Intima-Media Thickness in the Carotid Bifurcation is Related to Silent Brain Infarction: A Cross-Sectional Study.

AIMS: Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement is used to assess subclinical atherosclerosis. We aimed to examine the association between the maximum IMT by location and the occurrence of silent brain infarction (SBI). METHODS: Overall, 280 Japanese individuals (92 females, 52.6±5 years old) underwent a medical check-up at our hospital in Tokyo in 2015. Carotid IMT was measured at each site on ultrasound images (common carotid artery [CCA], internal carotid artery, or bifurcation). The risk factors for arterial dysfunction were evaluated. SBI was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The cross-sectional relationship between carotid maximum IMT and SBI was evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 280 individuals, 18 (6.4%) were diagnosed with SBI on MRI. The mean age of the SBI(-) and SBI(+) groups was 51.9±10.6 and 63.6±18.6 years, respectively. The correlation coefficients between the carotid maximum IMT at each location were very weak (correlation coefficient range: 0.180-0.253). The percentage of participants with SBI increased significantly with increasing maximum CCA and bIMT values. After adjusting for confounders, SBI was found to be significantly associated with the maximum bIMT (per 0.1-mm increase) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.10; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-1.17). When bIMT was categorized according to three groups (＜1.0 mm, 1.0-＜2.0 mm, and ≥ 2.0 mm), a significant SBI risk was also observed with an increase by each category of bIMT (aOR: 3.96, 95% CI: 1.63-9.52, P=0.002). CONCLUSION: The maximum bIMT was found to be the main determinant of SBI. A significant SBI risk was associated with an increase in each category of the maximum bIMT. Therefore, the maximum bIMT might be a useful predictor of future stroke in Japanese stroke-free medical check-up participants.

Low serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor may predict poor response to cardiac rehabilitation in patients with cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: It has been shown that serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with skeletal muscle energy metabolism and that BDNF is a predictor of mortality in heart failure patients. However, little is known about the relationship between BDNF and cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Therefore, this study retrospectively investigated the effects of baseline serum BDNF levels on the CR-induced exercise capacity improvement in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: We assigned 99 CVD patients (mean age 71±12 years, male = 60) to Low, Middle, and High groups based on the tertiles of baseline BDNF levels. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was done using supervised bicycle ergometer twice before and after 3 weeks of CR. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) followed by post-hoc analysis using Tukey's HSD test was conducted to assess the multivariate associations between baseline BDNF levels categorized by BDNF tertiles (as independent variable) and %increases in AT and peak VO2 after 3-week CR (as dependent variables) after adjustment for age and gender (as covariates), as a main statistical analysis of the present study. RESULTS: The higher the baseline BDNF levels, the better nutritional status evaluated by the CONUT score (p<0.0001). Baseline anaerobic threshold (AT) and peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) were similar among the three groups. ANCOVA followed by post-hoc analysis revealed that age- and gender-adjusted %increases in peak VO2 after 3-week CR were positively associated with baseline BDNF levels (p = 0.0239) and Low BDNF group showed significantly lower %increase in peak VO2 than High BDNF group (p = 0.0197). Significant association was not found between baseline BDNF and %increase in AT (p = 0.1379). CONCLUSIONS: Low baseline BDNF levels were associated with malnutrition in CVD patients. A positive association between baseline BDNF levels and CR-induced increases in peak VO2 was found. It was suggested that CVD patients with low baseline BDNF levels may be poor responders to CR.

Clinical characteristics of stroke in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in Japan: A prospective nationwide study.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of stroke in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in Japan. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter observational study of stroke in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection involving 563 primary stroke centers across Japan was conducted between July 2020, and May 2022. We included 159 stroke cases (131 ischemic stroke, 2 transient ischemic attack (TIA), 21 intracranial hemorrhage, and 5 subarachnoid hemorrhage) and collected their clinical characteristics. Ischemic stroke and TIA (n = 133) were analyzed separately. RESULTS: The mean age of the 159 patients was 70.6 years, with 66% being men. Poor outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score 5-6) occurred in 40% (63/159) at discharge. Among patients with ischemic stroke and TIA, 30%, 18%, 10%, and 42% had cardioembolism, large-artery atherosclerosis, small-vessel occlusion, and cryptogenic stroke or embolic stroke of undetermined source, respectively. One-third (34%) presented with large vessel occlusion (LVO) of the internal carotid, middle cerebral M1, or basilar arteries. Poor outcomes included age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.06, 95%CI: 1.01-1.12), ischemic heart disease (IHD) history (aOR: 13.00, 95%CI: 1.51-111.70), moderate to severe pneumonia (aOR: 7.78, 95%CI: 1.18-51.42), an National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at baseline (aOR: 1.10, 95%CI: 1.03-1.17), LVO (aOR: 14.88, 95%CI: 2.33-94.97), and log10 D-dimer (aOR: 3.38, 95%CI: 1.01-11.26). CONCLUSION: Upon discharge, 40% of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients with ischemic stroke and TIA had poor outcomes. Poor outcomes were associated with older age, IHD history, moderate to severe pneumonia, higher NIHSS scores, LVO, and higher log10 D-dimer. REGISTRATION: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/. Unique identifier: UMIN000041226.

The effect of asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage after mechanical thrombectomy on clinical outcome.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Whether asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) affects the clinical outcomes in patients with acute large vessel occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) remains unclear. This study aimed to address this uncertainty. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with acute ischemic stroke and internal carotid or middle cerebral (M1 segment) artery occlusion treated with MT between April 2011 and March 2021 at a single center. All patients had a premorbid modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ≤ 2 and an anterior circulation occlusion and underwent magnetic resonance imaging at admission. Asymptomatic ICH was defined as ICH without symptomatic ICH defined by the SITS-MOST criteria. A favorable outcome was defined as an mRS score ≤ 2 at 90 days after stroke onset. RESULTS: Our study included 349 patients; 62% were men, the median age was 76 [67-83] years, and the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was 15 [8-21]. As determined via computed tomography, 103 (30%) patients had ICH (20 symptomatic and 83 asymptomatic). The favorable outcome rate was significantly lower for asymptomatic vs. no ICH (30% vs. 67%, p < 0.01). In a multivariate regression analysis, a high NIHSS score (odds ratio [OR], 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.10; p < 0.01) and low Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65-0.92; p < 0.01) were independent risk factors for ICH. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic ICH is associated with poor clinical outcome at 90 days after stroke onset.

Hyperglycemia and Outcomes in Patients with Successful Reperfusion by Mechanical Thrombectomy.

Background This study examined whether or not hyperglycemia on admission is associated with poor outcomes in patients with successful reperfusion by mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Methods Consecutive patients with acute anterior circulation stroke and large-vessel occlusion treated with MT were evaluated. Hyperglycemia was defined as a blood glucose level of >140 mg/dL on admission. Successful reperfusion was defined as Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction of grade 2b or 3. A poor clinical outcome 90 days after the onset was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 4-6. We compared characteristics, including outcomes, between the normoglycemic (≤140 mg/dL) and hyperglycemic groups. In addition, the association between hyperglycemia and outcomes was evaluated in patients with successful reperfusion using MT. Results The participants comprised 407 patients (median age, 76.5 years old; 58.0% men; median NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score, 17). The site of occlusion was the ICA (Internal Carotid Artery) in 119 patients (29.2%) and the M1 in 178 patients (43.7%). Normoglycemia, hyperglycemia, successful reperfusion, and poor outcomes were found in 138 (33.9%), 269 (66.1%), 320 (78.6%), and 141 (34.4%) patients, respectively. Poor outcomes were more frequent in hyperglycemic patients (61.6%) than in normoglycemic patients (43.9%, P=0.001). Among patients with successful reperfusion, poor outcomes were more frequent in hyperglycemic patients (57.8%) than in normoglycemic patients (37.9%; P<0.001). In patients with successful reperfusion, a multivariate regression analysis identified hyperglycemia as a factor associated with poor outcomes (odds ratio, 2.151; confidence interval, 1.166-3.970; P=0.014). Conclusions Among all patients, hyperglycemia on admission was associated with a poor outcome in those treated with MT. Regarding the presence of successful reperfusion by MT, patients with successful reperfusion had such effects.

The impact of SAH finding on CT to the clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy for large vessel occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Whether subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) after mechanical thrombectomy affects the clinical outcomes of patients with acute large-vessel occlusion remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the clinical impact of SAH on computed tomography (CT) after mechanical thrombectomy. METHODS: The SKIP study was an investigator-initiated, multicentre, randomised, open-label clinical trial. This study was performed in 23 hospital networks in Japan from January 1, 2017, to July 31, 2019. Among the 204 patients, seven were excluded because they did not undergo mechanical thrombectomy (MT) and had a modified Rankin scale (mRS) score > 2. The main outcome was the association between SAH within 36 h after mechanical thrombectomy and the clinical outcome at 90 days. RESULTS: Among 197 patients, the median age was 74 (67-79) years, 62.9% were male. Moreover, 26 (13.2%) patients had SAH (seven isolated SAH) on CT within 36 h. The SAH rate did not differ according to IV rt-PA administration (p = 0.4). The rate of favourable clinical outcomes tended to be lower in patients with SAH rather than patients without SAH (11 [42%] vs. 106 [62%], p = 0.08). Among the seven patients with isolated SAH, 6 showed favourable outcomes at 90 days. In the multivariate regression analysis, the presence of SAH within 36 h from onset was not associated with clinical outcome (Odd ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.18-1.95; p = 0.38). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with acute stroke treated with MT, SAH, especially isolated SAH findings on CT, were not associated with poor clinical outcomes after 90 days. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: UMIN000021488.

Ultra-early rt-PA administration should improve patient outcome on mechanical thrombectomy: Post hoc analysis of SKIP.

BACKGROUND: To investigate whether ultra-early recombinant tissue-plasminogen activator (rt-PA) administration can improve patient outcomes on mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO). METHODS: Participants comprised rt-PA-eligible 204 patients with internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery occlusion in the SKIP trial, who were randomly assigned to receive mechanical thrombectomy alone or combined intravenous thrombolysis (rt-PA: alteplase at 0.6 mg/kg) plus mechanical thrombectomy. We assessed associations between onset-to-puncture time and onset-to-rt-PA administration time and frequency of favorable outcome at 90 days and any intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) at 36 h after onset. RESULTS: As a cut-off onset-to-puncture time for favorable outcome, receiver operating characteristic curves defined 2.5 h (57% sensitivity, 62% specificity). For onset-to-puncture times ≤2.5 h and > 2.5 h, frequencies of favorable outcomes were 72% and 63% (p = 0.402) in patients with rt-PA therapy and 44% and 58% (p = 0.212) in patients without rt-PA therapy, respectively. In terms of onset-to-rt-PA administration time, frequencies of favorable outcomes among patients with ultra-early rt-PA administration at ≤100, >100 min after onset, and without rt-PA therapy with onset-to-puncture time ≤ 2.5 h, and with and without rt-PA therapy with onset-to-puncture time > 2.5 h were 84% and 64%, 63%, and 44% and 58%, respectively (p = 0.025). Frequencies of any ICH among those patients were 37% and 32%, 32%, and 63% and 40%, respectively (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Ultra-early rt-PA administration should improve patient outcomes on mechanical thrombectomy among patients with LVO. Relatively late rt-PA administration might increase the frequency of any ICH.

A differential detailed diffusion-weighted imaging-ASPECTS for cerebral infarct volume measurement and outcome prediction.

BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted imaging-Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (DWI-ASPECTS) has been used to estimate infarct core volume in acute stroke. However, the same and indiscriminate score deduction for punctate or confluent DWI high-intensity lesion might lead to variation in performance. AIMS: To develop and evaluate a differential detailed DWI-ASPECTS method in comparison with the conventional DWI-ASPECTS in core infarct volume measurement and clinical outcome prediction. METHODS: We retrospectively recruited patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with endovascular treatment between April 2013 and October 2019. In differential detailed DWI-ASPECTS, restricted diffusion lesion that was punctate or less than half of a cortical region (M1-M6) would not lead to subtraction of point. A favorable outcome was modified Rankin Scale score ⩽2 at 90 days after stroke onset. RESULTS: Among 298 AIS patients, mean age was 75 years (interquartile range (IQR) 67-82), and 194 patients (65%) were males. Mean infarct core volume was 11 mL (IQR 3-37). Overall, the score by detailed DWI-ASPECTS was significantly higher than conventional DWI-ASPECTS (8 (7-9) vs. 7 (5-9); P < 0.01). The detailed DWI-ASPECTS resulted in a higher correlation coefficient (r) for core infarct volume estimation than the conventional DWI-ASPECTS (r = 0.832 vs. 0.773; P < 0.01). Upon re-classification of those scored ⩽6 in conventional DWI-ASPECTS (n = 134) by detailed DWI-ASPECTS, the rate of favorable outcome in patients with detailed DWI-ASPECTS >6 was significantly higher than those with ⩽6 (29 (48%) vs. 14 (19%); P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Detailed DWI-ASPECTS appeared to provide a more accurate infarct core volume measurement and clinical outcome correlation than conventional DWI-ASPECTS among AIS patients treated with endovascular therapy.

Mechanical Thrombectomy Treatment More than 16 h after Last Known Well for Patients with Large Vessel Occlusion.

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has been reported to be effective within 24 h after last known well (LKW) by the DAWN (DWI or CTP Assessment with Clinical Mismatch in the Triage of Wake-Up and Late Presenting Strokes Undergoing Neurointervention with Trevo) trial and within 16 h after LKW by the DEFUSE-3 (Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for Ischemic Stroke 3) trial. However, there have been few reports of MT more than 16 h after LKW, and the efficacy and safety of MT more than 24 h after LKW have not yet been demonstrated. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of MT more than 16 h after LKW. METHODS: Using data from the Nippon Medical School Hospital MT registry from April 2011 to August 2022, consecutive patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) and prehospital modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores of 0-3 were enrolled. Patients were classified into the following three groups: early group (LKW <6 h), middle group (LKW 6-16 h), and late group (LKW >16 h). The clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared among these three groups. RESULTS: Among 778 patients in the MT registry, 624 were enrolled. The early group included 432 patients, the middle group included 123 patients, and the late group included 69 patients. The patients had a median age of 77 years (interquartile range, 68-83), and 359 were male (57.5%). The median prehospital mRS score was 1 (interquartile range, 1-1), median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on admission was 17 (interquartile range, 10-23), and median Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score was 10 (interquartile range, 8-10). Regarding safety and efficacy, the proportions of cases with successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b-3; 85.4% vs. 92.7% vs. 88.7%; p = 0.47), symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (6.4% vs. 5.7% vs. 7.2%; p = 0.99), mRS score ≤3 at 90 days (52.0% vs. 60.2% vs. 44.9%; p = 0.11), and mRS score of 6 at 90 days (11.3% vs. 10.6 vs. 8.7%; p = 0.37) were not significantly different between the three groups. CONCLUSION: Patients who received MT more than 16 h after LKW experienced the same safety and efficacy as those who received MT at 0-16 h after LKW. MT more than 16 h after LKW may be safe and effective for stroke patients with LVO.

[A case of neurosyphilis presenting as bilateral temporal, cortical and subcortical encephalitis].

A 37-year-old man who had a low grade fever for 5 days admitted to our hospital due to disturbance of consciousness and seizure. Brain MRI showed abnormal hyperintensity in the bilateral temporal lobes, cortical and subcortical lesions on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery image. Treponemal and non-treponemal specific antibodies were positive in serum and cerebrospinal fluid, therefore he was diagnosed as having neurosyphilis. Treatment with intravenous penicillin G and metylpredonisolone improved his clinical symptons, imaging abnormalities and CSF findings. Patients of neurosyphilis with mesiotemporal encephalitis show common features such as young age, HIV-negative, subacute cognitive impairment and seizure, as seen in our case. Early diagnosis of neurosyphilis and appropriate treatment make clinical improvement, however the clinical diagnosis of neurosyphilis is sometime difficult because most patients present with disturbance of consciousness or seizure. The possibility of neurosyphilis should be considered when MRI results indicate temporal abnormalities.

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy With Cilostazol for Secondary Prevention in Lacunar Stroke: Subanalysis of the CSPS.com Trial.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of long-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to prevent recurrent strokes in patients with lacunar stroke remains unclarified. Therefore, this study aimed to compare and to elucidate the safety and effectiveness of DAPT and single antiplatelet therapy (SAPT) in preventing recurrence in chronic lacunar stroke. METHODS: CSPS.com (Cilostazol Stroke Prevention Study for Antiplatelet Combination) was a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial. In this prespecified subanalysis, 925 patients (mean age, 69.5 years; 69.4% men) with lacunar stroke were selected from 1884 patients with high-risk noncardioembolic stroke, enrolled in the CSPS.com trial after 8 to 180 days following stroke. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either SAPT or DAPT using cilostazol and were followed for 0.5 to 3.5 years. The primary efficacy outcome was the first recurrence of ischemic stroke. The safety outcomes were severe or life-threatening bleeding. RESULTS: The DAPT group receiving cilostazol and either aspirin or clopidogrel and SAPT group receiving aspirin or clopidogrel alone comprised 464 (50.2%) and 461 (49.8%) patients, respectively. Ischemic stroke occurred in 12 of 464 patients (1.84 per 100 patient-years) in the DAPT group and 31 of 461 patients (4.42 per 100 patient-years) in the SAPT group, during follow-up. After adjusting for multiple potential confounding factors, ischemic stroke risk was significantly lower in the DAPT group than in the SAPT group (hazard ratio, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.22-0.84]). The rate of severe or life-threatening hemorrhage did not differ significantly between the groups (2 patients [0.31 per 100 patient-years] versus 6 patients [0.86 per 100 patient-years] in the DAPT and SAPT groups, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.07-1.81]). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with lacunar stroke, DAPT using cilostazol had significant benefits in reducing recurrent ischemic stroke incidence compared with SAPT without increasing the risk of severe or life-threatening bleeding. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov; Unique identifier: NCT01995370. URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr; Unique identifier: UMIN000012180.

Association between Living Conditions and the Risk Factors, Etiology, and Outcome of Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults.

Objective In recent decades, living conditions have changed drastically. However, there are few data regarding the interaction between living conditions and the risk of ischemic stroke (IS) in young adults. The present study explored the association between living conditions or marital status and the risk factors, etiology, and outcome of IS in young adults. Methods We prospectively enrolled patients with incident IS who were 20-49 years old from 37 clinical stroke centers. We collected the demographic data, living conditions, marital status, vascular risk factors, disease etiology, treatment, and outcomes at discharge. A comparison group was established using the official statistics of Japan. We categorized patients into the two groups based on living conditions: solitary group and cohabiting group. Clinical characteristics were then compared between living conditions. Results In total, 303 patients were enrolled (224 men; median age at the onset: 44 years old). Significant factors associated with the incidence of IS were as follows: solitary status, body mass index >30 kg/m2, current smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. Furthermore, in the solitary group, the proportions of men, unmarried individuals, and current smokers were significantly higher than in the cohabiting group. In addition, poor outcomes (modified Rankin Scale ≥4) of IS were more common in the solitary group than in the cohabiting group. Conclusion Our study showed that not only conventional vascular risk factors but also living conditions, especially living alone while unmarried, were independent risk factors for IS in young adults.

National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale Score Less Than 10 at 24 hours After Stroke Onset Is a Strong Predictor of a Favorable Outcome After Mechanical Thrombectomy.

BACKGROUND: There are a few accurate predictors of patient outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy (MT). OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 24 hours after stroke onset could predict favorable outcomes at 90 days in patients with acute stroke treated with MT. METHODS: Patients from the SKIP study were enrolled in this study. Using receiver operating characteristic curves, the optimal cut-off NIHSS score 24 hours after stroke onset was calculated to distinguish between favorable (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) and unfavorable (modified Rankin Scale score 3-6) outcomes at 90 days. These receiver operating characteristic curves were compared with those of previously reported predictors of favorable outcomes, such as the ΔNIHSS score (baseline NIHSS score-NIHSS score at 24 h), percent delta (ΔNIHSS score × 100/baseline NIHSS score), and early neurological improvement indices. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients (median age, 72 years; female, 65 [37%]) were enrolled, and 109 (61.9%) had favorable outcomes. The respective sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve values for an NIHSS of 10 were 92.6%, 80.7%, and .906; a ΔNIHSS score of 7 were 70.6%, 76.1%, and .797; and percent delta of 48.3% were 85.3%, 80.7%, and .890. CONCLUSION: NIHSS score <10 at 24 hours after stroke onset is a strong predictor of favorable outcomes at 90 days in patients treated with MT.

[Delayed white matter lesion after mechanical thrombectomy for middle cerebral artery occlusion with Libman-Sacks endocarditis].

A 59-year-old woman presented with right hemiparesis and was transported from outside hospital. MRI revealed acute infarction and the left middle cerebral artery M2 occlusion. Intravenous infusion of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator, and mechanical thrombectomy (MT) were performed. The cause of cerebral infarction was diagnosed as Libman-Sacks endocarditis. She discharged without sequelae. After 10 months later, she presented with mild cognitive decline, and MRI showed new white matter lesion in left deep white matter. In magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the lesion showed an increased rate of choline/creatine, and a decreased rate of N-acetylaspartate/creatine, elevated lactate peak. When new higher brain dysfunction presented after recanalization by MT, it might be related to the delayed white matter lesion.

The safety of rapid administration of enteral nutrition in acute stroke patients.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Early initiation of enteral nutrition (EN) is recommended for acute stroke patients, but it is time-consuming. Reducing EN administration time without increasing the frequency of complications is a worthwhile goal. We aimed to determine whether this goal was feasible. METHODS: Consecutive acute stroke patients with severe dysphagia within 72 h of hospital admission who received EN were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were classified into two groups (Rapid administration group: 100 mL/5 min on days 1-3 after stroke onset and 200 mL/30 min on days 4-7, Conventional administration group: 100 mL/h on days 1-3 and 200 mL/h on days 4-7). RESULTS: Among 118 consecutive acute stroke patients, 71 patients [median age, 77 (68-82) years; 37 (52%) males] were enrolled. The baseline clinical characteristics of the rapid administration group (45 patients) and the conventional administration group (26 patients) did not differ. The total duration of EN administration in the first week after stroke onset was significantly longer in the conventional vs. rapid administration group [21 (15-21) h vs. 6 (2-8) h, p < 0.01]. There were no significant differences in the frequency of diarrhea (42% vs. 42%, p = 1.00), vomiting (0% vs. 7%, p = 0.29), or pneumonia (15% vs. 7%, p = 0.41). There was also no difference in the percentage of patients with one or more complications (54% vs. 49%, p = 0.81). CONCLUSIONS: Rapid administration of EN is safe and has the potential to decrease the time required for EN feeding.

Angiotensin II receptor blocker and statin combination therapy associated with higher skeletal muscle index in patients with cardiovascular disease: A retrospective study.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Reduction in skeletal muscle mass is the most important component in diagnosing sarcopenia. Ageing and chronic heart failure due to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) accelerate the reduction of skeletal muscles. However, there are no currently available drugs that are effective for sarcopenia. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between prescribed medications and skeletal muscle mass in patients with CVD. METHODS: This was a single-centre, retrospective, cross-sectional study. The subjects were 636 inpatients with CVD who took prescribed medicines for at least 4 weeks at the time of admission. Skeletal muscle volume was assessed using a bioelectrical impedance assay. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Single regression analysis showed that 10 and 3 medications were positively and negatively associated with skeletal muscle index (SMI), respectively. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)/statin combination, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, and antihyperuricemic agents were positively associated with SMI while diuretics and antiarrhythmic agents were negatively associated with SMI. After adjustment using propensity score matching, the SMI was found to be significantly higher in ARB/statin combination users than in non-users. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Combination use of ARB/statin was associated with a higher SMI in patients with CVD. A future randomised, controlled trial is warranted to determine whether the ARB/statin combination will increase the SMI and prevent sarcopenia in patients with CVD.

"Computed Tomography Perihematomal Rims": A Perihematomal Low-Density Area Is a Part of an Acute Brain Hemorrhage.

Objective Computed tomography (CT) can be used for visualizing acute intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs) as distinct hyperdense areas and cerebral edema as perihematomal low-density areas (LDAs). We observed a perihematomal LDA on CT, which appeared to be part of a hemorrhage on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in acute ICH. We named this "CT perihematomal rim" and evaluated its characteristics and clinical significance. Methods We stratified patients with acute ICH according to the presence or absence of a CT perihematomal rim and then compared their radiologic findings. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess whether the CT findings can predict the presence of a CT perihematomal rim. Patients Patients within 24 hours of ICH onset who were admitted between September 1, 2014, and October 31, 2018, were registered. Results Overall, 139 patients (91 men; mean age, 66 years) were investigated. CT perihematomal rims were observed in 40 patients (29%). ICH volumes on CT were 30% smaller than those on MRI in patients with CT perihematomal rims. On a multivariate analysis, the presence of a CT perihematomal rim was independently associated with the maximum diameter of the perihematomal LDA. According to a receiver operating characteristic analysis, the maximum LDA diameter threshold was 7.5 mm (sensitivity, 85%; specificity, 83%). Conclusion CT perihematomal rims were observed in 29% of the patients with acute ICH. A perihematomal LDA (>7.5 mm) in acute ICH cases should be considered a CT perihematomal rim. Clinicians should be aware that the ICH volume on CT may be underestimated by 30%.

Efficacy of holmium laser enucleation in patients with a small (less than 30 mL) prostate volume.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in patients with a small prostate volume (≤30 mL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 1,135 patients who underwent HoLEP at two institutions between July 2007 and March 2020. Patients who were not evaluated for the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) before or after HoLEP were excluded. We divided patients into two groups according to estimated prostate volume (ePV): ≤30 (n=198) and >30 mL (n=539). The patient characteristics, IPSS, peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR), and other data were compared before and after surgery in each group and between the two groups. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with the efficacy of HoLEP in the group with ePV ≤30 mL. RESULTS: A total of 737 patients were included in this retrospective study. ePV (23.4 mL vs. 50 mL; p<0.001) and PVR differed significantly between the two groups. The IPSS, IPSS-quality of life, PVR, and Qmax significantly improved after HoLEP in both groups. Improvements in the IPSS, IPSS-quality of life, Qmax, and PVR were greater in the >30 mL group (p<0.001), whereas operation time and morcellation time were significantly shorter in the ≤30 mL group. In the multivariate analysis, age <70 years was independently associated with improvement by HoLEP. CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP is an effective treatment for patients with a small prostate, even though the extent of improvement after HoLEP was greater in those with a larger prostate.

Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery May Serve As a Tissue Clock in Patients Treated With Endovascular Thrombectomy.

Background and Purpose: We investigated whether the signal change on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) can serve as a tissue clock that predicts the clinical outcome after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), independently of the onset-to-admission time. Methods: Consecutive patients with acute stroke treated with EVT between September 2014 and December 2018 were enrolled. Based on the parenchymal signal change on FLAIR, patients were classified into FLAIR-negative and FLAIR-positive groups. The clinical characteristics, imaging findings, EVT parameters, and the intracranial hemorrhage defined as Heidelberg Bleeding Classification ≥1c hemorrhage (parenchymal hemorrhage, intraventricular hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and/or subdural hemorrhage) were compared between the 2 groups. A modified Rankin Scale score 0 to 1 at 3 months was considered to represent a good outcome. Results: Of the 227 patients with EVT during the study period, 140 patients (62%) were classified into the FLAIR-negative group and 87 (38%) were classified into the FLAIR-positive group. In the FLAIR-negative group, the patients were older (P=0.011), the onset-to-image time was shorter (P<0.001), the frequency of cardioembolic stroke was higher (P=0.006), and the rate of intravenous thrombolysis was higher (P<0.001) in comparison to the FLAIR-positive group. Although the rate of complete recanalization after EVT did not differ between the 2 groups (P=0.173), the frequency of both any-intracranial hemorrhage and Heidelberg Bleeding Classification ≥1c hemorrhage were higher in the FLAIR-positive group (P=0.004 and 0.011). At 3 months, the percentage of patients with a good outcome (FLAIR-negative, 41%; FLAIR-positive, 27%) was significantly related to the FLAIR signal change (P=0.047), while the onset-to-image time was not significant (P=0.271). A multivariate regression analysis showed that a FLAIR-negative status was independently associated with a good outcome (odds ratio, 2.10 [95% CI, 1.02­4.31], P=0.044). Conclusions: A FLAIR-negative status may predict the clinical outcome more accurately than the onset-to-admission time, which may support the role of FLAIR as a tissue clock.

The Effect of Aging and Small-Vessel Disease Burden on Hematoma Location in Patients with Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating hemorrhagic event and is associated with high mortality or severe neurological sequelae. Age-associated differences in hematoma location for nonlobar ICH are not well known. The aims of the present study were to elucidate the relationship between age and hematoma location and to assess the differences in small-vessel disease (SVD) burden as a potential surrogate marker for longstanding hypertension among various hematoma locations. METHODS: From September 2014 through July 2019, consecutive patients with acute, spontaneous ICH were retrospectively enrolled from a prospective registry. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed during admission, and the total SVD burden score (including microbleeds, lacunes, enlarged perivascular spaces, and white matter hyperintensities) was calculated. The relationships of hematoma location with aging and SVD burden were assessed by using multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 444 patients (156 women [35%]; median age 69 [interquartile range 59-79] years; National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 9 [17][3-17]) were enrolled in the present study. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that advanced age was independently associated with thalamic (odds ratio [OR]: 1.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19-1.84, p < 0.001 for 10-year increment) and lobar hemorrhage (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.19-2.09, p = 0.002) and was independently and negatively related to putaminal hemorrhage (OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.44-0.68, p < 0.001). The total SVD burden score was independently and positively associated with thalamic hemorrhage (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.01-1.59, p = 0.045) and negatively with lobar hemorrhage (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.55-0.99, p = 0.042), even after adjusting by age, but not with putaminal hemorrhage (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.73-1.14, p = 0.395). CONCLUSION: Putaminal, thalamic, and lobar hemorrhages are prone to occur in specific ages and SVD states: putaminal in young patients, thalamic in old and high SVD burden patients, and lobar hemorrhages in old and low SVD burden patients. Susceptibility to bleeding with aging or severe SVD accumulation seems to differ considerably among brain locations.