PREVENTION OF CEREBROVASCULAR MICRO-EMBOLIZATION DURING AORTA-CORONARY BYPASS UNDER CONDITIONS OF ARTIFICIAL BLOOD CIRCULATION.

The aim of the research was to investigate the relationship between cerebral microembolization and the development of postoperative cognitive impairment in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting with and without prophylactic administration of nitroglycerin at the end of artificial blood circulation. The study included 72 patients (43 male and 29 female) who had ACBPS using an ABCA. The patients were randomized into two clinical groups. The number of patients in the control group was 34 patients, in the study group - 38 patients. The study of the cognitive sphere was performed using a battery of clinical tests that included MSA and MMSE scales, Trail-making test, Grooved Pageboard, fine hands-motor test, 10 words test by AR Luria, Wexler's test, Schultz tables. The assessment was carried out on a day before the intervention and on the fifth day after the surgical intervention. It was shown that by all patients undergoing aorto-coronary bypass syrgery microembolization within the cerebral blood flow had been determined. The vast majority of microemboli is formed at the beginning of artificial blood circulation, at the moment of clamping aorta, as well as during the restoration of effective cardiac activity. Intraoperative microembolization of cerebral blood flow in excess of 750 microemboli leads to clinically significant deterioration of the brain functions in the early postoperative period. When used as a peripheral vasodilator, nitroglycerin, at a dose of 8-10 µg/kg*min in high (120-130%) volume perfusion rate, decreases the number of microemboluses in the basin of СМА by 2.4%.

Cerebral embolization during endovascular infrarenal, juxtarenal, and suprarenal aortic aneurysm repair, high-risk maneuvers, and associated neurologic outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for postoperative cognitive decline after noncardiac surgery are multifactorial and poorly understood. Evidence suggests that perioperative microembolic damage to the brain on movement of wires and catheters during endovascular aortic procedures may play an important role. Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair requires invasive manipulation of wires and cannulas within the aorta, but research into cerebral emboli during aortic aneurysm repair and cognitive or neurologic injury is scarce and limited to thoracic aneurysms. This study prospectively studied embolic phenomena detected in the middle cerebral artery during infrarenal, juxtarenal, and thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and investigated links to delirium, stroke, and postoperative cognitive decline. METHODS: There were 60 patients who received continuous left-sided perioperative transcranial Doppler monitoring during endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (bifurcated graft for infrarenal aneurysm, n = 18; endovascular aneurysm sealing graft, n = 16; endovascular aneurysm sealing and renal "chimney" stent, n = 17; and thoracic aneurysm, n = 3). The procedure was time stamped for events such as stiff wire insertion and graft deployment. A battery of cognitive tests designed to test several cognitive domains were performed preoperatively and at 90 days postoperatively. RESULTS: TEVAR and chimney grafts demonstrated significantly greater numbers of total procedural emboli compared with standard bifurcated grafts (mean emboli, 36.2 and 13.39, respectively; bifurcated graft, 5.81; P < .05). The highest risk maneuvers were guidewire and pigtail catheter insertion. This was the case for all procedures including infrarenal aneurysm repair. A higher perioperative embolic load was associated with medium-term cognitive decline in list recall but not with incidence of delirium or stroke. Risk of cognitive decline did not relate to procedure type. Antiplatelet use failed to demonstrate a protective effect. CONCLUSIONS: Patients are at risk of cerebral emboli during several types of endovascular aortic surgery, although TEVAR remains the highest risk procedure. As yet, there are no validated protective measures available to prevent cerebral emboli and their associated risks of clinical and subclinical neurologic injury.

Risk Factors for Poststroke Cognitive Decline: The REGARDS Study (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Poststroke cognitive decline causes disability. Risk factors for poststroke cognitive decline independent of survivors' prestroke cognitive trajectories are uncertain. METHODS: Among 22 875 participants aged ≥45 years without baseline cognitive impairment from the REGARDS cohort (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke), enrolled from 2003 to 2007 and followed through September 2015, we measured the effect of incident stroke (n=694) on changes in cognitive functions and cognitive impairment (Six-Item Screener score <5) and tested whether patient factors modified the effect. Median follow-up was 8.2 years. RESULTS: Incident stroke was associated with acute declines in global cognition, new learning, verbal memory, and executive function. Acute declines in global cognition after stroke were greater in survivors who were black (P=0.04), men (P=0.04), and had cardioembolic (P=0.001) or large artery stroke (P=0.001). Acute declines in executive function after stroke were greater in survivors who had

Comorbidities, Clinical Features, and Prognostic Implications of Cancer Patients with Cerebrovascular Disease.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to identify and describe the comorbidities, clinical features, and prognostic implications of cancer patients with cerebrovascular disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) seen in the neuro-oncology unit at a cancer referral center from April 2010 to November 2016 were included; demographic, oncologic diagnosis, risk factors, and prognostic considerations were presented as well. RESULTS: We report on 256 patients with CVD and cancer, of whom 66% were women. The mean age at the time CVD occurred was 56 years. The most frequently associated malignancies were gynecologic (including breast cancer), hematologic, head and neck, and urologic. The men had more smoking and alcohol consumption history, hemorrhagic CVD, and urologic and hematologic malignancies. The women, besides gynecologic cancer, had more ischemic CVD. Thrombotic CVD, followed by embolic and hemorrhagic CVDs, was more frequent. A comorbid condition besides cancer was found in 71% of the patients. The most frequent clinical presentation was focal motor weakness, altered mental status, and aphasia. The 10-year mortality was 59%; higher rates were found in men, in those with hemorrhagic CVD, in tobacco users, and in those with altered mental status. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer is a well-known risk factor for stroke, which has been associated with a higher frequency in cancer. We found that ischemic stroke due to thrombosis and cardioembolism was more common, and gender, comorbidities, clinical presentation, and type of CVD, but not cancer type, were elements associated with prognosis.

Incidence and Clinical Impact of Cerebral Lesions after the MitraClip® Procedure.

BACKGROUND: Clinically silent brain injury detected with cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is well known after various cardiovascular interventions. Thus far, only one study has examined the periprocedural risk of cerebral ischemic events in patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve reconstruction. The study aim was to examine the incidence and clinical impact of cerebral embolic events in patients undergoing percutaneous mitral valve reconstruction using the MitraClip® system. METHODS: Thirteen eligible high-risk patients without contraindications for MRI underwent MitraClip treatment at the authors' institution. Neurological testing with the assessment of global cognitive function was performed three days before and two days after the procedure. All patients underwent cerebral diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) two days after the procedure. RESULTS: In nine patients, post-interventional MRI revealed newly acquired microembolic cerebral lesions. At follow up MRI scans recorded at 307 ± 270 days after the procedure, ischemic scars were not detectable in any patient. Two patients with five or more new cerebral lesions in DW-MRI showed a significant decline in their test scores. CONCLUSIONS: The MitraClip procedure results in acute cerebral lesions in the vast majority of patients. All lesions seen on DWI post-procedure resolved completely, but the number of lesions may have had an impact on cognitive function.

Asymptomatic carotid stenosis is associated with cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND: Cerebrovascular risk factors (eg, hypertension, coronary artery disease) and stroke can lead to vascular cognitive impairment. The Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis and Cognitive Function study evaluated the isolated impact of asymptomatic carotid stenosis (no prior ipsilateral or contralateral stroke or transient ischemic attack) on cognitive function. Cerebrovascular hemodynamic and carotid plaque characteristics were analyzed to elucidate potential mechanisms affecting cognition. METHODS: There were 82 patients with ≥50% asymptomatic carotid stenosis and 62 controls without stenosis but matched for vascular comorbidities who underwent neurologic, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and comprehensive neuropsychological examination. Overall cognitive function and five domain-specific scores were computed. Duplex ultrasound with Doppler waveform and B-mode imaging defined the degree of stenosis, least luminal diameter, plaque area, and plaque gray-scale median. Breath-holding index (BHI) and microembolization were measured using transcranial Doppler. We assessed cognitive differences between stenosis patients and control patients and of stenosis patients with low vs high BHI and correlated cognitive function with microembolic counts and plaque characteristics. RESULTS: Stenosis and control patients did not differ in vascular risk factors, education, estimated intelligence, or depressive symptoms. Stenosis patients had worse composite cognitive scores (P = .02; Cohen's d = 0.43) and domain-specific scores for learning/memory (P = .02; d = 0.42) and motor/processing speed (P = .01; d = 0.65), whereas scores for executive function were numerically lower (P = .08). Approximately 49.4% of all stenosis patients were impaired in at least two cognitive domains. Precisely 50% of stenosis patients demonstrated a reduced BHI. Stenosis patients with reduced BHI performed worse on the overall composite cognitive score (t = -2.1; P = .02; d = 0.53) and tests for learning/memory (t = -2.7; P = .01; d = 0.66). Cognitive function did not correlate with measures of plaque burden (degree of stenosis, least luminal diameter, and plaque area) or with plaque gray-scale median. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic carotid stenosis is associated with cognitive impairment independent of known vascular risk factors for vascular cognitive impairment. Approximately 49.4% of these patients demonstrate impairment in at least two neuropsychological domains. The deficit is driven primarily by reduced motor/processing speed and learning/memory and is mild to moderate in severity. The mechanism for impairment is likely to be hemodynamic as evidenced by reduced cerebrovascular reserve and the likely result of hypoperfusion from a pressure drop across the stenosis in the presence of inadequate collateralization.

Microembolization is associated with transient cognitive decline in patients undergoing carotid interventions.

OBJECTIVE: Carotid interventions are important in helping to reduce the risk of stroke for patients with high-grade carotid artery stenosis; however, subclinical cerebral microemboli can occur during these procedures. Associations have been found between the incidence of microemboli and postoperative decline in memory. We therefore sought to determine whether this decline persisted long-term and to assess changes in other cognitive domains. METHODS: Patients were prospectively recruited under an Institutional Review Board-approved protocol at a single academic center. Neuropsychological testing was administered preoperatively and at 1-month and 6-month intervals postoperatively. Cognitive domains that were evaluated included verbal memory, visual memory, psychomotor speed, dexterity, and executive function. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging sequencing was performed preoperatively and ≤48 hours postoperatively to identify procedure-related microemboli. Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to identify relationships among microembolization, demographics, and cognition. RESULTS: Included were 80 male patients with an average age of 69 years. Forty patients underwent carotid artery stenting and 40 underwent carotid endarterectomy. Comorbidities included diabetes in 45%, coronary artery disease in 50%, and prior neurologic symptoms in 41%. New postoperative microemboli were found in 45 patients (56%). Microembolization was significantly more common in the carotid artery stenting cohort (P < .005). Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients with procedurally related embolization showed decline 1 month postoperatively in verbal memory and Trail Making A measures. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that procedurally related embolization (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; P = .04) and preoperative symptomatic stenosis (OR, 3.2; P = .026) were independent predictors of decline for the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test Short Delay measure at 1 month. At 6 months, no significant relationship was found between emboli and decline on Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test Short Delay, but age (OR, 1.1, P = .005) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR, 7.1, P = .018) were significantly associated with decline at 6 months after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Microembolization that is associated with carotid artery intervention predicts short-term cognitive decline. However, some of these cognitive deficits persist at 6 months after the intervention, and further investigation is warranted to determine individual patient risk factors that may affect recovery.

Exercise in the Early Stage after Stroke Enhances Hippocampal Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression and Memory Function Recovery.

BACKGROUND: Exercise in the early stage after stroke onset has been shown to facilitate the recovery from physical dysfunction. However, the mechanism of recovery has not been clarified. In this study, the effect of exercise on spatial memory function recovery in the early stage was shown, and the mechanism of recovery was discussed using a rat model of brain embolism. METHODS: Intra-arterial microsphere (MS) injection induced small emboli in the rat brain. Treadmill exercise was started at 24 hours (early group) or 8 days (late group) after MS injection. The non-exercise (NE) and sham-operated groups were included as controls. Memory function was evaluated by the Morris water maze test, and hippocampal levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. To further investigate the effect of BDNF on memory function, BDNF was continuously infused into the hippocampus via implantable osmotic pumps in the early or late stage after stroke. RESULTS: Memory function significantly improved only in the early group compared with the late and the NE groups, although hippocampal BDNF concentrations were temporarily elevated after exercise in both the early and the late groups. Rats infused with BDNF in the early stage exhibited significant memory function recovery; however, rats that received BDNF infusion in the late stage showed no improvement. CONCLUSION: Exercise elevates hippocampal BDNF levels in the early stage after cerebral embolism, and this event facilitates memory function recovery.

Perioperative Embolization Load and S-100ß Do Not Predict Cognitive Outcome after Carotid Revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive changes after carotid revascularization have been reported in 10-20% of patients. The etiology of cognitive impairments remains largely unknown. This study evaluates the predictive value of S-100ß serum values and perioperative microembolization on cognition after carotid revascularization. METHODS: Forty-six patients with significant carotid stenosis underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA, n = 26), transfemoral carotid artery stenting with distal protection (CASdp, n = 10), or transcervical carotid stenting with dynamic flow reversal (CASfr, n = 10). Twenty-six matched vascular patients without carotid stenosis were recruited as controls. All patients underwent comprehensive cognitive testing on the day before and 1 month after carotid revascularization. S-100ß analysis was performed in 31 cases pre-, peri-, and 2, 6, and 24 hr after carotid surgery, and in 25 patients transcranial Doppler monitoring was done during surgery. RESULTS: In the 3 treatment groups similar transient increases in S-100ß values were observed. CASdp was associated with a higher embolic load than CEA and CASfr, while CEA was also associated with less microembolization than CASfr. Cognitive improvement or deterioration could not be predicted by S-100ß or perioperative embolic load for any of the investigated cognitive domains. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive deterioration could not be predicted using perioperative embolic load and S-100ß changes. A similar inverted u-curve of the S-100ß levels was observed in the 3 groups and may be caused by impairment in the blood-brain barrier during intervention, and not due to cerebral infarction. Distal protection CAS is associated with a higher embolic load than transcervical CAS using dynamic flow reversal and CEA, but the long-term impact of this higher embolic load is yet unknown. Perfusion-related measures seem promising in their ability to predict cognitive decline.

Brain unidentified bright objects ("UBO") in systemic lupus erythematosus: sometimes they come back. A study of microembolism by cMRI and Transcranial Doppler ultrasound.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this report are to assess the occurrence of microembolic signals (MES) detected by transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with (NPSLE) and without (SLE) neuropsychiatric involvement, and to verify the correlation between MES, clinical characteristics, especially the patent foramen ovale (PFO), and the presence of punctuate T2-hyperintense white matter lesions (WMHLs) detected by conventional magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI). METHODS: A TCD registration to detect MES from the middle cerebral artery was carried out in SLE and NPSLE patients after exclusion of aortic and/or carotid atheromatous disease. In all patients conventional brain magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) and transesophageal echocardiography were performed. Patients were stratified in two groups, with and without WMHLs, and compared. RESULTS: Twenty-three SLE patients (16 NPSLE and seven SLE) were enrolled in the study. Overall MES were detected in 12 patients (52.1%), WHMLs were detectable in 15 patients (13 NPSLE and two SLE) while eight patients had normal cMRI (three NPSLE and five SLE). Matching TCD ultrasound and neuroimaging data, MES were detected in 10 (nine NPSLE and one SLE) out of 15 patients with WHMLs and in only two out of eight patients (two NPSLE and six SLE) with normal cMRI, both with NP involvement. A PFO was confirmed in all cases of MES detection. CONCLUSION: MES are frequent findings in SLE patients, especially in those with focal WMHLs detected by cMRI and correlating with PFO. These findings should be taken into account and suggest caution in the interpretation of cMRI pictures along with a careful evaluation of MES in patients with cMRI abnormalities that should be included in the workup of SLE patients.

A blinded, randomized study of L-arginine in small clot embolized rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is administered to acute ischemic stroke victims in a vehicle formulation containing high concentrations of L-arginine (3.5g/100mg vial), a well-known nitric oxide synthase (NOS) substrate and precursor to nitric oxide (NO), as well as an enhancer of cerebral blood flow. METHODS: We studied the effects of tPA vehicle compared to tPA (3.3mg/kg) formulated in the same vehicle containing L-arginine, normal saline or normal saline containing L-arginine, on behavioral function following small clot embolic strokes in rabbits using clinical rating scores and quantal analysis curves as the primary end point. Treatments were administered intravenously (1ml/kg; 20% bolus/80% infused over 30min) starting 1h following the injection of small-sized blood clots into the brain vasculature and terminal behavior was measured 2days following embolization. Behavioral rating scores were used to calculate the effective stroke dose (P50 in mg) that produces neurological deficits in 50% of the rabbits. RESULTS: In this study, tPA significantly (p=0.001) improved behavior compared to all other treatments including tPA vehicle, saline and saline-L-arginine, increasing the P50 by 141% over tPA vehicle. Saline-L-arginine was not significantly different from either saline or tPA vehicle (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the L-arginine component of the tPA vehicle does not contribute to the reproducible clinical improvement observed following tPA administration in rabbits. Moreover, the administration of L-arginine was not an effective method to promote behavioral recovery following embolic strokes in the stringent rabbit small clot stroke model, nor did L-arginine exacerbate behavioral deficits or intracerebral hemorrhage in embolized rabbits.

Neuropsychological impact of cerebral microemboli in ablation of atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Clinically silent lesions on cerebral magnet resonance imaging have been found in larger numbers after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) especially with phased radio frequency (pRF) using all ten electrodes. However, the neuropsychological effects of cerebral microembolism during the procedure remain unclear and data regarding this issue so far are inconsistent. METHODS: Between August 2011 and June 2012, 76 patients undergoing their first PVI were randomized to ablation with either phased (40) or irrigated (36) radio frequency (iRF). A comprehensive neuropsychological test battery was performed the day before and after PVI as well as 6 months after ablation. The occurrence of cerebral microemboli during the procedure was performed via a transcranial Doppler ultrasound device. RESULTS: PVI using pRF was associated with increased number of microembolic signals (MES) compared to iRF (1530.0 ± 979.8 vs. 645.7 ± 448.7; p < 0.001). Neuropsychological assessment did not reveal any changes in correlation with the used ablation technique. Besides an age-related effect there was a diffuse, sub-clinical impairment of neurologic function depending on age and the number of MES. CONCLUSIONS: There was no clinical overt cognitive deficit and no significant difference in cognitive function correlating with the used ablation technique. The number of MES correlated with a subtle, diffuse post-procedural impairment of neuropsychological function highlighting the need to reduce microemboli during ablation.

Microglial activation occurs in the absence of anxiety-like behavior following microembolic stroke in female, but not male, rats.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of depression and anxiety disorders is twice as high in women than men; however, females exhibit less neuronal damage following an equivalent ischemic event. Microembolic stroke increases anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors in male rats but the behavioral repercussions in females are unknown. FINDINGS: Given the relative neuronal protection from stroke in ovary-intact females, female rats exposed to microembolic stroke may be behaviorally protected as compared to males. The data presented demonstrate that anxiety-like behavior is increased in males despite a comparable increase in microglial activation following microembolic stroke in both males and females. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that males may be more behaviorally susceptible to the effects of microembolic stroke and further illustrate a dissociation between neuroinflammation and behavior in females.

Cerebral microemboli and neurocognitive change after carotid artery stenting with different embolic protection devices.

OBJECTIVES: Proximal cerebral protection devices have been developed as an alternative to filter protection devices for reducing neurological complications during carotid artery stenting (CAS). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the frequency of silent cerebral embolism after CAS using different cerebral embolic protection devices and the impact of silent cerebral embolism on neurocognitive function. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients who underwent CAS were enrolled. The patients were randomized to either proximal balloon occlusion or filter protection. Neurocognitive tests were performed before and six months after CAS. Cerebral embolisms were evaluated with diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI). RESULTS: The number and volume of new ischemic lesions found with DW-MRI were higher in the filter protection group than in the proximal balloon occlusion group. According to our definition, nine (21%) patients in the balloon occlusion group and 16 (36%) patients in the filter protection group showed neurocognitive decline, and ten (23%) patients in the balloon occlusion group and four (9%) patients in the filter protection group showed neurocognitive improvement (NS). Regarding the group of patients with new cerebral ischemic lesions on DW-MRI, neurocognitive decline occurred in 14 (31%) of 45 patients with DW-MRI lesions and 11 (26%) of 43 patients without DW-MRI lesions (NS). CONCLUSION: Neurocognitive outcome after CAS is unpredictable; both neurocognitive decline and improvement can occur. In this study, the proximal balloon occlusion system significantly decreased cerebral microemboli during CAS compared to filter protection. Cerebral microembolism was not found to be associated with neurocognitive decline.

Clinical implications for diffusion-weighted MRI brain lesions associated with transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is increasingly used to treat patients with aortic stenosis deemed high or extreme surgical risk candidates. Despite improved survival and quality of life following the procedure, TAVR is not without its complications. Stroke is a major source of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing the procedure, with rates similar to and often higher than those associated with surgery. Most studies show a consistent link between TAVR and embolic lesions visualized on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The question of whether these lesions lead to long-term cognitive consequences remains open, but given the large literature on silent strokes and cognition, this association is probable. Initial studies implementing cerebral embolic protection devices in TAVR have yielded promising results with decreased neurological complications and appearance of new lesions on imaging. In this article, we will review the evidence linking silent stroke with cognitive decline, and potential therapeutic options to prevent stroke related to TAVR, including cerebral protection devices currently under investigation.

Cortical photothrombotic infarcts impair the recall of previously acquired memories but spare the formation of new ones.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite a high incidence of poststroke dementia, there is no specific treatment for this condition. Because the evaluation of poststroke cognitive deficits in animal models of stroke is exceedingly challenging, the preclinical evaluation of candidate drugs is limited. We aimed to explore the impact of small cortical photothrombotic strokes on poststroke cognition, thereby assessing the suitability of this experimental stroke model for the investigation of cognitive impairment after stroke. METHODS: Photothrombotic cortical infarcts were induced in 19 adult male Wistar rats. Nineteen sham-operated animals served as controls. Using the Morris water maze, we analyzed the impact of photothrombotic stroke on both the acquisition of new memories and the recall of previously acquired memories. The cylinder test, the adhesive tape removal test, and the rotarod test were performed to investigate sensorimotor deficits. RESULTS: Photothrombotic stroke significantly impaired the recall of previously acquired memories (P<0.05), whereas the acquisition of new memories remained largely intact. The analysis of the animals' swimming speed in the water maze and the rotarod test showed no confounding motor impairments after photothrombotic stroke. The adhesive tape removal test and the cylinder test revealed mild sensorimotor deficits in lesioned animals (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Photothrombotic cortical infarcts impair the recall of memories acquired before stroke, whereas the formation of new memories remains unimpaired. The observed deficits in the water maze are not confounded by disturbed motor functions. Overall, experimental photothrombotic strokes are well suited for the investigation of specific cognitive impairments after stroke.

Prospective neurocognitive evaluation of patients undergoing carotid interventions.

OBJECTIVE: Distal cerebral embolization is a known complication of carotid interventions. We prospectively investigated whether subclinical microembolization seen on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) leads to cognitive deficits in patients undergoing carotid revascularization procedures. METHODS: Patients undergoing carotid interventions and eligible for MRI scanning were recruited. Among 247 patients who received preoperative and postoperative MRI evaluations, 51 also completed neuropsychologic testing before and at 1 month after their procedure. Cognitive evaluation included the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) for memory evaluation and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for general cognitive impairment screening. RESULTS: The 51 patients (all men), comprising 16 with carotid artery stenting (CAS) and 35 with carotid endarterectomy (CEA), were a mean age of 71 years (range, 54-89 years). Among them, 27 patients (53%) were symptomatic preoperatively, including 11 who had prior stroke and 16 who had prior preoperative transient ischemic attack symptoms. Most patients had significant medical comorbidities, including hypertension (96%), diabetes (31.3%), coronary artery disease (47%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (15.7%). Two patients (4%) had prior ipsilateral CEA and eight had contralateral carotid occlusion (15.7%). Memory decline evident on RAVLT was identified in eight CAS patients and 13 CEA patients. Eleven patients had evidence of procedure-related microemboli. Although there was no significant difference in baseline cognitive function or memory change between the CEA and CAS cohorts, the CAS cohort had a significantly higher incidence of microembolic lesions. Multivariate regression analysis showed that procedure-related microembolization was associated with memory decline (P = .016) as evident by change in RAVLT. A history of neurologic symptoms was significantly associated with poor baseline cognitive function (MMSE; P = .03) and overall cognitive deterioration (change in MMSE; P = .026), as determined by Wilcoxon rank sum test and linear regression analysis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although CEA and CAS are effective in stroke prevention, with minimal neurologic complication, neurocognitive effects remain uncertain. Procedure-associated microembolization and pre-existing neurologic symptoms are associated with poor baseline cognitive function and memory decline after the procedures. Further comprehensive cognitive evaluation to determine the benefit of carotid interventions is warranted.

[Social impact of stroke due to atrial fibrillation]. / Impacto social del ictus producido por fibrilación auricular.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent heart arrhythmia and causes a substantial proportion of ischemic strokes. AF has a marked impact on stroke severity, as well as on morbidity and mortality in these patients. The importance of AF as an etiologic factor of stroke increases in the elderly and in the last few years its detection has increased. The presence of AF leads to more severe initial neurological involvement, longer hospitalization, greater disability and a lower probability of discharge to home. In addition, AF is an independent risk factor for mortality, especially in women and the elderly. All these factors lead to a higher social and economic impact among stroke patients with AF.

Impacto social del ictus producido por fibrilación auricular / Social impact of stroke due to atrial fibrillation

La fibrilación auricular (FA) es la arritmia cardíaca más frecuente y responsable de un porcentaje importante de ictus isquémicos; como tal tiene su impacto en la gravedad del ictus y en la morbimortalidad de éste. Su importancia como factor etiológico del ictus aumenta con la edad, y además estamos asistiendo a un aumento de su detección en las últimas décadas. La presencia de FA condiciona una mayor intensidad del déficit neurológico inicial, una estancia hospitalaria más prolongada y una peor evolución funcional con mayor discapacidad y menor probabilidad de poder volver al domicilio habitual; además, es un factor de riesgo independiente de mortalidad, especialmente en mujeres y en población de edad avanzada. Todo esto conlleva que los pacientes con ictus con FA presenten un mayor impacto socioeconómico (AU)

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent heart arrhythmia and causes a substantial proportion of ischemic strokes. AF has a marked impact on stroke severity, as well as on morbidity and mortality in these patients. The importance of AF as an etiologic factor of stroke increases in the elderly and in the last few years its detection has increased. The presence of AF leads to more severe initial neurological involvement, longer hospitalization, greater disability and a lower probability of discharge to home. In addition, AF is an independent risk factor for mortality, especially in women and the elderly. All these factors lead to a higher social and economic impact among stroke patients with AF (AU)