Meniscus Sign in Patients with Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke does not Predict Outcome.

PURPOSE: The angiographic appearance of the occlusion site was suggested to influence outcomes of stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) who undergo endovascular treatment (EVT). We aimed to study the impact of the meniscus sign (MS) on outcomes of stroke patients with anterior circulation LVO. METHODS: Based on two prospective registries of acute ischemic stroke, we selected patients with carotid­T, M1 or M2 occlusion who underwent EVT. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were collected from the registries or from individual records. Two independent observers blinded to outcomes assessed the presence of MS in digital subtraction angiography before thrombectomy. Angiographic and clinical outcomes of patients with and without MS were compared. RESULTS: We included 903 patients, with median age of 78 years, 59.8% were male, median baseline NIHSS was 14 and 39.5% received intravenous thrombolysis. Patients with MS (n = 170, 18.8%) were more frequently female, presented with higher NIHSS scores and more frequently underwent intravenous thrombolysis. Presence of MS was significantly associated with cardioembolic etiology. Successful reperfusion, number of passes, first pass effect, procedural time, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, in-hospital mortality and favorable 3­month functional outcome were similar in the groups of patients with and without MS. In the multivariable analyses, MS was not associated with successful reperfusion (odds ratio, OR = 1.08, 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.76-1.55), first pass effect (OR = 0.96, 95%CI = 0.48-1.92) or favorable 3­month outcome (OR = 1.40, 95%CI = 0.88-2.24). CONCLUSION: The presence of MS in acute ischemic stroke patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion who undergo EVT does not appear to influence angiographic or clinical outcomes.

Pneumothorax as a Presentation of Tuberous Sclerosis-Associated Lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare, autosomal dominant disorder with a recognized phenotypic variability with clinical manifestations developing continuously throughout life. The follow-up of TSC patients is challenging. The authors present a case with a definite diagnosis of TSC with known skin, renal, hepatic and neuropsychiatric involvement, whose diagnosis of TSC-associated lymphangioleiomyomatosis was establish at a late stage after the patient had presented with recurrent pneumothorax. Notwithstanding, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition therapy was initiated. LEARNING POINTS: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a systemic and progressive disorder leading to significant morbidity, highlighting the need to closely monitor such patients.TSC-associated lymphangioleiomyomatosis is the major pulmonary manifestation and screening at an early stage is imperative.Managing TSC requires a multidisciplinary approach and the introduction of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition therapy reinforces the need for collaboration between well-prepared health professionals.

Cryptococcal Meningitis in a HIV-Negative Patient.

Sarcoidosis is a risk factor for the development of cryptococcal infection due to dysfunction at T-cell level. Its rarity may, however, delay diagnosis and treatment. We describe the case of a 60-year-old man, diagnosed with sarcoidosis since 1999. He had never received systemic immunomodulatory therapy, such as corticosteroid therapy. In 2012, he was diagnosed with pulmonary cryptococcosis and treated with fluconazole. In April 2013, he presented with symptoms compatible with central nervous system (CNS) infection, namely, Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis. He was treated with amphotericin B, followed by fluconazole. The clinical outcome was favourable. LEARNING POINTS: Although rare, in patients with sarcoidosis and central nervous system (CNS) symptomatology, it is important to verify the existence of cryptococcal meningitis.Antifungal treatment should be started as early as possible.Before the diagnosis of pulmonary cryptococcosis, dissemination to the CNS should be outruled due to the need for more aggressive treatment.