The temporal relationship of paraneoplastic aquaporin-4-IgG seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an autoimmune astrocytopathy with evidence of neuroinflammation and demyelination that affects the central nervous system and is mediated by aquaporin-4 (AQP4) immunoglobulin (IgG). AQP4-IgG may also be present in paraneoplastic syndromes secondary to malignancy such as breast cancer. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature were completed using PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases (CRD42022352109). RESULTS: A total of 12 publications, which included 19 cases, met the inclusion criteria and were assessed in both the qualitative and quantitative synthesis. The mean age was 51.26 years (SD: 13.12, SEM: 3.01), and 100% of the cases were reported in women. Speech abnormalities and symptoms of myelopathy were the most observed neurological manifestations. MRI often revealed longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) involving the cervical spine. Three of 19 (15.9%) cases were diagnosed with NMOSD and breast cancer within the same month. Five of 19 (26.1%) cases had a diagnosis of breast cancer preceding that of NMOSD. Eight of 19 (42.1%) cases were diagnosed with breast cancer after NMOSD. The median time of breast cancer diagnosis was 1.0 months (range 216 months) after NMOSD. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of breast cancer most often occurs after the onset of the paraneoplastic NMOSD symptoms. However, a wide time range for the diagnosis of breast cancer was observed both before and after the onset of neurological symptoms. Older women with a new diagnosis of NMOSD should be considered for frequent breast cancer screening.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for bilateral lateral geniculate body pathology: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Case presentation of acute onset bilateral painless vision loss caused by bilateral infarction of the lateral geniculate bodies (LGB) and a systematic review of the literature. METHODS: A descriptive case report is presented on a 17-year-old female diagnosed with acute pancreatitis who developed acute onset bilateral painless vision loss. A systematic literature review of cases with bilateral LGB lesions was conducted across three electronic databases (PubMed/PubMed Central/MEDLINE, Scopus, and ScienceDirect). The review was conducted in concordance with PRISMA guidelines and prospectively registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022362491). RESULTS: The reported 17-year-old female was found to have MRI findings consistent with bilateral hemorrhagic infarction of the LGB and Purtscher-like retinopathy. A systematic literature review of bilateral LGB infarction yielded 23 records for analysis. 19/23 (82.6%) of reported cases occurred in women. Bilateral vision loss was noted in all cases. The average reported age was 27 years old with a range from 2-50. Gastrointestinal pathology (e.g., pancreatitis, gastroenteritis) was present in 8/23 (34.7%) of cases. 8/23 (34.7%) cases had neuroimaging or pathological evidence of hemorrhagic transformation of the infarct. Most cases experienced partial recovery of visual loss; only one case (4.7%) had complete visual recovery. 9/23 (39.1%) cases were reported from the United States and 4/23 (17.3%) from India. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral LGB lesion is a rare cause of vision loss, typically caused by systemic diseases and with female preponderance. Purported pathophysiology relates to increased vulnerability of the LGB to ischemic and metabolic stress.

Future of neurocritical care: Integrating neurophysics, multimodal monitoring, and machine learning.

Multimodal monitoring (MMM) in the intensive care unit (ICU) has become increasingly sophisticated with the integration of neurophysical principles. However, the challenge remains to select and interpret the most appropriate combination of neuromonitoring modalities to optimize patient outcomes. This manuscript reviewed current neuromonitoring tools, focusing on intracranial pressure, cerebral electrical activity, metabolism, and invasive and noninvasive autoregulation monitoring. In addition, the integration of advanced machine learning and data science tools within the ICU were discussed. Invasive monitoring includes analysis of intracranial pressure waveforms, jugular venous oximetry, monitoring of brain tissue oxygenation, thermal diffusion flowmetry, electrocorticography, depth electroencephalography, and cerebral microdialysis. Noninvasive measures include transcranial Doppler, tympanic membrane displacement, near-infrared spectroscopy, optic nerve sheath diameter, positron emission tomography, and systemic hemodynamic monitoring including heart rate variability analysis. The neurophysical basis and clinical relevance of each method within the ICU setting were examined. Machine learning algorithms have shown promise by helping to analyze and interpret data in real time from continuous MMM tools, helping clinicians make more accurate and timely decisions. These algorithms can integrate diverse data streams to generate predictive models for patient outcomes and optimize treatment strategies. MMM, grounded in neurophysics, offers a more nuanced understanding of cerebral physiology and disease in the ICU. Although each modality has its strengths and limitations, its integrated use, especially in combination with machine learning algorithms, can offer invaluable information for individualized patient care.

Prognostic indicators for hospitalization and ICU admission in people with multiple sclerosis and COVID-19: an analysis of the COVID-19 in MS global data sharing initiative dataset.

Objectives: To analyze the symptoms and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) on disease-modifying therapies using data from the COVID-19 in multiple sclerosis (MS) Global Data Sharing Initiative dataset. Methods: The open-access COVID-19 in MS Global Data Sharing Initiative dataset was obtained through credentialed access using PhysioNet. The variables analyzed included BMI, symptoms of COVID-19, age, current use of disease-modifying therapy (DMT), efficacy of DMT, comorbidities, hospitalization status, and type of MS. A linear regression analysis was completed. Data analysis and visualization were completed using STATA v15, R-Studio v1.1.447, Python v3.8, and its associated libraries, including NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib. Results: A total of 1141 participants were included in the analysis. 904 women and 237 men were diagnosed with MS. Among the pwMS included in the study; 208 (19.54%) had a suspected infection with COVID-19 and only 49 (5.25%) were confirmed. Any COVID-19 symptom was present in 360 individuals. The commonly reported DMT agents included dimethyl fumarate (12.71%) and fingolimod (10.17%). 101 in total (8.85%) reported not using any DMT. Factors associated with hospitalization and/or admission to the ICU included having any comorbidity (P=0.01), neuromuscular disorder (P=0.046), hypertension (P=0.005), chronic kidney disease (P<0.001), and immunodeficiency (P=0.003). The type of MS, the duration of the disease, and high-efficacy DMT therapy did not have a statistically significant influence on hospitalization. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of comorbidities, especially neuromuscular disorders, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and immunodeficiencies, as possible prognostic indicators for worse outcomes of COVID-19 in pwMS. On the contrary, the type of MS, the duration of the disease, and the efficacy of disease-modifying therapy did not significantly affect the severity of the symptoms of COVID-19 in this cohort.

Cranial neurolymphomatosis and its oncologic counterparts: Case series on malignant cranial nerve neuropathies.

Neurolymphomatosis occurs due to the infiltration of a nerve by malignant cells. Cranial neurolymphomatosis is a rare disease process associated with non-solid tumors (i.e., lymphoma, leukemia, etc.). Cranial neurolymphomatosis presents with single or multifocal neuropathy. Primary cranial neurolymphomatosis is defined as the initial presenting symptom leading to a new diagnosis of cancer. Secondary cranial neurolymphomatosis is defined as cancer progression with spread to a cranial nerve. While cranial neurolymphomatosis is a recognized cause of cranial nerve neuropathies, a myriad of other malignancies can also lead to similar clinical manifestations. This case series elucidates not only the classical presentations associated with cranial neurolymphomatosis but also introduces other oncologic entities that may compromise cranial nerve functions. A descriptive case series is presented on six patients with malignancy-related cranial neuropathy who came to a tertiary-care center from 2018 to 2022. 5/6 (83.3%) of patients presented with primary cranial neuropathy. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was the most prevalent malignancy observed in 3/6 (50.0%) cases. Other malignancies observed include non-Hodgkin lymphoma, monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis, and peripheral T-cell lymphoma. The most affected cranial nerve was the trigeminal nerve in 4/6 (66.6%) individuals. Multiple cranial neuropathies were seen in 2/6 (33.3%) of patients. The most common neuroradiographic finding was a lesion to Meckel's cave. Other cranial nerves affected include the optic, facial, and vestibulocochlear nerves. Diagnostic modalities utilized included magnetic resonance imaging and 18F-fluoro-2-D-glucose positron emission tomography-computerized tomography. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis for flow cytometry may also have diagnostic value in patients with increased disease burden. Treatment was guided according to individual malignancy and 2/6 (33.3%) patients achieved complete remission, 2/6 (33.3%) died within 1 year, and 1/6 (16.6%) were referred to hospice. Cranial neuropathy may be the first symptom of a neoplastic process; thus, prompt recognition and treatment may improve morbidity and mortality.

Chemotherapy-associated hemorrhagic posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) with considerations for circle of Willis variants on cerebral blood flow and autoregulation: A case report.

RATIONALE: Hodgkin lymphoma, a lymphatic system cancer, is treated by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a rare neurotoxic effect associated with several drugs and systemic conditions. This case study emphasizes the potential risks of intensive chemotherapy regimens and postulates the impact of the circle of Willis variants on the heterogeneity of hemispheric lesions in PRES. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 42-year-old woman diagnosed with stage IIA nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic thrombocytopenia presented after 6 years of initial diagnosis and 4 years post-haploidentical transplant. She underwent planned chemotherapy with ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide. DIAGNOSES: She developed an alteration in her mental status. A computerized tomography scan and angiogram of the head and neck revealed findings consistent with PRES and a left fetal-type posterior cerebral artery with an aplastic A1 segment of the left anterior cerebral artery. One hour later she was found comatose with clinical sequelae of an uncal herniation. INTERVENTIONS: Subsequent events led to emergent intubation, and administration of 23.4% hypertonic saline. A repeat computerized tomography scan showed a right intraparenchymal hemorrhage with fluid-fluid levels measuring up to 4.7 cm, bilateral subarachnoid hemorrhage, right uncal herniation, and 15 mm of leftward midline shift. She emergently underwent a right decompressive hemi-craniectomy. OUTCOMES: An magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated bilateral cytotoxic edema involving the parieto-occipital lobes. Despite interventions, the patient's neurological condition deteriorated, leading to a declaration of brain death on the 8th day. LESSONS: This case underscores the importance of recognizing the severe neurological complications, including PRES, associated with chemotherapeutic treatments in Hodgkin lymphoma. PRES may also be exacerbated by coagulopathies such as thrombocytopenia in this case. The circle of Willis variants may influence cerebral blood flow, autoregulation, and other factors of hemodynamics, leading to increased susceptibility to both radiographic lesion burden and the worst clinical outcomes.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome following vaccination: analysis of the VAERS database and systematic review.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) database and systematically review the literature to provide a comprehensive analysis of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) secondary to vaccination. Methods: The authors analyzed the VAERS database and conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines. The inclusion criteria for VAERS data were a score of ≥3 on the RCVS2 score and/or radiographic findings consistent with the diagnosis of RCVS or PRES. The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO. Results: Our combined data set included 29 cases (9 RCVS and 20 PRES). Most cases were women (72.4%) with a mean age of 50.7 years (SD 19.4 years). Most cases were associated with COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (58.6% Moderna, 20.7% Pfizer). Hypertension (37.9%), hyperlipidemia (13.7%), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (10.3%), and end-stage renal disease (6.8%) were common comorbidities. Furthermore, 20.6% (6/29) of cases were on immunosuppression therapy for various reasons. The mean time to symptom onset was 10.49 days after vaccination (SD 18.60), and the mean duration of hospitalization was 7.42 days (SD 5.94). The symptoms reported the most frequently were headache (41.3%), elevated blood pressure (31.0%), and emesis (17.2%). Typical radiographic findings included T2/FLAIR hyperintensities affecting the parieto-occipital lobes, indicative of vasogenic and/or cytotoxic edema. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of postvaccine RCVS and PRES. Both disease states were seen most often in those with pre-existing risk factors such as female sex, age over 50, hypertension, renal disease, and immunosuppression. Vaccines and their associated immune response may cause endothelial dysfunction leading to cerebral vasospasm and loss of cerebral autoregulation. However, further research is required to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Despite the associations found, the absolute risk of these syndromes remains extremely low compared to the immense benefits of vaccination.

Bioactive Vitamins and Epigenetic Modifications in Diabetes: A Perspective.

Diabetes is a complex metabolic disease that has been associated with epigenetic changes. External factors such as dietary patterns can induce an imbalance in the pools of micronutrients and macronutrients in the body. Consequently, bioactive vitamins may influence epigenetic mechanisms via several pathways: involvement in the control of gene expression, and in protein synthesis, by acting as coenzymes and co-factors in the metabolism of methyl groups or methylation of DNA and histones. Herein, we present a perspective on the relevance of bioactive vitamins in the epigenetic modifications that occur in diabetes.

Molecular mechanisms of human papilloma virus related skin cancers: A review.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) belongs to the Papillomaviridae family of viruses which includes small, double-stranded DNA viral agents. Approximately 90% of HPV infections occur asymptomatically and resolve spontaneously. However, infection with high-risk viral strains can lead to the development of preneoplastic lesions, with an increased propensity to become cancerous. The location of these malignancies includes the oral cavity, cervix, vagina, anus, and vulva, among others. The role of HPV in carcinogenesis has already been demonstrated for the aforementioned neoplasia. However, regarding skin malignancies, the mechanisms that pinpoint the role played by HPV in their initiation and progression still elude our sight. Until now, the only fully understood mechanism of viral cutaneous oncogenesis is that of human herpes virus 8 infection in Kaposi sarcoma. In the case of HPV infection, however, most data focus on the role that beta strains exhibit in the oncogenesis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), along with ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and other environmental or genetic factors. However, recent epidemiological investigations have highlighted that HPV could also trigger the onset of other non-melanocytic, for example, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and/or melanocytic skin cancers, for example, melanoma. Herein, we provide an overview of the role played by HPV in benign and malignant skin lesions with a particular focus on the main epidemiological, pathophysiological, and molecular aspects delineating the involvement of HPV in skin cancers.

Neuroinvasion of emerging and re-emerging arboviruses: A scoping review.

Background: Arboviruses are RNA viruses and some have the potential to cause neuroinvasive disease and are a growing threat to global health. Objectives: Our objective is to identify and map all aspects of arbovirus neuroinvasive disease, clarify key concepts, and identify gaps within our knowledge with appropriate future directions related to the improvement of global health. Methods: Sources of Evidence: A scoping review of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Hinari. Eligibility Criteria: Original data including epidemiology, risk factors, neurological manifestations, neuro-diagnostics, management, and preventive measures related to neuroinvasive arbovirus infections was obtained. Sources of evidence not reporting on original data, non-English, and not in peer-reviewed journals were removed. Charting Methods: An initial pilot sample of 30 abstracts were reviewed by all authors and a Cohen's kappa of κ = 0.81 (near-perfect agreement) was obtained. Records were manually reviewed by two authors using the Rayyan QCRI software. Results: A total of 171 records were included. A wide array of neurological manifestations can occur most frequently, including parkinsonism, encephalitis/encephalopathy, meningitis, flaccid myelitis, and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain often reveals subcortical lesions, sometimes with diffusion restriction consistent with acute ischemia. Vertical transmission of arbovirus is most often secondary to the Zika virus. Neurological manifestations of congenital Zika syndrome, include microcephaly, failure to thrive, intellectual disability, and seizures. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis often shows lymphocytic pleocytosis, elevated albumin, and protein consistent with blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Conclusions: Arbovirus infection with neurological manifestations leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Risk factors for disease include living and traveling in an arbovirus endemic zone, age, pregnancy, and immunosuppressed status. The management of neuroinvasive arbovirus disease is largely supportive and focuses on specific neurological complications. There is a need for therapeutics and currently, management is based on disease prevention and limiting zoonosis.

Polyarteritis Nodosa Following mRNA-1273 COVID-19 Vaccination: Case Study and Review of Immunological Mechanisms.

Numerous post-vaccine complications have been reported secondary to the COVID-19 vaccine. Many of these complications are believed to be due to a hyperactive immune system. A 59-year-old woman developed diffuse abdominal pain two days after receiving the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna). A computerized tomography (CT) angiogram of the abdomen and pelvis revealed the presence of numerous vascular irregularities in the celiac axis, bilateral renal arteries, and inferior mesenteric artery consistent with polyarteritis nodosa (PAN), a medium-vessel vasculitis. The patient was managed with intravenous methylprednisolone 500 mg daily for three days and was then placed on oral methotrexate (MTX) 12.5 mg daily for immunosuppressive maintenance treatment. Until now, a limited number of cases of polyarteritis nodosa secondary to the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported. Major mechanisms of post-vaccine autoimmunity are molecular mimicry and autoantibody production. Although rare adverse events from COVID-19 vaccination are possible, there remains an immense benefit to vaccination in preventing COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality.

Craniocervical junction intradural extramedullary meningioma with cord compression.

Craniocervical spine meningiomas are rare. They often present with non-specific motor or sensory symptoms. Presenting symptoms can include gait ataxia, radiculopathy, myelopathy, back pain and sensory deficits. Spinal meningiomas are slow-growing tumours, with an insidious onset. Due to the critical location of craniocervical meningiomas, severe symptoms such as respiratory distress and quadriparesis are possible. We describe the clinical presentation of a craniocervical junction meningioma, its relevant neuroimaging findings, diagnostic challenges and management. A woman in her 30s presented with a subacute onset of neck pain, headaches, paresthesia and a Hoffman's sign of the left upper extremity. A cervical spine MRI revealed an intradural extramedullary craniocervical junction meningioma involving the C1 segment with cord compression. The tumour measured 1.4×2×2.2 cm. A mid-line suboccipital craniectomy, tumour resection (Simpson grade II) with cervical laminectomy, and dural grafting were completed for definitive management. A brief literature review was conducted yielding a total of 24 cases.

Heart rate variability analysis in toxic leukoencephalopathy-induced malignant catatonia: A case report.

RATIONALE: Toxic leukoencephalopathy, a condition resulting from exposure to toxic substances, can lead to malignant catatonia, a severe motor dysfunction with symptoms such as muscle rigidity and high-spiking fever, hypertensive urgency, and tachycardia. This case study investigates the relationship between toxic leukoencephalopathy-induced malignant catatonia and heart rate variability (HRV), a marker of autonomic nervous system function. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 51-year-old male presented to the emergency department with acute onset of progressively worsening mental status. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with cocaine-induced toxic leukoencephalopathy causing malignant catatonia. INTERVENTIONS: A 5-day escalating treatment regimen was instituted for the management of malignant catatonia until resolution. Daily HRV parameters in the temporal and frequency domain, geometric data, and cardiac entropy were recorded using HRVAnalysis v.1.2 (ANS Lab Tools). The HRV analysis was correlated with pharmacologic management, the Bush-Francis catatonia rating scale, and hemodynamic parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. OUTCOMES: The results showed a correlation between the severity and frequency of malignant catatonic episodes and the patient autonomic dysfunction. Improvement in malignant catatonia with pharmacological management was associated with an improved HRV, including elevated rMSSD, SDNN, cardiac entropy, and pNN50%. LESSONS: Malignant catatonia is associated with decreased HRV, and its management is associated with an increase. This suggests a link between malignant catatonia and autonomic dysfunction, highlighting the potential benefits of treating malignant catatonia to improve autonomic function and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Decoding brain calcifications: A single-center descriptive case series and examination of pathophysiological mechanisms.

Brain calcifications, previously known as Fahr's disease, is a rare neurological disorder marked by various clinical symptoms, including movement disorders, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric disturbances. Despite its clinical importance, its pathophysiology is unclear and there are no specific treatments. We present four cases of brain calcifications from our tertiary care center, with three female patients (75%) and an average age of 63 years. Our cohort featured both genetic and endocrine etiologies, including one primary familial brain calcification case with a c.852del frameshift mutation in the SLC20A2 gene, and two endocrinopathy-related cases. One patient had an acute stroke which may have been contributed by brain calcifications. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed basal ganglia and dentate nucleus calcifications. Treatment involved physical and occupational therapy in all patients. Hypoparathyroidism-related brain calcifications were treated with oral supplementation with calcitriol, calcium, and vitamin D. Three patients showed improvement or stability of their symptoms. This case series underscores the diverse clinical presentations and etiologies of brain calcifications. The complex pathophysiology involves disrupted Ca+2-PO43- homeostasis, deficient cellular PO43- transport, and vascular irregularities in genetic etiologies. Future research should focus on identifying novel genetic mutations, understanding molecular pathways, and refining diagnostic techniques. Integrating multidisciplinary approaches may improve diagnosis, management, and prognosis for patients with this intricate neurological disorder.

Clinical indications and outcomes of Impella devices for severe cardiogenic shock in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can present with significant cardiac dysfunction, including cardiogenic shock. Mechanical circulatory support with an Impella device may be utilized in these patients to support and offload native right ventricle (RV) and left ventricle (LV) functions. This systematic review aims to describe clinical indications, management, laboratory data, and outcomes in patients with severe cardiogenic shock from COVID-19 treated with an Impella device. Methods: A PRISMA-directed systematic review was performed and prospectively registered in PROSPERO. The databases accessed included PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Quality and risk of bias assessments were completed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for case reports. Results: A total of 16 records were included in the qualitative synthesis; 8/16 (50%) of the patients were men. The average age was 39 years (SD: 14.7). The biventricular Impella (BiPella) approach was recorded in 3/16 (18.75%) patients. A total of 4/16 (25%) individuals required renal replacement therapy (RRT). Single-device usage was observed in three cases: 2/16 Impella CP (12.5%) and 1/16 Impella RP (6.25%). Treatment of COVID-19 myocarditis included a wide range of antivirals and immunomodulators; 8/16 (50%) cases needed ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) support. Overall, only 2/16 (11.7%) individuals died. Conclusions: Sixteen reported individuals have received an Impella implanted with a mortality rate of 11.7%. Concurrent use of RRT and ECMO implantation was often observed. Overall, the Impella device is an effective and safe strategy in the management of COVID-19-related cardiogenic shock. Future studies should include long-term results.

Successful Mechanical Thrombectomy of Bilateral Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusions Following Apixaban Discontinuation.

Optimal anticoagulation management in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) during acute ischemic stroke is complex and often poses a significant clinical challenge. An 82-year-old man with AF presented with left-sided hemiparesis and hypoesthesia due to occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) after discontinuing apixaban for 5 days. Successful mechanical thrombectomy (MT) achieved thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score of 2C. Anticoagulation was postponed due to a small risk of hemorrhagic conversion. However, the patient developed a rare bilateral M1 segment MCA occlusions on the fifth day with a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 23, leading to an emergent thrombectomy, resulting in TICI 3 and TICI 2C recanalization in left and right MCAs, respectively. The patient required admission to the intensive care unit and was eventually discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility with only residual left hemiparesis and moderate dysarthria. This case underscores the delicate balance between the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke and the potential for hemorrhagic conversion when treating anticoagulation in the acute setting. Close monitoring and an individualized approach are necessary for the treatment of patients with AF who have suffered an acute stroke, especially when anticoagulation must be stopped. We encourage future guidelines to incorporate both imaging and clinical data when determining the continuation of anticoagulation in patients with a recent ischemic stroke. This case also depicts the effectiveness of neuroendovascular interventions such as MT to effectively manage rare simultaneous large multi-vessel occlusions with good outcomes.

Primary Arterial Hypertension and Drug-Induced Hypertension in Philadelphia-Negative Classical Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: A Systematic Review.

The impact of primary arterial hypertension (HTN) in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) remains unclear, with scant literature available, mostly focusing on cardiovascular risk factors as a singular entity or on organ-specific HTN. Furthermore, available studies reporting findings on drug-induced HTN in MPNs report varying and contradictory findings. In consideration of the above, this study set out to systematically review the available literature and shed light on the occurrence of HTN in MPNs, its association with thrombosis, as well as the drugs used in MPN management that could increase blood pressure. The literature search yielded 598 potentially relevant records of which 315 remained after the duplicates (n = 283) were removed. After we screened the titles and the abstracts of these publications, we removed irrelevant papers (n = 228) and evaluated the full texts of 87 papers. Furthermore, 13 records did not meet the inclusion criteria and were excluded from the systematic review. Finally, a total of 74 manuscripts were entered into the qualitative synthesis and included in the present systematic review. Our systematic review highlights that HTN is the most common comorbidity encountered in MPNs, with an impact on both the occurrence of thrombosis and survival. Moreover, drug-induced HTN remains a challenge in the management of MPNs. Further research should investigate the characteristics of patients with MPNs and HTN, as well as clarify the contribution of HTN to the development of thrombotic complications, survival and management in MPNs. In addition, the relationship between clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential, HTN, cardiovascular disease and MPNs requires examination in upcoming assessments.

Breast cancer-associated paraneoplastic neuromyelitis optica with cervical cord compression and spondylosis requiring laminectomy: A case report.

Neuromyelitis optica, an autoimmune inflammatory disorder affecting the central nervous system, can occur in a paraneoplastic context, although rare. We report an intriguing case of a 71-year-old woman with a history of triple-negative infiltrating ductal breast carcinoma, manifesting with paraneoplastic neuromyelitis optica that led to significant respiratory failure and required a cervical laminectomy. The patient presented with pain in the left breast, weakness in the lower extremities, and neck pain. The neurological evaluation showed 2/5 muscle strength in all extremities, diffuse hyperreflexia, and loss of multimodal sensation below the shoulder. She developed acute respiratory failure that required mechanical ventilation. Magnetic resonance imaging highlighted a diffuse abnormal increase in T2 signal intensity throughout the posterior and central portion of the cervical and thoracic spinal cord consistent with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, and significant cervical cord compression at C3-C4. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed non-enhancing T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) white matter hyperintensities and cerebellar hemispheres. The serum cell-based assay study demonstrated a high anti-aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G titer (>1:160) confirming the diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica. She was taken for bilateral laminectomy from C3 to C6. Despite intravenous methylprednisolone and plasmapheresis treatment, no significant recovery was achieved, necessitating tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Subsequent rituximab treatment led to a mild improvement, with no new lesions on repeat magnetic resonance imaging. This case raises suspicion of the potential for neuromyelitis optica to occur as a paraneoplastic phenomenon, strengthening the need for vigilance in patients with malignancies.