Clinical Features of Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Hypoesthesia as an Initial Symptom.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who experienced hypoesthesia as the initial symptom. We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 176 hospitalized AIS patients who met our inclusion and exclusion criteria and evaluated their clinical features and MRI findings. Among this cohort, 20 (11%) patients presented with hypoesthesia as the initial symptom. MRI scans of these 20 patients identified lesions in the thalamus or pontine tegmentum in 14 and brain lesions at other sites in 6. The 20 hypoesthesia patients had higher systolic (p = 0.031) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.037) on admission, and a higher rate of small-vessel occlusion (p < 0.001) than patients without hypoesthesia. The patients with hypoesthesia had a significantly shorter average hospital stay (p = 0.007) but did not differ significantly from those without hypoesthesia in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores on admission (p = 0.182) or the modified Rankin Scale scores for neurologic disability on discharge (p = 0.319). In the patients with acute onset hypoesthesia, high blood pressure, and neurological deficits were more likely to be due to AIS than other causes. Since most of the lesions in AIS patients with hypoesthesia as the initial symptom were found to be small, we recommend performing MRI scans with such patients to confirm AIS.

Delayed encephalopathy after COVID-19: A case series of six patients.

RATIONALE: Acute encephalopathy is a severe neurological complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Most cases of acute encephalopathy associated with COVID-19 occur within several weeks of COVID-19 onset. We describe a case series of 6 patients who developed delayed encephalopathy (DE) after COVID-19. PATIENT CONCERNS AND DIAGNOSES: We evaluated patients who recovered from COVID-19 and showed acute disturbance of consciousness or focal neurological deficits without recurrence of pneumonitis. Six patients, 2 females and 4 males, with ages ranging from 65 to 83 years were included. Durations of hospitalization due to COVID-19 were between 25 and 44 days. The severity of COVID-19 was moderate in 5 and severe in 1 patient. Patients were rehospitalized for acute disturbance of consciousness concomitant with postural tremor and, abnormal behavior, hemiplegia, aphasia, or apraxia between 34 and 67 days after the onset of COVID-19. Chest computed tomography showed no exacerbation of pneumonitis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed no specific findings except in 1 patient with an acute lacunar infarction. Electroencephalogram demonstrated diffuse slowing in all patients. Repeat electroencephalogram after recovery from encephalopathy demonstrated normal in all patients. One of the 6 patients had cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis. CSF protein levels were elevated in all patients, ranging from 51 to 115 mg/dL. CSF interleukin-6 levels ranged from 2.9 to 10.9 pg/mL. The immunoglobulin index was 0.39 to 0.44. Qlim(alb) < QAlb indicating dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier was observed in all patients. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction of CSF was negative in all patients. Neuronal autoantibodies were absent in serum and CSF. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES: Immunotherapy including steroid pulses was administered to 3 patients; however, symptoms of encephalopathy resolved within several days in all patients, regardless of treatment with immunotherapy, and their consciousness levels were recovered fully. Notably, postural tremor remained for 2 weeks to 7 months. LESSONS: In our patients, DE after COVID-19 was characterized by symptoms of acute encephalopathy accompanied with tremor in the absence of worsening pneumonitis after the fourth week of COVID-19 onset. Our findings indicate blood-brain barrier dysfunction may contribute to the pathogenesis of DE after COVID-19.

Locked-in Syndrome Due to Meningovascular Syphilis: A Case Report and Literature Review.

We herein report a 46-year-old man presenting with locked-in syndrome secondary to meningovascular syphilis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated multiple acute infarctions in the left ventromedial pons, right basis pontis, and left basal ganglia. His locked-in syndrome was hypothesized to have been caused by thrombosis of the small paramedian branches of the basilar artery due to syphilitic arteritis. This is a unique case of bilateral ventromedial pontine infarction caused by meningovascular syphilis that presented as locked-in syndrome. Meningovascular syphilis should be included in the differential diagnosis of uncommon stroke, particularly in young men.

Acute autoimmune transverse myelitis following COVID-19 vaccination: A case report.

RATIONALE: Transverse myelitis is an infectious or noninfectious inflammatory spinal cord syndrome. We report a rare case of transverse myelitis following vaccination against COVID-19. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 70-year-old male presented with progressive sensorimotor dysfunction of the bilateral lower limbs 7 days after receiving the mRNA-1273 vaccine against COVID-19. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging revealed intramedullary lesions with gadolinium enhancement on the Th1/2 and Th5/6 vertebral levels. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing showed a mildly increased level of total protein and positive oligoclonal bands (OCB). DIAGNOSIS: The patient was diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis. INTERVENTION: The patient received 5 days of intravenous methylprednisolone pulse (1000 mg/day) followed by oral prednisolone (30 mg/day with gradual tapering). OUTCOMES: The patient fully recovered from muscle weakness of the lower limbs. He was discharged from our hospital and able to independently walk without unsteadiness. LESSON: This is a rare case of transverse myelitis following COVID-19 vaccination. Positive OCB in CSF in the present case highlights the possibility of autoimmune processes, including polyclonal activation of B lymphocytes, following vaccination.

Efficacy of Early Superficial Temporal Artery-Middle Cerebral Artery Double Anastomoses for Atherosclerotic Occlusion in Patients with Progressing Stroke.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the efficacy of early superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) double anastomoses for patients with progressing stroke due to atherosclerotic occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine consecutive patients who underwent early STA-MCA double anastomoses were enrolled. All patients presented with progressing stroke despite maximal medical treatment. Cerebral blood flow in 7 patients was analyzed by single-photon emission tomography. Clinical outcomes were investigated postoperatively, and we evaluated the utility of early STA-MCA double anastomoses. RESULTS: Nine patients in the present study included those with middle cerebral artery occlusion (n = 6) and internal carotid artery occlusion (n = 3). The mean age was 58.4 years. Subjects comprised 1 female (11.1%) and 8 males (88.9%). The cause was low perfusion ischemia due to atherosclerotic occlusion with a small infarct. The mean regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) ratio in the middle cerebral artery territory compared to the normal side was 69.6 ± 5.3%. The duration from onset to surgery was 1-8 days (median, 3.11 days). All patients underwent early STA-MCA double anastomoses, and no reperfusion-induced hemorrhage occurred. All of them slowly achieved obvious remission compared to symptoms on admission and achieved a good functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Early STA-MCA double anastomoses were safe and effective, and early revascularization resulted in rapid neurological improvement. We recommend this procedure for patients with progressive ischemia due to main trunk artery occlusion, when the rCBF flow ratio with the normal side was 70 ± 10%, even at the subacute stage.

Usefulness of cervical computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for rapid diagnosis of crowned dens syndrome: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Crowned dens syndrome is a rare disease entity which radiologically shows calcification of the cruciform ligament around the odontoid process. We report a patient with crowned dens syndrome who improved dramatically in 5days following treatment with oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 61-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with a severe occipital headache and sudden onset of neck stiffness. Neurological examination on admission revealed a high fever and cervical rigidity. Laboratory examination revealed a markedly elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein level, but cerebrospinal fluid studies revealed only a slight abnormality. A cervical computed tomography scan and its three-dimensional reconstruction detected a remarkable crown-like calcification surrounding the odontoid process. Cervical magnetic resonance imaging did not demonstrate strong direct compression of the cervical cord; however, the soft tissue surrounding the odontoid process was hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging with fat suppression. Based on the radiological findings, the patient was diagnosed with crowned dens syndrome and was immediately treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The patient's condition drastically improved within 5days. DISCUSSION: It was very interesting that the soft tissue surrounding the odontoid process was hyperintense on magnetic resonance T2-weighted imaging with fat suppression, and the signal change disappeared 2 weeks after the administration of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We think that magnetic resonance imaging is useful for proving inflammation in patients with crowned dens syndrome. CONCLUSION: This is the first report making reference to the magnetic resonance imaging findings of crowned dens syndrome.

Importance of perioperative management for emergency carotid artery stenting within 24h after intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke: Case report.

INTRODUCTION: We report a patient treated successfully via endovascular surgery within 24h after intravenous thrombolysis using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for acute cervical internal carotid artery occlusion. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 68-year-old man was admitted to our hospital. Neurological examination revealed severe left-sided motor weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no cerebral infarction, but magnetic resonance angiography revealed complete occlusion of the right internal carotid artery. Systemic intravenous injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator was performed within 4h after the onset. But, magnetic resonance angiography still revealed complete occlusion. Revascularization of the right cervical internal carotid artery was performed via endovascular surgery. The occluded artery was successfully recanalized using the Penumbra System(®) and stent placement at the origin of the internal carotid artery. Immediately after surgery, dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and clopidogrel) was initiated, and then cilostazol was added on the following day. Carotid ultrasonography and three-dimensional computed tomographic angiography at 14days revealed no further obstruction to flow. DISCUSSION: When trying to perform emergency carotid artery stenting within 24h after intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator administration, several issues require attention, such as the decisions regarding the type of stent and embolic protection device, the selection of antiplatelet therapy and the methods of preventing hyperperfusion syndrome. CONCLUSION: Emergency carotid artery stenting for the acute internal carotid artery occlusion may be considered a safe procedure in preventing early stroke recurrence in selected patients.

Relation between Resting State Front-Parietal EEG Coherence and Executive Function in Parkinson's Disease.

Objective. To assess the relation between executive dysfunction (ED) in Parkinson's disease (PD) and resting state functional connectivity evaluated using electroencephalography (EEG) coherence. Methods. Sixty-eight nondemented sporadic PD patients were assessed using the Behavioural Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS) to evaluate executive function. EEG coherence in the left frontoparietal electrode pair (F3-P3) and the right frontoparietal electrode pair (F4-P4) was analyzed in the alpha and theta range. The BADS scores were compared across the coherence groups, and the multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the contribution of confounders. Results. The standardized BADS score was significantly lower in the low F3-P3 coherence group in the alpha range (Mann-Whitney U test, p = 0.032), though there was no difference between F4-P4 coherence group in the alpha range, F3-P3, and F4-P4 coherence groups in the theta range and the standardized BADS score. The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed the significant relation between the F3-P3 coherence group in alpha range and age-controlled standardized BADS score (p = 0.039, 95% CI = 1.002-1.062). Conclusion. The decrease in resting state functional connectivity between the frontal and parietal cortices especially in the left side is related to ED in PD.

Relationship between Postural Deformities and Frontal Function in Parkinson's Disease.

Postural deformities and executive dysfunction (ED) are common symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD); however, the relationship between postural deformities and ED in patients with PD remains unclear. This study assessed the relationship between postural deformities and ED in patients with PD. Sixty-five patients with sporadic PD were assessed for the severity of postural deformities and executive function. The severity of postural deformities was scored using the United Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale item 28 score: no postural deformity (0), mild postural deformities (1), or severe postural deformities (2-4). Executive function was assessed using the Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS) and an age-controlled standardized BADS score <70 was defined as ED. Age-controlled standardized BADS scores were compared across the three groups using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Relationship between ED and the severity of postural deformities was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Age-controlled standardized BADS score significantly differed among the three groups (P = 0.005). ED was significantly related to the severity of postural deformities (P = 0.0005). The severity of postural deformities was associated with a lower age-controlled standardized BADS score and ED, and these findings suggest that postural deformities were associated with frontal dysfunction in patients with PD.

Idiopathic Hypertrophic Spinal Pachymeningitis.

A 63-year-old man revealed a four-month history of muscle weakness of the lower limbs, hypoesthesia of the L5 and S1 area and ischuria. On MRI, the spinal cord was compressed by an encircled mass, which showed hypointensity on T1- and T2-weighted images with gadolinium enhancement at the Th11 to Th12 vertebra. Because of the rapid progression of myelopathy, posterior decompression was performed and idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (HSP) was finally diagnosed. The patient's neurological signs markedly improved with postoperative corticosteroid treatment. Idiopathic HSP is a clinical emergency and early surgical intervention is essential to prevent irreversible damage to the nervous system.

Relapse with Dysphagia in a Case of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy.

Glossopharyngeal and/or vagus nerve involvement is infrequent in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). We herein report the case of a 69-year-old Japanese woman who presented with muscle weakness and numbness of the extremities with dysphagia. The serum anti-ganglioside GM1 immunoglobulin IgM antibody levels were elevated, and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) resulted in a dramatic improvement; the weakness, numbness and dysphagia all resolved. However, relapse comprising dysphagia alone occurred on hospital day 26, and treatment with IVIg again proved extremely effective. IVIg therapy can be effective against cranial nerve involvement in cases of CIDP.

Tumefactive Demyelinating Lesion Differentiated from a Brain Tumor Using a Combination of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and (11)C-methionine Positron Emission Tomography.

A 37-year-old woman gradually developed a gait disturbance due to sensory loss in the left lower extremity three years after being diagnosed with clinically isolated syndrome. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an incomplete ring-enhanced lesion with perifocal edema in the subcortex of the right parietal lobe. (11)C-methionine positron emission tomography (MET-PET) showed an insignificant uptake in the lesion. The patient was noninvasively diagnosed with tumefactive multiple sclerosis and treated with corticosteroids, and her neurological symptoms and MRI findings improved with treatment. The combination of MRI findings and insignificant uptake on MET-PET is useful for noninvasively differentiating tumefactive demyelinating lesions from brain tumors.

[A case of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease presenting with arm levitation as an initial symptom].

A 74-year-old, right handed man, developed insidiously with levitation and clumsiness of the right upper limb. His right arm tended to levitate spontaneously, when he was examined. He could put the elevated arm down on command, while the arm resumed to antigravity posture when his attention was diverted. His right arm also exhibited unwilled elevation when performing complex finger movements on the right side. He had a feeling of strangeness of the elevated limb, especially with the eyes closed. In addition to asymmetric limb-kinetic apraxia, combined sensations such as stereognosis were disturbed on the right side. Brain MRI showed high signal lesions predominantly in the left cerebral cortices and basal ganglia. SPECT with (123)I-IMP revealed asymmetric hypoperfusion, predominantly in the left medial frontal and parietal regions. Two months after the onset, levitation of the arm gradually disappeared, with the development of rapidly progressive dementia, frontal signs, dystonia and generalized myoclonus. The diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) was made based on the clinical features and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. The early manifestation of the patient mimicked corticobasal degeneration which presents with arm levitation or alien hand syndrome. It is suggested that CJD can represent involuntary movements with higher brain dysfunction resembling corticobasal degeneration at the early stage of the illness. Although the underlying mechanism of arm levitation is still unknown, frontal disinhibition and parietal cortical sensory disturbance may contribute to the development of involuntary arm levitation in our patient.

Relation between freezing of gait and frontal function in Parkinson's disease.

INTRODUCTION: Freezing of gait (FOG) is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Although the pathophysiological mechanism of FOG is unknown, previous studies have suggested that frontal dysfunction is associated with FOG. The Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS) battery, which is wide-ranging neurological battery composed of six subtests, evaluates frontal function and is more sensitive to executive dysfunction (ED) than other tools in PD patients. This is the first study to assess the relation between FOG in the 'on' state and frontal dysfunction evaluated using BADS. METHODS: Subjects were 65 patients with PD. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to compare the age-controlled standardized BADS score, age, disease duration, Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stage, levodopa-equivalent daily dose, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score across patients with FOG (n = 43) and patients without FOG (n = 22). Score on each of the six BADS subtests were compared across patients with and without FOG using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that FOG was related to lower age-controlled standardized BADS score (P = 0.022) and higher HY stage (P = 0.009) but not to disease duration, levodopa equivalent daily dose, or MMSE score. Among the six BADS subtests, score on the Zoo Map Test, which evaluates problem solving and planning, was lower in patients with FOG than in patients without FOG. CONCLUSION: These results support a relation between on-state FOG and frontal dysfunction in PD patients.