Deep Learning Accelerated Image Reconstruction of Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery Sequence in Brain Imaging: Reduction of Acquisition Time and Improvement of Image Quality.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) imaging is playing an increasingly significant role in the detection of brain metastases with a concomitant increase in the number of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the impact on image quality and diagnostic confidence of an innovative deep learning-based accelerated FLAIR (FLAIRDLR) sequence of the brain compared to conventional (standard) FLAIR (FLAIRS) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy consecutive patients with staging cerebral MRIs were retrospectively enrolled in this single-center study. The FLAIRDLR was conducted using the same MRI acquisition parameters as the FLAIRS sequence, except for a higher acceleration factor for parallel imaging (from 2 to 4), which resulted in a shorter acquisition time of 1:39 minute instead of 2:40 minutes (-38%). Two specialized neuroradiologists evaluated the imaging datasets using a Likert scale that ranged from 1 to 4, with 4 indicating the best score for the following parameters: sharpness, lesion demarcation, artifacts, overall image quality, and diagnostic confidence. Additionally, the image preference of the readers and the interreader agreement were assessed. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 63 ± 11years. FLAIRDLR exhibited significantly less image noise than FLAIRS, with P-values of< .001 and< .05, respectively. The sharpness of the images and the ability to detect lesions were rated higher in FLAIRDLR, with a median score of 4 compared to a median score of 3 in FLAIRS (P-values of<.001 for both readers). In terms of overall image quality, FLAIRDLR was rated superior to FLAIRS, with a median score of 4 vs 3 (P-values of<.001 for both readers). Both readers preferred FLAIRDLR in 68/70 cases. CONCLUSION: The feasibility of deep learning FLAIR brain imaging was shown with additional 38% reduction in examination time compared to standard FLAIR imaging. Furthermore, this technique has shown improvement in image quality, noise reduction, and lesion demarcation.

Outcomes After Decompressive Surgery for Severe Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Associated or Not Associated with Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Clinical observations indicated that vaccine-induced immune thrombosis with thrombocytopenia (VITT)-associated cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) often has a space-occupying effect and thus necessitates decompressive surgery (DS). While comparing with non-VITT CVST, this study explored whether VITT-associated CVST exhibits a more fulminant clinical course, different perioperative and intensive care unit management, and worse long-term outcome. METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study collected patient data from 12 tertiary centers to address priorly formulated hypotheses concerning the clinical course, the perioperative management with related complications, extracerebral complications, and the functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale) in patients with VITT-associated and non-VITT CVST, both with DS. RESULTS: Both groups, each with 16 patients, were balanced regarding demographics, kind of clinical symptoms, and radiological findings at hospital admission. Severity of neurological symptoms, assessed with the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, was similar between groups at admission and before surgery, whereas more patients with VITT-associated CVST showed a relevant midline shift (≥ 4 mm) before surgery (100% vs. 68.8%, p = 0.043). Patients with VITT-associated CVST tended to undergo DS early, i.e., ≤ 24 h after hospital admission (p = 0.077). Patients with VITT-associated CVST more frequently received platelet transfusion, tranexamic acid, and fibrinogen perioperatively. The postoperative management was comparable, and complications were evenly distributed. More patients with VITT-associated CVST achieved a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤ 3) at 3 months (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Although the prediction of individual courses remains challenging, DS should be considered early in VITT-associated CVST because an overall favorable outcome appears achievable in these patients.

Computed tomography perfusion imaging-guided intravenous thrombolysis in acute minor ischemic stroke.

Background: Over 50% of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients present with minor neurological deficits, and optimal treatment is still debated. The randomized PRISMS trial did not show beneficial effects of intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in unselected patients with minor stroke and non-disabling neurological deficits. Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate if AIS patients with minor stroke may benefit from computed-tomography-perfusion (CTP)-guided IVT. The primary endpoint was good functional outcomes, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2 at 90 days. Methods: AIS patients with a NIHSS of ≤5 presenting within 4.5 h underwent multimodal CT-imaging including CTP. CTP mismatch was defined as hypoperfusion on CTP with time-to-peak delay >6 s without corresponding hypoperfusion in cerebral blood volume. IVT decision was left to the attending stroke physicians. Patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) and absolute contraindications to IVT were excluded. Results: In total, 267 consecutive patients were included [mean age: 72 ± 14 years, 45.3% female patients, 75.3% received IVT, median NIHSS on admission: 3 (IQR 2, 4)]. CTP mismatch was detected in 41.8% of IVT- treated patients (IVT+) and 28.8% of standard treatment patients (IVT-) (p = 0.06). IVT+ had favorable outcomes at 90 days compared to IVT- (p = 0.006), but no interaction with an existing CTP mismatch was detected (ORadj: 1.676; 95% CI: 0.644-4.364). No symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage according to ECASS-III criteria occurred. Conclusion: Although selected AIS patients with minor stroke may benefit from IVT, CTP mismatch does not correlate with functional outcomes. No benefit from CTP mismatch in guiding IVT was detected in patients without LVO presenting with minor neurological deficits.

Amantadine for NeuroenhaNcement in acutE patients Study - a protocol for a prospective pilot proof of concept phase IIb study in intensive and intermediate care unit patients (ANNES).

BACKGROUND: Persisting coma is a common complication in (neuro)intensive care in neurological disease such as acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Amantadine acts as a nicotinic receptor antagonist, dopamine receptor agonist and non-competitive N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist. Amantadine is a long-known drug, originally approved for treatment of influenza A and Parkinson`s Disease. It has been proven effective in improving vigilance after traumatic brain injury. The underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown, albeit anti-glutamatergic and dopaminergic effects might be most relevant. With limited evidence of amantadine efficacy in non-traumatic pathologies, the aim of our study is to assess the effects of amantadine for neuroenhancement in non-traumatic neurointensive patients with persisting coma. METHODS: An investigator-initiated, monocenter, phase IIb proof of concept open-label pilot study will be carried out. Based on the Simon design, 43 adult (neuro)intensive care patients who meet the clinical criteria of persisting coma not otherwise explained and < 8 points on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) will be recruited. Amantadine will be administered intravenously for five days at a dosage of 100 mg bid. The primary endpoint is an improvement of at least 3 points on the GCS. If participants present as non-responders (increase < 3 points or decrease on the GCS) within the first 48 h, the dosage will be doubled from day three to five. Secondary objectives aim to demonstrate that amantadine improves vigilance via alternative scales. Furthermore, the incidence of adverse events will be investigated and electroencephalography (EEG) will be recorded at baseline and end of treatment. DISCUSSION: The results of our study will help to systematically assess the clinical utility of amantadine for treatment of persisting coma in non-traumatic brain injury. We expect that, in the face of only moderate treatment risk, a relevant number of patients will benefit from amantadine medication by improved vigilance (GCS increase of at least 3 points) finally leading to a better rehabilitation potential and improved functional neurological outcome. Further, the EEG data will allow evaluation of brain network states in relation to vigilance and potentially outcome prediction in this study cohort. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05479032.

Diagnosis of Froin's Syndrome by Parallel Analysis of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt and Lumbar Cerebrospinal Fluid in a Patient with Cervical Spinal Stenosis.

Elevated protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can occur in various pathologies and are sometimes difficult to interpret. We report a 62-year-old male patient with subacute neurological deterioration, progressive tetraparesis, and cytoalbumin dissociation in the lumbar CSF. The patient had a pre-existing cervical spinal stenosis with mild tetraparesis. Based on the initial cytoalbumin dissociation (protein 938 mg/dL, 4 leucocytes/µL), Guillain-Barré syndrome was initially considered. For further diagnosis, a CSF sample was taken from a pre-existing ventriculoperitoneal shunt, which showed a normal protein and cell count considering the patient's age (protein 70 mg/dL, 1 leucocyte/µL). In conclusion, we suggest that intermediate aggravation of tetraparesis was due to pneumonia with septic constellation, and the cytoalbumin dissociation was interpreted as Froin's syndrome (FS) due to spinal stenosis. In this unique case, we were able to prove the -often suspected- case of FS by parallel analysis of ventriculoperitoneal shunt and lumbar CSF. The triad of xanthochromia, high protein levels, and marked coagulation was first described by Georges Froin and occurs in various processes leading to severe spinal stenosis. The altered composition of lumbar CSF might be due to impaired CSF circulation; however, the exact mechanisms of this phenomenon require further investigation.

Effects of Melatonin Administration on Post-Stroke Delirium in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Post-stroke delirium (PSD) after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is considered to be even more detrimental compared to that after ischemic stroke. Treatment options for post-ICH PSD remain limited. This study aimed at investigating to what extent prophylactic melatonin administration may have beneficial effects on post-ICH PSD. We performed a mono-centric, non-randomized, non-blinded, prospective cohort study, including 339 consecutive ICH patients admitted to the Stroke Unit (SU) from December 2015 to December 2020. The cohort consisted of ICH patients who underwent standard care (defined as the control group) and ICH patients who additionally received prophylactic melatonin (2 mg per day, at night) within 24 h of ICH onset until the discharge from the SU. The primary endpoint was post-ICH PSD prevalence. The secondary endpoints were: (i) PSD duration and (ii) the duration of SU stay. The PSD prevalence was higher in the melatonin treated cohort compared to the propensity score-matched (PSM) control group. Post-ICH PSD patients receiving melatonin had shorter SU-stay durations, and shorter PSD durations, although not statistically significant. This study shows no efficacy in limiting post-ICH PSD with preventive melatonin administration.

No evidence of oligoclonal bands, intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis and B cell recruitment in acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Within the past 10 years, immune mechanisms associated with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) have been brought into focus, but data on B cell activation and intrathecal Ig production is still scarce. In this study, we determined the prevalence of an elevated IgG index, positive oligoclonal bands (OCBs) and chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 13 (CXCL13) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as markers of intrathecal IgG synthesis and B cell activation in patients with AIS. METHODS: In a retrospective study we analyzed the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 212 patients with AIS from December 2013 to May 2018 assessing intrathecal Ig synthesis, OCBs and CXCL13 concentrations. RESULTS: Overall, 5.7% (12/212) of AIS patients showed an intrathecal IgG synthesis, 0.5% (1/212) with isolated elevated IgG index, 5.2% (7/136) isolated positive OCBs and 2.9% (4/136) both elevated IgG index and positive OCBs. CXCL13 levels were elevated in 3.6% (3/83) of the patients. Approximately one third of these patients had simultaneously chronic inflammatory CNS disease (multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, neurosarcoidosis). There was no significant association between CSF findings and stroke characteristics including vascular territory, localization, volume, etiology, acute treatment, or blood-brain barrier dysfunction. Intrathecal IgG synthesis was more common in patients with prior stroke. Longitudinal CSF analysis did not reveal any newly-occurring, but instead mostly persistent or even disappearing intrathecal IgG synthesis after AIS. CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence of a relevant B cell recruitment and intrathecal IgG synthesis in patients with AIS. In fact, the occurrence of intrathecal IgG synthesis was associated with concurrent chronic inflammatory CNS disease or previous stroke. Consequently, in patients with first-ever AIS and intrathecal IgG synthesis, physicians should search for concomitant inflammatory CNS disease.

Patterns of acute ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage in patients with COVID-19 : Results of a retrospective multicenter neuroimaging-based study from three central European countries.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infection which can affect the central nervous system. In this study, we sought to investigate associations between neuroimaging findings with clinical, demographic, blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters, pre-existing conditions and the severity of acute COVID-19. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective multicenter data retrieval from 10 university medical centers in Germany, Switzerland and Austria between February 2020 and September 2021. We included patients with COVID-19, acute neurological symptoms and cranial imaging. We collected demographics, neurological symptoms, COVID-19 severity, results of cranial imaging, blood and CSF parameters during the hospital stay. RESULTS: 442 patients could be included. COVID-19 severity was mild in 124 (28.1%) patients (moderate n = 134/30.3%, severe n = 43/9.7%, critical n = 141/31.9%). 220 patients (49.8%) presented with respiratory symptoms, 167 (37.8%) presented with neurological symptoms first. Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) was detected in 70 (15.8%), intracranial hemorrhage (IH) in 48 (10.9%) patients. Typical risk factors were associated with AIS; extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy and invasive ventilation with IH. No association was found between the severity of COVID-19 or blood/CSF parameters and the occurrence of AIS or IH. DISCUSSION: AIS was the most common finding on cranial imaging. IH was more prevalent than expected but a less common finding than AIS. Patients with IH had a distinct clinical profile compared to patients with AIS. There was no association between AIS or IH and the severity of COVID-19. A considerable proportion of patients presented with neurological symptoms first. Laboratory parameters have limited value as a screening tool.

Clinical-Radiological Mismatch in Multiple Sclerosis Patients during Acute Relapse: Discrepancy between Clinical Symptoms and Active, Topographically Fitting MRI Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Relapses in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are usually defined as subacute clinical symptoms that last for at least 24 h. To validate a clinical relapse on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an anatomically fitting lesion with gadolinium enhancement in the central nervous system (CNS) would be mandatory. The aim of this study was to validate clinical relapses in regard to the concomitant detection of active, anatomically fitting MRI lesions. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 199 MS patients with acute relapse who had received an MRI scan before the initiation of methylprednisolone (MPS) therapy. Clinical data and MRIs were systematically reanalyzed by correlating clinical symptoms with their anatomical representation in the CNS. Patients were then categorized into subgroups with a clinical-radiological match (group 1) or clinical-radiological mismatch (group 2) between symptoms and active, topographically fitting lesions and further analyzed in regard to clinical characteristics. RESULTS: In 43% of our patients, we observed a clinical-radiological mismatch (group 2). Further analysis of patient characteristics showed that these patients were significantly older at the time of relapse. MS patients in group 2 also showed a significantly longer disease duration and significantly more previous relapses when compared to group 1. Comparing symptom clusters, the appearance of motor dysfunction during the current relapse was significantly more frequent in group 2 than in group 1. The overall dose of MPS treatment was significantly lower in group 2 than in group 1 with a similar treatment response in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The substantial clinical-radiological mismatch during acute relapse in our study could be explained by several factors, including a psychosomatic component or disturbance of network connectivity. Alternatively, secondary progression or a diffuse neuro-inflammatory process might cause clinical symptoms, especially in older patients with a longer disease duration. As a consequence, treatment of clinical relapses and the definition of breakthrough disease should be reconsidered in regard to combined clinical and MRI criteria and/or additional biomarkers. Further studies are necessary to address the contribution of diffuse neuro-inflammation to the clinical presentation of symptoms.

Intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke after antagonization of unfractionated heparin with protamine: case series and systematic review of literature.

Background and aims: Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is standard of care for disabling acute ischemic stroke (AIS) within a time window of ⩽ 4.5 h. Some AIS patients cannot be treated with IVT due to limiting contraindications, including heparin usage in an anticoagulating dose within the past 24 h or an elevated activated prothrombin time (aPTT) > 15 s. Protamine is a potent antidote to unfractionated heparin. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of IVT in AIS patients after antagonization of unfractionated heparin with protamine. Methods: Patients from our stroke center (between January 2015 and September 2021) treated with IVT after heparin antagonization with protamine were analyzed. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used for stroke severity and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) for outcome assessment. Substantial neurological improvement was defined as the difference between admission and discharge NIHSS of ⩾8 or discharge NIHSS of ⩽1. Good outcome at follow-up after 3 months was defined as mRS 0-2. Safety data were obtained for mortality, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and for adverse events due to protamine. Second, a systematic review was performed searching PubMed and Scopus for studies and case reviews presenting AIS patients treated with IVT after heparin antagonization with protamine. The search was limited from January 1, 2011 to September 29, 2021. Furthermore, we conducted a propensity score matching comparing protamine-treated patients to a control IVT group without protamine (ratio 2:1, match tolerance 0.2). Results: A total of 16 patients, 5 treated in our hospital and 11 from literature, [65.2 ± 13.1 years, 37.5% female, median premorbid mRS (pmRS) 1 (IQR 1, 4)] treated with IVT after heparin antagonization using protamine were included and compared to 31 IVT patients [76.2 ± 10.9 years, 45% female, median pmRS 1 (IQR 0, 2)]. Substantial neurological improvement was evident in 68.8% of protamine-treated patients versus 38.7% of control patients (p = 0.028). Good clinical outcome at follow-up was observed in 56.3% versus 58.1% of patients (p = 0.576). No adverse events due to protamine were reported, one patient suffered sICH after secondary endovascular thrombectomy of large vessel occlusion. Mortality was 6.3% versus 22.6% (p = 0.236). Conclusion: IVT after heparin antagonization with protamine seems to be safe and, prospectively, may extend the number of AIS patients who can benefit from reperfusion treatment using IVT. Further prospective registry trials would be helpful to further investigate the clinical applicability of heparin antagonization.

Cortical reactivity to transcranial magnetic stimulation predicts risk of post-stroke delirium.

OBJECTIVE: Post-stroke delirium (PSD) is a frequent and with regard to outcome unfavorable complication in acute stroke. The neurobiological mechanisms predisposing to PSD remain poorly understood, and biomarkers predicting its risk have not been established. We tested the hypothesis that hypoexcitable or disconnected brain networks predispose to PSD by measuring brain reactivity to transcranial magnetic stimulation with electroencephalography (TMS-EEG). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 33 acute stroke patients within 48 hours of stroke onset. Brain reactivity to single-pulse TMS of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, primary motor cortex and superior parietal lobule of the right hemisphere was quantified by response intensity, effective connectivity, perturbational complexity index (PCIST), and natural frequency of the TMS-EEG response. PSD development was clinically tracked every 8 hours before and for 7 days following TMS-EEG. RESULTS: Fourteen patients developed PSD while 19 patients did not. The PSD group showed lower excitability, effective connectivity, PCIST and natural frequency compared to the non-PSD group. The maximum PCIST over all three TMS sites demonstrated largest classification accuracy with a ROC-AUC of 0.943. This effect was independent of lesion size, affected hemisphere and stroke severity. Maximum PCIST and maximum natural frequency correlated inversely with delirium duration. CONCLUSIONS: Brain reactivity to TMS-EEG can unravel brain network states of reduced excitability, effective connectivity, perturbational complexity and natural frequency that identify acute stroke patients at high risk for development of delirium. SIGNIFICANCE: Findings provide novel insight into the pathophysiology of pre-delirium brain states and may promote effective delirium prevention strategies in those patients at high risk.

Predictors of post-stroke delirium incidence and duration: Results of a prospective observational study using high-frequency delirium screening.

BACKGROUND: Post-stroke delirium (PSD) is a modifiable predictor for worse outcome in stroke. Knowledge of its risk factors would facilitate clinical management of affected patients, but recently updated national guidelines consider available evidence insufficient. AIMS: The study aimed to establish risk factors for PSD incidence and duration using high-frequency screening. METHODS: We prospectively investigated patients with ischemic stroke admitted within 24 h. Patients were screened twice daily for the presence of PSD throughout the treatment period. Sociodemographic, treatment-related, and neuroimaging characteristics were evaluated as predictors of either PSD incidence (odds ratios (OR)) or duration (PSD days/unit of the predictor, b), using logistic and linear regression models, respectively. RESULTS: PSD occurred in 55/141 patients (age = 73.8 ± 10.4 years, 61 female, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) = 6.4 ± 6.5). Age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.06 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.10), b = 0.08 (95% CI = 0.04-0.13)), and male gender (b = 0.99 (95% CI = 0.05-1.93)) were significant non-modifiable risk factors. In a multivariable model adjusted for age and gender, presence of pain (OR < sub > mvar = 1.75 (95% CI = 1.12-2.74)), urinary catheter (OR < sub > mvar = 3.16 (95% CI = 1.10-9.14)) and post-stroke infection (PSI; OR < sub > mvar = 4.43 (95% CI = 1.09-18.01)) were predictors of PSD incidence. PSD duration was impacted by presence of pain (b < sub > mvar = 0.49 (95% CI = 0.19-0.81)), urinary catheter (b < sub > mvar = 1.03 (95% CI = 0.01-2.07)), intravenous line (b < sub > mvar = 0.36 (95% CI = 0.16-0.57)), and PSI (b < sub > mvar = 1.60 (95% CI = 0.42-2.78)). PSD (OR = 3.53 (95% CI = 1.48-5.57)) and PSI (OR = 5.29 (95% CI = 2.92-7.66)) independently predicted inferior NIHSS at discharge. Insular and basal ganglia lesions increased the PSD risk about four- to eight-fold. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This study identified modifiable risk factors, the management of which might reduce the negative impact PSD has on outcome.

Delirium in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: Predictors and implications for patient outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Delirium is recognized as a severe complication of coronavirus-disease-2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19-associated delirium has been linked to worse patient outcomes and is considered to be of multifactorial origin. Here we sought to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of delirium in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, along with its impact on clinical outcome. METHODS: Consecutive adult COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary academic referral hospital between March 1st and December 31st, 2020 were included. Potential risk factors for delirium were evaluated, including: age, gender, disease severity (as per the highest WHO grading reached during admission), laboratory parameters for infection and renal function (as per their most extreme values), and presence of comorbidities. To assess the relative strength of risk factors for predicting the occurrence of delirium, we performed a random-forest survival analysis. RESULTS: 347 patients with positive COVID-19 PCR test and median age 68.2 [IQR 55.5, 80.5] years were included. Of those, 79 patients (22.8%) developed delirium, 81 (23.3%) were transferred to ICU, 58 (16.7%) died. 163 (73.8%) patients were discharged home, 13 (5.9%) to another hospital, 32 (14.5%) to nursing homes, 13 (5.9%) to rehabilitation with an overall median admission-to-discharge time of 53 [IQR 14, 195] days. The strongest predictors for the occurrence of delirium were blood urea nitrogen (minimal depth value (MD): 3.33), age (MD: 3.75), disease severity (as captured by WHO grading; MD: 3.93), leukocyte count (MD: 4.22), the presence of a neurodegenerative history (MD: 4.43), ferritin (MD: 4.46) and creatinine (MD: 4.59) levels. CONCLUSION: The risk of delirium in COVID-19 can be stratified based on COVID-19 disease severity and-similar to delirium associated with other respiratory infections-the factors advanced age, neurodegenerative disease history, and presence of elevated infection and renal-retention parameters. Screening for these risk factors may facilitate early identification of patients at high-risk for COVID-19-associated delirium.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis: Reports of a Retrospective Single-Center Study.

Current standard care for acute cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) includes either intravenous heparin or subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparin, but patients with refractory CVST, despite adequate anticoagulation therapy, may benefit from mechanical thrombectomy (MT). A retrospective study of patients with CVST, who underwent MT between 2011 and 2019, was performed looking at procedure success rate and clinical outcomes. Two raters evaluated the cerebral venous system of every patient before and after the intervention using the following scoring system: (0) No obvious thrombosis; (1) thrombosis without impaired blood flow; (2) thrombosis with impaired blood flow; (3) and thrombosis with complete vascular occlusion. The success of MT was measured using a score quotient (Q = A/B), dividing the sum of the patient's scores after the intervention (A) by the sum of scores before the intervention (B). Overall, 21 MTs were performed on 20 patients with refractory or severe CVST. Clinical improvement was seen in 61.9% during hospital stay and in 80% at 6-month follow-up, with complete recovery in 70% of patients. Patients with favorable outcomes had significantly lower recanalization quotients (p = 0.008). Our study provides evidence supporting that MT may be a safe and effective treatment with favorable clinical outcomes for selected patients with CVST.

The Role of Vascular Risk Factors in Post-Stroke Delirium: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Vascular risk factors may predispose to post-stroke delirium (PSD). A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed by searching PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The primary outcome was the prevalence of vascular risk factors in PSD vs. non-PSD patients. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and mean differences (MDs) with 95% CIs were calculated for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Fixed effects or random effects models were used in case of low- or high-statistical heterogeneity, respectively. We found an increased prevalence of atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.74, p = 0.0004), prior stroke (OR = 1.48, p < 0.00001), coronary artery disease (OR = 1.48, p < 0.00001), heart failure (OR = 2.01, p < 0.0001), and peripheral vascular disease (OR = 2.03, p < 0.00001) in patients with vs. without PSD. PSD patients were older (MD = 5.27 y, p < 0.00001) compared with their non-PSD counterparts. Advanced age, atrial fibrillation, prior stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and peripheral vascular disease appeared to be significantly associated with PSD.

TRoponin of Unknown origin in STroke evaluated by multi-component cardiac Magnetic resonance Imaging - The TRUST-MI study.

Aims: Increased high-sensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) levels are common in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, only a minority demonstrates culprit lesions on coronary angiography, suggesting other mechanisms, e.g., inflammation, as underlying cause of myocardial damage. Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE)-cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with mapping techniques [T1, T2, extracellular volume (ECV)] allow the detection of both focal and diffuse myocardial abnormalities. We investigated the prevalence of culprit lesions by coronary angiography and myocardial tissue abnormalities by a comprehensive CMR protocol in troponin-positive stroke patients. Methods and results: Patients with troponin-positive acute ischemic stroke and no history of coronary artery disease were prospectively enrolled. Coronary angiography and CMR (LGE, T1 + T2 mapping, ECV) were performed within the first days of the acute stroke. Twenty-five troponin-positive patients (mean age 62 years, 44% females) were included. 2 patients (8%) had culprit lesions on coronary angiography and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. 13 patients (52%) demonstrated LGE: (i) n = 4 ischemic, (ii) n = 4 non-ischemic, and (iii) n = 5 ischemic AND non-ischemic. In the 12 LGE-negative patients, mapping revealed diffuse myocardial damage in additional 9 (75%) patients, with a high prevalence of increased T2 values. Conclusions: Our data show a low prevalence of culprit lesions in troponin-positive stroke patients. However, > 50% of the patients demonstrated myocardial scars (ischemic + non-ischemic) by LGE-CMR. Mapping revealed additional myocardial abnormalities (mostly inflammatory) in the majority of LGE-negative patients. Therefore, a comprehensive CMR protocol gives important insights in the etiology of troponin which might have implications for the further work-up of troponin-positive stroke patients.

Outcomes of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis due to Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia After the Acute Phase.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) due to vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a severe condition, with high in-hospital mortality rates. Here, we report clinical outcomes of patients with CVT-VITT after SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) vaccination who survived initial hospitalization. METHODS: We used data from an international registry of patients who developed CVT within 28 days of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, collected until February 10, 2022. VITT diagnosis was classified based on the Pavord criteria. Outcomes were mortality, functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2), VITT relapse, new thrombosis, and bleeding events (all after discharge from initial hospitalization). RESULTS: Of 107 CVT-VITT cases, 43 (40%) died during initial hospitalization. Of the remaining 64 patients, follow-up data were available for 60 (94%) patients (37 definite VITT, 9 probable VITT, and 14 possible VITT). Median age was 40 years and 45/60 (75%) patients were women. Median follow-up time was 150 days (interquartile range, 94-194). Two patients died during follow-up (3% [95% CI, 1%-11%). Functional independence was achieved by 53/60 (88% [95% CI, 78%-94%]) patients. No new venous or arterial thrombotic events were reported. One patient developed a major bleeding during follow-up (fatal intracerebral bleed). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to the high mortality of CVT-VITT in the acute phase, mortality among patients who survived the initial hospitalization was low, new thrombotic events did not occur, and bleeding events were rare. Approximately 9 out of 10 CVT-VITT patients who survived the acute phase were functionally independent at follow-up.

Regional computed tomography perfusion deficits in patients with hypoglycemia: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus, particularly type 1 can mimic acute ischemic stroke by causing focal neurological deficits. In acute ischemic stroke, the interpretation of emergency imaging including computed tomography with angiography and perfusion is crucial to guide revascularizing therapy including intravenous thrombolysis. However, different metabolic abnormalities and stroke mimics can cause focal hypoperfusion. METHODS: We describe two type 1 diabetes patients presenting with acute focal neurological deficits and hypoglycemia, who underwent multimodal computed tomography and follow-up imaging. CASE PRESENTATION: Patient 1, a 20-year-old man presented with aphasia and interstitial glucose level of 54 mg/dl. Patient 2, a 77-year-old man presented with aphasia, mild right-sided brachiofacial paresis and interstitial glucose level of 83 mg/dl. On brain imaging, no acute infarct signs were noted. Yet, both had focal left hemispheric cerebral hypoperfusion without large-vessel occlusion or stenosis. Due to persistent symptoms after normalization of blood glucose and despite a perfusion imaging pattern that was interpretated as non-typical for ischemia, both patients underwent thrombolysis without any complications. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography perfusion might help to discriminate hypoglycemia with focal neurological signs from acute stroke, but further evidence is needed.

Management of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Due to Adenoviral COVID-19 Vaccination.

OBJECTIVE: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) caused by vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare adverse effect of adenovirus-based severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines. In March 2021, after autoimmune pathogenesis of VITT was discovered, treatment recommendations were developed. These comprised immunomodulation, non-heparin anticoagulants, and avoidance of platelet transfusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to these recommendations and its association with mortality. METHODS: We used data from an international prospective registry of patients with CVT after the adenovirus-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. We analyzed possible, probable, or definite VITT-CVT cases included until January 18, 2022. Immunomodulation entailed administration of intravenous immunoglobulins and/or plasmapheresis. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients with VITT-CVT from 71 hospitals in 17 countries were analyzed. Five of 38 (13%), 11 of 24 (46%), and 28 of 37 (76%) of the patients diagnosed in March, April, and from May onward, respectively, were treated in-line with VITT recommendations (p < 0.001). Overall, treatment according to recommendations had no statistically significant influence on mortality (14/44 [32%] vs 29/55 [52%], adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.16-1.19). However, patients who received immunomodulation had lower mortality (19/65 [29%] vs 24/34 [70%], adjusted OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.06-0.58). Treatment with non-heparin anticoagulants instead of heparins was not associated with lower mortality (17/51 [33%] vs 13/35 [37%], adjusted OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.24-2.04). Mortality was also not significantly influenced by platelet transfusion (17/27 [63%] vs 26/72 [36%], adjusted OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 0.74-6.54). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with VITT-CVT, adherence to VITT treatment recommendations improved over time. Immunomodulation seems crucial for reducing mortality of VITT-CVT. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:562-573.