Ultrasonographic and hemodynamic characteristics of patients with symptomatic carotid near-occlusion: results from a multicenter registry study.

PURPOSE: The ultrasonographic and hemodynamic features of patients with carotid near-occlusion (CNO) are still not well known. Our aim was to describe the ultrasonographic and hemodynamic characteristics of a cohort of patients with CNO. METHODS: A prospective, observational, nationwide, and multicenter study was conducted from January/2010 to May/2016. Patients with digital subtraction angiography (DSA)-confirmed CNO were included. We collected information on clinical and demographic characteristics, carotid and transcranial ultrasonography and DSA findings, presence of full-collapse, collateral circulation, and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five patients were analyzed. Ultrasonographic and DSA diagnosis of CNO were concordant in only 44%. This disagreement was related to the presence/absence of full-collapse: 45% of patients with CNO with full-collapse were classified as a complete carotid occlusion, and 40% with a CNO without full-collapse were interpreted as severe stenosis (p < 0.001). Mean velocities (mV) and pulsatility indexes (PIs) were significantly lower in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery compared with the contralateral (43 cm/s vs 58 cm/s, p < 0.001; 0.80 vs 1.00, p < 0.001). Collateral circulation was identified in 92% of patients, with the anterior communicating artery (73%) being the most frequent. CVR was decreased or exhausted in 66% of cases and was more frequent in patients with a poor or absent collateral network compared with patients with ≥ 2 collateral arteries (82% vs 56%, p = 0.051). CONCLUSION: The accuracy of carotid ultrasonography in the diagnosis of CNO seems to be limited, with significant discrepancies with DSA. Decreased ipsilateral mV, PI, and CVR suggest a hemodynamic compromise in patients with CNO.

Acute-onset smell and taste disorders in the context of COVID-19: a pilot multicentre polymerase chain reaction based case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Specific respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19, may cause smell and/or taste disorders (STDs) with increased frequency. The aim was to determine whether new-onset STDs are more frequent amongst COVID-19 patients than influenza patients. METHOD: This was a case-control study including hospitalized patients of two tertiary care centres. Consecutive patients positive for COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (cases) and patients positive for influenza polymerase chain reaction (historical control sample) were assessed during specific periods, employing a self-reported STD questionnaire. RESULTS: Seventy-nine cases and 40 controls were included. No significant differences were found in basal features between the two groups. New-onset STDs were significantly more frequent amongst cases (31, 39.2%) than in the control group (5, 12.5 %) [adjusted odds ratio 21.4 (2.77-165.4, P = 0.003)]. COVID-19 patients with new-onset STDs were significantly younger than COVID-19 patients without STDs (52.6 ± 17.2 vs. 67.4 ± 15.1, P < 0.001). Amongst COVID-19 patients who presented STDs, 22 (70.9%) recalled an acute onset and it was an initial manifestation in 11 (35.5%). Twenty-five (80.6%) presented smell disorders (mostly anosmia, 14, 45.2%) and 28 (90.3%) taste disorders (mostly ageusia, 14, 45.2%). Only four (12.9 %) reported concomitant nasal obstruction. The mean duration of STD was 7.5 ± 3.2 days and 12 patients (40%) manifested complete recovery after 7.4 ± 2.3 days of onset. CONCLUSION: New-onset STDs were significantly more frequent amongst COVID-19 patients than influenza patients; they usually had an acute onset and were commonly an initial manifestation. The use of STD assessment in anamnesis as a hint for COVID-19 and to support individuals' self-isolation in the current epidemic context is suggested.

Oral anticoagulation and left atrial appendage closure: a new strategy for recurrent cardioembolic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are no recommendations regarding how to treat cardioembolic recurrent strokes when patients are well anticoagulated. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of combining oral anticoagulation (OAC) with percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) in patients with well-anticoagulated atrial fibrillation (AF) with recurrent strokes. METHODS: In an explorative, prospective, observational study, LAAC was performed in patients with AF with at least two ischaemic strokes in the previous year, despite good anticoagulation using the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN, USA) or Amulet Abbot device (Abbot Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA). We recorded age, type of AF, CHA2 DS2 -VASC and HAS-BLED scores, types of OAC and risk factors. After closure, treatment with aspirin (100 mg/day) was continued for 3 months in combination with indefinite OAC. Clinical status, recurrent embolisms and bleeding complications were recorded during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 19 patients were included (mean age, 72.1 ± 9.6 years; mean CHA2 DS2 -VASC score, 5.3 ± 1.48; mean number of previous strokes, 2.78 ± 1.15). Thirteen had spontaneous echocardiographic contrast and all had dilatation of the left atrium. Eighteen patients had a multilobulated left atrial appendage, 17 with 'chicken-wing' morphology and one patient had a left atrial appendage thrombus. There were no complications during the procedure. Only one patient had a transient ischaemic attack and no major bleeding occurred during a mean follow-up of 17.4 ± 11.5 months. CONCLUSION: Combination therapy with indefinite OAC plus LAAC in patients with AF with recurrent strokes despite good anticoagulation should be considered in order to prevent a new stroke.

The neurologist's approach to cerebral infarct and transient ischaemic attack in patients receiving anticoagulant treatment for non-valvular atrial fibrillation: ANITA-FA study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) previously treated with oral anticoagulants (OACs) according to the type of OAC prescribed. Also, to analyze the outcomes of the patients and the therapeutic approach adopted by the neurologist in the acute phase and for secondary prevention. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, observational study based on prospective registries. We included patients with AF treated with OACs admitted for AIS over a 1-year period. Detailed clinical data and functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale score) were collected. Patients were divided into two groups according to their pre-AIS anticoagulant therapy: vitamin K antagonists (AIS-VKA) and direct-acting OACs (AIS-DOAC). RESULTS: We recruited 1240 patients (80.4% AIS-VKA and 19.6% AIS-DOAC). In the AIS-DOAC group, transient ischaemic attack was more frequent (18.1% vs. 10.8%; P = 0.001), symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation was less frequent (1.6% vs. 4.6%; P = 0.035) and hospital stay was shorter (median 6 vs. 7 days; P = 0.03). Intravenous thrombolysis was more commonly used in AIS-VKA (9.2% vs. 1.6%; P < 0.001). There were no differences between the groups with respect to mechanical thrombectomy, mortality and modified Rankin Scale score at 3 months. At 3 months, 54% of patients required a DOAC as antithrombotic treatment for secondary prevention. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AF treated with DOACs who experienced AIS more frequently had transient symptoms (transient ischaemic attack), less symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation and a shorter mean stay than those treated with VKAs. Most patients who had been previously anticoagulated with AIS received long-term treatment with DOACs.

The risk of recurrent stroke at 24 months in patients with symptomatic carotid near-occlusion: results from CAOS, a multicentre registry study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The risk of recurrent stroke amongst patients with symptomatic carotid near-occlusion (SCNO) has not been clearly established, and its management remains controversial. The aim was to define the 24-month risk of recurrent stroke and to analyse the effect of the different treatment modalities (medical treatment and revascularization) in a population of patients with SCNO. METHODS: A multicentre, nationwide, prospective study from January 2010 to May 2016 was performed. Patients with angiography-confirmed SCNO were included. The primary end-point was ipsilateral ischaemic stroke including periprocedural events within 24 months following the presenting event. Revascularization results and periprocedural complications, ipsilateral transient ischaemic attack, disabling or fatal stroke, and mortality were also noted. RESULTS: The study population comprised 141 patients from 17 Spanish centres. Seventy patients (49.6%) were treated by revascularization (carotid stenting in 47, endarterectomy in 23). Complete revascularization was achieved in 58 patients (83%). Periprocedural stroke or death occurred in 5.7%. The 24-month cumulative incidence of the primary end-point was 11.1% (95% confidence interval 5.8-16.4; n = 15), 12% in the medical treatment group and 10.2% in the revascularization group, log-rank P = 0.817. The cumulative rates of ipsilateral ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack, disabling or fatal stroke, and mortality, were 17%, 4.5% and 7.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of ipsilateral ischaemic stroke in patients with SCNO seems to be lower than the known rate associated with severe carotid stenosis without near-occlusion. The potential benefit of revascularization in the prevention of stroke in patients with SCNO may be influenced by the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.

Reliability of the minimum basic dataset for diagnoses of cerebrovascular disease. / Fiabilidad del conjunto mínimo básico de datos en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad cerebrovascular.

INTRODUCTION: The minimum basic dataset is the largest available hospital care administrative database that is used in clinical studies and hospital management in association with diagnosis-related groups (DRGs). In 2011, the quality of the national MBDS in hospital discharges was audited, in order to assess its reliability. This paper presents a sub-analysis of the results from that analysis which are referred to cerebrovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: Using all discharge reports from the Spanish MBDS in 2009, a representative sample was obtained by stratified sampling and 11 209 records were evaluated. Outcome indicators were obtained to measure any differences observed between the national MBDS being evaluated and the hospital's original MBDS. Analysis of codes for CVD as a primary diagnosis was performed for ICD-9-CM diagnostic categories 430 through 438. We evaluated error rates in the selection and classification of main diagnoses, as well as in DRG assignment. RESULTS: There were 397 discharges of cases of CVD which included 21 different DRGs. Diagnostic coding showed a concordance rate of 81.87%; the selection error rate was 2.26% and the classification error rate was 15.87%. The error rate in the DRG was 16.12% and associated with the greatest impact on the mortality risk level. CONCLUSIONS: While the errors we observed must be taken into account, data suggest that the quality of the MBDS for CVD is sufficient to ensure delivery of valid information. The hospital discharge registry serves as a valuable tool for use in studies of this disease.

Criteria for training and accreditation in Interventional Neuroradiology-Neurointervention, approved by the Spanish Group of Interventional Neuroradiology (GENI), the Spanish Society of Neuroradiology (SENR), the Spanish Group of Cerebrovascular Diseases (GEECV), the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN), and the vascular disease specialists in the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery (SENEC). Requirements for accreditation in Interventional Neuroradiology-Neurointervention for institutions and specialists. / Criterios para la formación y capacitación en Neurorradiología Intervencionista-Neurointervencionismo, acordados por el Grupo Español de Neurorradiología Intervencionista (GENI), la Sociedad Española de Neurorradiología (SENR), el Grupo de Estudio de Enfermedades Cerebrovasculares (GEECV) de la Sociedad Española de Neurología (SEN) y el grupo experto en enfermedades vasculares de la Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía (SENEC). Bases para la obtención de una Acreditación de Centros y Especialistas en Neurorradiología Intervencionista-Neurointervencionismo.

BACKGROUND: The development of endovascular techniques has put Interventional Neuroradiology (INR) as the first-option treatment in the majority of vascular diseases of the central nervous system. Scientific societies in developed countries have created standard procedures for training and accreditation for a safe practice in these procedures. DISCUSSION: In Spain, we are waiting for the development of the legislation on the accreditation for specialists which will establish the official formative model to achieve an accreditation in INR. Until this moment comes, it is necessary to establish standards that define desirable minimums for the formative period in INR. Radiology specialists as well as neurologists and neurosurgeons will have access to INR accreditation. Specific requirements for the hospitals that wish to offer this technique and training should also be defined. CONCLUSION: The Spanish Group of Interventional Neuroradiology (GENI), the Spanish Society of Neuroradiology (SENR), the Spanish Group of Cerebrovascular Diseases (GEECV), the Spanish Society of Neurology (SEN) and the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery (SENEC) have approved the content of this document and will create a committee in order to put into practice the accreditation of formative centres and INR specialists.

The syndrome of transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis mimicking an acute stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The syndrome of transient headache and neurological deficits with cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis (HaNDL) can present as sudden onset of focal neurological deficits which are clinically and radiologically indistinguishable from an ischaemic stroke. Its diagnosis requires a lumbar puncture (LP), which contraindicates intravenous thrombolytic therapy (IV-tPA). METHODS: All patients referred to our stroke centre as a stroke code resulting in a final diagnosis of HaNDL syndrome from June 2005 to June 2015 were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: Nine cases were identified: seven women and two men (mean age 27.6 years, range 15-51). Clinical onset consisted of isolated aphasia (two) and aphasia with right hemiparesis/hemiparaesthesia (seven). All patients had headache in the acute setting, lasting 2-12 h. Cranial computed tomography (CT) and CT angiography (CTA) were normal in all patients. Perfusion CT was performed in seven patients, showing left hemispheric focal hypoperfusion in five cases; the remaining two were normal. Five patients were initially diagnosed as stroke and treated uneventfully with IV-tPA. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging within 48 h was normal in all cases. LP performed in all patients showed pleocytosis (range 17-351 cells/mm(3) ), high protein levels (range 0.4-1.6 g/l) and normal glucose levels. All cases recovered within 12 h and suffered a second episode within 72 h. Patients were asymptomatic between episodes and after remission. CONCLUSIONS: The decision to thrombolyse or perform an LP in HaNDL patients mimicking a stroke is difficult in the acute setting. Perfusion CT can provide misleading results and CTA may be useful in ruling out occlusion of a cerebral vessel.

A collaborative system for endovascular treatment of acute ischaemic stroke: the Madrid Stroke Network experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The complexity and expense of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) can present difficulties in bringing this approach closer to the patients. A collaborative node was implemented involving three stroke centres (SCs) within the Madrid Stroke Network to provide round-the-clock access to EVT for AIS. METHODS: A weekly schedule was established to ensure that at least one SC was 'on-call' to provide EVT for all those with moderate to severe AIS due to large vessel occlusion, >4.5 h from symptom onset, or within this time-window but with contraindication to, or failure of, systemic thrombolysis. The time-window for treatment was 8 h for anterior circulation stroke and <24 h in posterior stroke. Outcomes measured were re-canalization rates, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months, mortality and symptomatic intra-cranial haemorrhage (SICH). RESULTS: Over a 2-year period (2012-2013), 303 candidate patients with AIS were considered for EVT as per protocol, and 196 (65%) received treatment. Reasons for non-treatment were significant improvement (14%), spontaneous re-canalization (26%), clinical worsening (9%) or radiological criteria of established infarction (31%). Re-canalization rate amongst treated patients was 80%. Median delay from symptom onset to re-canalization was 323 min (p25; p75 percentiles 255; 430). Mortality was 11%; independence (mRS 0-2) was 58%; SICH was 3%. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a collaborative network to provide EVT for AIS is feasible and effective. Results are good in terms of re-canalization rates and clinical outcomes.

Clinical management guidelines for subarachnoid haemorrhage. Diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To update the Spanish Society of Neurology's guidelines for subarachnoid haemorrhage diagnosis and treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review and analysis of the existing literature. Recommendations are given based on the level of evidence for each study reviewed. RESULTS: The most common cause of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is cerebral aneurysm rupture. Its estimated incidence in Spain is 9/100 000 inhabitants/year with a relative frequency of approximately 5% of all strokes. Hypertension and smoking are the main risk factors. Stroke patients require treatment in a specialised centre. Admission to a stroke unit should be considered for SAH patients whose initial clinical condition is good (Grades I or II on the Hunt and Hess scale). We recommend early exclusion of aneurysms from the circulation. The diagnostic study of choice for SAH is brain CT (computed tomography) without contrast. If the test is negative and SAH is still suspected, a lumbar puncture should then be performed. The diagnostic tests recommended in order to determine the source of the haemorrhage are MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and angiography. Doppler ultrasonography studies are very useful for diagnosing and monitoring vasospasm. Nimodipine is recommended for preventing delayed cerebral ischaemia. Blood pressure treatment and neurovascular intervention may be considered in treating refractory vasospasm. CONCLUSIONS: SAH is a severe and complex disease which must be managed in specialised centres by professionals with ample experience in relevant diagnostic and therapeutic processes.

Guidelines for the preventive treatment of ischaemic stroke and TIA (II). Recommendations according to aetiological sub-type.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To update the ad hoc Committee of the Cerebrovascular Diseases Study Group of The Spanish Neurological Society guidelines on prevention of ischaemic stroke (IS) and Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA). METHODS: We reviewed the available evidence on ischaemic stroke and TIA prevention according to aetiological subtype. Levels of evidence and recommendation levels are based on the classification of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. RESULTS: In atherothrombotic IS, antiplatelet therapy and revascularization procedures in selected cases of ipsilateral carotid stenosis (70%-90%) reduce the risk of recurrences. In cardioembolic IS (atrial fibrillation, valvular diseases, prosthetic valves and myocardial infarction with mural thrombus) prevention is based on the use of oral anticoagulants. Preventive therapies for uncommon causes of IS will depend on the aetiology. In the case of cerebral venous thrombosis oral anticoagulation is effective. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude with recommendations for clinical practice in prevention of IS according to the aetiological subtype presented by the patient.

Guidelines for the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Update of Acute Ischaemic Stroke Treatment Guidelines of the Spanish Neurological Society based on a critical review of the literature. Recommendations are made based on levels of evidence from published data and studies. DEVELOPMENT: Organized systems of care should be implemented to ensure access to the optimal management of all acute stroke patients in stroke units. Standard of care should include treatment of blood pressure (should only be treated if values are over 185/105 mmHg), treatment of hyperglycaemia over 155 mg/dl, and treatment of body temperature with antipyretic drugs if it rises above 37.5 °C. Neurological and systemic complications must be prevented and promptly treated. Decompressive hemicraniectomy should be considered in cases of malignant cerebral oedema. Intravenous thrombolysis with rtPA should be administered within 4.5 hours from symptom onset, except when there are contraindications. Intra-arterial pharmacological thrombolysis can be considered within 6 hours, and mechanical thrombectomy within 8 hours from onset, for anterior circulation strokes, while a wider window of opportunity up to 12-24 hours is feasible for posterior strokes. There is not enough evidence to recommend routine use of the so called neuroprotective drugs. Anticoagulation should be administered to patients with cerebral vein thrombosis. Rehabilitation should be started as early as possible. CONCLUSION: Treatment of acute ischaemic stroke includes management of patients in stroke units. Systemic thrombolysis should be considered within 4.5 hours from symptom onset. Intra-arterial approaches with a wider window of opportunity can be an option in certain cases. Protective and restorative therapies are being investigated.

Limbic encephalitis: a clinical-radiological comparison between herpetic and autoimmune etiologies.

BACKGROUND: Herpetic (HE) and autoimmune (AE) encephalitis share clinical and radiological features. We compared both types of encephalitis with the aim of making a differential clinical-radiological pattern. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All cases with a clinical diagnosis of encephalitis who attended our hospital between 1999 and 2012 were reviewed. We selected those cases with positive polymerase chain reaction for herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and those with antineuronal antibodies or paraneoplastic etiology. We compared epidemiological, clinical, CSF, electroencephalographic and radiological findings. RESULTS: Twelve patients with positive polymerase chain reaction for HSV-1, and 10 patients with antineuronal antibody or paraneoplastic etiology were found. The only features found exclusively in one group were the presence of psychiatric symptoms and tumors in AE. Acute onset of symptoms, fever and aphasia were more frequent in HE, which showed higher level of proteins and erythrocyte count in CSF. Neuroimaging was abnormal in all cases of HE, but only in 60% of AE. Insular and diffuse temporal lobe involvement and absence of basal ganglia involvement were more frequent in HE, and mesial temporal involvement in AE. The highest diagnostic values for differentiating HE from AE were the association of acute onset of symptoms and fever (sensitivity 0.92, specificity 1), and the absence of basal ganglia involvement (sensitivity 0.82, specificity 1). CONCLUSIONS: There are few differences between HE and AE. Psychiatric symptoms and association with tumors were unique for AE. Acute onset with fever and absence of basal ganglia involvement in magnetic resonance imaging support a diagnosis of HE.

Predictive value of brain and vascular imaging including intracranial vessels in transient ischaemic attack patients: external validation of the ABCD3-I score.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recently, brain and vascular imaging have been added to clinical variables to identify patients with transient ischaemic attack (TIA) with a high risk of stroke recurrence. The aim of our study was to externally validate the ABCD3-I score and the same score taking into account intracranial circulation. METHODS: We analyzed data from 1137 patients with TIA from the PROMAPA study who underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) within 7 days of symptom onset. Clinical variables and diagnostic work-up were recorded prospectively. The end-points were subsequent stroke at 7 and 90 days follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 463 (40.7%) subjects fulfilled all inclusion criteria. During follow-up, eight patients (1.7%) had a stroke within 7 days, and 14 (3.1%) had a stroke within 3 months. In the Cox proportional hazard multivariate analyses, the combination of large-artery atherosclerosis and positive DWI remained as independent predictors of stroke recurrence at 7- and 90-day follow-up [HR 8.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.89-23.46, P < 0.001]. The ABCD3-I score was a powerful predictor of subsequent stroke. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.83 (95% CI 0.72-0.93) at 7 days and 0.69 (95% CI 0.53-0.85) at 90 days. When we include intracranial vessel disease in the score, the area under the curve increases but the difference observed was non-significant. CONCLUSION: The inclusion of vascular and neuroimaging information to clinical scales (ABCD3-I score) provides important prognostic information and also helps management decisions, although it cannot give a complete distinction between high-risk and low-risk groups.

The costs of stroke in Spain by aetiology: the CONOCES study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with stroke associated with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) are a specific group, and their disease has a considerable social and economic impact. The primary objective of the CONOCES study, the protocol of which is presented here, is to compare the costs of stroke in NVAF patients to those of patients without NVAF in Spanish stroke units from a societal perspective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CONOCES is an epidemiological, observational, naturalistic, prospective, multicentre study of the cost of the illness in a sample of patients who have suffered a stroke and were admitted to a Spanish stroke unit. During a 12-month follow-up period, we record sociodemographic and clinical variables, score on the NIH stroke scale, level of disability, degree of functional dependency according to the modified Rankin scale, and use of healthcare resources (hospitalisation at the time of the first episode, readmissions, outpatient rehabilitation, orthotic and/or prosthetic material, medication for secondary prevention, medical check-ups, nursing care and formal social care services). Estimated monthly income, lost work productivity and health-related quality of life measured with the generic EQ-5D questionnaire are also recorded. We also administer a direct interview to the caregiver to determine loss of productivity, informal care, and caregiver burden. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The CONOCES study will provide more in-depth information about the economic and clinical impact of stroke according to whether or not it is associated with NVAF.

Clinical practice guidelines in intracerebral haemorrhage.

Intracerebral haemorrhage accounts for 10%-15% of all strokes; however it has a poor prognosis with higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Neurological deterioration is often observed during the first hours after onset and determines poor prognosis. Intracerebral haemorrhage, therefore, is a neurological emergency which must be diagnosed and treated properly as soon as possible. In this guide we review the diagnostic procedures and factors that influence the prognosis of patients with intracerebral haemorrhage and we establish recommendations for the therapeutic strategy, systematic diagnosis, acute treatment and secondary prevention for this condition.

Spinal cord infarction: aetiology, imaging findings, and prognostic factors in a series of 41 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord infarction is a rare disease with a high rate of morbidity. Its diagnosis can be challenging and controversy remains regarding the best treatment. Few case series have been published. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of cases of spinal cord infarction attended in a tertiary hospital from 1999 to 2020. Aetiology and clinical, imaging, and prognostic features were assessed. RESULTS: Forty-one patients (58.5% men, mean [standard deviation] age 61 [17] years) were included in the study. Thirty-one patients (75.6%) presented vascular risk factors. Motor deficits were recorded in 39 (95.1%), pain in 20 (48.8%), sensory deficits in 33 (80.4%), and autonomic dysfunction in 24 (58.5%). MRI was performed in 37 (90.2%) patients. Diffusion-weighted images were available for 12 patients, with 10 showing diffusion restriction. The thoracic region was the most frequently affected (68.2%). Vascular imaging studies were performed in 33 patients (80.4%). The most frequent aetiologies were aortic dissection (6 cases), atherosclerosis demonstrated by vascular imaging (6 cases), fibrocartilaginous embolism (6 cases), surgery (5 cases), and hypotension (4 cases). Aetiology was undetermined in 12 patients (29.3%), although 9 of these presented vascular risk factors. At the end of the follow-up period (median, 24 months; interquartile range, 3-70), 12 patients (29.2%) were able to walk without assistance. Vascular risk factors and paraparesis were significantly associated with poorer prognosis (P < .05). DISCUSSION: Spinal cord infarction may present diverse aetiologies, with the cause remaining undetermined in many patients. Long-term functional prognosis is poor, and depends on baseline characteristics and clinical presentation. MRI, and especially diffusion-weighted sequences, is useful for early diagnosis.

Mechanical thrombectomy beyond 6 hours in acute ischaemic stroke with large vessel occlusion in the carotid artery territory: experience at a tertiary hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Thrombectomy in the carotid artery territory was recently shown to be effective up to 24 hours after symptoms onset. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of a prospective registry of patients treated at our stroke reference centre between November 2016 and April 2019 in order to assess the safety and effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy performed beyond 6 hours after symptoms onset in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and large vessel occlusion in the carotid artery territory. RESULTS: Data were gathered from 59 patients (55.9% women; median age, 71 years). In 33 cases, stroke was detected upon awakening; 57.6% of patients were transferred from another hospital. Median baseline NIHSS score was 16, and median ASPECTS score was 8, with 94.9% of patients presenting > 50% of salvageable tissue. Satisfactory recanalisation was achieved in 88.1% of patients, beyond 24 hours after onset in 5 cases. At 90 days of follow-up, 67.8% were functionally independent; those who were not were older and presented higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation, greater puncture-to-recanalisation time, and higher NIHSS scores, both at baseline and at discharge. CONCLUSION: In our experience, mechanical thrombectomy beyond 6 hours was associated with good 90-day functional outcomes. Age, NIHSS score, puncture-to-recanalisation time, and presence of atrial fibrillation affected functional prognosis. The efficacy of the treatment beyond 24 hours after onset merits study.

Off-label intravenous thrombolysis in acute stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Therapy for stroke with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) is hampered by tight licensing restrictions; some of them have been discussed in recent literature. We assessed the safety and effectiveness of off-label IV-tPA in the clinical settings. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all the patients treated with IV-tPA at our Stroke Unit. Patients were divided into two groups by licence criteria [on-label group (OnLG), off-label group (OffLG)]. Primary outcome measures were symptomatic intracranial haemorrhages (sICH), major systemic haemorrhages, modified Rankin scale (mRS) and mortality rate at 3months. RESULTS: Five hundred and five patients were registered, 269 (53.2%) were assigned to OnLG and 236 (46.9%) to OffLG. Inclusion criteria for the OffLG were aged >80 years (129 patients), time from onset of symptoms to treatment over 3h (111), prior oral anticoagulant treatment with International Normalised Ratio≤1.7 (41), combination of previous stroke and diabetes mellitus (14), surgery or severe trauma within 3months of stroke (13), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score over 25 (11), intracranial tumours (5), systemic diseases with risk of bleeding (7) and seizure at the onset of stroke (2). No significant differences were identified between both groups regarding the proportion of sICH (OnLG 2.2% vs. OffLG 1.6%, P=0.78) or the 3-month mortality rate (11.1% vs. 19%: odds ratio (OR), 1.49; 95% CI, 0.86-2.55; P=0.14). Multivariate analysis showed no significant differences in functional independence at 3months between both groups (mRS <3 64.3% vs. 50.4%: OR mRS >2 1.7; 95% CI, 0.96-2.5; P=0.07). CONCLUSION: Intravenous thrombolysis may be safe and efficacious beyond its current label restrictions.