Clinical Characteristics as Predictors of Early and Delayed Cerebral Infarction in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Patients: A Meta-Analysis of 4527 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Predictors of delayed cerebral infarction (DCI) and early cerebral infraction (ECI) among aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients remain unclear. We aimed to systematically review and synthesize the literature on predictors of ECI and DCI among aSAH patients. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases comprehensively from inception through January 2024 for observational cohort studies examining predictors of DCI or ECI following aneurysmal SAH. Studies were screened, reviewed, and meta-analyzed, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Cochrane guidelines. The data were pooled as Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals using Review Manager 5.4 software. Methodologic quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis included 12 moderate to high-quality cohort studies comprising 4527 patients. Regarding DCI predictors, Higher severity scores (OR = 1.49, 95% confidence interval [1.12, 1.97], P = 0.005) and high Fisher scores (OR = 2.23, 95% confidence interval [1.28, 3.89], P = 0.005) on presentation were significantly associated with an increased risk of DCI. Also, the female sex and the presence of vasospasm were significantly associated with an increased risk of DCI (OR = 3.04, 95% confidence interval [1.35, 6.88], P = 0.007). In contrast, preexisting hypertension (P = 0.94), aneurysm treatment (P = 0.14), and location (P = 0.16) did not reliably predict DCI risk. Regarding ECI, the pooled analysis demonstrated no significant associations between sex (P = 0.51), pre-existing hypertension (P = 0.63), severity (P = 0.51), or anterior aneurysm location versus posterior (P = 0.86) and the occurrence of ECI. CONCLUSION: Female sex, admission disease severity, presence of vasospasm and Fisher grading can predict DCI risk post-aSAH. Significant knowledge gaps exist for ECI predictors. Further large standardized cohorts are warranted to guide prognosis and interventions.

Practicality and cost-effectiveness of using MRI compatible EEG system in the critical care setting.

BACKGROUND: Continuous video-EEG (cvEEG) monitoring is a vastly utilized tool for monitoring critically ill patients in the intensive care unit. Our study investigates the clinical utility and cost-effectiveness of using MRI Compatible EEG electrode system for patients being monitored in the intensive care unit. METHODS: This retrospective study included 14 critically ill patients who underwent cvEEG between March 2019 to March 2020. They were classified into 2 subgroups: Group 1- 'MRI-compatible EEG' (mean age: 56.00 ± 19.99 years; M:F = 2:5; N = 7), Group 2 - 'Conventional EEG' (mean age: 49.14 ± 24.76 years; M:F = 4:3; N = 7). The EEG monitoring times as well as cost-effectiveness of cvEEG between the groups were compared using Mann-Whitney Test (p ≤ 0.05). We also compared the MRI quality between the groups using Chi-squared test (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: The EEG non-monitored time in Group 2 (7.62 ± 6.45 h) was significantly higher than Group 1 (2.71 ± 2.34 h)] (p = 0.025). The average daily cost for cvEEG in Group 1 ($2098.53 ± 493.58) and Group 2 ($2230.58 ± 142.73) was comparable (p = 0.896). The quality of MRI scans between Group 1 (6/7) and 2 (6/7) were also comparable (p = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: The monitoring time lost in patients with MRI Compatible EEG electrodes was significantly lower than the patients with Conventional EEG electrodes. The daily cost of monitoring and the quality of MRI scans were comparable between the 2 groups. We conclude that the use of MRI Compatible EEG electrodes is a practical and cost-effective method to improve the quality of monitoring in critically ill patients.

COVID-19 Screening with Chest CT in Acute Stroke Imaging: A Clinical Decision Model.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute stroke patients may have undiagnosed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, transmissible to medical professionals involved in their care. Our aim was to determine the value of incorporating a chest computed tomography (CT) scan during acute stroke imaging, and the factors that influence this decision. METHODS: We constructed a probabilistic decision tree of the value of acquiring a chest CT scan or not, expressed in quality-adjusted life months (QALM) of patients and medical professionals. The model was based on the chance of detecting infection by chest CT scan, the case fatality rates of COVID-19 infection, the risk of COVID-19 infection after exposure, the expected proportion of medical professionals exposed, and the exposure reduction derived from early disease detection. RESULTS: The decision to incorporate the chest CT scan was superior to not doing so (12.00 QALM vs 11.99 QALM, respectively), when the probability of patients having undetected COVID-19 infection is 3.5%, potentially exposing 100% of medical professionals, and if early detection reduces exposure by 50%. The risk of developing symptomatic COVID-19 infection following exposure casts uncertainty on the results, but this is offset by the potential for reducing exposure. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a measurable benefit of incorporating a chest CT into the urgent imaging protocol of acute stroke patients in reducing exposure of medical professionals without appropriate precautions. The clinical impact of this benefit, however, may not be materially significant.

Intra-Arterial Dantrolene for Refractory Cerebral Vasospasm in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Dantrolene has a safe side-effect profile and a mechanism of action that makes it attractive as an option for treatment of cerebral vasospasm. The authors report 2 cases of refractory cerebral vasospasm secondary to aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage that were successfully treated with intra-arterial (IA) dantrolene. CASE DESCRIPTION: Two patients, a 63-year-old woman and 36-year-old woman, developed severe vasospasm refractory to IA vasodilators after rupture of anterior communicating artery aneurysms. IA dantrolene was injected in doses of 15-30 mg in the affected distributions and mean arterial pressure, intracranial pressure, and heart rate were monitored. There was immediate improvement in lumen diameter of the affected vessels following dantrolene injection. No significant differences in mean arterial pressure or intracranial pressure before and after IA dantrolene were observed. Both patients demonstrated clinical improvement within 24 hours without any further deterioration during the rest of their admission. Follow-up angiography 48 hours after IA dantrolene treatment demonstrated continued resolution of cerebral vasospasm. CONCLUSIONS: This evidence suggests IA dantrolene as a safe and effective novel alternative for the treatment of cerebral vasospasm.

Dihydroergotamine Complicating Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome in Status Migrainosus.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a clinicoradiological syndrome that occurs due to dysfunction of cerebrovascular autoregulation. It is characterized by recurrent thunderclap headache from cerebral vasoconstriction which can cause ischemic infarction, spontaneous intraparenchymal and subarachnoid hemorrhage. This syndrome can be triggered by a variety of etiologies including medications, infectious, and inflammatory conditions. The diagnosis is often delayed due to unawareness among the health-care providers and delayed neuroimaging evidence of vasoconstriction with or without ischemic and/or hemorrhagic infarction. Status migrainosus is a prevalent condition requiring emergency room visits and inpatient admission. Thus, patients with RCVS can be easily misdiagnosed with migraine. We report a patient with RCVS misdiagnosed as status migrainosus with visual aura, treated with intravenous dihydroergotamine with worsening of cerebral vasoconstriction and lead to ischemic and hemorrhagic complications. We discuss this complication and provide guidance on differentiating between migraine and RCVS.

Spot Sign in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Current treatment paradigms focus on correcting hypertension and coagulopathy to prevent hematoma expansion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is becoming more common in the hyperactive phase of ICH management. The finding of contrast extravasation (ie, spot sign) on MRI may be a marker of active bleeding. We present a case of MRI spot sign and review of the literature. CASE REPORT: We present a patient on oral coumadin for history of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus who presented with a right basal ganglia hemorrhage. She had a computed tomography angiography showing contrast extravasation and also had a hyperacute MRI showing similar contrast extravasation. Follow-up imaging showed hematoma enlargement. DISCUSSION: We present here a case of corroboration of the computed tomography angiography spot sign with the MRI spot sign. The prognostic value of the MRI spot sign is unclear. Future studies should evaluate the prognostic value of the hyperacute MRI in ICH management.

Seizure prophylaxis in the neuroscience intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Seizures are a considerable complication in critically ill patients. Their incidence is significantly high in neurosciences intensive care unit patients. Seizure prophylaxis with anti-epileptic drugs is a common practice in neurosciences intensive care unit. However, its utility in patients without clinical seizure, with an underlying neurological injury, is somewhat controversial. BODY: In this article, we have reviewed the evidence for seizure prophylaxis in commonly encountered neurological conditions in neurosciences intensive care unit and discussed the possible prognostic role of continuous electroencephalography monitoring in detecting early seizures in critically ill patients. CONCLUSION: Based on the current evidence and guidelines, we have proposed a presumptive protocol for seizure prophylaxis in neurosciences intensive care unit. Patients with severe traumatic brain injury and possible subarachnoid hemorrhage seem to benefit with a short course of anti-epileptic drug. In patients with other neurological illnesses, the use of continuous electroencephalography would make sense rather than indiscriminately administering anti-epileptic drug.

Extubating the Neurocritical Care Patient: A Spontaneous Breathing Trial Algorithmic Approach.

BACKGROUND: Delaying extubation in neurologically impaired patients otherwise ready for extubation is a source for significant morbidity, mortality, and costs. There is no consensus to suggest one spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) over another in predicting extubation success. We studied an algorithm using zero pressure support and zero positive end-expiratory pressure (ZEEP) SBT followed by 5-cm H2O pressure support and 5-cm H2O positive end-expiratory pressure (i.e., 5/5) SBT in those who failed ZEEP SBT. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of intubated patients in a neurosciences intensive care unit. All eligible patients were initially challenged with ZEEP SBT. If failed, a 5/5 SBT was immediately performed. If passed either the ZEEP SBT or the subsequent 5/5 SBT, patients were liberated from mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: In total, 108 adult patients were included. The majority of patients were successfully liberated from mechanical ventilation using ZEEP SBT alone (82.4%; p = 0.0007). Fifteen (13.8%) patients failed ZEEP SBT but immediately passed 5/5 SBT (p = 0.0005). One patient (0.93%) required reintubation. We found high sensitivity of this extubation algorithm (100; 95% CI 95.94-100%) but poor specificity (6.67; 95% CI 0.17-31.95%). CONCLUSION: This study showed that the majority of patients could be successfully liberated from mechanical ventilation after a ZEEP SBT. In those who failed, a 5/5 SBT increased the successful liberation from mechanical ventilation.

Primary Intraventricular Hemorrhage Isolated in Cerebral Aqueduct Secondary to Dural Arteriovenous Fistula.

OBJECTIVE: We report a case of dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) presenting as isolated cerebral aqueduct hemorrhage. RESULT: A 73-year-old man with a history of hypertension and chronic alcoholism presented with altered mental status and gait difficulties, bilateral fronto-occipital headaches, and intermittent dizziness. He had bilateral upward gaze restriction. Computerized tomography scan showed hyperdensity in the cerebral aqueduct and dilation of the lateral and third ventricles. The diagnostic angiogram demonstrated dAVF with arterial feeders from the cavernous segment of the left internal carotid artery and venous drainage into left transverse and sigmoid venous sinus. CONCLUSION: Underlying dAVF should be considered in patients with isolated cerebral aqueduct hemorrhage.

White Matter Changes in Corpus Callosum in a Patient with Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) is characterized by the clinical triad of gait and cognitive dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting is often required for treatment. Review of literature shows few case reports discussing benign magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 hyperintense changes in the corpus callosum of NPH patients after shunting due to mechanical compression of the middle and posterior regions of the body against falx cerebri leading to ischemic demyelination. These changes can be a delayed phenomenon and may interfere with clinical evaluation and may lead to unnecessary procedures and investigations. We present a patient with NPH who was admitted to the neurocritical care unit in coma with quetiapine and trazodone overdose. Diffuse changes in the body of the corpus callosum were seen on MRI suspicious for acute vasogenic edema due to drug overdose. However, it was later determined to be due to the VP shunting for the NPH. We report this case to raise the awareness of neuroimaging changes in patients with NPH who have VP shunting.

Improvement in Quality Metrics Outcomes and Patient and Family Satisfaction in a Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit after Creation of a Dedicated Neurocritical Care Team.

INTRODUCTION: Dedicated neurointensivists have been shown to improve outcome measurements in the neurosciences intensive care unit (NSICU). Quality outcome data in relation to patient and family satisfaction is lacking. This study evaluated the impact of newly appointed neurointensivists and creation of a neurocritical care team on quality outcome measures including patient satisfaction in a NSICU. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of data over 36 months from a 14-bed NSICU evaluating quality outcome measures and anonymous patient satisfaction questionnaires before and after neurointensivists appointment. RESULTS: After appointment of neurointensivists, patient acuity of the NSICU increased by 33.4% while LOS decreased by 3.5%. There was a decrease in neurosciences mortality (35.8%), catheter-associated urinary tract infection (50%), central line associated bloodstream infection (100%), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (50%). During the same time, patient satisfaction increased by 28.3% on physicians/nurses consistency (p = 0.025), by 69.5% in confidence/trust in physicians (p < 0.0001), by 78.3% on physicians treated me with courtesy/respect (p < 0.0001), and by 46.4% on physicians' attentiveness (p < 0.0001). Ultimately, patients recommending the hospital to others increased by 67.5% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Dedicated neurointensivists and the subsequent development of a neurocritical care team positively impacted quality outcome metrics, particularly significantly improving patient satisfaction.

A new strategy in neurocritical care nurse continuing stroke education: A hybrid simulation pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: High-fidelity simulation is frequently utilized in medical education. Its use in the neurosciences is limited by the inherent limitations of the manikin to simulate neurological changes. We report here the use of a hybrid simulation - a combination of lecture and high-fidelity manikin - in the education of neurosciences nurses, involved in care of neurocritical care patients. METHODS: Neurosciences nurses from at the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA, which is an academic, tertiary-care medical center participated in the simulation during Spring of 2016. The simulation involved a patient presenting with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) who neurologically deteriorated to brain death. Pre- and post-simulation questionnaires were administered using a questionnaire with five-point Liker scale. RESULTS: Seventy-two responses were returned. The majority had 0-5 years of nursing experience with 83.8% having prior critical care experience. Pre-simulation, the majority of nurses (85.7%) agreed or strongly agreed with managing patients with ICH. When the responses of "agree" were compared to "strongly agree", a significant improvement (p<0.001) in all responses except confidence in speaking with other healthcare providers was found. CONCLUSION: Nurses reported significant improvement in understanding and managing patients with acute ICH and neurological deterioration after participating in a neurocritical care hybrid simulation. This study shows the benefit of using hybrid simulation in the education of neurocritical care nurses.

Prolonged duration of apnea test during brain death examination in a case of intraparenchymal hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: Apnea test is required as part of the brain death examination. The duration of the apnea test is variable but typically requires 8-10 min. Prolonged apnea tests have been reported in the setting of hypothermia. Here, we describe a case of prolonged duration of apnea test secondary to a phenomenon called cardiac ventilation. METHODS: The patient presented in coma with brainstem areflexia after having an intracerebral hemorrhage resulting in subfalcine, central, uncal, and tonsillar herniations. Confounding variables were excluded. Brain death testing was performed, and she was found to have brainstem areflexia. Pre-requisites for apnea test were then met. RESULTS: Apnea testing, however, was prolonged at 110 min. When reconnected to ventilator, it was noted that she had small (30-35 cc) tidal volumes at a rate of her heart rate without respiratory effort. Ancillary testing with four-vessel cerebral angiogram confirmed cerebral circulatory arrest. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the longest reported case of apnea testing during brain death testing. Variables known to cause a delay in the rise of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels were excluded. We suspect the hyperdynamic cardiac state caused cardiac ventilations resulting in slow increase in carbon dioxide levels.

Successful Extubation Using Heliox BiPAP in Two Patients with Postextubation Stridor.

Postextubation stridor is associated with significant morbidity. It commonly results in extubation failure after established medical treatment fails, such as nebulized epinephrine and/or intravenous steroids. The role of heliox (i.e., combination of helium and oxygen) in managing patients with postextubation stridor has not been fully established. We report two cases of postextubation stridor successfully treated with heliox delivered with bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) after failure of standard medical therapy.

Abnormal Breathing Patterns Predict Extubation Failure in Neurocritically Ill Patients.

In neurologically injured patients, predictors for extubation success are not well defined. Abnormal breathing patterns may result from the underlying neurological injury. We present three patients with abnormal breathing patterns highlighting failure of successful extubation as a result of these neurologically driven breathing patterns. Recognizing abnormal breathing patterns may be predictive of extubation failure and thus need to be considered as part of extubation readiness.

Variability in Diagnosing Brain Death at an Academic Medical Center.

Objective. Research continues to highlight variability in hospital policy and documentation of brain death. The aim of our study was to characterize how strictly new guidelines of American Academy of Neurology (AAN) for death by neurological criteria were practiced in our hospital prior to appointment of neurointensivists. Method. This is a retrospective study of adults diagnosed as brain dead from 2011 to 2015. Descriptive statistics compared five categories: preclinical testing, neurological examination, apnea tests, ancillary test, and documentation of time of death. Strict adherence to AAN guidelines for brain death determination was determined. Result. 76 patients were included in this study. Preclinical prerequisites were fulfilled in 53.9% and complete neurological examinations were documented in 76.3%. Apnea test was completed in 39.5%. Ancillary test was completed in 29.8%. Accurate documentation of time of death occurred in 59.2%. Overall, strict adherence to current AAN guidelines for death by neurological criteria was correctly documented in 38.2%. Conclusion. Our study shows wide variability in diagnosing brain death. These findings led us to update our death by neurological criteria policy and increase awareness of brain death determination with the goal of improving our documentation following current AAN guidelines.

Evolution of Cerebral Atrophy in a Patient with Super Refractory Status Epilepticus Treated with Barbiturate Coma.

Introduction. Status epilepticus is associated with neuronal breakdown. Radiological sequelae of status epilepticus include diffusion weighted abnormalities and T2/FLAIR cortical hyperintensities corresponding to the epileptogenic cortex. However, progressive generalized cerebral atrophy from status epilepticus is underrecognized and may be related to neuronal death. We present here a case of diffuse cerebral atrophy that developed during the course of super refractory status epilepticus management despite prolonged barbiturate coma. Methods. Case report and review of the literature. Case. A 19-year-old male with a prior history of epilepsy presented with focal clonic seizures. His seizures were refractory to multiple anticonvulsants and eventually required pentobarbital coma for 62 days and midazolam coma for 33 days. Serial brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed development of cerebral atrophy at 31 days after admission to our facility and progression of the atrophy at 136 days after admission. Conclusion. This case highlights the development and progression of generalized cerebral atrophy in super refractory status epilepticus. The cerebral atrophy was noticeable at 31 days after admission at our facility which emphasizes the urgency of definitive treatment in patients who present with super refractory status epilepticus. Further research into direct effects of therapeutic coma is warranted.

Vasopressin Bolus Protocol Compared to Desmopressin (DDAVP) for Managing Acute, Postoperative Central Diabetes Insipidus and Hypovolemic Shock.

Introduction. Management of postoperative central diabetes insipidus (DI) can be challenging from changes in volume status and serum sodium levels. We report a case successfully using a dilute vasopressin bolus protocol in managing hypovolemic shock in acute, postoperative, central DI. Case Report. Patient presented after bifrontal decompressive craniotomy for severe traumatic brain injury. He developed increased urine output resulting in hypovolemia and hypernatremia. He was resuscitated with intravenous fluids including a dilute vasopressin bolus protocol. This protocol consisted of 1 unit of vasopressin in 1 liter of 0.45% normal saline. This protocol was given in boluses based on the formula: urine output minus one hundred. Initial serum sodium was 148 mmol/L, and one-hour urine output was 1 liter. After 48 hours, he transitioned to 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP). Pre-DDAVP serum sodium was 149 mmol/L and one-hour urine output 320 cc. Comparing the bolus protocol to the DDAVP protocol, the average sodium was 143.8 ± 3.2 and 149.6 ± 3.2 mmol/L (p = 0.0001), average urine output was 433.2 ± 354.4 and 422.3 ± 276.0 cc/hr (p = 0.90), and average specific gravity was 1.019 ± 0.009 and 1.016 ± 0.01 (p = 0.42), respectively. Conclusion. A protocol using dilute vasopressin bolus can be an alternative for managing acute, central DI postoperatively, particularly in setting of hypovolemic shock resulting in a consistent control of serum sodium.