Spinal Cord Stimulation for Central Neuropathic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury: A Single-Center Case Series.

Purpose: Central neuropathic pain (CNP) following spinal cord injury (SCI) presents a formidable therapeutic challenge, affecting over 50% of the patients post-SCI. For those who experience CNP, conventional treatments often prove insufficient. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) emerges as a potential intervention for chronic pain after SCI that is unresponsive to pharmacotherapy and supportive measures. However, the efficacy of SCS in alleviating CNP is notably limited. The objective of our study was to evaluate novel stimulation paradigms in SCS for patients with severe CNP after SCI, based on our extensive experience. Patients and Methods: From a pool of 112 patients treated with SCS for chronic neuropathic pain in the Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, we selected eight individuals (4 males and 4 females) with CNP for our case series. Burst and high frequency SCS was applied. The assessment involved utilizing the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI), and the EQ-5D quality of life scale before surgery and during a 12-month follow-up period. Results: Over the course of the one-year follow-up, only two patients experienced satisfactory relief from pain, demonstrating the effectiveness of the stimulation. Moreover, high-frequency and burst SCS failed to show improvement in the remaining six patients. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that, despite the incorporation of new stimulation paradigms such as burst stimulation and high-frequency stimulation, SCS does not exhibit significant effectiveness in treating neuropathic pain in patients after SCI. These findings highlight the ongoing challenge of treating CNP and emphasize the importance of investigating alternative therapeutic strategies for this group.

Changes in frontal aslant tract tractography in selected types of brain tumours.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To present differences in frontal aslant tract (FAT) tractography among patients diagnosed with primary brain tumours and metastatic brain tumours. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis included 38 patients diagnosed with a frontal brain tumour. A control group of 30 healthy patients was also considered. The FAT was delineated, taking into account ROI 1 - the superior frontal gyrus, and ROI 2 - SMA. Endpoints were determined on the pars opercularis and pars triangularis of the inferior frontal gyrus. FAT was delineated in four different ways for each patient. RESULTS: In the group of patients with a brain tumour, a lower volume of FAT and a reduced quantity of fibres were observed compared to the control group. Comparison of the examined parameters between patients with glioblastoma and metastasis revealed statistically significant differences for MD (p < 0.001) regardless of the selected projection. CONCLUSIONS: The difference in MD (mean diffusivity) among patients with metastatic tumours may be related to an increased oedema zone.

Immunomodulatory and endocrine effects of deep brain stimulation and spinal cord stimulation - A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) represent burgeoning treatments for diverse neurological disorders. This systematic review aims to consolidate findings on the immunological and endocrine effects of DBS and SCS, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms of neuromodulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review, aligned with PRISMA protocols, synthesizes findings from 33 references-20 on DBS and 13 on SCS-to unravel the immunological and endocrine impacts of neuromodulation. RESULTS: DBS interventions exhibited divergent effects on cytokines, with an increase in hepcidin levels and a variable impact on the IL-6/IL-10 ratio. While some studies reported elevated IL-6, animal studies consistently demonstrated a reduction in IL-1ß and IL-6, with no significant changes in TNF-α and an increase in IL-10. Noteworthy hormonal changes included decreased corticosterone and ACTH concentrations and increased oxytocin levels following DBS of the hypothalamus. SCS mirrored similar effects on interleukins, indicating a reduction in IL-6 and IL-1ß and an increase in IL-10 levels. Additionally, SCS led to reduced VEGF levels and elevated expression of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF and GDNF, particularly under burst stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Both DBS and SCS exert anti-inflammatory effects, manifesting as a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines alongside the stimulation of anti-inflammatory cytokine synthesis. These findings, observed in both animal and human models, imply that neurostimulation may modify the trajectory of neurological diseases by modulating local immune responses in an immunomodulatory and endocrine manner. This comprehensive exploration sets the stage for future research endeavors in this evolving domain.

Prehospital Predictors for Urgent Neurosurgical Intervention in the Head Trauma Patient: A 2-Year Multicenter Retrospective Study.

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the main cause of disability in the world. Prehospital diagnosis of patients requiring rapid neurosurgical intervention and the earliest possible introduction of procedures preventing secondary brain injuries (SBI) are crucial. Methodology and Study Population. The authors of this paper assumed that certain age groups with specific injuries are more likely to require urgent neurosurgical intervention compared with patients who did not require such an intervention. Out of 54,814 head CT scans, based on the inclusion criteria, 7,864 were selected for the study. Data such as sex, age, the mechanism of injury, comorbid trauma, and abnormal findings in the examination of patients qualified for urgent neurosurgical intervention were analyzed in order to find statistically significant factors through a comparison with all head trauma patients. Results: Patients qualified for urgent neurosurgical intervention were significantly older compared with the others (63 years vs. 49 years). Patients transferred from the emergency department directly to the operating room were more often admitted to the hospital due to the fall (64.1% vs. 45.1%, p = 0.004). The following were observed much more commonly among the patients qualified for urgent neurosurgical intervention than in the entire study group of subjects with traumatic brain injury (TBI), e.g., calf deformity (2.2% vs. 0.1%, p = 0.019) and bleeding from the mouth (4.3% vs. 0.0%, p < 0.001). On the other hand, superciliary arch wounds were observed much less commonly than in the entire group (0.0% vs. 5%, p = 0.221). Conclusion: Patients admitted directly to the operating neurosurgical room from emergency departments constitute a small percentage of TBI patients, and their prognosis for normal performance status upon discharge is poor. Maximum efforts should be made to distinguish these patients and to start proper treatment even during prehospital care.

Relevance of Routine Postoperative CT Scans Following Aneurysm Clipping-A Retrospective Multicenter Analysis of 423 Cases.

AIM: Postoperative head computed tomography (POCT) is routinely performed in numerous medical institutions, mainly to identify possible postsurgical complications. This study sought to assess the clinical appropriateness of POCT in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients after ruptured or unruptured aneurysm clipping. METHODS: This is a retrospective multicenter study involving microsurgical procedures of ruptured (RA) and unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UA) surgeries performed in the Centers associated with the Pomeranian Department of the Polish Society of Neurosurgeons. A database of surgical procedures of intracranial aneurysms from 2017 to 2020 was created. Only patients after a CT scan within 24 h were included. RESULTS: A total of 423 cases met the inclusion criteria for the analysis. Age was the only significant factor associated with postoperative blood occurrence on POCT. A total of 37 (8.75%) cases of deterioration within 24 h with urgent POCT were noted, 3 (8.1%) required recraniotomy. The highest number necessary to predict (NNP) one recraniotomy based on patient deterioration was 50 in the RA group. CONCLUSION: We do not recommend POCTs in asymptomatic patients after planned clipping. New symptom onset requires radiological evaluation. Simultaneous practice of POCT after ruptured aneurysm treatment within 24 h is recommended.

MGMT Promoter Methylation as a Prognostic Factor in Primary Glioblastoma: A Single-Institution Observational Study.

Glioblastoma is the most malignant central nervous system tumor, which represents 50% of all glial tumors. The understanding of glioma genesis, prognostic evaluation, and treatment planning has been significantly enhanced by the discovery of molecular genetic biomarkers. This study aimed to evaluate survival in patients with primary glioblastoma concerning O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation and other clinical factors. The study included 41 newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients treated from 2011 to 2014 in the 10th Military Research Hospital and Polyclinic, Poland. All patients underwent surgical resection followed by radiation and chemotherapy with alkylating agents. The MGMT promoter methylation was evaluated in all patients, and 43% were found to be methylated. In 26 and 15 cases, gross total resection and subtotal resection were conducted, respectively. Patients with a methylated MGMT promoter had a median survival of 504 days, while those without methylation had a median survival of 329 days. The group that was examined had a median age of 53. In a patient group younger than 53 years, those with methylation had significantly longer overall survival (639 days), compared to 433.5 days for patients without methylation. The most prolonged survival (551 days) was in patients with MGMT promoter methylation after gross total resection. The value of MGMT promoter methylation as a predictive biomarker is widely acknowledged. However, its prognostic significance remains unclear. Our findings proved that MGMT promoter methylation is also an essential positive prognostic biomarker.

Interspinous Process Devices Do Not Reduce Intervertebral Foramina and Discs Heights on Adjacent Segments.

Aim: Interspinous process device (IPD) placement is an attractive treatment option for lumbar spinal and foraminal stenosis. The goal of the treatment is to release the stress on facets joints as well as decompress the nerve roots by enlarging the intervertebral foramina and narrowed canal recesses. Purpose: To evaluate possible structural changes in the lumbar spine after implantation of an IPD on operated and adjacent segments. Patients and Methods: Twenty-two patients were enrolled in the study. Preoperative MRI scans of the lumbar spine evaluated recess and foraminal stenosis prior to the application of an IPD. CT exams were performed and morphometric measurements were made to assess the size of intervertebral foramina after implantation on the operated and adjacent segments. Results: Statistically significant enlargements in diameter and surface area of the intervertebral foramen were seen at the operating level. On the right and left sides, foraminal enlargement after the procedure was 1 mm in diameter. The average enlargement of the foramina surface area at the level of implantation was 10 mm2. The median interspinous distance was significantly enlarged by 3.5 mm. No significant changes in adjacent segments were observed. Clinical improvement was confirmed by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analog scale (VAS). Preoperative disability was reduced (mean ODI from 70.5 (12.25) to 49.5 (23.75)), as well as back pain (mean VAS from 8.0 (1.7) to 4.4 (2.6)) and pain in lower limbs (mean VAS from 7.4 (1.9) to 3.8 (2.9)). Conclusion: Decompression surgery using an IPD is effective in the treatment of lumbar foraminal and canal stenosis. It provides relief of symptoms in short-term observation through enlargement of intervertebral foramina and decompression of neural roots. It reduces overload of facet joints of the operated segment and does not decrease the size of the intervertebral foramina and disc heights of adjacent segments.

The diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for anterior cruciate ligament tears are comparable but the Lachman test has been previously overestimated: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for anterior cruciate ligament injury has been reported in previous systematic reviews. Numerous studies in these reviews include subjects with additional knee ligament injury, which could affect the sensitivity of the tests. Meta-analyses have also been performed using methods that do not account for the non-independence of sensitivity and specificity, potentially overestimating diagnostic accuracy. The aim of this study was to report the diagnostic accuracy of clinical tests for anterior cruciate ligament tears (partial and complete) without concomitant knee ligament injury. METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analyses included studies reporting the specificity and/or sensitivity of tests with or without concomitant meniscal injury. Where possible, pooled diagnostic estimates were calculated with bivariate random-effects modelling to determine the most accurate effect sizes. Diagnostic accuracy values are presented for the anterior drawer, Lachman, Lever sign and pivot shift tests overall and in acute or post-acute presentations. RESULTS: Pooled estimates using a bivariate model for overall sensitivity and specificity respectively were as follows: anterior drawer test 83% [95% CI, 77-88] and 85% [95% CI, 64-95]; Lachman test 81% [95% CI, 73-87] and 85% [95% CI, 73-92]; pivot shift test 55% [95% CI, 47-62] and 94% [95% CI, 88-97]; Lever sign test 83% [95% CI, 68-92] and 91% [95% CI, 83-95]. For specific presentations, the sensitivity and specificity of the Lachman test, respectively, were: complete tears 68% [95% CI, 54-79] and 79% [95% CI, 51-93]; post-acute injuries 70% [95% CI, 57-80] and 77% [95% CI, 53-91]. CONCLUSIONS: The pivot shift and Lever sign were the best tests overall for ruling in or ruling out an anterior cruciate ligament tear, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of the Lachman test, particularly in post-acute presentations and for complete tears, is lower than previously reported. Further research is required to establish more accurate estimates for the Lachman test in acute presentations and partial ligament tears using bivariate analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Does ASTRAL score at hospital admission predict symptomatic haemorrhagic transformation in acute ischaemic stroke after revascularisation? A pilot single-centre study.

INTRODUCTION: Accurately predicting outcomes after acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) is a major clinical goal. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the prognostic validity and accuracy of the Acute Stroke Registry and Analysis of Lausanne (ASTRAL) score in predicting symptomatic haemorrhagic transformation (sHT) in patients with AIS who have undergone revascularisation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Consecutive patients hospitalised for AIS who underwent treatment with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or mechanical thrombectomy (MT) were identified, and their ASTRAL scores at hospital admission were estimated. The study endpoint was sHT within 24 hours of stroke onset. The predictive performance of the ASTRAL score was investigated through logistic regression analysis and discrimination and calibration tests. RESULTS: Sixty-eight AIS patients, with a median age of 69 (58-79) years, were included. sHT occurred in 20 (29.4%) of the 68 patients. The ASTRAL score was significantly higher in patients who developed sHT compared to non-sHT patients [36 (34-38) versus 24 (17-32); p<0.001]. The ASTRAL score was an independent predictor of sHT, and showed good discriminative power (area under the curve 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.789-0.965). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: ASTRAL score is an independent predictor of sHT and shows high predictive accuracy in patients with AIS. Future studies are warranted to confirm these results.

Structural Connectivity Reorganization Based on DTI after Cingulotomy in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Bilateral cingulotomy is a procedure applied to patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This report presents the structural changes occurring within the forceps minor and arcuate fascicles nerve fibers after a successful bilateral anterior cingulotomy in the patient with refractory OCD. Cingulotomy mainly affects the values of FA, MD, and ADC in the treatment of the examined nerve bundles. This structural reorganization coexists with a good clinical effect. However, it is necessary to expand the study group and to investigate the correlation between the parameters of diffusion and anisotropy and the patient's clinical condition (Y-BOCS scale).

The Aortic Pathologies: How Far We Understand It and Its Implications on Thoracic Aortic Surgery

Thoracic aortic diseases contribute to a major part of cardiac surgeries. The severity of pathologies varies significantly from emergency and life-threatening to conservatively managed conditions. Life-threatening conditions include type A aortic dissection and rupture. Aortic aneurysm is an example of a conservatively managed condition. Pathologies that affect the arterial wall can have a profound impact on the presentation of such cases. Several risk factors have been identified that increase the risk of emergency presentations such as connective tissue disease, hypertension, and vasculitis. The understanding of aortic pathologies is essential to improve management and clinical outcomes.

The Aortic Pathologies: How Far We Understand It and Its Implications on Thoracic Aortic Surgery

Abstract Thoracic aortic diseases contribute to a major part of cardiac surgeries. The severity of pathologies varies significantly from emergency and life-threatening to conservatively managed conditions. Life-threatening conditions include type A aortic dissection and rupture. Aortic aneurysm is an example of a conservatively managed condition. Pathologies that affect the arterial wall can have a profound impact on the presentation of such cases. Several risk factors have been identified that increase the risk of emergency presentations such as connective tissue disease, hypertension, and vasculitis. The understanding of aortic pathologies is essential to improve management and clinical outcomes.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Stroke. Experience from Switching from Stent Retriever Only to Stent Retriever Combined with Aspiration Catheter.

Endovascular treatment is a rapidly evolving technique; therefore, there is a constant need to evaluate this method and its modifications. This paper discusses a single-center experience and the results of switching from the stent retriever only (SO) mechanical thrombectomy (MT) to the combined approach (CA), with a stent retriever and aspiration catheters. METHODS: The study involved a retrospective analysis of 70 patients undergoing MT with the use of either SO or CA. The primary endpoint was the frequency of perfect reperfusion defined as grade 3 of the modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction scale (mTICI) after the first pass. The secondary endpoints were the procedure success, defined as mTICI grades 2b-3; time of the procedure; clinical outcome, measured by 90 days' modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score; Δ NIHSS, defined as the difference between National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at patients' admission and discharge; and the total number of device passes. RESULTS: Out of the 70 patients included, 33 were treated with SO and 37 with CA. In both groups, a total number of 42 patients received intravenous recombined tissue plasminogen activator (iv-rTPA: 20 patients (60.6%) in the SO group and 22 patients (59.5%) in the CA group (p = 1.000). There was a significant difference between the groups regarding first-pass success rate, with 46% in the CA group and 18% in the SO group, (OR 3.83, 95% CI 1.28 to 11.44, p = 0.016). Complete procedure success tended to be more frequent in the CA group than in the SO group-94.6% vs. 84.8% (OR 3.13, 95% CI 0.56 to 17.34, p = 0.193)-and CA tended to require a lower number of passes than SO (mean 1.76 vs. 2.09 passes per procedure, p = 0.114), yet these differences did not reach statistical significance. Mean duration of the procedure was significantly shorter in the CA group than in the SO group (49 min vs. 64 min, p = 0.017). There was a significant difference in clinical outcomes, with higher Δ NIHSS (9.3 in the CA group vs. 6.7 in the SO group, p = 0.025) after the procedure and 90-day mRS (median 2 in the CA group vs. 4 in the SO group, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Combining stent retrievers with aspiration catheters may offer a beneficial effect on angiographic results and clinical outcomes in stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment.

Tractography Alterations in the Arcuate and Uncinate Fasciculi in Post-Stroke Aphasia.

Fiber tractography based on diffuse tensor imaging (DTI) can reveal three-dimensional white matter connectivity of the human brain. Tractography is a non-invasive method of visualizing cerebral white matter structures in vivo, including neural pathways surrounding the ischemic area. DTI may be useful for elucidating alterations in brain connectivity resulting from neuroplasticity after stroke. We present a case of a male patient who developed significant mixed aphasia following ischemic stroke. The patient had been treated by mechanical thrombectomy followed by an early rehabilitation, in conjunction with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). DTI was used to examine the arcuate fasciculus and uncinate fasciculus upon admission and again at three months post-stroke. Results showed an improvement in the patient's symptoms of aphasia, which was associated with changes in the volume and numbers of tracts in the uncinate fasciculus and the arcuate fasciculus.

The Impact of Electrical Stimulation of the Brain and Spinal Cord on Iron and Calcium-Phosphate Metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Deep-brain stimulation (DBS) electrically modulates the subcortical brain regions. Under conditions of monopolar cerebral stimulation, electrical current flows between electrode's contacts and an implantable pulse generator, placed in the subclavicular area. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) delivers an electrical current to the spinal cord. Epidural electrical stimulation is associated with the leakage of current, which can cause a generalized reaction. The aim of our study was to investigate whether the electrical stimulation of the cerebrum and spinal cord could have generalized effects on biochemical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 25 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD, n = 21) and dystonia (n = 4), who underwent DBS implantation, and 12 patients with chronic pain, who had SCS, received electrical stimulation. The blood levels of selected biochemical parameters were measured before and after overnight stimulation. RESULTS: After DBS, the mean ± interquartile range (IQR) values for iron (off 15.6 ± 13.53 µmol/L; on: 7.65 ± 10.8 µmol/L; p < 0.001), transferrin (off: 2.42 ± 0.88 g/L; on: 1.99 ± 0.59 g/L; p < 0.001), transferrin saturation (off: 23.20 ± 14.50%; on: 10.70 ± 11.35%; p = 0.001), phosphate (off: 1.04 ± 0.2 mmol/L; on: 0.83 ± 0.2 mmol/L; p = 0.007), and total calcium (off: 2.39 ± 0.29 mmol/L; on: 2.27 ± 0.19 mmol/L; p = 0.016) were significantly reduced, whereas ferritin (off: 112.00 ± 89.00 ng/mL; on: 150.00 ± 89.00 ng/mL; p = 0.003) and C-reactive protein (off: 0.90 ± 19.39 mg/L; on: 60.35 ± 35.91 mg/L; p = 0.002) were significantly increased. Among patients with SCS, significant differences were observed for ferritin (off: 35 ± 63 ng/mL; on: 56 ± 62 ng/mL; p = 0.013), transferrin (off: 2.70 ± 0.74 g/L; on: 2.49 ± 0.69 g/L; p = 0.048), and C-reactive protein (off: 31.00 ± 36.40 mg/L; on: 36.60 ± 62.030 mg/L; p = 0.018) before and after electrical stimulation. No significant changes in the examined parameters were observed among patients after thalamotomy and pallidotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Leaking electric current delivered to the subcortical nuclei of the brain and the dorsal column of the spinal cord exposes the rest of the body to a negative charge. The generalized reaction is associated with an inflammatory response and altered iron and calcium-phosphate metabolism. Alterations in iron metabolism due to electrical stimulation may impact the course of PD. Future research should investigate the influence of electric current and electromagnetic field induced by neurostimulators on human metabolism.

Endoscopic versus stereotactic biopsies of intracranial lesions involving the ventricles.

Stereotactic biopsies of ventricular lesions may be less safe and less accurate than biopsies of superficial lesions. Accordingly, endoscopic biopsies have been increasingly used for these lesions. Except for pineal tumors, the literature lacks clear, reliable comparisons of these two methods. All 1581 adults undergoing brain tumor biopsy from 2007 to 2018 were retrospectively assessed. We selected 119 patients with intraventricular or paraventricular lesions considered suitable for both stereotactic and endoscopic biopsies. A total of 85 stereotactic and 38 endoscopic biopsies were performed. Extra procedures, including endoscopic third ventriculostomy and tumor cyst aspiration, were performed simultaneously in 5 stereotactic and 35 endoscopic cases. In 9 cases (5 stereotactic, 4 endoscopic), the biopsies were nondiagnostic (samples were nondiagnostic or the results differed from those obtained from the resected lesions). Three people died: 2 (1 stereotactic, 1 endoscopic) from delayed intraventricular bleeding and 1 (stereotactic) from brain edema. No permanent morbidity occurred. In 6 cases (all stereotactic), additional surgery was required for hydrocephalus within the first month postbiopsy. Rates of nondiagnostic biopsies, serious complications, and additional operations were not significantly different between groups. Mortality was higher after biopsy of lesions involving the ventricles, compared with intracranial lesions in any location (2.4% vs 0.3%, p = 0.016). Rates of nondiagnostic biopsies and complications were similar after endoscopic or stereotactic biopsies. Ventricular area biopsies were associated with higher mortality than biopsies in any brain area.

Endovascular Treatment of Stroke Caused by Carotid Artery Dissection.

Ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) is a devastating condition. Most LVOs are embolic in nature. Arterial dissection is responsible for only a small proportion of LVOs, is specific in nature and poses some challenges in treatment. We describe 3 cases where patients with stroke caused by carotid artery dissection were treated with mechanical thrombectomy and extensive stenting with good outcome. We believe that mechanical thrombectomy and stenting is a treatment of choice in these cases.

Tractography-Based Analysis of Morphological and Anatomical Characteristics of the Uncinate Fasciculus in Human Brains.

(1) Background: The uncinate fasciculus (UF) is a white matter bundle connecting the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobe. The functional role of the uncinate fasciculus is still uncertain. The role of the UF is attributed to the emotional empathy network. The present study aimed to more accurately the describe anatomical variability of the UF by focusing on the volume of fibers and testing for correlations with sex and age. (2) Material and Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging of adult patients with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed on 34 patients. The total number of fibers, volume of UF, and number of tracts were processed using DSI studio software. The DSI studio allows for mapping of different nerve pathways and visualizing of the obtained results using spatial graphics. (3) Results: The total number of UF tracts was significantly higher in the right hemisphere compared to the left hemisphere (right M ± SD = 52 ± 24; left: 39 ± 25, p < 0.05). A hook-shaped UF was the most common variant (91.7%). The UF volumes were larger in men (1410 ± 150.7 mm3) as compared to women (1325 ± 133.2 mm3) (p < 0.05). The mean fractional anisotropy (FA) values of the UF were significantly larger on the left side 0.597, while the right UF had an average of 0.346 (p < 0.05). Patients older than 50 years old had a significantly higher value of mean diffusivity (MD) (p = 0.034). In 73.5% of patients, a greater number of fibers terminated in the inferior part of the inferior frontal gyrus. (4) Conclusions: The morphological characteristics of the UF, unlike the shape, are associated with sex and are characterized by hemispheric dominance. These findings confirm the results of the previous studies. Future research should examine the potential correlation among the UF volume, number of fibers, and total brain volume in both sexes and patient psychological state.

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Symptomatic Hemorrhagic Transformation in Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Revascularization.

OBJECTIVES: Symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (sHT) is a life-threatening complication of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The early identification of the patients at increased risk of sHT can have clinically relevant implications. The aim of this study was to explore the validity and accuracy of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in predicting sHT in patients with AIS undergoing revascularization. METHODS: Consecutive patients hospitalized for AIS who underwent intravenous thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy or both were identified. The NLR values were estimated at admission. The study endpoint was the occurrence of sHT within 24 h from stroke treatment. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients with AIS were included, with a median age of 67 (interquartile range, 55-78) years. sHT occurred in 10 (19.6%) patients. Patients who developed sHT had higher NLR at admission. NLR was an independent predictor of sHT and showed good discriminatory power (area under the curve 0.81). In a multivariable analysis, NLR and systolic blood pressure were independently associated with sHT. CONCLUSIONS: NLR at admission can accurately predict sHT in patients with AIS undergoing revascularization.