Quality of Life After Intravenous Thrombolysis for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Results From the AcT Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence from thrombolysis trials indicates the noninferiority of intravenous tenecteplase to intravenous alteplase with respect to good functional outcomes in patients with acute stroke. We examined whether the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with acute stroke differs by the type of thrombolysis treatment received. In addition, we examined the association between the modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 1 and HRQOL and patient-reported return to prebaseline stroke functioning at 90 days. METHODS: Data were from all patients included in the AcT trial (Alteplase Compared to Tenecteplase), a pragmatic, registry-linked randomized trial comparing tenecteplase with alteplase. HRQOL at 90-day post-randomization was assessed using the 5-item EuroQOL questionnaire (EQ5D), which consists of 5 items and a visual analog scale (VAS). EQ5D index values were estimated from the EQ5D items using the time tradeoff approach based on Canadian norms. Tobit regression and quantile regression models were used to evaluate the adjusted effect of tenecteplase versus alteplase treatment on the EQ5D index values and VAS score, respectively. The association between return to prebaseline stroke functioning and the modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 1 and HRQOL was quantified using correlation coefficient (r) with 95% CI. RESULTS: Of 1577 included in the intention-to-treat analysis patients, 1503 (95.3%) had complete data on the EQ5D. Of this, 769 (51.2%) were administered tenecteplase and 717 (47.7%) were female. The mean EQ5D VAS score and EQ5D index values were not significantly higher for those who received intravenous tenecteplase compared with those who received intravenous alteplase (P=0.10). Older age (P<0.01), more severe stroke assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (P<0.01), and longer stroke onset-to-needle time (P=0.004) were associated with lower EQ5D index and VAS scores. There was a strong association (r, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.81-0.89]) between patient-reported return to prebaseline functioning and modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 1 Similarly, there was a moderate association between return to prebaseline functioning and EQ5D index (r, 0.45 [95% CI, 0.40-0.49]) and EQ5D VAS scores (r, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.37-0.46]). CONCLUSIONS: Although there is no differential effect of thrombolysis type on patient-reported global HRQOL and EQ 5D-5L index values in patients with acute stroke, sex- and age-related differences in HRQOL were noted in this study. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03889249.

Direct to Angiosuite in Acute Stroke with Mobile Stroke Unit.

BACKGROUND: Early reperfusion has the best likelihood for a favorable outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO). Our experience with mobile stroke unit (MSU) for direct to angiosuite (DTAS) transfer in AIS patients with suspected LVO is presented. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data from November 2019 to August 2022, of patients evaluated and transferred by the University of Alberta Hospital MSU and moved to angiosuite for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). RESULT: A total of 41 cases were included. Nine were chosen for DTAS and 32 were shifted to angiosuite after stopping for computed tomography (CT) angiography of the head and neck (no-DTAS). Stroke severity measured by NIHSS (median with interquartile range (IQR)) was higher in patients of DTAS, 22 (14-24) vs 14.5 (5-25) in no-DTAS (p = 0.001). The non-contrast CT head in MSU showed hyperdense vessels in 8 (88.88%) DTAS vs 11 (34.35%) no-DTAS patients (p = 0.003). The EVT timelines (median with IQR, 90th percentile) including "door to artery puncture time" were 31 (23-50, 49.2) vs 79 (39-264, 112.8) minutes, and "door to recanalization time" was 69 (49-110, 93.2) vs 105.5 (52-178, 159.5) minutes in DTAS vs no-DTAS group, respectively. The workflow times were significantly shorter in the DTAS group (p < 0.001). Eight (88.88%) out of 9 DTAS patients had LVO and underwent thrombectomy. CONCLUSIONS: MSU for DTAS in patients with high NIHSS scores, cortical signs, and CT showing hyperdense vessel is an effective strategy to reduce the EVT workflow time.

Prevention of stroke: a global perspective.

Along with the rising global burden of disability attributed to stroke, costs of stroke care are rising, providing the impetus to direct our research focus towards effective measures of stroke prevention. In this Series paper, we discuss strategies for reducing the risk of the emergence of disease (primordial prevention), preventing the onset of disease (primary prevention), and preventing the recurrence of disease (secondary prevention). Our focus includes global strategies and campaigns, and measurements of the effectiveness of worldwide preventive interventions, with an emphasis on low-income and middle-income countries. Our findings reveal that effective tobacco control, adequate nutrition, and development of healthy cities are important strategies for primordial prevention, whereas polypill strategies, use of mobile technology (mHealth), along with salt reduction and other dietary interventions, are effective in the primary prevention of stroke. An effective collaboration between various health-care sectors, government policies, and campaigns can successfully implement secondary prevention strategies, through surveillance and registries, such as the WHO's non-communicable diseases programmes, across high-income and low-income countries.

Stroke Mimics Transported by Emergency Medical Services to a Comprehensive Stroke Center: The Magnitude of the Problem.

BACKGROUND: Despite the use of validated prehospital stroke scales, stroke mimics are frequent among patients transported by Emergency Medical Services to the Emergency Department. We aimed to describe the frequency and characteristics of neurological and non-neurological mimics transported to a comprehensive stroke center for acute stroke evaluation. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of a database consisting of all consecutive patients with suspected stroke transported to the Emergency Department of a comprehensive stroke center during an 18-month period. Hospital charts and neuroimaging were utilized to adjudicate the final diagnosis (acute stroke, stroke mimic, and specific underlying diagnoses). RESULTS: Nine hundred fifty patients were transported with suspected stroke, among whom 405 (42.6%) were stroke mimics (age 66.9 ± 17.1 years; 54% male). Neurological mimics were diagnosed in 223 (55.1%) patients and mimics were non-neurological in 182. The most common neurological diagnoses were seizures (19.7%), migraines (18.8%), and peripheral neuropathies (11.2%). Cardiovascular (14.6%) and psychiatric (11.9%) diagnoses were common non-neurological mimics. Patients with neurological mimics were younger (64.1 ± 17.3 years versus 70.5 ± 16.1 years, P < .001) and had less vascular risk factors than non-neurological mimics. The proportion of non-neurological mimics remained high (38%) despite the use of a prehospital stroke identification scale. CONCLUSIONS: Stroke mimics are common among patients transported by Emergency Medical Services to a comprehensive stroke center for suspected stroke, with a considerable proportion being non-neurological in origin. Studies refining triage and transport of suspected acute stroke may be warranted to minimize the number of mimics transported by to a comprehensive stroke center for acute stroke evaluation.

Strategies to Improve Stroke Care Services in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The burden of stroke in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is large and increasing, challenging the already stretched health-care services. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the quality of existing stroke-care services in LMICs and to highlight indigenous, inexpensive, evidence-based implementable strategies being used in stroke-care. METHODS: A detailed literature search was undertaken using PubMed and Google scholar from January 1966 to October 2015 using a range of search terms. Of 921 publications, 373 papers were shortlisted and 31 articles on existing stroke-services were included. RESULTS: We identified efficient models of ambulance transport and pre-notification. Stroke Units (SU) are available in some countries, but are relatively sparse and mostly provided by the private sector. Very few patients were thrombolysed; this could be increased with telemedicine and governmental subsidies. Adherence to secondary preventive drugs is affected by limited availability and affordability, emphasizing the importance of primary prevention. Training of paramedics, care-givers and nurses in post-stroke care is feasible. CONCLUSION: In this systematic review, we found several reports on evidence-based implementable stroke services in LMICs. Some strategies are economic, feasible and reproducible but remain untested. Data on their outcomes and sustainability is limited. Further research on implementation of locally and regionally adapted stroke-services and cost-effective secondary prevention programs should be a priority.

Dynamic Evolution of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Lesions in Patients With Minor Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion volume on magnetic resonance imaging is increasingly being used as a surrogate outcome measure in clinical trials. We aimed to characterize the evolution of DWI lesion volumes within 30 days of symptom onset after minor stroke. METHODS: Minor stroke patients with DWI lesions on magnetic resonance imaging within 48 hours of symptom onset were prospectively followed with magnetic resonance imaging brain scan at 7 and 30 days. Change in the lesion volume was defined as the difference between day 30 Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery and baseline DWI lesion volumes. RESULTS: Three patterns of infarct evolution were observed: reduction (72 [63%]), no change (26 [23%]), and growth (16 [14%]). Patients with infarct reduction at 30 days had larger baseline DWI lesion volumes (2.5 [0.9-8.5] mL) than those with stable infarcts (0.5 [0.3-0.9] mL; P=0.01). Complete DWI reversal at day 30, was seen in only 6 (5.3%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The most common pattern of infarct evolution in patients with minor stroke is a reduction in volume, but complete resolution is uncommon.

Remote Ischemic Conditioning to Reduce Perihematoma Edema in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage (RICOCHET): A Randomized Control Trial.

Background: Early perihematomal edema (PHE) growth is associated with worse functional outcomes at 90 days. Remote Ischemic conditioning (RIC) may reduce perihematomal inflammation if applied early to patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We hypothesize that early RIC, delivered for seven days in patients with spontaneous ICH, may reduce PHE growth. Methods: ICH patients presenting within 6 h of symptom onset and hematoma volume < 60 milliliters (mL) were randomized to an RIC + standard care or standard care (SC) group. The primary outcome measure was calculated edema extension distance (EED), with the cm assessed on day seven. Results: Sixty patients were randomized with a mean ± SD age of 57.5 ± 10.8 years, and twenty-two (36.7%) were female. The relative baseline median PHE were similar (RIC group 0.75 (0.5-0.9) mL vs. SC group 0.91 (0.5-1.2) mL, p = 0.30). The median EEDs at baseline were similar (RIC group 0.58 (0.3-0.8) cm vs. SC group 0.51 (0.3-0.8) cm, p = 0.76). There was no difference in the median day 7 EED (RIC group 1.1 (0.6-1.2) cm vs. SC group 1 (0.9-1.2) cm, p = 0.75). Conclusions: Early RIC therapy delivered daily for seven days was feasible. However, no decrease in EED was noted with the intervention.

Spectrum of Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction and 24-hour Blood Pressure Variability in Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease.

Background: Uncertainty prevails regarding the patterns of autonomic dysfunction in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD). This study was undertaken with the aim of assessing the complete spectrum of cardiovascular autonomic function tests (CAFTs) and blood pressure variability patterns in IPD patients while comparing the same with age-matched controls. Methods: Patients with IPD presenting to the Christian Medical College and Hospital from December 2016 to November 2018 along with age-matched controls were prospectively evaluated using CAFTs. The IPD patients also underwent ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM), and the diurnal systolic BP differences were used to classify into dippers (10-20%), non-dippers (0-10%), reverse dippers (<0%), and extreme dippers (>20%). Results: Autonomic dysfunction (AD) was prevalent in 41 (68.3%) IPD patients even in early disease (median (inter-quartile range) symptom duration 2 (1-4) years, mean Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage 2 (1.5-2.8). Both sympathetic and parasympathetic parameters were impaired among IPD patients when compared to healthy controls. (E: I ratio 1.17 ± 0.12 vs 1.26 ± 0.14 (P < 0.001), Valsalva ratio (VR) 1.33 ± 0.27 vs 1.55 ± 0.25 (P < 0.001), PRT100 9.6 ± 8.0 vs 3.1 ± 1.8 (P < 0.001), tilt-up SBPAvg change 8.8 (4.2-13.8) vs 1.8 (-2.9-6.1) (P < 0.001), tilt-up HRAvg change 4.8 (2.2-8.2) vs 1.9 (-0.7-5.1) (P < 0.001). BP variability was demonstrated in 47 (79.7%) of IPD patients, with reverse dipping pattern in 28 (47.5%) seen more frequently in this cohort. Conclusions: Timely detection of AD may be helpful not only in recognizing IPD in its pre-motor stages but also in optimizing management for this population of patients. BP variability and abnormal dipping patterns on ABPM can be a potential marker of dysautonomia.

A computer-game-based rehabilitation platform for individuals with fine and gross motor upper extremity deficits post-stroke (CARE fOR U) - Protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE: Activity-based neuroplasticity and re-organization leads to motor learning via replicating real-life movements. Increased repetition of such movements has growing evidence over last few decades. In particular, computer-game-based rehabilitation is found to be effective, feasible and acceptable for post-stroke upper limb deficits. Our study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of 12 weeks of computer-game-based rehabilitation platform (GRP) on fine and gross motor skills post-stroke in India. METHODS: Through this trial we will study the effect of adjunctive in-hospital GRP (using a motion-sensing airmouse with off-the-shelf computer games) in 80 persons with subacute stroke, for reduction of post-stroke upper limb deficits in a single-centre prospective Randomized Open, Blinded End- point trial when compared to conventional therapy alone. RESULTS: We intend to evaluate between-group differences using Wolf Motor Function test, Stroke Specific Quality of Life, and GRP assessment tool. Feasibility will be assessed via recruitment rates, adherence to intervention periods, drop-out rate and qualitative findings of patient experience with the intervention. CONCLUSION: The CARE FOR U trial is designed to test the feasibility and effectiveness of a computer-game based rehabilitation platform in treating upper limb deficits after stroke. In case of positive findings GRP can be widely applicable for stroke populations needing intensive and regular therapy with supervision.

Pre-hospital triage of suspected acute stroke patients in a mobile stroke unit in the rural Alberta.

Mobile Stroke Unit (MSU) expedites the delivery of intravenous thrombolysis in acute stroke patients. We further evaluated the functional outcome of patients shipped to a tertiary care centre or repatriated to local hospitals after triage by MSU in acute stroke syndrome in rural northern Alberta. Consecutive patients with suspected acute stroke syndrome were included. On the basis of neurology consultation and, Computed Tomography findings, patients, who were thrombolysed or needed advanced care were transported to the Comprehensive stroke center (CSC) (Triage to CSC group). Other patients were repatriated to local hospital care (Triage to LHC group). A total of 156 patients were assessed in MSU, 73 (46.8%) were female and the mean age was 66.6 ± 15 years. One hundred and eight (69.2%) patients, including 41 (26.3%) treated with thrombolysis were transported to the CSC (Triage to CSC group) and 48 (30.8%) were repatriated to local hospital care. The diagnosis made in MSU and final diagnosis were matching in 88% (95) and 91.7% (44, p = 0.39) in Triage to CSC and Triage to LHC groups respectively. Prehospital triage by MSU of acute stroke syndrome can reliably repatriate patients to the home hospital. The proposed model has the potential to triage patients according to their medical needs by enabling treatment in home hospitals whenever reasonable.

Absolute risk and predictors of the growth of acute spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral haemorrhage growth is associated with poor clinical outcome and is a therapeutic target for improving outcome. We aimed to determine the absolute risk and predictors of intracerebral haemorrhage growth, develop and validate prediction models, and evaluate the added value of CT angiography. METHODS: In a systematic review of OVID MEDLINE-with additional hand-searching of relevant studies' bibliographies- from Jan 1, 1970, to Dec 31, 2015, we identified observational cohorts and randomised trials with repeat scanning protocols that included at least ten patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage. We sought individual patient-level data from corresponding authors for patients aged 18 years or older with data available from brain imaging initially done 0·5-24 h and repeated fewer than 6 days after symptom onset, who had baseline intracerebral haemorrhage volume of less than 150 mL, and did not undergo acute treatment that might reduce intracerebral haemorrhage volume. We estimated the absolute risk and predictors of the primary outcome of intracerebral haemorrhage growth (defined as >6 mL increase in intracerebral haemorrhage volume on repeat imaging) using multivariable logistic regression models in development and validation cohorts in four subgroups of patients, using a hierarchical approach: patients not taking anticoagulant therapy at intracerebral haemorrhage onset (who constituted the largest subgroup), patients taking anticoagulant therapy at intracerebral haemorrhage onset, patients from cohorts that included at least some patients taking anticoagulant therapy at intracerebral haemorrhage onset, and patients for whom both information about anticoagulant therapy at intracerebral haemorrhage onset and spot sign on acute CT angiography were known. FINDINGS: Of 4191 studies identified, 77 were eligible for inclusion. Overall, 36 (47%) cohorts provided data on 5435 eligible patients. 5076 of these patients were not taking anticoagulant therapy at symptom onset (median age 67 years, IQR 56-76), of whom 1009 (20%) had intracerebral haemorrhage growth. Multivariable models of patients with data on antiplatelet therapy use, data on anticoagulant therapy use, and assessment of CT angiography spot sign at symptom onset showed that time from symptom onset to baseline imaging (odds ratio 0·50, 95% CI 0·36-0·70; p<0·0001), intracerebral haemorrhage volume on baseline imaging (7·18, 4·46-11·60; p<0·0001), antiplatelet use (1·68, 1·06-2·66; p=0·026), and anticoagulant use (3·48, 1·96-6·16; p<0·0001) were independent predictors of intracerebral haemorrhage growth (C-index 0·78, 95% CI 0·75-0·82). Addition of CT angiography spot sign (odds ratio 4·46, 95% CI 2·95-6·75; p<0·0001) to the model increased the C-index by 0·05 (95% CI 0·03-0·07). INTERPRETATION: In this large patient-level meta-analysis, models using four or five predictors had acceptable to good discrimination. These models could inform the location and frequency of observations on patients in clinical practice, explain treatment effects in prior randomised trials, and guide the design of future trials. FUNDING: UK Medical Research Council and British Heart Foundation.

Prehospital systolic blood pressure is higher in acute stroke compared with stroke mimics.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the natural history of prehospital blood pressure (BP) during emergency medical services (EMS) transport of suspected stroke and determine whether prehospital BP differs among types of patients with suspected stroke (ischemic stroke, TIA, intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH], or stroke mimic). METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional, observational analysis of a centralized EMS database containing electronic records of patients transported by EMS to the emergency department (ED) with suspected stroke during an 18-month period was conducted. Hospital charts and neuroimaging were utilized to determine the final diagnosis (ischemic stroke, TIA, ICH, or stroke mimic). RESULTS: A total of 960 patients were transported by EMS to ED with suspected stroke. Stroke was diagnosed in 544 patients (56.7%) (38.2% ischemic stroke, 12.2% TIA, 5.3% ICH) and 416 (43.2%) were considered mimics. Age-adjusted mean prehospital systolic BP (SBP) was higher in acute stroke patients (155.6 mm Hg; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 153.4-157.9 mm Hg) compared to mimics (146.1 mm Hg; 95% CI: 142.5-148.6 mm Hg; p < 0.001). Age-adjusted mean prehospital SBP was higher in ICH (172.3 mm Hg; 95% CI: 165.1-179.7 mm Hg) than in either ischemic stroke or TIA (154.7 mm Hg; 95% CI: 152.3-157.0 mm Hg; p < 0.001). Median (interquartile range) SBP drop from initial prehospital SBP to ED SBP was 4 mm Hg (-6 to 17 mm Hg). Mean prehospital SBP was strongly correlated with ED SBP (r = 0.82, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prehospital SBP is higher in acute stroke relative to stroke mimics and highest in ICH. Given the stability of BP between initial EMS and ED measurements, it may be reasonable to test the feasibility and safety of prehospital antihypertensive therapy in patients with suspected acute stroke.

A Combined Arterial and Venous Grading Scale to Predict Outcome in Anterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Prognostic evaluation based on cortical vein score difference in stroke (PRECISE) score, a novel venous grading scale better predicted stroke outcomes. Henceforth, we aimed to describe and determine if a physiologically relevant combined arterial and venous grading scale (CRISP grading scale) is accurate in determining 90-day stroke outcomes in patients with proximal arterial occlusion in the anterior circulation. METHODS: Data are from the Keimyung Stroke Registry. Consecutive patients with M1 middle cerebral artery (MCA) or terminal internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion on CT-angiography (CTA) from May-2004 to July-2008 were included. The affected hemisphere 'four veins composite score' and 'arterial collaterals' were each graded 'good' and 'poor'. On the combined scale, a 'good' grade represented a 'good' score on both scales and a 'poor' grade represented a 'poor' score on both scales. The 'other two' combinations were graded 'intermediate.' RESULTS: Eighty-one patients were included in the study. Dummy variable regression analysis demonstrated that poor outcome was commonly seen in the group with poor arterial and venous grades [OR(95%CI); 48 (8.24, 279.598); P < 0.00001] as opposed to poor arterial collaterals alone [OR(95%CI); 9.6(1.483,62.162); P = 0.018]. In multivariate analysis the CRISP grade [OR(95%CI); 2.638(1.192, 6.039), P = 0.017] and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [OR(95%CI);1.230(1.085, 1.395),P = 0.001(per unit increase)] emerged as the independent predictors of poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale >2) when adjusted for other imaging predictors of outcome. CONCLUSION: CRISP grading was precise in predicting stroke outcomes when compared to individual imaging scales including arterial collateral grading, PRECISE score and CTA-SI ASPECTS in patients with proximal arterial occlusion in the anterior circulation.

Cerebral venous thrombosis in post-lumbar puncture intracranial hypotension: case report and review of literature.

The spectrum of presentation of intracranial hypotension is clinically perplexing. We report a case of 31-year-old post-partum woman who underwent an uneventful caesarean section under spinal anesthesia. From the second day of surgery she developed postural headache, the headache lost its postural character after few days. She then developed seizures and ataxic hemiparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging showed features of severe intracranial hypotension in the brain and the spinal cord, and magnetic resonance venography showed cortical vein and partial superior sagittal sinus thrombosis. Prothrombotic (etiological) work-up showed Protein C and S deficiency. She responded to anticoagulation therapy and recovered completely. On review of literature two distinct groups could be identified obstetric and non-obstetric. The non-obstetric group included patients who underwent diagnostic lumbar puncture, intrathecal injection of medications and epidural anesthesia for non-obstetric surgeries. Poor outcome and mortality was noted in non-obstetric group, while obstetric group had an excellent recovery.

Blood pressure reduction does not reduce perihematoma oxygenation: a CT perfusion study.

Blood pressure (BP) reduction after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is controversial, because of concerns that this may cause critical reductions in perihematoma perfusion and thereby precipitate tissue damage. We tested the hypothesis that BP reduction reduces perihematoma tissue oxygenation.Acute ICH patients were randomized to a systolic BP target of <150 or <180 mm Hg. Patients underwent CT perfusion (CTP) imaging 2 hours after randomization. Maps of cerebral blood flow (CBF), maximum oxygen extraction fraction (OEF(max)), and the resulting maximum cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2(max)) permitted by local hemodynamics, were calculated from raw CTP data.Sixty-five patients (median (interquartile range) age 70 (20)) were imaged at a median (interquartile range) time from onset to CTP of 9.8 (13.6) hours. Mean OEF(max) was elevated in the perihematoma region (0.44±0.12) relative to contralateral tissue (0.36±0.11; P<0.001). Perihematoma CMRO2(max) (3.40±1.67 mL/100 g per minute) was slightly lower relative to contralateral tissue (3.63±1.66 mL/100 g per minute; P=0.025). Despite a significant difference in systolic BP between the aggressive (140.5±18.7 mm Hg) and conservative (163.0±10.6 mm Hg; P<0.001) treatment groups, perihematoma CBF was unaffected (37.2±11.9 versus 35.8±9.6 mL/100 g per minute; P=0.307). Similarly, aggressive BP treatment did not affect perihematoma OEF(max) (0.43±0.12 versus 0.45±0.11; P=0.232) or CMRO2(max) (3.16±1.66 versus 3.68±1.85 mL/100 g per minute; P=0.857). Blood pressure reduction does not affect perihematoma oxygen delivery. These data support the safety of early aggressive BP treatment in ICH.

Fungal infections of the central nervous system in HIV-negative patients: experience from a tertiary referral center of South India.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical, radiological, and cerebrovascular fluid (CSF) findings and the outcome of microbiologically or histopathologically proven fungal infections of the central nervous system (CNS) in HIV-negative patients. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS: We identified definite cases of CNS mycosis by screening the medical records of our institute for the period 2000-2008. The clinical and imaging details and the outcome were abstracted from the medical records and entered in a structured proforma. There were 12 patients with CNS mycosis (i.e., 2.7% of all CNS infections treated in this hospital); six (50%) had cryptococcal infection, three (25%) had mucormycosis, and two had unclassified fungal infection. Four (33%) of them had diabetes as a predisposing factor. The common presentations were meningoencephalitis (58%) and polycranial neuritis (41%). Magnetic resonance imaging revealed hydrocephalus in 41% and meningeal enhancement in 25%, as well as some unusual findings such as subdural hematoma in the bulbocervical region, carpeting lesion of the base of the skull, and enhancing lesion in the cerebellopontine angle. The CSF showed pleocytosis (66%), hypoglycorrhachia (83%), and elevated protein levels (100%). The diagnosis was confirmed by meningocortical biopsy (in three cases), paranasal sinus biopsy (in four cases), CSF culture (in three cases), India ink preparation (in four cases), or by cryptococcal polysaccharide antigen test (in three cases). Out of the ten patients for whom follow-up details were available, six patients recovered with antifungal medications (amphotericin B, 1 mg/kg/day for the minimum period of 6 weeks) and/or surgical treatment. Four patients expired (only one of them had received antifungal therapy). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with CNS mycosis recover with appropriate therapy, but the diagnosis and management of these rare infections remains a challenge to clinicians.