[Recommendations For The Management Of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage During Hospitalization]. / Recomendaciones en el Abordaje del Hematoma Intracerebral Espontáneo Durante la Internación.

Stroke is the leading cause of neurological disability in people over 40 years of age and the fourth leading cause of death in Argentina. In the last ten years, the indexed publications related to the treatment of ischemic stroke were more numerous than those of hemorrhagic stroke. The objective of this material is to provide local and updated recommendations for the management of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage during hospitalization. For the writing of this manuscript, diferent specialists were convened to form working groups. Ten central topics expressed as epidemiology, initial care, imaging, blood pressure treatment, reversal of antithrombotics, indication for surgery, seizure prophylaxis, prognosis, prevention of complications and resumption of antithrombotics were raised. For each topic, the most frequent questions of daily practice were raised through PICO questions. After a systematic review of the literature, recommendations were generated, evaluated using the GRADE system and agreed between authors and patients.

El accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) constituye la principal causa de discapacidad de origen neurológico en los adultos mayores a 40 años y la cuarta causa de muerte en Argentina. En los últimos diez años las publicaciones indexadas relacionadas al tratamiento del ACV isquémico fueron más numerosas que las de ACV hemorrágico. El objetivo de este material es proporcionar recomendaciones locales y actualizadas del abordaje de pacientes con hematoma intraparenquimatoso espontáneo durante la internación. Para la redacción de este manuscrito se convocó a especialistas en esta enfermedad que conformaron grupos de trabajo. Se plantearon 10 tópicos centrales expresados como epidemiologia, atención inicial, imágenes, tratamiento de la presión arterial, reversión de antitrombóticos, indicación de cirugía, profilaxis anticonvulsivante, pronóstico, prevención de complicaciones y reinicio de antitrombóticos. De cada tópico se plantearon mediante preguntas PICO los interrogantes más frecuentes de la práctica diaria. Luego de una revisión sistemática de la literatura, se generaron recomendaciones evaluadas mediante sistema GRADE y consensuadas entre autores y pacientes.

Global Differences in Risk Factors, Etiology, and Outcome of Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults-A Worldwide Meta-analysis: The GOAL Initiative.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There is a worldwide increase in the incidence of stroke in young adults, with major regional and ethnic differences. Advancing knowledge of ethnic and regional variation in causes and outcomes will be beneficial in implementation of regional health care services. We studied the global distribution of risk factors, causes, and 3-month mortality of young patients with ischemic stroke, by performing a patient data meta-analysis from different cohorts worldwide. METHODS: We performed a pooled analysis of individual patient data from cohort studies that included consecutive patients with ischemic stroke aged 18-50 years. We studied differences in prevalence of risk factors and causes of ischemic stroke between different ethnic and racial groups, geographic regions, and countries with different income levels. We investigated differences in 3-month mortality by mixed-effects multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: We included 17,663 patients from 32 cohorts in 29 countries. Hypertension and diabetes were most prevalent in Black (hypertension, 52.1%; diabetes, 20.7%) and Asian patients (hypertension 46.1%, diabetes, 20.9%). Large vessel atherosclerosis and small vessel disease were more often the cause of stroke in high-income countries (HICs; both p < 0.001), whereas "other determined stroke" and "undetermined stroke" were higher in low and middle-income countries (LMICs; both p < 0.001). Patients in LMICs were younger, had less vascular risk factors, and despite this, more often died within 3 months than those from HICs (odds ratio 2.49; 95% confidence interval 1.42-4.36). DISCUSSION: Ethnoracial and regional differences in risk factors and causes of stroke at young age provide an understanding of ethnic and racial and regional differences in incidence of ischemic stroke. Our results also highlight the dissimilarities in outcome after stroke in young adults that exist between LMICs and HICs, which should serve as call to action to improve health care facilities in LMICs.

Respiratory disorders during sleep in patients with acute ischemic stroke. / [Trastornos respiratorios durante el sueño en pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular isquémico.]

Introduction: Sleep breathing disorders (SBD) especially obstructive hypopnea apnea syndrome (OSA) in patients with stroke are common and can complicate their evolution. The objective was analyzing the different sleep breathing disorders in patients with stroke. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective study of acute ischemic stroke patients, using nightly polysomnography with oximetry (PSG). Results: It was a descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study during 19 months; 53 patients with stroke were included, with a men age of 67 ±12 years and 62% were men. SBD was evaluated by nocturnal polysomnography with oximetry within 10 days of installing the stroke. The Apnea hypopnea index (AHI) was 24.5±20, of mild grade in 21%, moderate in 31%, severe grade in 34%. The average oxygen saturation time less than 90% was 38 ±51 minutes. The minimum oxygen saturation was marked in infratentorial lesions. Conclusion: We found a high percentage of OSA, which was associated with older patients and a higher body mass index. There was a marked decrease in the minimum oxygen saturation and greater tendency to present central apneas in infratentorial lesion. Early diagnosis and treatment could minimize neuronal damage and improve prognosis.

Introducción: Los trastornos respiratorios durante el sueño (TRDS), sobre todo el síndrome de apneas hipopneas obstructivas (SAHOS) en pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular o ACV, son frecuentes y pueden complicar su evolución. El objetivo fue analizar diversos TRDS en pacientes con ACV. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal y retrospectivo de 19 meses, en pacientes con ACV, mediante polisomnografía nocturna con oximetría (PSG). Resultados: Se incluyó a 53 pacientes, con edad media de 67 ± 12 años, y 62% pertenecían al sexo masculino. Se evaluó los TRDS mediante polisomnografía nocturna con oximetría dentro de los 10 días de instalado el ACV. Se detectó un índice de apneas hipopneas durante el sueño (IAH) de grado leve en 21%, grado moderado en 31% y severo en 34%. La media de tiempo de saturación de oxígeno < a 90% fue de 38 ±51 minutos. La saturación mínima de oxígeno fue marcada en lesiones infratentoriales. Conclusión: Nosotros hemos encontrado en nuestro estudio, un alto porcentaje de SAHOS, que se asoció a pacientes de mayor edad y mayor índice de masa corporal. Se constató descenso marcado de la saturación mínima y mayor tendencia a presentar apneas centrales en lesiones infratentoriales. El diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz podría minimizar el daño neuronal y mejorar el pronóstico.

Pseudotumoral Presentation of Cerebral Amyloid-Beta Angiopathy: Case Report and Review of Literature.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related inflammation (CAA-RI) is a rare and potentially treatable encephalopathy that usually affects people older than 50 years old and has an acute or subacute clinical presentation characterized by rapidly evolving cognitive decline, focal deficits and seizures. In a small subset of patients the disease can adopt a pseudotumoral form in the neuroimages that represents a very difficult diagnostic challenge. METHODS: Here in we report a patient with a tumour-like presentation of histopathologically confirmed CAA-RI. RESULTS: We also conducted a search and reviewed the clinical and radiological features of 41 cases of pseudotumoral CAA-RI previously reported in the literature in order to identify those characteristics that should raise diagnostic suspicions of the disease, there by avoiding unnecessary surgical treatments. CONCLUSION: The therapy of CAA-RI with steroids is usually effective and clinical and radiological remission can be achieved in the first month in approximately 70% of cases.

AISYF: first national, prospective, multicenter study of young patients with stroke in Argentina.

Up to 15% of all strokes affect young patients and the incidence of ischemic stroke in this population is rising. Nevertheless, there is limited information of cerebrovascular events in this population both in our country and in Latin America. The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of young adults with stroke in Argentina. This is a prospective, multicenter study of stroke in young adults (18 - 55 years) in Argentina. Patients presenting with a cerebrovascular event within 180 days were included. Stroke subtypes were classified according to TOAST criteria. A total number of 311 patients were enrolled (men 53.9%, mean age: 43.3 years). Ischemic strokes occurred in 91.8% (brain infarcts 82.6%, transient ischemic attack 9.2%) and hemorrhagic strokes in 8.2%. The most frequent vascular risk factors (including ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes) were: hypertension 120 (41%), smoking 92 (31.4%), dyslipidemia 81 (27.6%) and, overweight/obesity: 74 (25.3%). Stroke subtypes were: large artery disease 12.3%, cardioembolism 7.5%, small artery occlusion 11.5%, other defined etiology 27.1%, and undetermined etiology 41.6%. Our study demonstrates that vascular risk factors are very frequent in young adults with stroke. Our findings underline that urgent strategies are required for primary and secondary stroke prevention in this group of patients.

Aproximadamente un 15% de todos los ataques cerebrovasculares afectan a pacientes jóvenes y su incidencia estaría en aumento. Existe escasa información sobre el ataque cerebral en esta población tanto en nuestro país como en Latinoamérica. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue evaluar las características clínicas y los factores de riesgo de los adultos jóvenes con ictus en Argentina. Realizamos un estudio prospectivo y multicéntrico en adultos jóvenes (18-55 años) en Argentina, que presentaron un evento cerebrovascular dentro de los 180 días previos. Los subtipos de ictus se clasificaron según los criterios de TOAST. Se incluyeron un total de 311 pacientes (hombres 53.9%, edad media: 43,3 años). Los ataques cerebrovasculares isquémicos ocurrieron en el 91.8% (infartos cerebrales 82.6%, ataque isquémico transitorio 9.2%) y los eventos hemorrágicos correspondieron al 8.2%. Los factores de riesgo vascular más frecuentes (incluyendo los eventos isquémicos y hemorrágicos) fueron: hipertensión 120 (41%), tabaquismo 92 (31.4%), dislipidemia 81 (27.6%) y sobrepeso/obesidad: 74 (25.3%). Los subtipos de ictus isquémicos fueron: arteriopatía de gran vaso 12.3%, cardioembolismo 7.5%, oclusión de pequeña arteria 11.5%, otra etiología definida 27.1% y etiología indeterminada 41.6%. Los factores de riesgo vascular son muy frecuentes en los adultos jóvenes con ictus. Nuestros hallazgos subrayan que se requieren estrategias urgentes para la prevención primaria y secundaria del ictus en este grupo particular de pacientes en nuestro país.

Misdiagnosis of acute ischemic stroke in young patients.

Misdiagnosis is a challenging risk in young patients with ischemic stroke that leads to delayed recognition, prevents thrombolytic therapy and increases morbidity and mortality. To assess the frequency and reasons for misdiagnosis of ischemic stroke in young adults in the emergency department, we retrospectively evaluated 101 consecutive patients. The diagnosis required both the presence of an ischemic lesion in diffusion-weighted MRI as well as neurological symptoms. Twenty-three individuals were misdiagnosed (15 females, mean age 43 years [range 26-55 years]). The most common diagnostic errors included headache/neck pain n = 11 (48%) and peripheral vertigo n = 4 (17.3%), and the most common missed etiology was arterial dissection (AD) n = 15 (65.2%). The initial diagnosis was made by emergency physicians in 22 persons. The group with misdiagnosis had a significantly higher frequency of AD at 15 vs. 8 (p < 0.01), posterior territory involvement at 12 vs. 6 (p < 0.01), and female predominance. Misdiagnosis occurred in a third of young patients with an ischemic stroke and was more frequent in those with arterial dissection involving the posterior circulation and presenting with non-specific symptoms.

El error diagnóstico es una situación riesgosa en pacientes jóvenes con infarto cerebral, ya que conduce a demora en el reconocimiento, previene la administración de terapia trombolítica e incrementa la morbimortalidad. Para valorar la frecuencia y las razones de errores en esta población, evaluamos retrospectivamente 101 pacientes consecutivos. El diagnóstico de infarto cerebral requirió tanto la presencia de lesión isquémica aguda en resonancia magnética como también la presencia de síntomas neurológicos. Veintitrés pacientes fueron mal diagnosticados (15 mujeres, edad media 43 años, [rango 26-55 años]). El error más frecuente incluyó cefalea/cervicalgia n = 11 (48%) y vértigo periférico n = 4 (17.3%). La etiología menos sospechada fue disección arterial n = 15 (62.2%). La evaluación inicial en 22 pacientes fue realizada por emergentólogos. El grupo con errores tuvo significativamente mayor frecuencia de disección arterial 15 vs. 8 (p < 0.01), afectación del territorio posterior 12 vs. 6 (p < 0.01) y sexo femenino. En conclusión, los errores diagnósticos ocurrieron en un tercio de los pacientes jóvenes con infarto cerebral, y fueron más frecuentes en aquellos con disección arterial, compromiso del territorio posterior y síntomas de presentación inespecífica.

Ischemic stroke of the "hand knob area": A case series and literature review.

Isolated hand paresis may reflect an infarction of the "hand knob area", which represents less than 1% of all ischemic strokes. In this type of stroke, a potential source of embolism is often identified. There are no large case series regarding this topic in Latin America. Herein we present the largest cohort of this entity in the region and we compare our results with those previously published. We analyzed all stroke patients admitted to our hospital between May 2015 - June 2018. Only patients with motor +/- sensory deficits restricted to the hand and ischemic stroke confirmed by MRI were included. We assessed stroke mechanism, clinical characteristics and outcome. From 339 patients admitted with ischemic stroke, 12 (3.53%) were included (9 men, 75%). Mean age: 60.4 years-old (range:24-79). Localization of stroke: 8 patients (66%) precentral gyrus, 3 (25%) postcentral; in 1 both gyri were affected. Stroke mechanism according to TOAST classification was as follows: two patients (16%) large artery atherosclerosis, two cardioembolic, one other determined etiology (thrombophilia), seven (58%) undetermined etiology (SUE). Nine patients (75%) received antiplatelets and statins, and three (25%) anticoagulants. The mean follow-up period was 11 months (range 1-26). Stroke recurrence was observed in one patient. At follow up, eight patients (66%) had a modified Rankin Score (mRS) of 0 and one a mRS of 1. In conclusion, in this series the most prevalent stroke mechanism was SUE, mainly embolic stroke of undetermined source. The outcome was excellent regardless of stroke mechanism.

Infarto cerebral en pacientes jóvenes: características clínicas y evolución en una cohorte Argentina / Cerebral infarction in young patients: clinical character istics and evolution in an Argentine cohort

Resumen Introducción : El ataque cerebral (ACV) en adultos jó venes comprende aproximadamente el 10% de todos los eventos cerebrovasculares. La información disponible so bre la recurrencia de un nuevo evento en esta población y particularmente en Latinoamérica es limitada. Nuestro objetivo fue examinar la presencia de recurrencia de ACV luego de haber presentado un infarto cerebral. Métodos : Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retros pectivo, incluyendo pacientes con infartos cerebrales arteriales en edades comprendidas entre 18 y 55 años, entre enero de 2005 a mayo de 2020. El resultado principal fue la recurrencia de un ataque cerebro vascular. Resultados: Se incluyeron 138 pacientes durante una mediana de seguimiento de 24 meses. El 52.2% (n = 72) de sexo masculino y el 73,4% (n = 94) tuvo un NIHSS inicial menor a 4. El 38% (n = 52) tenía antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y 13,1% (n = 18) antecedentes de ACV / ataque isquémico transitorio (AIT) previo. El 13% (n = 18) presento recurrencia durante su seguimiento. Discusión : La recurrencia de los eventos neurovas culares ocurren predominantemente en pacientes con antecedentes de ACV/AIT previo, probablemente secun dario a enfermedades de difícil diagnóstico.

Abstract Introduction : Stroke (CVA) in young adults comprises approximately 10% of all cerebrovascular events. The information available on the recurrence of a new event in this population and particularly in Latin America is limited. Our objective was to examine the presence of stroke recurrence after having presented a stroke. Methods : A retrospective cohort study was carried out, including patients with arterial cerebral infarctions between the ages of 18 and 55, between January 2005 and May 2020. The main outcome was the recurrence of a cerebrovascular attack. Results : 138 patients were included during a median follow-up of 24 months. The 52.2% (n = 72) were male patients and 73.4% (n = 94) had an initial NIHSS score of less than 4. The 38% (n = 52) had a history of arterial hypertension and 13, 1% (n = 18) history of previous stroke / TIA. 13% (n = 18) presented recurrence during their follow-up. Discussion : The recurrence of neurovascular events occurs predominantly in patients with a history of previ ous stroke/TIA, probably secondary to diseases that are difficult to diagnose.

[Consensus on acute ischemic stroke]. / Consenso sobre accidente cerebrovascular isquémico agudo.

Stroke is the third cause of death and the first cause of disability in Argentina. Ischemic events constitute 80% of cases. It requires the implementation of systematized protocols that allow reducing the time of care, morbidity and mortality. Specialists from nine medical societies related to the care of patients with cerebrovascular disease participated in the consensus. A separate agenda was agreed upon in chapters and for the writing of them, work groups were formed with members of different medical specialties. The level of recommendation was discussed and agreed upon for each topic based on the best clinical evidence available for each of them. An adaptation to the local scope of the recommendations was made when it was considered necessary.The American Heart Association system was used to draft the recommendations and their level of evidence. The correction and editing were done by five external reviewers, who did not participate in the writing and with extensive experience in vascular pathology. Once the preliminary document was finalized, a general meeting was held with all the members of the working groups and the reviewers to reach final recommendations. The consensus covers the management of ischemic stroke in the pre-hospital phase, initial evaluation in the emergency center, recanalization therapies (thrombolysis and/ or mechanical thrombectomy), decompressive craniectomy, neuroimaging and clinical care in the hospital.

El accidente cerebrovascular es la tercera causa de muerte y la primera de discapacidad en la Argentina. Los eventos isquémicos constituyen el 80% de los casos. Los accidentes vasculares cerebrales requieren la implementación de protocolos sistematizados que permitan reducir los tiempos en la atención, la morbilidad y mortalidad. En el consenso participaron especialistas de nueve sociedades médicas relacionadas con la atención de pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular. Se consensuó un temario separado en capítulos y para la redacción de los mismos se conformaron grupos de trabajo con miembros de diferentes especialidades médicas. Se discutió y acordó para cada tema el nivel de recomendación en base a la mejor evidencia clínica disponible para cada tópico. Se realizó una adaptación al ámbito local de las recomendaciones cuando se consideró necesario. El sistema de la American Heart Association se utilizó para redactar las recomendaciones y su grado de evidencia. La corrección y edición fue realizada por cinco revisores externos, que no participaron en la redacción y con amplia experiencia en enfermedad vascular. Finalizado el documento preliminar, se organizó una reunión general con todos los integrantes de los grupos de trabajo y los revisores para redactar las recomendaciones definitivas. El consenso abarca la atención del paciente con accidente cerebrovascular isquémico en la fase pre-hospitalaria, evaluación inicial en la central de emergencias, terapias de recanalización (trombolisis y/o trombectomía mecánica), craniectomía descompresiva, neuroimágenes y cuidados clínicos en la internación.

Convexity Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Secondary to Adalidumab in a Patient with Ulcerative Colitis.

The TNF-α antagonists are the drugs used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Nontraumatic convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage is an infrequent nonaneurysmal subtype of subarachnoid bleeding caused mainly by reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). We present a 26-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of UC taking Adalimumab. She received her last doses the same day she was admitted to our hospital for an acute severe UC exacerbation. Steroids were added to the treatment. Five days after admission she presented a thunderclap headache with photophobia, nausea, and vomiting. An MRI was performed showing left frontal convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage and hyperintense lesions on T2-weighted and FLAIR sequences located in both occipital lobes, left cerebellar hemisphere, and brainstem. Digital angiography was unremarkable. Adalimumab was discontinued but persisted on treatment with steroids. The patient evolved with complete resolution of her symptoms and was discharged with a normal neurological exam. Two months later, she was asymptomatic and her MRI revealed superficial siderosis secondary to cSAH with resolution of white matter hyperintensities. Convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage in our patient could be secondary to PRES or to RCVS. Analogous MRI findings can be observed in both syndromes, along with similar clinical and angiographic findings. This suggests that both conditions may reflect different manifestations of the same pathology, in which vascular tone and endothelial dysfunction play a major role. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a patient with severe UC and convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with Adalimumab.