CT brain perfusion patterns and clinical outcome after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A pilot study.

AIM: CT perfusion is a valuable tool for evaluating cerebrovascular diseases, but its role in patients with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy is unclear. This study aimed to investigate 1) the patterns of cerebral perfusion changes that may occur early on after successful resuscitation, and 2) their correlation with clinical outcome to explore their value for predicting outcome. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of perfusion maps from patients who underwent CT brain perfusion within 12 h following successful resuscitation. We classified the perfusion changes into distinct patterns. According to the cerebral performance category (CPC) score clinical outcome was categorised as favourable (CPC 1-2), or unfavourable (CPC 3-5). RESULTS: A total of 87 patients were included of whom 33 had a favourable outcome (60.6% male, mean age 60 ± 16 years), whereas 54 exhibited an unfavourable outcome (59.3% male, mean age 60 ± 19 years). Of the patients in the favourable outcome group, 30.3% showed no characteristic perfusion changes, in contrast to the unfavourable outcome group where all patients exhibit changes in perfusion. Eighteen perfusion patterns were identified. The most significant patterns for prediction of unfavourable outcome in terms of their high specificity and frequency were hypoperfusion of the brainstem as well as coexisting hypoperfusion of the brainstem and thalamus. CONCLUSION: This pilot study identified various perfusion patterns in patients after resuscitation, indicative of circulatory changes associated with post-cardiac-arrest brain injury. After validation, certain patterns could potentially be used in conjunction with other prognostic markers for stratifying patients and adjusting personalized treatment following cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Normal brain perfusion within 12 h after resuscitation is predictive of favourable outcome with high specificity.

Ultrasound intima-media thickness cut-off values for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis using a dual clinical and MRI reference standard and cardiovascular risk stratification.

Objectives: To derive segmental cut-off values and measures of diagnostic accuracy for the intima-media thickness of compressed temporal artery segments for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA) on the patient level. To examine the influence of cardiovascular risk. Methods: Retrospectively, patients evaluated for GCA with an ultrasound of the temporal arteries and an MRI of the head, including a T1-fatsat-black blood (T1-BB) sequence, were identified and classified based on cardiovascular risk and a dual reference standard of T1-BB on the segmental level and the clinical diagnosis on the patient level. Intima-media thickness of the common superficial temporal artery (CSTA), frontal and parietal branches (FB, PB) were measured by compression technique. Statistically and clinically optimal (specificity of approx. 90% for the patient level) cut-offs were derived. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated on the patient level. Results: The population consisted of 144 patients, 74 (51.4%) with and 70 (48.6%) without GCA. The statistically optimal cut-offs were 0.86 mm, 0.68 mm and 0.67 mm for the CSTA, the FB and PB, respectively. On the patient level sensitivity and specificity were 86.5 and 81.4%. Clinically optimal cut-offs were 1.01 mm, 0.82 mm and 0.69 mm and showed a sensitivity of 79.7% and a specificity of 90.0%. For patients without high cardiovascular risk, statistically optimal cut-offs showed a sensitivity of 89.6% and a specificity of 90.5%. Conclusion: Newly derived ultrasound intima-media thickness cut-offs with a dual reference standard show high diagnostic accuracy on the patient level for the diagnosis of GCA, particularly in patients without high cardiovascular risk.

Incidence, Risk Factors and Clinical Implications of Subarachnoid Hyperdensities on Flat-Panel Detector Computed Tomography following Mechanical Thrombectomy in Anterior Circulation Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Flat-panel detector computed tomography (FDCT) immediately after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) can detect complications including early hemorrhagic transformation and subarachnoid hyperdensities (SH). The clinical significance of SH in patients undergoing MT remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 223 patients who underwent MT for anterior circulation stroke, had FDCT performed immediately after the procedure, and had follow-up imaging within 24 hours. SH severity was categorized into 5 grades (SH 0: absent to SH IV: extensive). Baseline and procedural characteristics, as well as outcome measures, were analyzed using group comparisons and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 100/223 (45%) of patients showed SH on immediate post-interventional FDCT. The factors associated with an increased SH risk were: medium vessel occlusion or distal vessel occlusion as compared to a large vessel occlusion, a more distal device position, a higher number of device passes, a larger volume of contrast applied, and worse final reperfusion eTICI. Occurrence of SH grade II-IV was independently associated with worse functional outcomes (aOR for mRS 3-6: 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.3), whereas patients with SH grade I had similar outcomes to patients without SH. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified risk factors for SH, most of which reflect increasingly challenging procedures or more peripheral recanalization attempts. The presence of SH grades II-IV was associated with poorer outcomes, suggesting the need for personalized strategies to reduce its incidence and severity or potentially improve recovery after SH. ABBREVIATIONS: DVO = distal vessel occlusion; FDCT = flat-panel detector computed tomography; LVO = large vessel occlusion; MVO = medium vessel occlusion; MT = mechanical thrombectomy; SH = subarachnoid hyperdensities.

Post-stroke cognitive impairment remains highly prevalent and disabling despite state-of-the-art stroke treatment.

BACKGROUND: State-of-the-art stroke treatment significantly reduces lesion size and stroke severity, but it remains unclear whether these therapeutic advances have diminished the burden of post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). AIMS: In a cohort of patients receiving modern state-of-the-art stroke care including endovascular therapy, we assessed the frequency of PSCI and the pattern of domain-specific cognitive deficits, identified risk factors for PSCI, and determined the impact of acute PSCI on stroke outcome. METHODS: In this prospective monocentric cohort study, we examined patients with first-ever anterior circulation ischemic stroke without pre-stroke cognitive decline, using a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment ⩽10 days after symptom onset. Normative data were stratified by demographic variables. We defined PSCI as at least moderate (<1.5 standard deviation) deficits in ⩾2 cognitive domains. Multivariable regression analysis was applied to define risk factors for PSCI. RESULTS: We analyzed 329 non-aphasic patients admitted from December 2020 to July 2023 (67.2 ± 14.4 years old, 41.3% female, 13.1 ± 2.7 years of education). Although most patients had mild stroke (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) 24 h = 1.00 (0.00; 3.00); 87.5% with NIHSS ⩽ 5), 69.3% of them presented with PSCI 2.7 ± 2.0 days post-stroke. The most severely and often affected cognitive domains were verbal learning, episodic memory, executive functions, selective attention, and constructive abilities (39.1%-51.2% of patients), whereas spatial neglect was less frequent (18.5%). The risk of PSCI was reduced with more years of education (odds ratio (OR) = 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.23-0.99) and right hemisphere lesions (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.26-0.84), and increased with stroke severity (NIHSS 24 h, OR = 4.19, 95% CI = 2.72-6.45), presence of hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.01-3.68), but was not influenced by age. After adjusting for stroke severity and depressive symptoms, acute PSCI was associated with poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale > 2, F = 13.695, p < 0.001) and worse global cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score, F = 20.069, p < 0.001) at 3 months post-stroke. CONCLUSION: Despite modern stroke therapy and many strokes having mild severity, PSCI in the acute stroke phase remains frequent and associated with worse outcome. The most prevalent were learning and memory deficits. Cognitive reserve operationalized as years of education independently protects post-stroke cognition.

Magnetic resonance imaging in acute meningoencephalitis of viral and unknown origin: frequent findings and prognostic potential.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in meningoencephalitis have mainly been described in terms of their diagnostic value rather than their prognostic potential, except for herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis. The aims of our study were to describe frequency and anatomic locations of MRI abnormalities specific to limbic, circadian and motor systems in a cohort of meningoencephalitis patients, as well as to investigate the prognostic value of these MRI findings. Methods: A secondary, selective analysis of a retrospective database including all meningitis, meningoencephalitis and encephalitis cases treated between 2016 and 2018 in the University hospital of Bern, Switzerland was performed. Patients with meningitis of any cause, bacterial or autoimmune causes of encephalitis were excluded. Results: MRI scans and clinical data from 129 meningoencephalitis cases found that the most frequent causes were tick-borne encephalitis (TBE, 42%), unknown pathogens (40%), VZV (7%), and HSV1 (5%). At discharge, median modified Rankin Score (mRS) was 3 (interquartile range, IQR, 1), 88% of patients had persisting signs and symptoms. After a median of 17 months, median Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) was 5 (IQR 1), 39% of patients still had residual signs or symptoms. All patients with HSV, 27% with TBE and 31% of those with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology had fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and to a lesser extent diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesions in their initial MRI, with highly overlapping anatomical distribution. In one fifth of TBE patients the limbic system was affected. Worse outcome was associated with presence of DWI and/or FLAIR lesions and lower normalized apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) signal intensities. Conclusion: Presence of FLAIR lesions, restricted diffusion as well as the extent of ADC hypointensity in initial MRI are parameters which might be of prognostic value regarding the longterm clinical outcome for patients with meningoencephalitis of viral and of unknown origin. Although not described before, affection of limbic structures by TBE is possible as shown by our results: A substantial proportion of our TBE patients had FLAIR signal abnormalities in these regions.

The analysis of association between single features of small vessel disease and stroke outcome shows the independent impact of the number of microbleeds and presence of lacunes.

The impact of small vessel disease (SVD) on stroke outcome was investigated either separately for its single features in isolation or for SVD sum score measuring a qualitative (binary) assessment of SVD-lesions. We aimed to investigate which SVD feature independently impacts the most on stroke outcome and to compare the continuous versus binary SVD assessment that reflects pronouncement and presence correspondingly. Patients with a first-ever anterior circulation ischemic stroke were retrospectively investigated. We performed an ordered logistic regression analysis to predict stroke outcome (mRS 3 months, 0-6) using age, stroke severity, and pre-stroke disability as baseline input variables and adding SVD-features (lacunes, microbleeds, enlarged perivascular spaces, white matter hyperintensities) assessed either continuously (model 1) or binary (model 2). The data of 873 patients (age 67.9 ± 15.4, NIHSS 24 h 4.1 ± 4.8) was analyzed. In model 1 with continuous SVD-features, the number of microbleeds was the only independent predictor of stroke outcome in addition to clinical parameters (OR 1.21; 95% CI 1.07-1.37). In model 2 with the binary SVD assessment, only the presence of lacunes independently improved the prediction of stroke outcome (OR 1.48, 1.1-1.99). In a post hoc analysis, both the continuous number of microbleeds and the presence of lacunes were independent significant predictors. Thus, the number of microbleeds evaluated continuously and the presence of lacunes are associated with stroke outcome independent from age, stroke severity, pre-stroke disability and other SVD-features. Whereas the presence of lacunes is adequately represented in SVD sum score, the microbleeds assessment might require another cutoff and/or gradual scoring, when prediction of stroke outcome is needed.

Applied deep learning in neurosurgery: identifying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt systems in hydrocephalus patients.

BACKGROUND: Over the recent decades, the number of different manufacturers and models of cerebrospinal fluid shunt valves constantly increased. Proper identification of shunt valves on X-ray images is crucial to neurosurgeons and radiologists to derive further details of a specific shunt valve, such as opening pressure settings and MR scanning conditions. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of an AI-assisted shunt valve detection system. METHODS: The dataset used contains 2070 anonymized images of ten different, commonly used shunt valve types. All images were acquired from skull X-rays or scout CT-images. The images were randomly split into a 80% training and 20% validation set. An implementation in Python with the FastAi library was used to train a convolutional neural network (CNN) using a transfer learning method on a pre-trained model. RESULTS: Overall, our model achieved an F1-score of 99% to predict the correct shunt valve model. F1-scores for individual shunt valves ranged from 92% for the Sophysa Sophy Mini SM8 to 100% for several other models. CONCLUSION: This technology has the potential to automatically detect different shunt valve models in a fast and precise way and may facilitate the identification of an unknown shunt valve on X-ray or CT scout images. The deep learning model we developed could be integrated into PACS systems or standalone mobile applications to enhance clinical workflows.

CADMUS: A Novel MRI-Based Classification of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage Associated With Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is the major cause of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). There is no comprehensive, easily applicable classification of ICH subtypes according to the presumed underlying SVD using MRI. We developed an MRI-based classification for SVD-related ICH. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in the prospectively collected Swiss Stroke Registry (SSR, 2013-2019) and the Stroke InvestiGation in North And central London (SIGNAL) cohort. Patients with nontraumatic, SVD-related ICH and available MRI within 3 months were classified as Cerebral Amyloid angiopathy (CAA), Deep perforator arteriopathy (DPA), Mixed CAA-DPA, or Undetermined SVD using hemorrhagic and nonhemorrhagic MRI markers (CADMUS classification). The primary outcome was inter-rater reliability using Gwet's AC1. Secondary outcomes were recurrent ICH/ischemic stroke at 3 months according to the CADMUS phenotype. We performed Firth penalized logistic regressions and competing risk analyses. RESULTS: The SSR cohort included 1,180 patients (median age [interquartile range] 73 [62-80] years, baseline NIH Stroke Scale 6 [2-12], 45.6% lobar hematoma, systolic blood pressure on admission 166 [145-185] mm Hg). The CADMUS phenotypes were as follows: mixed CAA-DPA (n = 751 patients, 63.6%), undetermined SVD (n = 203, 17.2%), CAA (n = 154, 13.1%), and DPA (n = 72, 6.3%), with a similar distribution in the SIGNAL cohort (n = 313). Inter-rater reliability was good (Gwet's AC1 for SSR/SIGNAL 0.69/0.74). During follow-up, 56 patients had 57 events (28 ICH, 29 ischemic strokes). Three-month event rates were comparable between the CADMUS phenotypes. DISCUSSION: CADMUS, a novel MRI-based classification for SVD-associated ICH, is feasible and reproducible and may improve the classification of ICH subtypes in clinical practice and research.

Cerebral small vessel disease and stroke: Linked by stroke aetiology, but not stroke lesion location or size.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) has previously been associated with worse stroke outcome, vascular dementia, and specific post-stroke cognitive deficits. The underlying causal mechanisms of these associations are not yet fully understood. We investigated whether a relationship between SVD and certain stroke aetiologies or a specific stroke lesion anatomy provides a potential explanation. METHODS: In a retrospective observational study, we examined 859 patients with first-ever, non-SVD anterior circulation ischemic stroke (age = 69.0±15.2). We evaluated MRI imaging markers to assess an SVD burden score and mapped stroke lesions on diffusion-weighted MRI. We investigated the association of SVD burden with i) stroke aetiology, and ii) lesion anatomy using topographical statistical mapping. RESULTS: With increasing SVD burden, stroke of cardioembolic aetiology was more frequent (ρ = 0.175; 95 %-CI = 0.103;0.244), whereas cervical artery dissection (ρ = -0.143; 95 %-CI = -0.198;-0.087) and a patent foramen ovale (ρ = -0.165; 95 %-CI = -0.220;-0.104) were less frequent stroke etiologies. However, no significant associations between SVD burden and stroke aetiology remained after additionally controlling for age (all p>0.125). Lesion-symptom-mapping and Bayesian statistics showed that SVD burden was not associated with a specific stroke lesion anatomy or size. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a high burden of SVD, non-SVD stroke is more likely to be caused by cardioembolic aetiology. The common risk factor of advanced age may link both pathologies and explain some of the existing associations between SVD and stroke. The SVD burden is not related to a specific stroke lesion location.

Split-brain syndrome after subarachnoid haemorrhage.

We present the case of a patient with extensive ischaemia of the corpus callosum (CC) including all its anatomical subdivisions, caused by a ruptured aneurysm of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). This resulted in subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and subsequently in cerebral vasospasm. The aneurysm was coiled, the vasospasm treated with repetitive intra-arterial spasmolysis and the patient then received intensive neurorehabilitative care. The case is an example of ischaemic infarction, which happens rarely in the CC after SAH, and even more rarely affects the CC along its entire length. The case is further remarkable for the resulting nearly complete and isolated split-brain syndrome: CC disconnection syndromes are only exceptionally seen after vascular callosal damage because they are most often overshadowed by symptoms resulting from coaffected adjacent brain areas.

Adaptation of the Concept of Brain Reserve for the Prediction of Stroke Outcome: Proxies, Neural Mechanisms, and Significance for Research.

The prediction of stroke outcome is challenging due to the high inter-individual variability in stroke patients. We recently suggested the adaptation of the concept of brain reserve (BR) to improve the prediction of stroke outcome. This concept was initially developed alongside the one for the cognitive reserve for neurodegeneration and forms a valuable theoretical framework to capture high inter-individual variability in stroke patients. In the present work, we suggest and discuss (i) BR-proxies-quantitative brain characteristics at the time stroke occurs (e.g., brain volume, hippocampus volume), and (ii) proxies of brain pathology reducing BR (e.g., brain atrophy, severity of white matter hyperintensities), parameters easily available from a routine MRI examination that might improve the prediction of stroke outcome. Though the influence of these parameters on stroke outcome has been partly reported individually, their independent and combined impact is yet to be determined. Conceptually, BR is a continuous measure determining the amount of brain structure available to mitigate and compensate for stroke damage, thus reflecting individual differences in neural resources and a capacity to maintain performance and recover after stroke. We suggest that stroke outcome might be defined as an interaction between BR at the time stroke occurs and lesion load. BR in stroke can potentially be influenced, e.g., by modifying cardiovascular risk factors. In addition to the potential power of the BR concept in a mechanistic understanding of inter-individual variability in stroke outcome and establishing individualized therapeutic approaches, it might help to strengthen the synergy of preventive measures in stroke, neurodegeneration, and healthy aging.

Small vessel disease burden and risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events in patients with lacunar stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage attributable to deep perforator arteriolopathy.

INTRODUCTION: Deep perforator arteriolopathy (DPA) causes intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and lacunar strokes (LS). We compare patient characteristics, MRI findings and clinical outcomes among patients with deep ICH and LS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included patients with MRI-confirmed LS or ICH in the basal ganglia, thalamus, internal capsule or brainstem from the Bernese Stroke Registry. We assessed MRI small vessel disease (SVD) markers, SVD burden score, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and ischaemic stroke or ICH at 3 months. RESULTS: We included 716 patients, 117 patients (16.3%) with deep ICH (mean age (SD) 65.1 (±15.2) years, 37.1% female) and 599 patients (83.7%) with LS (mean age (SD) 69.7 (±13.6) years, 39.9% female). Compared to LS, deep ICH was associated with a higher SVD burden score (median (IQR) 2 (1-2) vs 1 (0-2)), aORshift 3.19, 95%CI 2.15-4.75). Deep ICH patients had more often cerebral microbleeds (deep ICH: 71.6% vs LS: 29.2%, p < 0.001, median count (IQR) 4(2-12) vs 2(1-6)) and a higher prevalence of lacunes (deep ICH: 60.5% vs LS: 27.4% p < 0.001). At 3 months, deep ICH was associated with higher mRS (aORshift 2.16, 95%CI 1.21-3.87). Occurrence of ischaemic stroke was numerically but not significantly higher in deep ICH (4.3% vs 2.9%; p = 0.51). One patient (1.1%) with ICH but none with LS suffered ICH recurrence. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: DPA manifesting as ICH is associated with more severe MRI SVD burden and worse outcome compared to LS. The short-term risks of subsequent ischaemic stroke and recurrent ICH are similar in ICH and LS patients. This implies potential consequences for future secondary prevention strategies.

Accuracy of High-Resolution Computed Tomography Compared to High-Definition Ear Endoscopy to Assess Cholesteatoma Extension.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate radiographic evidence of cholesteatoma in the retrotympanum with intraoperative endoscopic findings in cholesteatoma patients and to evaluate the clinical relevance of radiographic evidence of cholesteatoma in the retrotympanum. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. METHODS: Seventy-six consecutive cases undergoing surgical cholesteatoma removal with preoperative high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were enrolled in this study. A retrospective analysis of the medical records was conducted. The extension of cholesteatoma regarding different middle ear subspaces, into the antrum and mastoid were reviewed radiologically in preoperative HRCT and endoscopically from surgical videos. Additionally, facial nerve canal dehiscence, infiltration of the middle cranial fossa, and inner ear involvement were documented. RESULTS: Comparison of radiological and endoscopic cholesteatoma extension revealed statistically highly significant overestimation of radiological cholesteatoma extension for all retrotympanic regions (sinus tympani 61.8% vs 19.7%, facial recess 69.7% vs 43.4%, subtympanic sinus 59.2% vs 7.9%, and posterior sinus 72.4% vs 4.0%) and statistically significant overestimation for mesotympanum (82.9% vs 56.6%), hypotympanum (39.5% vs 9.2%), and protympanum (23.7% vs 6.6%). No statistically significant differences were found for epitympanum (98.7% vs 90.8%), antrum (64.5% vs 52.6%), and mastoid (26.3% vs 32.9%). Statistically significant radiological overestimation of facial nerve canal dehiscence (54.0% vs 25.0%) and invasion of tegmen tympani (39.5% vs 19.7%) is reported. CONCLUSION: Radiologic cholesteatoma extension in different middle ear subspaces is overestimated compared to the intraoperative extension. The preoperative relevance of radiological retrotympanic extension might be limited in the choice of approach and transcanal endoscopic approach is always recommended first.

Can we forecast poor outcome in herpes simplex and varicella zoster encephalitis? A narrative review.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) are among the most commonly diagnosed infectious causes of sporadic encephalitis worldwide. Despite treatment, mortality and morbidity rates remain high, especially for HSV encephalitis. This review is intended to provide an overview of the existing scientific literature on this topic from the perspective of a clinician who is confronted with serious decisions about continuation or withdrawal of therapeutic interventions. We performed a literature review searching two databases and included 55 studies in the review. These studies documented or investigated specifically outcome and predictive parameters of outcome of HSV and/or VZV encephalitis. Two reviewers independently screened and reviewed full-text articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Key data were extracted and presented as a narrative summary. Both, HSV and VZV encephalitis have mortality rates between 5 and 20% and complete recovery rates range from 14 to 43% for HSV and 33 to 49% for VZV encephalitis. Prognostic factors for both VZV and HSV encephalitis are older age and comorbidity, as well as severity of disease and extent of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions on admission, and delay in treatment initiation for HSV encephalitis. Although numerous studies are available, the main limiting factors are the inconsistent patient selection and case definitions as well as the non-standardised outcome measures, which hampers the comparability of the studies. Therefore, larger and standardised observational studies applying validated case definitions and outcome measures including quality of life assessment are required to provide solid evidence to answer the research question.

Timing and Predictors of Recanalization After Anticoagulation in Cerebral Venous Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vessel recanalization after cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is associated with favorable outcomes and lower mortality. Several studies examined the timing and predictors of recanalization after CVT with mixed results. We aimed to investigate predictors and timing of recanalization after CVT. METHODS: We used data from the multicenter, international AntiCoagulaTION in the Treatment of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (ACTION-CVT) study of consecutive patients with CVT from January 2015 to December 2020. Our analysis included patients that had undergone repeat venous neuroimaging more than 30 days after initiation of anticoagulation treatment. Prespecified variables were included in univariate and multivariable analyses to identify independent predictors of failure to recanalize. RESULTS: Among the 551 patients (mean age, 44.4±16.2 years, 66.2% women) that met inclusion criteria, 486 (88.2%) had complete or partial, and 65 (11.8%) had no recanalization. The median time to first follow-up imaging study was 110 days (interquartile range, 60-187). In multivariable analysis, older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.07), male sex (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.24-0.80), and lack of parenchymal changes on baseline imaging (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.29-0.96) were associated with no recanalization. The majority of improvement in recanalization (71.1%) occurred before 3 months from initial diagnosis. A high percentage of complete recanalization (59.0%) took place within the first 3 months after CVT diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Older age, male sex, and lack of parenchymal changes were associated with no recanalization after CVT. The majority recanalization occurred early in the disease course suggesting limited further recanalization with anticoagulation beyond 3 months. Large prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings.

A typology of cerebral small vessel disease based on imaging markers.

BACKGROUND: Lacunes, microbleeds, enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS), and white matter hyperintensities (WMH) are brain imaging features of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). Based on these imaging markers, we aimed to identify subtypes of SVD and to evaluate the validity of these markers as part of clinical ratings and as biomarkers for stroke outcome. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we examined 1207 first-ever anterior circulation ischemic stroke patients (mean age 69.1 ± 15.4 years; mean NIHSS 5.3 ± 6.8). On acute stroke MRI, we assessed the numbers of lacunes and microbleeds and rated EPVS and deep and periventricular WMH. We used unsupervised learning to cluster patients based on these variables. RESULTS: We identified five clusters, of which the last three appeared to represent distinct late stages of SVD. The two largest clusters had no to only mild or moderate WMH and EPVS, respectively, and favorable stroke outcome. The third cluster was characterized by the largest number of lacunes and a likewise favorable outcome. The fourth cluster had the highest age, most pronounced WMH, and poor outcome. Showing the worst outcome, the fifth cluster presented pronounced microbleeds and the most severe SVD burden. CONCLUSION: The study confirmed the existence of different SVD types with different relationships to stroke outcome. EPVS and WMH were identified as imaging features of presumably early progression. The number of microbleeds and WMH severity appear to be promising biomarkers for distinguishing clinical subgroups. Further understanding of SVD progression might require consideration of refined SVD features, e.g., for EPVS and type of lacunes.

Variability of the retrotympanum and its association with mastoid pneumatization in cholesteatoma patients.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the variability of the retrotympanum in patients undergoing surgical treatment for cholesteatoma. METHODS: We included 59 ears of patients undergoing middle ear surgery for cholesteatoma who had preoperative computed tomography scans. A retrospective analysis of the medical records was conducted. The sinus tympani (ST), subtympanic sinus (STS) and facial recess (FR) were classified into types A-C based on the relationship of their extension to the facial nerve. The mastoid and petrous apex were assessed and categorized as normal pneumatized or sclerotic. RESULTS: Type A extension was the most frequently found in all sinuses (ST 64%, FR 77%, STS 69%), Type B extension was found more often in ST (34%) and STS (24%) than in FR (15%). A very deep extension was found only rarely (ST 2%, FR 8%, STS 7%). A sclerotic mastoid was found in 67% of cases. Those cases showed a statistically significant difference regarding retrotympanum pneumatization when compared with normal mastoid. CONCLUSION: The most frequent variant of retrotympanic pneumatization in relation to the facial nerve was type A in all subsites in cholesteatoma patients. The variability among patients with cholesteatoma is different to previously published results in healthy subjects. Moreover, the pneumatization of the retrotympanum is associated with mastoid pneumatization.