Emotional processing in patients with single brain damage in the right hemisphere.

BACKGROUND: The interest in the relationship between brain damage and social cognition has increased in recent years. The objectives of the present study were the following: (1) to evaluate and compare emotional facial recognition and subjective emotional experience in patients who have suffered a single ischemic stroke in the right hemisphere (RH) and in healthy people, (2) to analyze the relationship between both variables in both groups of subjects, and (3) to analyze the association between the cerebral location of the stroke and these two variables. METHODS: Emotional facial recognition and the subjective emotional experience of 41 patients who had suffered a single ischemic stroke in the RH and 45 volunteers without previous cerebrovascular pathology were evaluated. RESULTS: Brain damaged patients performed lower in facial emotional recognition and had a less intense subjective emotional response to social content stimuli compared to healthy subjects. Likewise, among patients with RH ischemic stroke, we observed negative associations between facial recognition of surprise and reactivity to unpleasant images, and positive associations between recognition of disgust and reactivity to pleasant images. Finally, patients with damage in the caudate nucleus of the RH presented a deficit in the recognition of happiness and sadness, and those with damage in the frontal lobe exhibited a deficit in the recognition of surprise, compared to those injured in other brain areas. CONCLUSIONS: Emotional facial recognition and subjective emotional experience are affected in patients who have suffered a single ischemic stroke in the RH. Professionals caring for stroke patients should improve their understanding of the general condition of affected persons and their environment, assess for risk of depression, and facilitate their adaptation to work, family, and social environments.

Mechanical thrombectomy is cost-effective versus medical management alone around Europe in patients with low ASPECTS.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate, by a cost-effectiveness analysis, the efficiency of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) versus medical management (MM) in patients with a low Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) from the RESCUE Study. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness model was designed to project both direct medical costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of MT versus MM in eight European countries (Spain, UK, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands). Our model was created based on previously published health-economic data in those countries. Procedure costs, acute, mid-term, and long-term care costs were projected based on expected modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores as reported in the RESCUE-Japan LIMIT trial. RESULTS: MT was found to be a cost-effective option in eight different countries across Europe (Spain, Italy, UK, France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden). with a lifetime incremental cost-effectiveness ratio varying from US$2 875 to US$11 202/QALY depending on the country. A cost-effectiveness acceptability curve showed 100% acceptability of MT at the willingness to pay (WTP) of US$40 000 for the eight countries. CONCLUSIONS: MT is efficient versus MM alone for patients with low ASPECTS in eight countries across Europe. Patients with a large ischemic core could be treated with MT because it is both clinically beneficial and economically sustainable.

Transcranial Doppler 6 h after Successful Reperfusion as a Predictor of Infarct Volume.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study is to analyze the hemodynamic changes in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) after endovascular revascularization in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion and its association with the infarct volume size in the control head CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study of patients with AIS due to internal carotid artery terminus or M1 segment of the MCA occlusion, who underwent endovascular treatment with a final TICI 2b-3 score, without concomitant stenosis ≥50% in both cervical carotid arteries. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) of both MCAs was carried out at 6 h after the endovascular procedure. Mean flow velocities (MFV) after arterial reperfusion and its association with the infarct volume size in 24-36 h control head CT were determined. RESULTS: 91 patients (51 women) were included with a median age of 78 years and National institute of Health Stroke Scale of 18. The MCA was occluded in 76.92%, and intravenous thrombolysis was administered in 40.7%. The incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was 5.5%. At three months, mortality was 19.8% and a 52.7% of patients achieved functional independence (modified Rankin Scale 0-2). After a multivariable logistic regression analysis, an increase in the MFV greater than 50% at 6 h in the treated MCA compared to contralateral MCA, was an independent predictor of large infarct volume in the control head CT with an OR 9.615 (95%CI: 1.908-47.620), p=0.006 CONCLUSIONS: Increased MFV assessed by TCD examination following endovascular recanalization is independently associated with larger infarct volume.

Fewer COVID-19-associated strokes and reduced severity during the second COVID-19 wave: The Madrid Stroke Network.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The experience gained during the first COVID-19 wave could have mitigated the negative impact on stroke care in the following waves. Our aims were to analyze the characteristics and outcomes of patients with stroke admitted during the second COVID-19 wave and to evaluate the differences in the stroke care provision compared with the first wave. METHODS: This retrospective multicenter cohort study included consecutive stroke patients admitted to any of the seven hospitals with stroke units (SUs) and endovascular treatment facilities in the Madrid Health Region. The characteristics of the stroke patients with or without a COVID-19 diagnosis were compared and the organizational changes in stroke care between the first wave (25 February to 25 April 2020) and second wave (21 July to 21 November 2020) were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 550 and 1191 stroke patients were admitted during the first and second COVID-19 waves, respectively, with an average daily admission rate of nine patients in both waves. During the second wave, there was a decrease in stroke severity (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 5 vs. 6; p = 0.000), in-hospital strokes (3% vs. 8.1%) and in-hospital mortality (9.9% vs. 15.9%). Furthermore, fewer patients experienced concurrent COVID-19 (6.8% vs. 19.1%), and they presented milder COVID-19 and less severe strokes. Fewer hospitals reported a reduction in the number of SU beds or deployment of SU personnel to COVID-19 dedicated wards during the second wave. CONCLUSIONS: During the second COVID-19 wave, fewer stroke patients were diagnosed with COVID-19, and they had less stroke severity and milder COVID-19.

Stroke Acute Management and Outcomes During the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Cohort Study From the Madrid Stroke Network.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has added challenges to providing quality acute stroke care due to the reallocation of stroke resources to COVID-19. Case series suggest that patients with COVID-19 have more severe strokes; however, no large series have compared stroke outcomes with contemporary non-COVID-19 patients. Purpose was to analyze the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in stroke care and to evaluate stroke outcomes according to the diagnosis of COVID-19. METHODS: Retrospective multicenter cohort study including consecutive acute stroke patients admitted to 7 stroke centers from February 25 to April 25, 2020 (first 2 months of the COVID-19 outbreak in Madrid). The quality of stroke care was measured by the number of admissions, recanalization treatments, and time metrics. The primary outcome was death or dependence at discharge. RESULTS: A total of 550 acute stroke patients were admitted. A significant reduction in the number of admissions and secondary interhospital transfers was found. COVID-19 was confirmed in 105 (19.1%) patients, and a further 19 patients were managed as suspected COVID-19 (3.5%). No differences were found in the rates of reperfusion therapies in ischemic strokes (45.5% non-COVID-19, 35.7% confirmed COVID-19, and 40% suspected COVID-19; P=0.265). However, the COVID-19 group had longer median door-to-puncture time (110 versus 80 minutes), which was associated with the performance of chest computed tomography. Multivariate analysis confirmed poorer outcomes for confirmed or suspected COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratios, 2.05 [95% CI, 1.12-3.76] and 3.56 [95% CI, 1.15-11.05], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that patients with COVID-19 have more severe strokes and poorer outcomes despite similar acute management. A well-established stroke care network helps to diminish the impact of such an outbreak in stroke care, reducing secondary transfers and allowing maintenance of reperfusion therapies, with a minor impact on door-to-puncture times, which were longer in patients who underwent chest computed tomography.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Medium Vessel Occlusions: Blind Exchange With Mini-Pinning Technique Versus Mini Stent Retriever Alone.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mechanical thrombectomy techniques for intracranial medium vessel occlusions (MeVOs) have evolved in recent years, although the optimal approach is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of mechanical thrombectomy in MeVOs using mini (0.017 inches microcatheter compatible) stent retrievers combined with low-profile (0.035 inches distal inner diameter) distal aspiration catheters through the blind exchange/mini-pinning (BEMP) technique compared with mini stent retrievers alone. METHODS: Retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database of patients treated with the BEMP technique or mini stent retriever alone for intracranial MeVOs from 2017 to 2020 in a comprehensive stroke center. Both groups were compared about baseline characteristics, occlusion site, clinical presentation, clot cause, procedural outcomes (MeVO first-pass and final expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia score, the mini stent retriever used, number of passes with the front-line approach, and need of rescue therapy), safety outcomes (emboli to unwanted territories and hemorrhagic complications), and clinical outcomes at 90 days. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed with potential predictors of vessel recanalization to find independent variables associated with MeVO first-pass expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia 2c/3 recanalization. RESULTS: We reviewed 102 patients/106 MeVOs treated with the BEMP technique (n=56) or mini stent retriever (n=50). There was a higher rate of MeVO first-pass expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia 2c/3 recanalization (57% versus 34%, P=0.017), lower need of rescue therapy (7.1% versus 22%, P=0.028), and lower rate of emboli to new territory (1.8% versus 12%, P=0.035) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (1.9% versus 12.8%, P=0.038) with the BEMP technique. After multivariable analysis, the sole independent factor associated to MeVO first-pass expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia 2c/3 recanalization was the BEMP technique (odds ratio, 2.72 [95% CI, 1.19-6.22]; P=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of MeVOs, the BEMP technique may lead to higher rates of the first-pass recanalization and a lower incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage than mini stent retrievers alone.

Management of Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke Related to Infective Endocarditis: Is Mechanical Thrombectomy a Safe Option?

INTRODUCTION: Acute ischemic stroke is the most common neurological complication of infective endocarditis. Intravenous thrombolysis is contraindicated in these patients due to a higher risk of hemorrhagic complications. Whether mechanical thrombectomy has some benefit in these patients remains unanswered although some favorable results can be found in literature. METHODS: We report twelve cases of acute ischemic stroke due to septic emboli treated with mechanical thrombectomy in two comprehensive stroke centers. RESULTS: Median age was 63 years (IQR 58.8-77.5 years). Diagnosis of infective endocarditis was previous to the diagnosis of stroke in three of the patients. There were five cases of prosthetic-valve endocarditis and eight cases of native-valve endocarditis. Two patients were treated with intravenous thrombolysis with an extensive subarachnoid hemorrhage in 24 h follow-up CT in one of them. Another patient suffered an arterial perforation during the endovascular procedure without successful recanalization. 6 of the patients (50%) developed some type of hemorrhagic complications with three cases of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Early neurological recovery was achieved in 3 (25%) patients. Functional independence at 3 months in patients with successful revascularization was reached in 50% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with large vessel acute ischemic stroke related to infective endocarditis, mechanical thrombectomy might be considered with some potential benefit reported. There may be a high risk of hemorrhagic complications, as known for intravenous thrombolysis in this condition, suggesting that this procedure should be carefully evaluated in these patients.

Guía para el tratamiento preventivo del ictus isquémico y AIT (II). Recomendaciones según subtipo etiológico / Guidelines for the preventive treatment of ischaemic stroke and TIA (II). Recommendations according to aetiological sub-type

FUNDAMENTO Y OBJETIVO: Actualizar las guías terapéuticas del Comité ad hoc del Grupo de Estudio de Enfermedades Cerebrovasculares de la SEN en el tratamiento preventivo de ictus isquémico (II) y ataque isquémico transitorio (AIT). MÉTODOS: Revisión de evidencias disponibles sobre la prevención del ictus isquémico y AIT en función del subtipo etiológico. Los niveles de evidencia y grados de recomendación se han basado en la clasificación del Centro de Medicina Basada en la Evidencia. RESULTADOS: En el II de origen aterotrombótico reducen el riesgo de recurrencias el tratamiento antiagregante y los procedimientos revascularizadores en casos seleccionados de estenosis carotidea ipsilateral (70-99%). La prevención de II de origen cardioembólico (fibrilación auricular, valvulopatías, prótesis valvulares y en infarto de miocardio con trombo mural) se basa en el uso de anticoagulantes orales. En el II de origen inhabitual, las terapias preventivas dependerán de la etiología; en la trombosis venosa cerebral la anticoagulación oral es eficaz. CONCLUSIONES: Se concluye con recomendaciones de práctica clínica en prevención de ictus isquémico y AIT adaptadas al subtipo etiológico de II que ha presentado el paciente

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To update the ad hoc Committee of the Cerebrovascular Diseases Study Group of The Spanish Neurological Society guidelines on prevention of ischaemic stroke (IS) and Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA). METHODS: We reviewed the available evidence on ischaemic stroke and TIA prevention according to aetiological subtype. Levels of evidence and recommendation levels are based on the classification of the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. RESULTS: In atherothrombotic IS, antiplatelet therapy and revascularization procedures in selected cases of ipsilateral carotid stenosis (70%-90%) reduce the risk of recurrences. In cardioembolic IS (atrial fibrillation, valvular diseases, prosthetic valves and myocardial infarction with mural thrombus) prevention is based on the use of oral anticoagulants. Preventive therapies for uncommon causes of IS will depend on the aetiology. In the case of cerebral venous thrombosis oral anticoagulation is effective. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude with recommendations for clinical practice in prevention of IS according to the aetiological subtype presented by the patient

Endovascular treatment of distal internal carotid artery occlusions with retrievable stents.

BACKGROUND: Acute stroke due to distal intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion has a poor natural history. Outcome in patients who receive intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is also unsatisfactory. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endovascular treatment with retrievable stents in these patients. METHODS: Data from a prospective register of patients with acute stroke treated with an endovascular procedure in a single centre were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients with distal ICA occlusion were collected. Mean baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 18. Eight cases (40%) had received previous intravenous tPA. Mean time from stroke to recanalization was 393 min. Retrievable stents with proximal occlusion and aspiration were used in all cases. In 3 patients, 2 retrievable stents were used simultaneously. Complete recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 2b/3) was accomplished in 85% of cases. A favourable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) was achieved in 13 patients (65%). Mortality occurred in 2 cases (10%). CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of patients with distal ICA occlusion seems safe and effective. Retrievable stents may be the treatment of choice, although randomized clinical trials are necessary. The use of 2 retrievable stents at the same time could be an alternative technique useful in thrombi of larger size.

Viral encephalitis and atherothrombotic stroke.

The clinical hallmark of viral encephalitis is an acute febrile illness, but stroke-like presentations have been rarely described. We report a patient who arrived at A&E with an acute right middle cerebral artery syndrome, without fever. Following thrombolytic treatment, clinical deficit almost disappeared and a critical ipsilateral carotid stenosis was identified. Stenting was implemented and 7 days later the patient started with high fever and reappearance of the initial deficit. Hyperperfusion syndrome and pneumonia were initially considered as the diagnosis but herpetic encephalitis (HE) was the final diagnosis. A very good response to antiviral treatment was achieved. We discuss whether the patient suffered from an unusual sudden stroke-like onset HE without encephalitic features or whether a stroke led to delayed HE.

Intravenous thrombolytic treatment in the oldest old.

Background and Purpose. Intravenous thrombolysis using tissue plasminogen activator is safe and probably effective in patients >80 years old. Nevertheless, its safety has not been specifically addressed for the oldest old patients (≥85 years old, OO). We assessed the safety and effectiveness of thrombolysis in this group of age. Methods. A prospective registry of patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Patients were divided in two groups (<85 years and the OO). Demographic data, stroke aetiology and baseline National Institute Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score were recorded. The primary outcome measures were the percentage of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (SICH) and functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale, mRS). Results. A total of 1,505 patients were registered. 106 patients were OO [median 88, range 85-101]. Female sex, hypertension, elevated blood pressure at admission, cardioembolic strokes and higher basal NIHSS score were more frequent in the OO. SICH transformation rates were similar (3.1% versus 3.7%, P = 1.00). The probability of independence at 3 months (mRS 0-2) was lower in the OO (40.2% versus 58.7%, P = 0.001) but not after adjustment for confounding factors (adjusted OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.50 to 1.37; P = 0.455). Three-month mortality was higher in the OO (28.0% versus 11.5%, P < 0.001). Conclusion. Intravenous thrombolysis for stroke in OO patients did not increase the risk of SICH although mortality was higher in this group.

Stroke preceding autoimmune encephalitis with neuronal potassium channel antibody.

Autoimmune encephalitis related to voltage-gated potassium channel (VGKC) antibodies can occur as a complication of cancer but, more frequently, as a non-paraneoplastic disorder. The prompt recognition and treatment could mitigate the morbidity associated with this entity, but the broad-spectrum of neurological manifestations often makes the diagnosis a challenge. The authors describe, here, a unique case of autoimmune encephalitis related to VGKC antibodies preceded by an ischaemic stroke. Conditions associated with the stroke (infection, seizures, metabolic disturbances) had delayed the diagnosis. The authors suggest that autoimmune encephalitis needs to be taken into consideration as part of a differential diagnosis in patients with prolonged encephalopathy following an ischaemic stroke. Infection may trigger an inflammatory response. In addition, the rupture of blood brain barrier that occurs in stroke may have a pathogenic role by allowing antibodies to gain access to the central nervous system.

Safety and outcomes following thrombolytic treatment in stroke patients who had received prior treatment with anticoagulants.

BACKGROUND: Information is scare regarding the safety of intravenous thrombolysis in patients under anticoagulant treatment, given that this is an exclusion criterion in clinical trials. We analyzed the risk of hemorrhagic complications following thrombolysis in patients under treatment with low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWH) and oral anticoagulants (OA). METHODS: In a multicentered prospective study of consecutive acute stroke patients treated with intravenous alteplase we recorded age, gender, baseline NIHSS score, treatment delay, risk factors, etiology and previous therapy. The neurological progress (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at 7 days) and functional evolution at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale score), mortality and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) were compared between patients with LMWH or OA and those without prior anticoagulant therapy. RESULTS: Of the 1,482 patients, 21 (1.4%) had received LMWH and 70 (4.7%) OA (international normalized ratio, INR, 0.9-2.0). Patients on OA were older, presented higher basal glucose levels, had been treated later and had a higher prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, prior stroke, atrial fibrillation and cardioembolic pathologies. The severity of stroke on admission was similar in the different groups. The percentages of patients achieving independence (mRS 0-2) at 3 months were 33, 44 and 58 (LMWH, OA and no prior anticoagulant treatment, respectively; p = 0.02 for both comparisons of LMWH vs. no treatment and OA vs. no treatment); the mortality rates were 30, 25 and 12% (p = 0.010, p = 0.001, respectively) and the SICH were 14, 3 and 2% (p < 0.0001 for comparison of LMWH vs. no treatment). In the case of treatment with OA, the outcomes were independent of the INR value. Following adjustment for confounding variables, the prior use of OA was associated with higher mortality (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.1-4.2; p = 0.026) but not with SICH transformation or lower probability of independence. The use of LMWH was associated with higher mortality (OR: 5.3, 95% CI: 1.8-15.5; p = 0.002), risk of SICH (OR: 8.4, 95% CI: 2.2-32.2; p = 0.002) and lower probability of achieving independence (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.97; p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: The use of intravenous thrombolysis appears to be safe in patients previously treated with OA with INR levels <2 since there is no increase in SICH. The prior use of LMWH appears to increase the risk of SICH, death and dependence and, as such, the decision for systemic treatment with thrombolytic agents needs to be taken with caution in these cases. Larger case series are necessary to confirm these findings.

Benefits of intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke related to extra cranial internal carotid dissection. Dream or reality?

BACKGROUND: Small clinical series have reported the safety of intravenous thrombolysis in ischemic stroke related to extracranial internal carotid dissection. However, no studies specifically analyzing the effects on stroke outcome are available. Aims Our goal was to evaluate whether patients with ischemic stroke related to extracranial internal carotid dissection obtain any benefit from intravenous thrombolysis. METHODS: Multicenter, prospective and observational study conducted in four university hospitals from the Madrid Stroke Network. Consecutive ischemic stroke patients who received intravenous thrombolysis were included, as well as patients with extracranial internal carotid dissection regardless of intravenous thrombolysis treatment. Stroke severity (NIHSS) and three-month outcome (modified Rankin Scale) were compared between the following groups: (1) intravenous thrombolysis-treated patients with ischemic stroke related to extracranial internal carotid dissection vs. other causes of stroke; (2) intravenous thrombolysis-treated extracranial internal carotid dissection patients vs. nonintravenous thrombolysis treated. Outcome was rated at three-months using the modified Rankin Scale. A good outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≤2. RESULTS: A total of 625 intravenous thrombolysis-treated patients were included; 16 (2·56%) had extracranial internal carotid dissection. Besides, 27 patients with extracranial internal carotid dissection and ischemic stroke who did not receive intravenous thrombolysis were also included. As compared with other etiologies, patients with extracranial internal carotid dissection were younger, had similar stroke severity and showed less improvement in their NIHSS score at Day 7 (1·38; (95% CI -3·77 to 6·54) vs. 6·81; (95% CI -5·99 to 7·63) P=0·004), but without differences in good outcomes at three-months (43·8% vs. 58·2%; NS). Extracranial internal carotid dissection intravenous thrombolysis-treated patients had more severe strokes at admission than those who were nonintravenous thrombolysis treated (median NIHSS: 15 vs. 7; P=0·031). Intravenous thrombolysis was safe in extracranial internal carotid dissection with no symptomatic hemorrhagic events; however, without differences in good outcome compared with the natural course of extracranial internal carotid dissection (nonintravenous thrombolysis treated) after adjustment for stroke severity (46·7% vs. 64·3%; NS). CONCLUSIONS: As compared with other etiologies, stroke due to extracranial internal carotid dissection seems to obtain similar benefits from intravenous thrombolysis in outcome at three-months. Although intravenous thrombolysis is safe in stroke attributable to extracranial internal carotid dissection, no differences in outcome were found when comparing intravenous thrombolysis treated with nonintravenous thrombolysis-treated patients, even after adjustment for stroke severity.

Thrombolytic therapy for acute ischemic stroke after recent transient ischemic attack.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis in stroke patients with recent transient ischemic attack are hotly debated. Patients suffering transient ischemic attack may present with diffusion-weighted imaging lesions, and although normal computed tomography would not preclude thrombolysis, the concern is that they may be at higher risk for hemorrhage post-thrombolysis treatment. Prior ipsilateral transient ischemic attack might provide protection due to ischemic preconditioning. We assessed post-thrombolysis outcomes in stroke patients who had prior transient ischemic attack. METHODS: Multicentered prospective study of consecutive acute stroke patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Ipsilateral transient ischemic attack, baseline characteristics, risk factors, etiology, and time-lapse to treatment were recorded. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at seven-days and modified Rankin Scale at three-months, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and mortality were compared in patients with and without transient ischemic attack. RESULTS: There were 877 patients included, 60 (6·84%) had previous ipsilateral transient ischemic attack within one-month prior to the current stroke (65% in the previous 24 h). Transient ischemic attack patients were more frequently men (70% vs. 53%; P = 0·011), younger (63 vs. 71 years of age; P = 0·011), smokers (37% vs. 25%; P = 0·043), and with large vessel disease (40% vs. 25%; P = 0·011). Severity of stroke at onset was similar to those with and without prior transient ischemic attack (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 12 vs. 14 P = 0·134). Those with previous transient ischemic attack were treated earlier (117 ± 52 vs. 144 ± 38 mins; P < 0·005). After adjustment for confounding variables, regression analysis showed that previous transient ischemic attack was not associated with differences in stroke outcome such as independence (modified Rankin Scale 0-2) (odds ratios: 1·035 (0·57-1·93) P = 0·91), mortality (odds ratios: 0·99 (0·37-2·67) P = 0·99), or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (odds ratios: 2·04 (0·45-9·32) P = 0·36). CONCLUSIONS: Transient ischemic attack preceding ischemic stroke does not appear to have a major influence on outcomes following thrombolysis. Patients with prior ipsilateral transient ischemic attack appear not to be at higher risk of bleeding complications.

Infartos cerebrales intrahospitalarios: datos del registro multicéntrico de pacientes con infarto cerebral ingresados en Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiaca / In-hospital ischemic strokes in patients admitted to Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery departments. Multi-centre registry

Fundamento y objetivo: Los pacientes ingresados en Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiaca tienen un riesgo importante de sufrir un infarto cerebral (IC). Analizamos las características clínicas, calidad de la atención neurológica y la evolución de los ictus intrahospitalarios (IIH) en estos servicios. Pacientes y método:Registro prospectivo de IC en pacientes ingresados en Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiaca en 13 hospitales españoles durante 2008. Recogemos datos demográficos, clínicos, terapéuticos, evolutivos y de mortalidad. Resultados: Registramos 73 casos. La edad media (DE) fue de 72 (11,6) años. El 75,4% de los IC fueron cardioembólicos. Como factores de riesgo para ictus destacaron: presencia de cardiopatías embolígenas (86,3%), suspensión del tratamiento antitrombótico previo (22%) y procedimientos invasivos (65,7%). La evaluación neurológica se hizo en menos de 3 horas en el 49,5% y pasadas 24 horas del IC en el 20,5%. Diez pacientes fueron tratados con trombólisis intravenosa, 8 no pudieron ser tratados por el retraso en avisar a Neurología. Entre las contraindicaciones para trombólisis destacaron la anticoagulación en rango (38%) y la cirugía reciente (33,3%). A los 3 meses, la mortalidad fue del 15% y solamente el 53,7% eran independientes. Los pacientes tratados con trombólisis tuvieron mejor evolución (87,5% de pacientes independientes, p=0,04).Conclusiones: Los IC intrahospitalarios en Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiaca son fundamentalmente cardioembólicos y producen una gran proporción de pacientes dependientes. Los pacientes tratados con trombólisis tuvieron mejor evolución clínica. El retraso en la llamada a Neurología impidió que una proporción relevante de pacientes fueran tratados con trombólisis intravenosa (AU)

Background and objective: Patients admitted to Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Departments have an increased risk of ischemic stroke (IS). We analyzed clinical characteristics, quality of neurological care and mortality of in-hospital strokes (IHS) in these departments. Patients and method:Prospective registry of in-hospital ISs in Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery in 13 Spanish hospitals during 2008. Demographic, clinical and therapeutic data as well as mortality and functional evolution were recorded. Results: 73 patients were included. Mean age was 72±11.6 years. 75.4% of IS were cardioembolic. Special risk factors were presence of cardiac sources of embolism (86.3%), prior withdrawal of antithrombotic treatment (22%) and invasive procedures (65.7%). First neurological assessment was done in the first 3hours in 49.5% and beyond 24hours from IS onset in 20.5%. Ten patients were treated with intravenous thrombolysis, which was not possible in 8 patients because of the delay in calling the neurologist. Most frequent reasons for exclusion from thrombolytic therapy were recent major surgical procedures (33.3%) and anticoagulant therapy (38%). Three-month mortality was 15% and only 53.7% were functionally independent. Patients treated with thrombolysis had a better evolution (87.5% of independent patients, p=0.04). Conclusions: IS in Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery are mostly cardioembolic strokes and produce a high proportion of dependent patients. Patients treated with thrombolysis had a better evolution. Delays in contacting the neurologist led to exclusion from treatment an important proportion of patients who met thrombolysis criteria (AU)

[In-hospital ischemic strokes in patients admitted to Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery departments. Multi-centre registry]. / Infartos cerebrales intrahospitalarios: datos del registro multicéntrico de pacientes con infarto cerebral ingresados en Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiaca.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Patients admitted to Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Departments have an increased risk of ischemic stroke (IS). We analyzed clinical characteristics, quality of neurological care and mortality of in-hospital strokes (IHS) in these departments. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Prospective registry of in-hospital ISs in Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery in 13 Spanish hospitals during 2008. Demographic, clinical and therapeutic data as well as mortality and functional evolution were recorded. RESULTS: 73 patients were included. Mean age was 72±11.6 years. 75.4% of IS were cardioembolic. Special risk factors were presence of cardiac sources of embolism (86.3%), prior withdrawal of antithrombotic treatment (22%) and invasive procedures (65.7%). First neurological assessment was done in the first 3hours in 49.5% and beyond 24hours from IS onset in 20.5%. Ten patients were treated with intravenous thrombolysis, which was not possible in 8 patients because of the delay in calling the neurologist. Most frequent reasons for exclusion from thrombolytic therapy were recent major surgical procedures (33.3%) and anticoagulant therapy (38%). Three-month mortality was 15% and only 53.7% were functionally independent. Patients treated with thrombolysis had a better evolution (87.5% of independent patients, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: IS in Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery are mostly cardioembolic strokes and produce a high proportion of dependent patients. Patients treated with thrombolysis had a better evolution. Delays in contacting the neurologist led to exclusion from treatment an important proportion of patients who met thrombolysis criteria.

Wallenberg's syndrome and symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia.

Symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia due to a brainstem infarction is said to be rare. However, facial pain is not uncommon in Wallenberg's syndrome. Facial pain related to a Wallenberg's syndrome may be either persistent of intermittent, and occasionally occurs in brief attacks. Here, we report a patient with a right lateral medullary infarction who started having first division trigeminal neuralgia 1 month after the stroke. The pain paroxysms were suppressed with gabapentin.

Thrombolysis for ischaemic stroke and glioblastoma multiforme: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: To report the uncomplicated use of systemic thrombolysis for stroke in a patient with a misdiagnosed glioblastoma multiforme mimicking brain ischaemia and to suggest that new clinical situations question the stated exclusion criteria for intravenous thrombolysis. PATIENT: A 57-year-old male presented at the emergency room with a sudden aphasia. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: After Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke-Monitoring Study (SITS-MOST) exclusion criteria were ruled out, intravenous alteplase was administered. The patient presented with tonic-clonic seizures 17 min after perfusion completion, requiring phenytoine administration. Additional computed tomography scan did not show haemorrhagic transformation or brain oedema. A left temporal lobe glioblastoma multiforme was diagnosed after magnetic resonance imaging and neurosurgery. The patient became asymptomatic on the seventh day. CONCLUSION: Any history of central nervous system neoplasm is considered a contraindication to thrombolysis, but the true risk of systemic thrombolysis-precipitated intracranial bleeding is unknown. Further data are needed to establish real haemorrhage risk in this clinical condition.