Seasonal Variations in Stroke and a Comparison of the Predictors of Unfavorable Outcomes among Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke and Cardioembolic Stroke.

We investigated the seasonal variations in stroke in 4040 retrospectively enrolled patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) admitted between January 2011 and December 2022, particularly those with cardioembolic (CE) stroke, and compared predictors of unfavorable outcomes between AIS patients and CE stroke patients. The classification of stroke subtypes was based on the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment. Stroke occurrence was stratified by seasons and weekdays or holidays. Of all AIS cases, 18% were of CE stroke. Of all five ischemic stroke subtypes, CE stroke patients were the oldest; received the most thrombolysis and thrombectomy; had the highest initial National Institutes of Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and discharge modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores; and had the highest rate of in-hospital complications, unfavorable outcomes (mRS > 2), and mortality. The highest CE stroke prevalence was noted in patients aged ≥ 85 years (30.9%); moreover, CE stroke prevalence increased from 14.9% in summer to 23.0% in winter. The main predictors of death in patients with CE stroke were age > 86 years, heart rate > 79 beats/min, initial NIHSS score > 16, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) > 6.4, glucose > 159 mg/dL, cancer history, in-hospital complications, and neurological deterioration (ND). The three most dominant factors influencing death, noted in not only patients with AIS but also those with CE stroke, are high initial NIHSS score, ND, and high NLR. We selected the most significant factors to establish nomograms for predicting fatal outcomes. Effective heart rhythm monitoring, particularly in older patients and during winter, may help develop stroke prevention strategies and facilitate early AF detection.

Validity and Reliability of Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Detecting Moderate- or High-Grade Carotid Atherosclerosis in an Outpatient Department.

The prevalence of carotid stenosis is considerably higher in asymptomatic individuals with multiple risk factors than in the general population. We investigated the validity and reliability of carotid point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for rapid carotid atherosclerosis screening. We prospectively enrolled asymptomatic individuals with carotid risk scores of ≥7 who underwent outpatient carotid POCUS and laboratory carotid sonography. Their simplified carotid plaque scores (sCPSs) and Handa's carotid plaque scores (hCPSs) were compared. Of 60 patients (median age, 81.9 years), 50% were diagnosed as having moderate- or high-grade carotid atherosclerosis. The overestimation and underestimation of outpatient sCPSs were more likely in patients with low and high laboratory-derived sCPSs, respectively. Bland-Altman plots indicated that the mean differences between the participants' outpatients and laboratory sCPSs were within two standard deviations of their laboratory sCPSs. A Spearman's rank correlation coefficient revealed a strong positive linear correlation between outpatient and laboratory sCPSs (r = 0.956, p < 0.001). An intraclass correlation coefficient analysis indicated excellent reliability between the two methods (0.954). Both carotid risk score and sCPS were positively and linearly correlated with laboratory hCPS. Our findings indicate that POCUS has satisfactory agreement, strong correlation, and excellent reliability with laboratory carotid sonography, making it suitable for rapid screening of carotid atherosclerosis in high-risk patients.

Normal norms of carotid vessel wall volume in Taiwanese adults as measured using three-dimensional ultrasound.

PURPOSE: The three-dimensional (3D) measurement of vessel wall volume (VWV) and plaque volume is sensitive for predicting cardiovascular risk. We established the normal norms of carotid VWV. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 352 patients with normal findings of the carotid ultrasound studies. Two-dimensional carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured online. Grayscale 3D images of both sides of the carotid arteries were analyzed offline for measurement of IMT (QIMT) and VWV. RESULTS: The median age of the enrollees was 59 years. The median carotid IMT, QIMT, and VWV was 0.61 mm, 0.72 mm, and 90 mm3, respectively. No differences in IMT and VWV were observed between men and women or between the right and left side. We stratified participants into four groups, namely young adults (≤50 years), middle-aged adults (51-65 years), older adults (66-75 years), and senior adults (≥75 years). All the values of measured variables increased with advancing age. The median VWV of each group was 84, 90, 100, and 112 mm3, respectively. The increment percentage from young to senior adults was similar in terms of IMT and VWV. Nevertheless, the difference in the value of VWV (28 mm3) was much larger than that in IMT (0.18 mm). All three measured variables exhibited a positive linear correlation with age. CONCLUSION: Both IMT and VWV have positive linear correlations with age. The application of QIMT measurements was limited by its inconsistent accuracy. VWV not only has a strong correlation with IMT but also enables observation of dynamic vessel wall changes, which is valuable for clinical observational studies.

J-Shaped Relationship of Serum Uric Acid with Unfavorable Short-Term Outcomes among Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

(1) Background: The role of uric acid in stroke outcomes remains inconclusive. (2) Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 3370 patients with acute ischemic stroke. (3) Results: Uric acid level was higher in men than in women. Univariate analyses revealed that the rates of hyperuricemia were higher in all patients and in women for unfavorable outcomes. For death, the hyperuricemia rates were higher in all patients including men and women, and the uric acid levels were also higher in all patients and in women. A J-shaped curve was observed between uric acid and the discharge-modified Rankin Scale score. Patients within Quartiles 1 (<4.1 mg/dL) and 4 (>6.5 mg/dL) of uric acid had higher rates of unfavorable outcomes and death than patients within Quartiles 2 (4.1−5.1 mg/dL) and 3 (5.1−6.2 mg/dL). Multivariable analyses for unfavorable outcomes revealed that Quartile 1 of uric acid was a significant factor in all patients and in men. In men, a significant factor for death was being in Quartile 1 of uric acid. In women, higher levels of uric acid or hyperuricemia (>6.6 mg/dL) were significant factors for death. (4) Conclusions: Lower uric acid levels are a predictor for unfavorable outcomes and death in men, and higher uric acid levels are a predictor for death in women.

Nomogram and Carotid Risk Score for Predicting Moderate or High Carotid Atherosclerosis among Asymptomatic Elderly Recycling Volunteers.

Carotid atherosclerosis is associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. We explored an appropriate method for selecting participants without ischemic cerebrovascular disease but with various comorbidities eligible for a carotid ultrasound. This was a retrospective subgroup analysis of the carotid plaque burden from a previous study involving a vascular and cognitive survey of 956 elderly recycling volunteers (778 women and 178 men; mean age: 70.8 years). We used carotid ultrasound to detect the carotid plaque and computed the carotid plaque score (CPS). A moderate or high degree of carotid atherosclerosis (MHCA) was defined as CPS > 5 and was observed in 22% of the participants. The CPS had positive linear correlations with age, systolic blood pressure, and fasting glucose. We stratified the participants into four age groups: 60−69, 70−74, 75−79, and ≥80 years. Multivariable analysis revealed that significant predictors for MHCA were age, male sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, and a nonvegetarian diet. Coronary artery disease and advanced age were the two strongest predictors. We chose the aforementioned seven significant predictors to establish a nomogram for MHCA prediction. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in internal validation with 10-fold cross-validation and the classification accuracy of the nomogram were 0.785 and 0.797, respectively. We presumed people who have a ≥50% probability of MHCA warranted a carotid ultrasound. A flowchart table derived from the nomogram addressing the probabilities of all models of combinations of comorbidities was established to identify participants who had a probability of MHCA ≥ 50% (corresponding to a total nomogram score of ≥15 points). We further established a carotid risk score range from 0 to 17 comprising the seven predictors. A carotid risk score ≥ 7 was the most optimal cutoff value associated with a probability of MHCA ≥ 50%. Both total nomogram score ≥ 15 points and carotid risk score ≥ 7 can help in the rapid identification of individuals without stroke but who have a ≥50% probability of MHCA­these individuals should schedule a carotid ultrasound.

Status Epilepticus Related Takotsubo Syndrome - A Case Report.

PURPOSE: Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is characterized angiographically by transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction sparing the basal segments of the left ventricle and absence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Epileptic seizures as triggering events for TTS are uncommon, having only been described in approximately 100 previous cases Case report: A 64-year-old woman with a history of recent stroke-related seizures was admitted for an acute onset of right hemiparesis with dull response. Neurological examination revealed a forced deviation of the eyeballs to the left side and quadriplegia. No large intracranial artery occlusion was disclosed through computed tomography angiography, but an acute infarction at the right corona radiata was identified through magnetic resonance imaging. Electroencephalography showed frequent spike-and-wave complexes over the right cerebral hemisphere indicating subtle status epilepticus. Her consciousness deteriorated to a stuporous state, and her eyeballs were forced deviated to the right side with persistent twitching of the right limbs 10 hours later. The convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) subsided after intravenous infusion of midazolam. However, atrial flutter with inverted T-wave and elevated high-sensitivity troponin I were observed 12 hours after CSE. Arrhythmia was soon alleviated through appropriate treatment. A further coronary angiography did not show significant coronary artery stenosis but indicated that the midsection and the apex of the left ventricle ballooned out during systole as the base contracted normally, indicating a Takotsubo syndrome. CONCLUSION: Physicians need to monitor unusual arrhythmias, particularly atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, for the possibility of TTS in patients with epileptic seizure.

Correlation of Immune-Inflammatory Markers with Clinical Features and Novel Location-Specific Nomograms for Short-Term Outcomes in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

(1) Background: We investigated the association of four immune-inflammatory markers with clinical features and established location-specific nomograms to predict mortality risk in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). (2) Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 613 inpatients with acute ICH. (3) Results: Overall mortality was 22%, which was highest in pontine hemorrhage and lowest in thalamic hemorrhage. All four immune-inflammatory markers exhibited a positive linear correlation with glucose, ICH volume, ICH score, and discharge Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. Significant predictors of death due to lobar/putaminal hemorrhage were age, glucose and creatinine levels, initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, ICH volume, and presence of intraventricular hemorrhage. None of the immune-inflammatory markers were significant predictors of unfavorable outcome or death. We selected significant factors to establish nomograms for predicting death due to lobar/putaminal, thalamic, pontine, and cerebellar hemorrhages. The C-statistic for predicting death in model I (comprising factors in the establishment of the nomogram) in each type of ICH was higher than that in model II (comprising ICH score alone), except for cerebellar hemorrhage. These nomograms for predicting death had good discrimination (C-index: 0.889 to 0.975) and prediction probabilities (C-index: 0.890 to 0.965). (4) Conclusions: Higher immune-inflammatory markers were associated with larger ICH volume, worse initial GCS, and unfavorable outcomes, but were not independent prognostic predictors. The location-specific nomograms provided novel and accurate models for predicting mortality risk.

Three-dimensional ultrasound for carotid vessel wall volume measurement.

OBJECTIVES: The intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery can now be detected on a three-dimensional (3D) plane. The 3D vessel wall volume (VWV) more accurately represents vascular conditions. Through 3D ultrasound, we established a standardized method for carotid VWV measurement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of thirty patients without stroke or cardiovascular disease who received carotid duplex sonography were retrospectively reviewed. Gray-scale 3D images from the distal common carotid artery (CCA) to internal carotid artery on both sides were acquired using a single-sweep 3D transducer and analyzed offline by using the vascular plaque quantification function of the Philips QLAB software. Then, the 3D IMT(QLAB intima-media thickness [QIMT]), total plaque volume (TPV), and VWV were measured by a neurologist and a technician, and the interobserver variability was assessed. RESULTS: The mean two-dimensional (2D) carotid IMT was 0.65 ± 0.12 mm. The mean QIMT, TPV, and VWV measured by observer 1 were 0.68 ± 0.18 mm, 26 ± 12 mm3, and 94 ± 10 mm3, respectively. The Bland-Altman plot of the mean differences between the QIMT, TPV, and VWV values measured by observers 1 and 2 showed that those of observer 2 were within two standard deviations of those of observer 1. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) indicated strong correlations in QIMT (ICC = 0.76), TPV (ICC = 0.85), and VWV (ICC = 0.90; P < 0.001) between observers 1 and 2. Both 2D IMT and 3D QIMT exhibited a positive linear correlation with age. CONCLUSION: This study established a standardized VWV measurement through 3D ultrasound. Reasonable interobserver differences were obtained within a 95% limit of agreement and high reliability (ICC = 0.90). The VWV 1 cm from the CCA bifurcation was quantified with a mean value of 94.2 mm3. Further studies on the 3D ultrasound quantification of carotid arteries are warranted.

Comparison of Clinical Features, Immune-Inflammatory Markers, and Outcomes Between Patients with Acute In-Hospital and Out-of-Hospital Ischemic Stroke.

PURPOSE: We investigated the differences of clinical features, four immune-inflammatory markers, namely neutrophil counts, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), as well as outcomes between patients with in-hospital ischemic stroke (IHIS) and out-of-hospital ischemic stroke (OHIS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 72 patients with IHIS and 3330 patients with OHIS. RESULTS: IHIS accounted for 2% of all patients with ischemic stroke and occurred more often in cardiology and orthopedic surgery wards. Infection, cardiac disease, and pulmonary disorder were the most common causes of hospitalization. Compared with those with OHIS, patients with IHIS had higher levels of immune-inflammatory markers, initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, longer hospital stays, higher rates of heart disease, large-artery atherosclerosis or cardioembolism, received more intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or endovascular thrombectomies (EVTs), more complications, unfavorable outcomes, and mortality. Every immune-inflammatory marker exhibited positive correlations with initial NIHSS scores and discharge modified Rankin Scale scores among patients with OHIS. NLR and SII were higher among patients with a fatal outcome in both groups. Among patients receiving IVT, most of treatment time intervals were shorter for those with IHIS than those with OHIS. Significant factors for mortality were NLR >5.5, atrial fibrillation, and complications, with a C-statistic of 0.897 in those with IHIS; in those with OHIS, these factors were an initial NIHSS score of >10, NLR >6.0, atrial fibrillation, prior stroke, cancer history, and complications with a C-statistic of 0.902. The results were similar after replacing the NLR with SII. CONCLUSION: Patients with IHIS had more complicated clinical features, higher levels of immune-inflammatory markers, and higher rates of mortality than patients with OHIS. The most significant predictor for mortality among those with OHIS was NIHSS score >10, and the predictors among patients with IHIS were NLR >5.5 and SII >2120.

Rapid Identification of Patients Eligible for Direct Emergent Computed Tomography Angiography during Acute Ischemic Stroke: The DARE-PACE Assessment.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the clinical signs to establish a method for rapid identification of patients with the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥ 8 eligible for direct brain CTA study; Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 2895 in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Four items in the NIHSS were selected as the main clinical signs of stroke; Results: A total of 922 (31.8%) patients had an initial NIHSS score of ≥8. The average door-to-CT time and door-to-CTA time were 13.4 ± 1.8 and 75.5 ± 44.5 min, respectively. Among 658 patients who had the priority signs, namely dense hemiplegia (D), aphasia with right arm drop (AR), and eyeball forced deviation (E), 634 patients (96.4%) with an NIHSS score ≥ 8 were identified. By using a classification and regression tree analysis, 153 patients with an NIHSS ≥ 8 were identified among 175 patients (87.4%) who had the secondary signs, namely hemiparesis with limb falls (P), aphasia (A), drowsy or worse consciousness (C), and eyeball limitation (E). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 85.4%, 97.7%, and 95.3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The DARE-PACE assessment involving a checkbox list provides excellent accuracy for rapid identification of AIS patients with an NIHSS score ≥ 8 for direct CTA study to reduce the time delay for endovascular thrombectomy.

Acute and chronic bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion.

PURPOSE: Occlusion of both internal carotid arteries (ICAs) is rare. Clinical manifestations of stroke vary widely. We conducted a retrospective review to compare acute and chronic bilateral ICA occlusion. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of inpatients with acute ischemic stroke and carotid duplex sonography (CDS) during the period from February 2006 to February 2021. RESULTS: Bilateral ICA occlusion and acute bilateral ICA occlusion accounted for 0.3% and less than 0.1% of all ischemic stroke cases, respectively. All five patients with acute bilateral ICA occlusion presented with consciousness disturbance. Three patients died within 1 week, and two patients had a vegetative outcome. Pituitary apoplexy with bilateral ICA occlusion was observed in one patient. Forward bilateral ophthalmic arterial flow (OAF) was detected in all three patients who received CDS. Among 13 patients with chronic bilateral ICA occlusion, five and six had modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores upon discharge of more than 5 and less than 2, respectively; two patients did not have a stroke. Of the 13 patients, 11 had reversed bilateral OAF. Patients with acute bilateral ICA occlusion had a higher rate of initial consciousness disturbance, Glasgow Coma Scale score of less than 9, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score of more than 20, and mRS score of more than 5. than that of patients with chronic bilateral ICA occlusion. CONCLUSION: Patients with acute bilateral ICA occlusion had higher initial stoke severity, poorer collateral circulation, and worse clinical outcomes than did those with chronic bilateral ICA occlusion. Physicians must pay attention to rare causes of acute bilateral ICA occlusion, including pituitary apoplexy.

Association of a High Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio with Hyperdense Artery Sign and Unfavorable Short-Term Outcomes in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

PURPOSE: Immune-inflammatory processes are involved in all the stages of stroke. This study investigated the association of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) with the hyperdense artery sign (HAS) observed on brain computed tomography (CT) and with clinical features in patients with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 2903 inpatients with acute ischemic stroke from May 2010 to May 2019. Data collected included imaging studies, risk factors, laboratory parameters, and clinical features during hospitalization. RESULTS: The HAS was identified in 6% of the 2903 patients and 66% of the 236 patients with acute middle cerebral artery occlusion. Patients with the HAS had a higher NLR. HAS prevalence was higher in men and patients with cardioembolism. The NLR exhibited positive linear correlations with age, glucose and creatinine levels, length of hospital stay, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, and mRS scores at discharge. The NLR was significantly higher in patients with large-artery atherosclerosis and cardioembolism and was the highest in patients with other determined etiology. Multivariate analysis revealed that an initial NIHSS score of ≥10 and an NLR of >3.5 were significant positive factors, whereas diabetes mellitus and age > 72 years were significant negative factors for the HAS, with a predictive performance of 0.893. An initial NIHSS score of ≥5, positive HAS, age > 75 years, diabetes mellitus, an NLR of >3.5, female sex, a white blood cell count of >8 × 103/mL, and elevated troponin I were significant predictors of unfavorable outcomes, with a predictive performance of 0.886. CONCLUSION: An NLR of >3.5 enabled an efficient prediction of CT HAS. In addition to conventional risk factors and laboratory parameters, both an NLR of >3.5 and CT HAS enabled improved prediction of unfavorable stroke outcomes.

Correlation between Immune-Inflammatory Markers and Clinical Features in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic inflammatory processes involving the vascular wall may induce atherosclerosis. Immune-inflammatory processes proceed throughout all stages of acute stroke. We investigated the association of three immune-inflammatory markers, namely systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and neutrophil count (NC), with prehospital delay and clinical features in patients with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 2543 inpatients admitted within 4 days of symptom onset from May 2010 to February 2020. Patients were stratified into three groups: Group A, comprising 161 patients with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment; Group B, comprising 415 patients who were eligible for tPA treatment; and Group C, comprising all 2543 patients. RESULTS: The levels of all three immune-inflammatory markers had positive linear correlations with onsetto- emergency room time, initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, and discharge modified Rankin Scale scores. In Group B, levels of follow-up, but not initial, immuneinflammatory markers were higher in patients with unfavorable outcomes. Common significant predictors of in-hospital complications and unfavorable outcomes were age > 72 years, female sex, NIHSS > 4, diabetes mellitus, and all three immune-inflammatory markers. When combined with other predictors, NC > 7.2 × 103/mL achieved optimal predictive performance (0.794) for in-hospital complications, and SII > 651, NLR > 2.9, and NC > 7.2 × 103/mL had equal predictive performance up to 0.859 for unfavorable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Immune-inflammatory markers dynamically increased from symptom onset of acute ischemic stroke in patients eligible for thrombolytic therapy. Higher levels of immune-inflammatory markers suggest more in-hospital complications and unfavorable short-term outcomes.

Postacute care model of stroke in one hospital.

OBJECTIVES: The National Health Insurance Bureau of Taiwan has established a postacute care model of stroke (PAC-stroke). Patients with acute stroke occurring within the preceding 30 days and with modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores of 2-4 can be transferred to PAC hospitals for 6-12 weeks of rehabilitation. We conducted a retrospective review to explore the results of PAC-stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2015 to December 2017, patients who transferred from our hospital to four PAC hospitals were reviewed. We evaluated their functional status using the mRS, Barthel index (BI), functional oral intake scale, EuroQoL-5D, Lawton-Brody instrumental activities of daily living scale, Berg balance test, usual gait speed, 6-min walk test, Fugl-Meyer sensory and motor assessments, mini-mental state examination, motor activity log quantity and quality tests, and concise Chinese aphasia test, before and after the PAC program. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients with initial mRS score of 3 (6 patients) or 4 (47 patients) were enrolled, including 39 with cerebral infarction and 14 with cerebral hemorrhage, with a median age of 67 (mean: 68.3 ± 13.3) years. Seven patients had serious complications, including six cases of pneumonia and one fracture. The readmission rates within 14 days after transfer to the PAC hospital and in the overall PAC program were 3.8% and 13.2%, respectively. After exclusion of eight patients who dropped out early, 45 patients completed the PAC program. The median lengths of stay at the upstream hospital and PAC hospitals were 26 and 63 days, respectively. Improved mRS and BI scores were observed in 42% and 78% of the patients, respectively. The results of all 14 functional assessments improved significantly after the PAC program. CONCLUSION: Significant improvements in mRS and BI scores and all functional assessments within an average of 63 days of PAC hospital stay helped 73% of the patients to return home.

An Isolated Unilateral Pontomedullary Lesion Due to An Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Mimicking A Brain Tumor - Case and Review.

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) with perimedullary venous drainage may cause brainstem swelling and represent a diagnostic challenge. A 66-year-old man presented to the emergency room with recurrent vertigo, minimal truncal ataxia with a wide-based gait, and a slightly impaired tandem gait. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a hyperintense lesion in the left pontomedullary area on T2-weighted images (T2WIs) with partial gadolinium enhancement, but without increased signals on diffusion-weighted images. Abnormal serpentine flow void vessels surrounding the medulla and upper cervical spinal cord were initially overlooked but discovered later. An angiogram revealed DAVF with feeders from the right occipital artery and the meningeal branch of the right distal vertebral artery with drainage into the anterior medullary venous system and the perimedullary veins. The patient underwent a successful transarterial endovascular embolization and improved gradually. A brain MRI at 3-month follow-up revealed a residual hyperintense signal on the T2WIs in the left lower medulla. Six cases of patients exhibiting DAVF with isolated unilateral brainstem swelling from the literature were reviewed. Isolated unilateral brainstem swelling due to intracranial DAVF with perimedullary venous drainage is extremely rare and might mimic a tumor on MRI. Abnormal serpentine flow void vessels on the surface of the brainstem or spinal cord are crucial diagnostic clues.

Impact of code stroke on thrombolytic therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke at a secondary referral hospital in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Efficacy of thrombolytic therapy decreases with time elapsed from symptom onset. We sought to identify the impact of code stroke on the thrombolytic therapy. METHODS: Code stroke is activated by the emergency physician when a patient is eligible for thrombolytic therapy. We retrospectively reviewed patients with acute ischemic stroke between January 2011 and December 2014. RESULTS: In total, 1809 patients were enrolled. Code stroke was activated in 233 of 351 patients arriving at the emergency room (ER) within 3 h of symptom onset, and in 21 patients arriving >3 h. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of code stroke were 76%, 46%, 72%, and 51%, respectively. Thrombolytic therapy was provided to 58 patients, accounting for 3.4% of all cerebral infarcts. Code stroke was activated in 40 of these patients. The most common reasons for excluding thrombolytic therapy were: National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) < 6, intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and age >80 years. Mean liaison-to-neurological evaluation time was only 6 min. Code stroke activation significantly reduced all the intervals, except for the onset-to-ER and door-to-order times. During the 4-year study period, there were significant reductions of the door-to-neurology liaison time by 28 min and door-to-laboratory time by 22 min. The proportion of door-to-needle time within 60 min improved from 33% in 2011 to 67% in 2014. Improved NIHSS scores during hospitalization were most prominent in tPA-treated patients. Symptomatic ICH occurred in 3.6% patients arriving within 3 h. Death occurred in 50% of patients received tPA treatment on family's request, and only 13% of those patients had favorable outcome. CONCLUSION: Code stroke is effective in reducing in-hospital delays. The accuracy of code stroke activation has acceptable sensitivity but low specificity. Rapid patient assessment by neurologists increases the number of patients eligible for thrombolytic therapy.

Portable Bladder Ultrasound Reduces Incidence of Urinary Tract Infection and Shortens Hospital Length of Stay in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI) during acute ischemic stroke is associated with a longer hospital length of stay and unfavorable functional outcomes. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the benefits of portable bladder ultrasound (PBU) scanning during acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with acute ischemic stroke from January 2011 to February 2017. Patients were divided into group 1 (PBU not available) and group 2 (PBU available), before or after the split date, April 9, 2014. Portable bladder ultrasound scanning was conducted by nurses to measure postvoid residual urine volume in patients with impaired consciousness and/or dependent ambulation. RESULTS: In total, 1928 patients were enrolled, of whom 109 (5.7%) had UTI and 901 (46.7%) experienced unfavorable outcomes (modified Rankin scale score ≥ 3). Multivariate analysis revealed that factors that influenced UTI were age of 75 years or older, female gender, initial total National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 5 or higher, initial NIHSS conscious score of 1 or higher, initial NIHSS leg score of 2 or higher, and urinary catheterization. Factors influencing unfavorable outcomes were similar to those influencing UTI but further comprised UTI. C-statistic for UTI detection was 0.864 for model fitting, including significant factors in logistic regression. Compared with group 1, group 2 had a higher incidence of urinary catheterization (13.1% vs 8.2%), a lower incidence of UTI (4.0% vs 6.9%), and a shorter length of stay (11.9 vs 13.6 days). CONCLUSIONS: Portable bladder ultrasound scanning reduced the incidence of UTI and shortened length of stay. We suggest routine PBU procedures for patients with acute ischemic stroke who fulfill the AGN3 criteria for a high risk of UTI.

Vascular, Cognitive, and Psychomental Survey on Elderly Recycling Volunteers in Northern Taiwan.

Background: Stroke and dementia represent frequent causes of psychophysical and socioeconomic burdens. We conducted a vascular, cognitive, and psychomental survey involving elderly volunteers at community-based recycling stations in Northern Taiwan. Methods: Recycling volunteers aged ≥60 years were surveyed. We recorded seven parameters, namely (1) body mass index (BMI), (2) fasting glucose, (3) fasting cholesterol, (4) ankle-brachial index (ABI), (5) carotid duplex sonography, (6) five-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5) score, and (7) eight-item Interview to Differentiate Aging and Dementia (AD8). During the carotid duplex study, we measured the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the carotid total plaque score (CTPS) of the common and internal carotid arteries. Results: In total, 985 subjects (mean age: 70.8 years) participated in this study. Among these, 81% were women, and 52% were vegetarians. The average ABI, CIMT, and CTPS were higher in men, whereas women had higher cholesterol levels and BSRS-5 scores. Obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia were present in 21, 38, 9, and 27% of all subjects, respectively. Carotid plaques with mild (CTPS 1-5), moderate (CTPS 5.1-10), and severe (CTPS > 10) atherosclerosis were detected in 45, 16, and 7% of the subjects, respectively. Mild cognitive impairment (AD8 > 2) was observed in 13% of the subjects, whereas moderate mood disorder (BSRS-5≧10) was observed in only 1% of subjects. Vegetarians had a lower BMI, systolic blood pressure (SBP), cholesterol, CIMT, and CTPS than did non-vegetarians. Substantial predictors of severe atherosclerosis were advanced age (>70 years), male sex, history of heart disease, hyperlipidemia, and currently elevated SBP and cholesterol levels. Predictors of mild cognitive impairment were illiteracy, history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and moderate mood disorder. Conclusions: Subclinical carotid atherosclerosis was common in elderly recycling volunteers, with 23% having moderate to severe stenosis. Vegetarians had a reduced risk of atherosclerosis. The low incidence of moderate mood disorder might indicate that recycling work enhances psychomental health. In addition, a healthier lifestyle, better mood condition, and vegetarian diet might contribute to lower incidence of mild cognitive impairment.

Serial Neuroimaging of a Patient with Minor Stroke due to Isolated Cortical Vein Thrombosis and Convexal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: Convexal subarachnoid hemorrhage (cSAH) comprises less than 5% of cases of nontraumatic SAH and frequently presents as a focal and transient neurological deficits that mimics transient ischemic attack (TIA). Isolated cortical vein thrombosis (ICVT) is rare and accounts for only 6.3% of cerebral venous thrombosis. We present a case of minor stroke due to cSAH secondary to ICVT, and alos put emphasis on the chronological change of those serial imagings. CASE REPORT: An 87-year-old man presented with episodes of numbness and dropping of his left arm, which had lasted for three days. Brain computed tomography disclosed a cSAH in the right frontoparietal region. Brain magnetic resonance (MR) study showed a cSAH in the right fronto-parietal sulci. Focal swelling of the right frontal cortex with an intraluminal filling defect in the right cortical vein and venous congestion were observed using post-contrast T1-weighted images, suggesting partial thrombosis with recanalization of the cortical vein but a patent superior sagittal sinus. Diffuse linear superficial cortical hemosiderosis (SCH) was detected in the right anterior frontal cortex, right fronto-parietal cortex and left high frontal cortex. He spontaneously recovered from his minor neurological deficits within two weeks. A follow-up MR study three weeks later found a hyperintense cord sign indicating a cSAH in the right high central sulcus on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and T2-weighted images. A further follow-up MR study two months later showed gradual shrinkage of the cSAH with persistent diffuse SCH. CONCLUSION: This case report clearly showed chronological change of brain MRI and head CT findings. MR studies help in recognizing the occurrence of acute and chronic cSAHs, and ICVT.

Generalized Convulsion Complicating Acute Diffuse Pulmonary Hemorrhage: The Report of a Rare Case.

PURPOSE: The immediate complications associated with a generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizure usually involve injuries such as aspiration pneumonia, head injury, skull or vertebral fracture and orolingual biting injury. Here we present a young man who suffered from GTC that was followed by a rare complication, acute diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage, which presented with massive hemoptysis and subsequent respiratory failure. CASE REPORT: An 18-year-old boy developed a GTC convulsion that lasted for about two minutes and then regained consciousness 15 minutes later. Another GTC convulsion occurred four hours later for about two minutes. Upon admission, coughing with blood clots was noted and was initially imputed to a bite wound affecting the tongue. However, massive hemoptysis developed soon after. A chest X-ray showed diffuse consolidation of the bilateral lungs. He was transferred to the intensive care unit and was intubated immediately owing to acute respiratory failure. A further chest CT also showed extensive consolidation of the bilateral lungs, mainly in the central and posterior portions. Bronchoscopy showed diffuse tracheal and bronchial erythematous mucosa and post-hemorrhage changes. Laboratory surveys for autoimmune disease, infectious disease, tuberculosis and intoxication gave normal results. After treatment with anticonvulsants, antibiotics and corticosteroids, he was stabilized and extubated on the 5th day of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: The disease entity of acute diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage is similar to neurogenic pulmonary edema. Physicians should be aware of this extremely rare but life-threatening complication, namely seizure-related acute diffuse pulmonary hemorrhage. The patient's response to respiratory support and corticosteroid is usually quite satisfactory.