Symptomatic carotid webs require aggressive intervention.

OBJECTIVE: Carotid web (CaWeb) is a rare form of fibromuscular dysplasia that can produce embolic stroke. Misdiagnosis of symptomatic CaWeb as "cryptogenic stroke" or "embolic stroke of unknown source" is common and can lead to recurrent, catastrophic neurologic events. Reports of CaWeb in the literature are scarce, and their natural history is poorly understood. Appropriate management remains controversial. METHODS: CaWeb was defined as a single, shelf-like, linear projection in the posterolateral carotid bulb causing a filling defect on computed tomography angiography (CTA) or cerebral angiography. Cases of symptomatic CaWeb at a single institution with a high-volume stroke center were identified through collaborative evaluation by vascular neurologists and vascular surgeons. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients with symptomatic CaWeb were identified during a 6-year period (2016-2022). Average age was 49 years (range, 29-73 years), 35 of 52 (67%) were African American, and 18 of 52 (35%) were African American women under age 50. Patients initially presented with stroke (47/52; 90%) or transient ischemic attack (5/52; 10%). Stenosis was <50% in 49 of 52 patients (94%) based on NASCET criteria, and 0 of 52 (0%) CaWebs were identified with carotid duplex. Definitive diagnosis was made by CTA examined in multiple planes or cerebral angiography examined in a lateral projection to adequately assess the posterolateral carotid bulb, where 52 of 52 (100%) of CaWebs were seen. Early in our institutional experience, 10 of 52 patients (19%) with symptomatic CaWeb were managed initially with dual antiplatelet and statin therapy or systemic anticoagulation; all suffered ipsilateral recurrent stroke at an average interval of 43 months (range, 1-89 months), and five were left with permanent deficits. Definitive treatment included carotid endarterectomy in 27 of 50 (56%) or carotid stenting in 23 of 50 (46%). Two strokes were irrecoverable, and intervention was deferred. Web-associated thrombus was observed in 20 of 50 (40%) on angiography or grossly upon carotid exploration. Average interval from initial stroke to intervention was 39 days. After an average follow-up of 38 months, there was no reported postintervention stroke or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the largest single-institution analysis of symptomatic CaWeb yet reported. Our series demonstrates that carotid duplex is inadequate for diagnosis, and that medical management is unacceptable for symptomatic CaWeb. Recurrent stroke occurred in all patients managed early in our experience with medical therapy alone. We have since adopted an aggressive interventional approach in cases of symptomatic CaWeb, with no postoperative stroke reported over an average follow-up of 38 months. In younger patients presenting with cryptogenic stroke, especially African American women, detailed review of lateral cerebral angiography or multi-planar, fine-cut CTA images is required to accurately rule out or diagnose CaWeb and avoid recurrent neurologic events.

Neurologic outcomes of carotid and other emergent interventions for ischemic stroke over 6 years with dataset enhanced by machine learning.

BACKGROUND: The current mainstays of ischemic stroke treatment include the use of thrombolysis (tissue plasminogen activator [tPA]), urgent carotid endarterectomy (uCEA) or urgent carotid artery stenting (uCAS), and mechanical endovascular reperfusion/thrombectomy (MER). Scarce data describe the presenting stroke severity and neurologic outcomes for these acute ischemic stroke interventions, alone or in combination. The authors hypothesize that patients undergoing carotid interventions experience better functional neurologic outcomes than other stroke interventions. METHODS: A comprehensive stroke center dataset was combined with data for stroke-related procedures, comorbidities, complications, and physician documentation collected from electronic medical record data. A total of 10,975 patient encounter records from January 1, 2015, through July 31, 2021, were retrieved. The presenting stroke severity was determined by vascular/stroke neurologists using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Functional neurologic outcomes were reported using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, which quantifies the degree of neurologic disability. Because mRS values were only available for 3627 encounters in the original dataset, the authors developed a machine learning algorithm to analyze physician documentation and assign an mRS value. After the exclusion and machine learning analysis, a total of 5170 patient encounters were included for statistical analysis. Statistical analyses included the χ2 test, one-way analysis of variance and logistic regression on 30-day complications, stroke severity, and neurologic outcomes. RESULTS: Patients were divided into five cohorts: (1) uCEA or uCAS (n = 189), (2) tPA alone (n = 1053), (3) MER alone (n = 418), (4) tPA + MER (n = 199), and (5) no intervention (n = 3311). Patients undergoing uCEA/uCAS were significantly more likely to be male, smokers, and have a history of peripheral arterial disease compared with other stroke cohorts. The length of stay was shortest for patients who only received tPA or no intervention (6 days), followed by uCEA/uCAS (7.2 days), MER (10.2 days), and tPA + MER (8.8 days) cohorts (P < .001). The 30-day mortality was highest in the MER cohort (12.2%) and lowest in the uCEA/uCAS cohort (2.6%). The uCEA/uCAS cohort compared with other cohorts had the lowest presenting stroke severity (NIHSS 4.9 vs NIHSS 6.9-16.0), and best neurologic outcomes (mRS 1.7 vs mRS 1.8-2.6). CONCLUSIONS: After an ischemic stroke, patients undergoing urgent carotid interventions had the lowest presenting stroke severity (NIHSS) and highest rate of independent neurologic outcomes (mRS) compared with other stroke interventions. Incoming stroke severity correlates with functional neurologic outcomes, and patients who present with an NIHSS of 10 or less who undergo uCEA/uCAS have a high likelihood of independent neurologic functional outcome (mRS of ≤2).

Evaluation of an EPID in vivo monitoring system using local and external independent audit measurements.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to evaluate the SunCHECK PerFRACTION, the software for in vivo monitoring using EPID images. MATERIALS/METHODS: First, the PerFRACTION ability to detect errors was investigated simulating two situations: (1) variation of LINAC output and (2) variation of the phantom thickness. An ionization chamber was used as reference to measure the introduced dose variations. Both tests used EPID in integrated mode (absolute dose). Second, EPID measurements in integrated mode were carried out during an independent Brazilian governmental audit that provided four phantoms and TLDs. PerFRACTION calculated the absolute dose on EPID plane, and it compared with predicted calculated dose for every delivered plan. The dose deviations reported using PerFRACTION were compared with dose deviations reported by the independent audit. Third, an end-to-end test using a heterogeneous phantom was performed. A VMAT plan with EPID in cine mode was delivered. PerFRACTION calculated the mean dose on CBCT using EPID information and log files. The calculated doses at four different points were compared with ionization chambers measurements. RESULTS: About the first test, the largest difference found was 1.2%. Considering the audit results, the variations detected by TLD measurements and by PerFRACTION dose calculation on EPID plane were close: 12 points had variations less than 2%, 2 points with variation between 2% and 3%, and 2 points with deviations greater than 3% (max 3.7%). The end-to-end tests using a heterogeneous phantom achieved dose deviation less than 1.0% in the water-equivalent region. In the mimicking lung region, the deviations were higher (max 7.3%), but in accordance with what is expected for complex situations. CONCLUSION: The tests results indicate that PerFRACTION dose calculations in different situations have good agreement with standard measurements. Action levels were suggested for absolute dose on EPID plane as well as 3D dose calculation on CBCT using PerFRACTION.

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of the Feasibility of a Multicomponent Delirium Prevention Intervention Versus Usual Care in Acute Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Delirium after acute stroke is a serious complication. Numerous studies support a benefit of multicomponent interventions in minimizing delirium-related complications in at-risk patients, but this has not been reported in acute stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of conducting a randomized (delirium care) versus usual standardized stroke care (usual care) in reducing delirium in acute stroke. OBJECTIVE: This pilot study assessed the feasibility of (1) enrollment within the 48-hour window when delirium risk is greatest, (2) measuring cognitive function using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, (3) delivering interventions 7 days per week, and (4) determining delirium incidence in stroke-related cognitive dysfunction. METHODS: A 2-group randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients admitted with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes and 50 years or older, English speaking, and without delirium on admit were recruited, consented, and randomized to usual care or delirium care groups. RESULTS: Data from 125 subjects (delirium care, n = 59; usual care, n = 66) were analyzed. All Montreal Cognitive Assessment subscales were completed by 86% of subjects (delirium care, mean [SD], 18.14 [6.03]; usual care, mean [SD], 17.61 [6.29]). Subjects in the delirium care group received a mean of 6.10 therapeutic activities (range, 2-23) and daily medication review by a clinical pharmacist using anticholinergic drug calculations. Delirium incidence was 8% (10/125), 3 in the delirium care group and 7 in the usual care group. CONCLUSION: Findings support the feasibility of delivering a multicomponent delirium prevention intervention in acute stroke and warrants testing intervention effects on delirium outcomes and anticholinergic medication administration.

Weekend Effect in Children With Stroke in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Studies have demonstrated differences in clinical outcomes in adult patients with stroke admitted on weekdays versus weekends. The study's objective was to determine whether a weekend impacts clinical outcomes in children with ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. METHODS: Children aged 1 to 18 years admitted to US hospitals from 2002 to 2011 with a primary discharge diagnosis of ischemic stroke or hemorrhagic stroke were identified by International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, codes. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for in-hospital mortality and discharge to a nursing facility among children admitted on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) versus weekdays (Monday to Friday), adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: Of 8467 children with ischemic stroke, 28% were admitted on a weekend. Although children admitted on weekends did not have a higher in-hospital mortality rate than those admitted on weekdays (4.1% versus 3.3%; P=0.4), children admitted on weekends had a higher rate of discharge to a nursing facility (25.5% versus 18.6%; P=0.003). After adjusting for age, sex, and confounders, the odds of discharge to a nursing facility remained increased among children admitted on weekends (odds ratio, 1.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.9; P=0.006). Of 10 919 children with hemorrhagic stroke, 25.3% were admitted on a weekend. Children admitted on weekends had a higher rate of in-hospital mortality (12% versus 8%; P=0.006). After adjusting for age, sex, and confounders, the odds of in-hospital mortality remained higher among children admitted on weekends (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.9; P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: There seems to be a weekend effect for children with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. Quality improvement initiatives should examine this phenomenon prospectively.

Outcomes of transient ischemic attack in maintenance dialysis patients and those with chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: In-hospital outcomes of transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring maintenance dialysis are largely unknown. We evaluated TIA-related in-hospital outcomes in these patients using a national database. METHODS: Our study is observational in nature. Data from all adult (≥ 18 years) patients admitted to US hospitals between 2005 and 2011 with a primary discharge diagnosis of TIA and secondary diagnosis of CKD and ESRD were included using the Nationwide In-Patient Sample. We aimed to compare the following TIA-related outcomes between CKD and ESRD patients: (i) degree of disability (mainly functional status) derived from discharge destination, (ii) length of stay, (iii) charges of hospitalization, and (iv) mortality. The comparisons of TIA-related mortality and discharge outcomes between CKD and ESRD were analyzed after adjusting for potential confounders using logistic regression analysis. We adjusted for age, sex, co-morbidities, hospital size and hospital teaching status. RESULTS: A total of 18 316 dialysis and 67 256 CKD patients were admitted with TIA in the study period (2005-11). On univariate analysis, there was no difference in the rates of moderate-to-severe disability (20.5% versus 20.2%, P = 0.7) and in-hospital mortality (0.4% versus 0.2%, P = 0.07) in ESRD patients compared with those with CKD. After adjusting for age, sex and potential confounders, ESRD patients with TIA had higher odds of moderate-to-severe disability at discharge [odds ratio (OR): 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37-1.71, P ≤ 0.0001] and in-hospital death (OR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.29-6.37, P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: ESRD patients with TIA have significantly higher rates of moderate-to-severe disability at discharge and in-hospital mortality when compared with the patients of other stages of CKD who are not dialysis-dependent.

Clinical Outcomes among Transferred Children with Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Strokes in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

INTRODUCTION: Children with ischemic stroke (IS) and hemorrhagic stroke (HS) may require interfacility transfer for higher level of care. We compared the characteristics and clinical outcomes of transferred and nontransferred children with IS and HS. METHODS: Children aged 1-18 years admitted to hospitals in the United States from 2008 to 2011 with a primary discharge diagnosis of IS and HS were identified from the National Inpatient Sample database by ICD-9 codes. Using logistic regression, we estimated the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for in-hospital mortality and discharge to nursing facilities (versus discharge home) between transferred and nontransferred patients. RESULTS: Of the 2815 children with IS, 26.7% were transferred. In-hospital mortality and discharge to nursing facilities were not different between transferred and nontransferred children in univariable analysis or in multivariable analysis that adjusted for age, sex, and confounding factors. Of the 6879 children with HS, 27.1% were transferred. Transferred compared to nontransferred children had higher rates of both in-hospital mortality (8% versus 4%, P = .003) and discharge to nursing facilities (25% versus 20%, P = .03). After adjusting for age, sex, and confounding factors, in-hospital mortality (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.4, P = .04) remained higher in transferred children, whereas discharge to nursing facilities was not different between the groups. CONCLUSION: HS but not IS was associated with worse outcomes for children transferred to another hospital compared to children who were not transferred. Additional study is needed to understand what factors may contribute to poorer outcomes among transferred children with HS.

Urgent carotid intervention is safe after thrombolysis for minor to moderate acute ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Carotid intervention shortly after an acute neurologic ischemic event is being performed more frequently in stroke centers to reduce the risk of recurrent stroke. Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is offered to select patients with ischemic stroke symptoms who present within 4.5 hours. However, there is a paucity of data as to whether tPA followed by urgent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) has an increased risk of complications, particularly intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We sought to determine the periprocedural complications of urgently performed CEA or CAS following tPA. METHODS: From January 2009 to January 2015, 762 patients underwent carotid interventions (CEA, n = 440; CAS, n = 322) at a tertiary referral center and 165 patients (21.6%) underwent an urgent CEA or CAS during the index hospitalization for an acute transient ischemic attack or stroke. We compared the effect of intravenous tPA on 30-day complications, including ICH. The χ(2) and Fisher exact tests were used to determine significance between groups. RESULTS: During the 6-year period, 165 patients underwent urgent carotid interventions (CEA, n = 135; CAS, n = 30) for acute neurologic symptoms. Of these, 19% (31 patients [CEA, n = 25; CAS, n = 6]) had tPA for an acute stroke; the remaining (134 patients [CEA, n = 110; CAS, n = 24]) fell outside of the tPA time window. Most strokes were minor or moderate with a mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 6.6 (range, 0-19). The mean time to intervention for both groups was 2.4 days (0-15 days). The 30-day stroke, death, and myocardial infarction rates were 9.7% (3 of 31) for the tPA group compared with 4.5% (6 of 134) for the no-tPA group (P = .37). Including bleeding complications in these 30-day outcomes, there was no difference between the tPA (3 of 31) and the no-tPA cohorts (8 of 134; P = .43). In the tPA group, there were one ICH, one neck hematoma/death, and an additional death; in the no-tPA group, there were one ICH, two neck hematomas, one stroke, two myocardial infarctions, one ICH/death, and one additional death. No significant increased rates of bleeding were noted within the tPA group (2 of 31) compared with the no-tPA group (4 of 134; P = .32). Moreover, in the tPA cohort, more than half of the patients (17 of 31) underwent revascularization within 72 hours (CEA = 13; CAS = 4) with outcomes similar to those who underwent revascularization after 72 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombolysis followed by urgent CEA or CAS is not associated with an increased risk of complications in select patients who present with acute neurologic symptoms. Selection of patients is important; there was no ICH and only one death in each group for patients with minor to moderate ischemic stroke (NIHSS score <10).

Acute renal failure is associated with higher death and disability in patients with acute ischemic stroke: analysis of nationwide inpatient sample.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute renal failure (ARF) in setting of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is associated with worse outcome. We sought to determine the prevalence of ARF and effect on outcomes of patients with AIS. METHODS: Data from all patients admitted to US hospitals between 2002 and 2010 with a primary discharge diagnosis of ischemic stroke and secondary diagnosis of ARF were included. The effect of ARF on rates of intracerebral hemorrhage and discharge outcomes was analyzed after adjusting for potential confounders using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 7,068,334 patients with AIS, 372,223 (5.3%) had ARF during hospitalization. Dialysis was required in 2364 (0.6%) of 372,223 patients. Patients with AIS with ARF had higher rates of moderate to severe disability (41.3% versus 30%; P<0.0001), intracerebral hemorrhage (1.0% versus 0.5%; P<0.0001), and in-hospital mortality (8.4% versus 2.9%; P<0.0001) compared with those without ARF. After adjusting for confounding factors, patients with AIS with ARF had higher odds of moderate to severe disability (odds ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-1.4; P<0.0001), intracerebral hemorrhage (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-1.6; P<0.0001), and death (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-2.2; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: ARF in patients with AIS is associated with significantly higher rates of moderate to severe disability at discharge and in-hospital mortality.

A stroke/vascular neurology service increases the volume of urgent carotid endarterectomies performed in a tertiary referral center.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence supports that urgent carotid endarterectomy (CEA), defined as CEA during the index hospitalization, may be undertaken in select patients with acute carotid-related neurologic symptoms to prevent recurrent ischemic events. We aimed to determine the effect of a stroke/vascular neurology service on the volume of urgent CEAs performed and assess perioperative outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective review from a single tertiary referral center between June 2005 through December 2011 revealed 393 patients who underwent CEA. We identified the number of urgent CEAs before (June 2005-August 2008) and after (September 2008-December 2011) a stroke/vascular neurology service was implemented, as well as asymptomatic CEAs and symptomatic but electively performed CEAs. Demographic data as well as 30-day adverse outcomes (transient ischemic attack [TIA], stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality) were analyzed for each group. In patients undergoing urgent CEA, TIA and stroke severity were assessed by a stroke neurologist using the ABCD2 TIA score and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), respectively. The χ2 test was used to compare differences between the urgent CEA volume before and after a stroke/vascular neurology service. Fisher's exact test was used to analyze perioperative outcomes. RESULTS: Demographics and comorbidities were similar between the 2 groups. The proportion of urgent CEAs performed increased significantly after initiation of a vascular neurology service (4.1% [7 of 172] vs. 22.2% [49 of 221], P<0.0001). Per annum, urgent CEAs increased from 5.3% (4/75) in 2005 to 39.6% (25/63) in 2011. A vascular neurology service did not increase the number of nonurgent referrals. Urgent CEA indications were ocular ischemic events 4% (2/49), cerebral ischemic/infarction events 35% (17/49), crescendo TIAs 6% (3/49), acute stroke 45% (22/49), and stroke-in-evolution 10% (5/49). Mean NIHSS was 3.5 (range 0-24); mean TIA score was 5 (range 1-8). Although there were no statistical differences in 30-day outcomes, there was a trend toward a higher combined complication rate (stroke, death, myocardial infarction) in the urgent compared with the symptomatic but electively performed CEA group (7.1 % [3/49] vs. 2% [1/49]; P=.36). However, patients undergoing urgent CEA with an NIHSS<10 had no perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Collaboration with a vascular neurology team increased the volume of urgent CEAs over a 3-year period. In patients with mild-to-moderate strokes (NIHSS<10), urgent CEA perioperative outcomes approximate those for electively performed CEAs, suggesting improved care through a multidisciplinary approach.

Higher intracranial positioning of an 8 Fr guide catheter improves efficacy of aspiration thrombectomy in large vessel occlusion stroke.

BACKGROUND: Higher positioning of a large bore guide catheter during endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is hypothesized to potentially improve thrombectomy success. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intracranial guide catheter placement during EVT using a multicenter database. METHODS: We reviewed data on consecutive patients undergoing EVT for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) at three comprehensive stroke centers between October 2019 and December 2022. Participants were allocated to one of two cohorts: intracranial (n=141)-guide catheter tip positioned in the petrous carotid or further distal; and control (n=285)-guide catheter tip below the petrous carotid. Primary outcome was excellent reperfusion (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia (TICI) 2c or better), first pass effect (TICI 2c or better after one pass), and arterial access to final reperfusion time. The unpaired t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher's exact test were used to compare themeans, medians and proportions of the two groups, respectively. P values & lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant two cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 426 patients were included in the analysis. Patients with guide catheter location in the petrous segment or further distal had a significantly higher first-pass effect (111/284, 39.1% vs 37/141, 26.2%, P=0.009). There was no significant difference in final excellent recanalization rates between groups (202/285, 70.9% vs 92/141, 65.2%, P=0.266). Furthermore, intracranial positioning of the guide catheter was associated with significantly shorter time to final recanalization (median 21.0 (13.0-38.0) min vs 30.0 (17.0-48.0) min, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Positioning a large bore guide catheter in the petrous segment or further distal resulted in a significantly higher rate of first pass effect, faster procedural times, and equivalent final excellent reperfusion rates compared with more proximal guide catheter placement for patients with anterior circulation LVO.

Comparison of autoantibody specificities between traditional and bead-based assays in a large, diverse collection of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and family members.

OBJECTIVE: Replacement of standard immunofluorescence methods with bead-based assays for antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing is a new clinical option. The aim of this study was to evaluate a large, multiethnic cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), blood relatives, and unaffected control individuals for familial aggregation and subset clustering of autoantibodies by high-throughput serum screening technology and traditional methods. METHODS: Serum samples (1,540 SLE patients, 1,154 unaffected relatives, and 906 healthy, population-based controls) were analyzed for SLE autoantibodies using a bead-based assay, indirect immunofluorescence (IIF), and immunodiffusion. Autoantibody prevalence, sensitivity for disease detection, clustering of autoantibodies, and associations between newer methods and standard immunodiffusion results were evaluated. RESULTS: The frequencies of ANAs in the sera from African American, Hispanic, and European American patients with SLE were 89%, 73%, and 67%, respectively, by BioPlex 2200 bead-based assay and 94%, 84%, and 86%, respectively, by IIF. When comparing the serum prevalence of 60-kd Ro, La, Sm, nuclear RNP A, and ribosomal P autoantibodies across assays, the sensitivity of detection ranged from 0.92 to 0.83 and the specificity ranged from 0.90 to 0.79. Autoantibody cluster analysis showed associations of autoantibody specificities in 3 subsets: 1) 60 kd Ro, 52-kd Ro, and La, 2) spliceosomal proteins, and 3) double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), chromatin, and ribosomal P. Familial aggregation of Sm/RNP, ribosomal P, and 60-kd Ro in SLE patient sibling pairs was observed (P ≤ 0.004). Simplex-pedigree SLE patients had a greater prevalence of dsDNA (P = 0.0003) and chromatin (P = 0.005) autoantibodies compared to patients with a multiplex SLE pedigree. CONCLUSION: The frequencies of ANAs detected by a bead-based assay are lower than those detected by IIF in European American patients with SLE. These assays have strong positive predictive values across ethnic groups, provide useful information for clinical care, and provide unique insights into familial aggregation and autoantibody clustering.

Diagnostic accuracy of telestroke consultation: a Louisiana based tele-network experience.

Background and purpose: Telestroke has grown significantly since its implementation. Despite growing utilization, there is a paucity of data regarding the diagnostic accuracy of telestroke to distinguish between stroke and its mimics. We aimed to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of telestroke consultations and explore the characteristics of misdiagnosed patients with a focus on stroke mimics. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of all the consultations in our Ochsner Health's TeleStroke program seen between April 2015 and April 2016. Consultations were classified into one of three diagnostic categories: stroke/transient ischemic attack, mimic, and uncertain. Initial telestroke diagnosis was compared with the final diagnosis post review of all emergency department and hospital data. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), positive likelihood ratio (LR+) and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) for diagnosis of stroke/TIA versus mimic were calculated. Area under receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis to predict true stroke was performed. Bivariate analysis based on the diagnostic categories examined association with sex, age, NIHSS, stroke risk factors, tPA given, bleeding after tPA, symptom onset to last known normal, symptom onset to consult, timing in the day, and consult duration. Logistic regression was performed as indicated by bivariate analysis. Results: Eight hundred and seventy-four telestroke evaluations were included in our analysis. Accurate diagnosis through teleneurological consultation was seen in 85% of which 532 were strokes (true positives) and 170 were mimics (true negatives). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV were 97.8, 82.5, 93.7 and 93.4%, respectively. LR+ and LR- were 5.6 and 0.03. AUC (95% CI) was 0.9016 (0.8749-0.9283). Stroke mimics were more common with younger age and female gender and in those with less vascular risk factors. LR revealed OR (95% CI) of misdiagnosis for female gender of 1.9 (1.3-2.9). Lower age and lower NIHSS score were other predictors of misdiagnosis. Conclusion: We report high diagnostic accuracy of the Ochsner Telestroke Program in discriminating stroke/TIA and stroke mimics, with slight tendency towards over diagnosis of stroke. Female gender, younger age and lower NIHSS score were associated with misdiagnosis.

Tailored Mentorship for the Underrepresented and Allies in Radiation Oncology: The Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology Equity and Inclusion Subcommittee Mentorship Experience.

PURPOSE: There are limited opportunities for mentorship for underrepresented in medicine (URM) trainees and physicians in radiation oncology (RO). The purpose of this study was to create and evaluate a formal mentorship program open to URMs and allies with interests in diversity, equity, and inclusion. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A mentorship program incorporating a virtual platform was designed by the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology Equity and Inclusion Subcommittee. It was structured to include 6 sessions over 6 months with matched mentor-mentee pairs based on responses to a publicized online interest form. A compilation of evidence-based guidelines was provided to optimize the mentorship relationship. Linked pre- and postprogram surveys were administered to collect demographic data, define baseline goals and level of support, and evaluate program satisfaction. RESULTS: Thirty-five mentor-mentee pairs were matched; 31 mentees completed the preprogram survey and 17 completed the postprogram survey. Preprogram, only 3 mentees (9.7%) reported satisfaction with current mentorship and 5 (16%) reported mechanisms or mentorship in place at their program to support URMs. On the postprogram survey, mentees reported high satisfaction with areas of mentorship, mentor attributes, and the program overall. Opportunities for improvement include implementation of mechanisms to enhance communication with mentor-mentee pairs and maintain longitudinal engagement. CONCLUSIONS: In the first tailored mentorship program in RO for URMs and those with diversity, equity, and inclusion interests, our results demonstrate that there is self-reported interest for better mentorship for URMs in RO, and that a nationwide structured mentorship program can address participants' goals with high satisfaction. Program expansion could provide URMs and allies in RO more opportunities for career development and promote a greater sense of community and inclusion within the field.

Effects of IRF5 lupus risk haplotype on pathways predicted to influence B cell functions.

Both genetic and environmental interactions affect systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) development and pathogenesis. One known genetic factor associated with lupus is a haplotype of the interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) gene. Analysis of global gene expression microarray data using gene set enrichment analysis identified multiple interferon- and inflammation-related gene sets significantly overrepresented in cells with the risk haplotype. Pathway analysis using expressed genes from the significant gene sets impacted by the IRF5 risk haplotype confirmed significant correlation with the interferon pathway, Toll-like receptor pathway, and the B-cell receptor pathway. SLE patients with the IRF5 risk haplotype have a heightened interferon signature, even in an unstimulated state (P = 0.011), while patients with the IRF5 protective haplotype have a B cell interferon signature similar to that of controls. These results identify multiple genes in functionally significant pathways which are affected by IRF5 genotype. They also establish the IRF5 risk haplotype as a key determinant of not only the interferon response, but also other B-cell pathways involved in SLE.

Treatment planning of total marrow irradiation with intensity-modulated spot-scanning proton therapy.

Purpose: The goal of this study is to investigate treatment planning of total marrow irradiation (TMI) using intensity-modulated spot-scanning proton therapy (IMPT). The dosimetric parameters of the intensity-modulated proton plans were evaluated and compared with the corresponding TMI plans generated with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) using photon beams. Methods: Intensity-modulated proton plans for TMI were created using the Monte Carlo dose-calculation algorithm in the Raystation 11A treatment planning system with spot-scanning proton beams from the MEVION S250i Hyperscan system. Treatment plans were generated with four isocenters placed along the longitudinal direction, each with a set of five beams for a total of 20 beams. VMAT-TMI plans were generated with the Eclipse-V15 analytical anisotropic algorithm (AAA) using a Varian Trilogy machine. Three planning target volumes (PTVs) for the bones, ribs, and spleen were covered by 12 Gy. The dose conformity index, D80, D50, and D10, for PTVs and organs at risk (OARs) for the IMPT plans were quantified and compared with the corresponding VMAT plans. Results: The mean dose for most of the OARs was reduced substantially (5% and more) in the IMPT plans for TMI in comparison with VMAT plans except for the esophagus and thyroid, which experienced an increase in dose. This dose reduction is due to the fast dose falloff of the distal Bragg peak in the proton plans. The conformity index was found to be similar (0.78 vs 0.75) for the photon and proton plans. IMPT plans provided superior superficial dose coverage for the skull and ribs in comparison with VMAT because of increased entrance dose deposition by the proton beams. Conclusion: Treatment plans for TMI generated with IMPT were superior to VMAT plans mainly due to a large reduction in the OAR dose. Although the current IMPT-TMI technique is not clinically practical due to the long overall treatment time, this study presents an enticing alternative to conventional TMI with photons by providing superior dose coverage of the targets, increased sparing of the OARs, and enhanced radiobiological effects associated with proton therapy.

Fluid administration in cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: neither too much nor too little.

INTRODUCTION: Intraoperative fluid therapy in cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy plays an important role in postoperative morbidity. Studies have found an association between overload fluid therapy and increased postoperative complications, advising restrictive intraoperative fluid therapy. Our objective in this study was to compare the morbidity associated with restrictive versus non-restrictive intraoperative fluid therapy. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a database collected prospectively in the Anesthesiology Service of Virgen del Roc.ío Hospital, from December 2016 to April 2019. One hundred and six patients who underwent complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy were divided into two cohorts according to Fluid Therapy received 1. Restrictive.ß..±.ß9.ßmL.kg-1.h-1 (34 patients), 2. Non-restrictive .ß.ß....ß9.ßmL.kg-1.h-1 (72 patients). Percentage of major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III...IV) and length hospital stay were the main outcomes variables. RESULTS: Of the 106 enrolled patients, 68.9% were women; 46.2% had ovarian cancer, 35.84% colorectal cancer, and 7.5% peritoneal cancer. The average fluid administration rate was 11.ß...ß3.58.ßmL.kg-1.h-1. The restrictive group suffered a significantly higher percentage of Clavien-Dindo grade III...IV complications (35.29%) compared with the non-restrictive group (15.27%) (p.ß=.ß0.02). The relative risk associated with restrictive therapy was 1.968 (95% confidence interval: 1.158...3.346). We also found a significant difference for hospital length of stay, 20.91 days in the restrictive group vs 16.19 days in the non-restrictive group (p.ß=.ß0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative fluid therapy restriction below 9.ßmL.kg-1.h-1 in cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy was associated with a higher percentage of major postoperative complications.

Repression of oncogenic cap-mediated translation by 4Ei-10 diminishes proliferation, enhances chemosensitivity and alters expression of malignancy-related proteins in mesothelioma.

Activated cap-dependent translation promotes cancer by stimulating translation of mRNAs encoding malignancy-promoting proteins. The nucleoside monophosphate Protide, 4Ei-10, undergoes intracellular uptake and conversion by Hint1 to form 7-Cl-Ph-Ethyl-GMP. 7-Cl-Ph-Ethyl-GMP is an analog of cap and inhibits protein translation by binding and sequestering eIF4E thus blocking eIF4E from binding to the mRNA cap. The effects of inhibiting translation initiation by disruption of the eIF4F complex with 4Ei-10 were examined in malignant mesothelioma (MM). In a cell-free assay system, formation of the eIF4F complex was disabled in response to exposure to 4Ei-10. Treatment of MM with 4Ei-10 resulted in decreased cell proliferation, increased sensitivity to pemetrexed and altered expression of malignancy-related proteins. In light of these findings, suppression of translation initiation by small molecule inhibitors like 4Ei-10 alone or in combination with pemetrexed represents an encouraging strategy meriting further evaluation in the treatment of MM.

Comorbidities Related to Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Undergoing Mechanical Thrombectomy: Review of Literature and Experience at a Single Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Background: Recent clinical trials have shown mechanical thrombectomy (MT) to have clinical benefit for patients with acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to identify comorbid conditions that correlate with functional nonindependence in patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent MT at a single comprehensive stroke center. Methods: Patients who had multiphase computed tomography angiography (MCTA) and subsequently underwent MT were included in this study. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at baseline (prestroke) and at 90 days were established by reviewing patients' histories and medical record documentation. Comorbid conditions were obtained from electronic medical records. Multivariate analysis was performed for body mass index, chronic hypertension, diabetes, hemoglobin A1c, peripheral artery disease, and hyperlipidemia to determine the impact of comorbidities on functional outcome. Age was analyzed using linear regression. Functional independence was defined as an mRS score of 0-2, and functional nonindependence was defined as an mRS score >2. Results: During the study period, 721 patients underwent MCTA, and 134 patients were included for MT. Patients with chronic hypertension and peripheral artery disease showed a statistically significant association with functional nonindependence at 90 days (P=0.005 and P=0.0125, respectively). Younger age at presentation was correlated with functional nonindependence using linear regression (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Hypertension, peripheral artery disease, and younger age at presentation are correlated with poor functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing MT.