Post-stroke depression: an update.

INTRODUCTION: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common mood disorder following a stroke, and also the main factor limiting recovery and rehabilitation in stroke patients. In addition, it may increase mortality by up to ten times. DEVELOPMENT: PSD occurs in 1 in 3 stroke patients and more than half of all cases are neither diagnosed nor treated. Several mechanisms, including biological, behavioral, and social factors, are involved in its pathogenesis. Symptoms usually occur within the first three months after stroke (early onset PSD), and less frequently at a later time (late onset PSD). Symptoms resemble those of other types of depression, although there are some differences: PSD patients experience more sleep disturbances, vegetative symptoms, and social withdrawal. For PSD diagnosis, we recommended vigilance and use of specific diagnostic tools such as the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). The treatments of choice are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). However, there are still many unanswered questions in the treatment of PSD, such as the best time to start treatment or the effects of antidepressants on cognition and motor function, among others. CONCLUSIONS: Neurologists play a pivotal role in the care and management of patients recovering from stroke. They must be familiar with methods for early detection and treatment of PSD, as this can facilitate a patient's functional recovery and social reintegration, and improve quality of life for patients and their families.

[Importance of hypertension in patients after the first stroke: retrospective cohort study]. / Importancia de la hipertensión en pacientes con primer episodio de ictus isquémico: estudio retrospectivo de 20 años.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hypertension (HT) is a key risk factor for stroke. We evaluated whether the importance of hypertension on the risk of ischemic stroke has increased in recent decades. METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with ischemic stroke discharged from 3 hospitals in Seville (Spain), during the periods: 1999-2001, 2014-2016 and 2019-2020. RESULTS: 1,379 patients were included, 42.6% women, mean age 69.1 (±11) years. HT was the most prevalent vascular risk factor in all periods, with a progressive increase in hypertensive patients (65.9% vs 69.6% vs 74%; P=.029). HT was especially frequent in patients≥80 years (73% vs 81.9% vs 85.2%; P=.029). At discharge, progressively more antihypertensive drugs were used (in 65% vs 85.1 vs 90.2% of patients; P=.0001), with a clear increase in the number of antihypertensive drugs used (mean 0.9±0.8 vs 1.5±1 vs 1.8±0.8 drugs, P=.0001). The use of diuretics (13.7%-39.3%-65.3%; p=0.0001), ACE inhibitors (35.5%-43.3%-53.4%; P=.0001) and angiotensin receptor blockers (12.2%-24%-32.4%; P=.0001) increased progressively. On the contrary, the use of calcium antagonists decreased (24%-19.9%-13.7%; P=.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In the last 2 decades there has been a greater role for HT among patients with their first ischemic cerebrovascular event. Greater and better control of HT is necessary to reduce the enormous burden of cerebrovascular disease.

Pharmacological therapy in the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke in the oldest-old patients: has it improved in recent decades?

INTRODUCTION: Population aging has caused an increase in strokes in very elderly patients (VEP). We assess how secondary prevention of ischemic stroke has changed in VEP in recent decades. METHOD: Retrospective study of discharges due to ischemic stroke in the Virgen Macarena, Virgen del Rocio and Valme hospitals in Seville (Spain), during the periods 1999-2001, 2014-16 and 2019-2020. VEP were considered those with ≥80 years. RESULT: We studied 1806 patients, 349 (19.3%) were VEP. Over the years, VEPs have doubled (13.5% vs. 25.9% and 28% p = 0.0001) and age has increased (83.3 ±â€¯3 vs. 84.1 ±â€¯3 vs. 85.2 ±â€¯4 p = 0.001). Comparing the periods, the VEPs have more hypertension (69.9% vs. 84.8% vs. 84.6%; p = 0.0001) and dyslipidemia (12% vs. 41.7% vs. 52.3%; p = 0.0001) and have prescribed more antihypertensives (69.1% vs. 86.7% vs. 92.3%; p = 0.0001), statins (5.3% vs. 78% vs. 81.5%; p = 0.0001) and anticoagulants (16.5% vs. 19.4% vs. 53.1%; p = 0.001), increasing the number of antihypertensives (1 ±â€¯0.9 vs. 1.6 ±â€¯0, 9 vs. 1.9 ±â€¯0.8 drugs p = 0.0001), and high-intensity statins (2.3% vs. 42.7 vs. 69.2% p = 0.0001). Comparing the VEPs with the younger ones, there were no differences in antihypertensive treatment in any period, there were differences in antithrombotic treatment in the first period, and with statins the differences were maintained until the end. CONCLUSIONS: In the last 20 years the number of VEPs has doubled, exceeding a quarter of the discharges. Although there is improvement in secondary stroke prevention in VEPs, there is room for improvement.

Trends in the use of statins after ischaemic stroke: Have clinical practices changed?

INTRODUCTION: The role of statins after ischaemic stroke changed with the publication of the SPARCL study in 2006. We analyse how this has influenced the prescription of statins in this patient population. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients discharged with ischaemic stroke at the Virgen Macarena, Virgen del Rocío, and Valme hospitals in Seville (Spain) over two periods: 1999-2001 and 2014-2016. RESULTS: The study included 1575 patients: 661 (42%) were women and mean age (standard deviation) was 69 (10) years. Patients from the later period are older (68 [10] vs 71 [11]; P = .0001); include a higher proportion of women; and present higher rates of dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and diabetes. At discharge, statins were used in 18.7% of patients (vs 86.9% in the first period; P = .0001), with high-intensity statins prescribed in 11.1% of cases (vs 54.4%; P = .0001). In both periods, atorvastatin was the most commonly prescribed statin (80 mg: 6% vs 42.7%; 40 mg: 5.1% vs 11.1%). In the first period, the use of statins and high-intensity statins was correlated with hypercholesterolaemia, and inversely correlated with age. In the second period, statin use was correlated with hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia, and high-intensity statin use was correlated with ischaemic heart disease and inversely correlated with age. CONCLUSION: There has been a clear change in the prescription of statins to patients with ischaemic stroke at discharge. However, many patients remain undertreated and the use of these drugs needs to be optimised.

[Morning blood pressure surge in patients with recent ischaemic stroke: the neglected factor]. / Incremento matutino de la presión arterial en pacientes con ictus isquémico reciente: el factor olvidado.

INTRODUCTION: High morning BP surge (MBPS) has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. We evaluated the presence of a high MBPS in patients with recent ischaemic stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control study was carried out. One hundred patients with an ischaemic stroke in the previous 6 months and fifty hypertensive patients without cardiovascular disease were included as controls. RESULTS: 61 lacunar (LAC) and 39 non-lacunar (NLAC) strokes were studied. The mean age was 65±11 years, and 60 (40%) patients were women. High MBPS was present in 9% of strokes (in 5 LAC and 4 NLAC) and in 8% of controls (p not significant [NS]), with a similar mean value of MBPS in both groups: 23.9±14mmHg and 24.9±15mmHg respectively (p=NS), although the control patients had a higher office BP (systolic [p=.008] and diastolic [p=.0001]), 24h systolic BP (p=.028) and daytime systolic BP (p=.022). Among the stroke patients, high MBPS was associated with previous coronary heart disease (p=.005), circadian BP pattern (p=.029), but not with the type of antihypertensive treatment prescribed. In multivariate analysis, elevated MBPS was only associated with previous coronary artery disease (p=.001). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one in ten patients with recent ischaemic stroke has a high MBPS. Strategies to detect and treat high MBPS after a stroke are needed.

[Cardioembolic stroke]. / Ictus cardioembólico.

A 77-year old man who consulted due to left arm weakness and dysarthria. He reported having been diagnosed of high blood pressure and that he was taking enalapril/hydrochlorothiazide without adequate blood pressure control. He had smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day and continues to smoke at present. He was admitted to the emergency service about 90 min after the onset of his symptoms. He did not report headache, nausea or vomiting. His BP was 182/104 mmHg, with irregular pulse at 88 beats per minute. The neurological examination revealed dysarthria, left homonymous hemianopsia, muscle weakness and hypoesthesia of the left limbs. How should this patient be evaluated and treated?

Trends in the use of statins after ischaemic stroke: Have clinical practices changed? / Tendencias en el uso de estatinas tras un ictus isquémico. ¿Hemos cambiado nuestra práctica clínica?

INTRODUCTION: The role of statins after ischaemic stroke changed with the publication of the SPARCL study in 2006. We analyse how this has influenced the prescription of statins in this patient population. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients discharged with ischaemic stroke at the Virgen Macarena, Virgen del Rocío, and Valme hospitals in Seville (Spain) over two periods: 1999-2001 and 2014-2016. RESULTS: The study included 1575 patients: 661 (42%) were women and mean age (standard deviation) was 69 (10) years. Patients from the later period are older (68 [10] vs 71 [11]; P=.0001); include a higher proportion of women; and present higher rates of dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and diabetes. At discharge, statins were used in 18.7% of patients (vs 86.9% in the first period; P=.0001), with high-intensity statins prescribed in 11.1% of cases (vs 54.4%; P=.0001). In both periods, atorvastatin was the most commonly prescribed statin (80mg: 6% vs 42.7%; 40mg: 5.1% vs 11.1%). In the first period, the use of statins and high-intensity statins was correlated with hypercholesterolaemia, and inversely correlated with age. In the second period, statin use was correlated with hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia, and high-intensity statin use was correlated with ischaemic heart disease and inversely correlated with age. CONCLUSION: There has been a clear change in the prescription of statins to patients with ischaemic stroke at discharge. However, many patients remain undertreated and the use of these drugs needs to be optimised.

Cholesterol and stroke: Roll of PCSK9 inhibitors. / Colesterol e ictus: papel de los inhibidores de la proproteína convertasa subtilisina/kexina tipo 9.

INTRODUCTION: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays an important role in the modulation of plasma levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC). PCSK9 binds to the LDL receptor (LDLR), disrupts its endocytic recycling itinerary and directs it to lysosomal degradation. Activation of PCSK9 can thus decrease the expression of LDLR in the liver and inhibit LDL uptake, which leads to hypercholesterolaemia. DEVELOPMENT: Currently we now know that different polymorphisms of PCSK9 are associated with the occurrence of ischaemic stroke. On the other hand, PCSK9 inhibitors prevent binding of PCSK9 to LDLR and inhibit degradation of LDLR, which results in increased hepatic uptake of LDL and lower LDL levels in blood. Different phase 2 and 3 studies, including OSLER and ODYSSEY LONG-TERM, have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the new monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 such as evolucumab and alirocumab, and the first exploratory analyses have shown evidence of their efficacy in decreasing vascular events, including stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Although few strokes have been reported by these studies, new ongoing trials examining the cardiovascular effects of evolucumab (FOURIER study), alirocumab (ODYSSEY OUTCOMES study), and bococizumab (SPIRE-1 and SPIRE-2 studies) will reveal the true potential of these drugs, particularly for the prevention of stroke.

Outcomes of Hartmann's procedure and subsequent intestinal restoration. Which patients are most likely to undergo reversal?

BACKGROUND: Aim of the study was to describe characteristics and outcomes of Hartmann's procedure (HP) and subsequent intestinal restoration. METHODS: Retrospective study including all patients who underwent HP over a period of 16 consecutive years. We propose a classification and regression tree for a more accurate view of the relationship between the variables related to intestinal restoration and their weighting in the decision to reverse HP. RESULTS: 533 patients were included. Overall morbidity rate of HP was 53.5% and mortality 21.0%. Overall morbidity of the intestinal continuity reconstruction was 47.3% and mortality 0.9%. Patients with a benign disease, aged under 69 years and with low comorbidity, had an 84.4% probability of undergoing intestinal reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: HP is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Restoration of intestinal continuity involves minor, but frequent, morbidity and a low mortality rate. Age and comorbidities can decrease, and even override, the decision to reverse HP.

Tendencias en el uso de estatinas tras un ictus isquémico. ¿Hemos cambiado nuestra práctica clínica? / Trends in the use of statins after ischaemic stroke: Have clinical practices changed?

Introducción: El papel de las estatinas tras el ictus isquémico cambió con la publicación del estudio SPARCL en 2006. Nos planteamos valorar cómo ha influido en la prescripción de estatinas en esta población.MétodoEstudio retrospectivo de las altas por ictus isquémico en los hospitales Virgen Macarena, Virgen del Rocío y Valme de Sevilla durante dos periodos: 1999-2001 y 2014-2016.ResultadoIncluimos 1.575 pacientes, 661 (42%) mujeres, edad media 69 (± 10) años. Comparando los dos períodos, los pacientes del grupo post-SPARCL tienen mayor edad (68 ± 10 vs. 71 ± 11, p = 0,0001), mayor proporción de mujeres y mayor frecuencia de dislipidemia, hipertensión y diabetes. Al alta se utilizaron estatinas en el 18,7% frente al 86,9% (p = 0,0001), y estatinas de alta intensidad en el 11,1% frente al 54,4% (p = 0,0001), respectivamente. En ambos períodos la atorvastatina fue la estatina más recetada (80 mg, 6% vs. 42,7%; 40 mg, 5,1% vs. 11,1%). En el primer grupo, el uso de estatinas y de estatinas de alta intensidad se correlacionó con la hipercolesterolemia, y de forma inversa con la edad. En el segundo grupo, el uso de estatinas se correlacionó con la hipertensión y la hipercolesterolemia, y el de estatinas de alta intensidad, con la cardiopatía isquémica y, de forma inversa, con la edad.ConclusiónExiste un cambio evidente en la prescripción de estatinas al alta en pacientes con ictus isquémico. No obstante, muchos pacientes siguen infratratados y es preciso optimizar su uso. (AU)

Introduction: The role of statins after ischaemic stroke changed with the publication of the SPARCL study in 2006. We analyse how this has influenced the prescription of statins in this patient population.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of patients discharged with ischaemic stroke at the Virgen Macarena, Virgen del Rocío, and Valme hospitals in Seville (Spain) over two periods: 1999-2001 and 2014-2016.ResultsThe study included 1575 patients: 661 (42%) were women and mean age (standard deviation) was 69 (10) years. Patients from the later period are older (68 [10] vs 71 [11]; P = .0001); include a higher proportion of women; and present higher rates of dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and diabetes. At discharge, statins were used in 18.7% of patients (vs 86.9% in the first period; P = .0001), with high-intensity statins prescribed in 11.1% of cases (vs 54.4%; P = .0001). In both periods, atorvastatin was the most commonly prescribed statin (80 mg: 6% vs 42.7%; 40 mg: 5.1% vs 11.1%). In the first period, the use of statins and high-intensity statins was correlated with hypercholesterolaemia, and inversely correlated with age. In the second period, statin use was correlated with hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia, and high-intensity statin use was correlated with ischaemic heart disease and inversely correlated with age.ConclusionThere has been a clear change in the prescription of statins to patients with ischaemic stroke at discharge. However, many patients remain undertreated and the use of these drugs needs to be optimised. (AU)

[Statins and cerebrovascular disease: new perspectives in stroke prevention]. / Estatinas y enfermedad cerebrovascular: nuevas perspectivas en la prevención del ictus.

INTRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT: The role played by statins in the prevention of strokes has been subject to controversy for a long time, especially because no clear correlation between levels of cholesterol in serum and strokes has yet been established. Nevertheless, a number of randomised trials with statins and several meta-analyses that were carried out later have proved that statins lower the incidence of all kinds of strokes, with a 21% reduction in the relative risk. It has also been shown that this effect is essentially due to the degree to which LDL cholesterol (cholesterol linked to low-density lipoproteins) is reduced, which has a lowering effect on lipid levels. It has also been shown that statins have others beneficial effects apart from reducing cholesterol levels and that these may be independent of the subject's basal lipid levels. We are referring to the so-called pleiotropic effects, which include stabilisation of the atherosclerotic plaque, an antiinflammatory effect, an antithrombotic effect and enhanced vasomotor reactivity. CONCLUSION: The recent appearance of the results of the SPARCL (Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Levels) study and the guidelines published by the American Heart Association and the Spanish Neurology Society, which grant statins a leading role in stroke prevention, both open up new horizons for the use of statins in cerebrovascular pathologies.

Incremento matutino de la presión arterial en pacientes con ictus isquémico reciente: el factor olvidado / Morning blood pressure surge in patients with recent ischaemic stroke: the neglected factor

Introducción: Un incremento matutino de presión arterial (IMPA) elevado se asocia con la aparición de eventos cardiovasculares. Evaluamos la presencia de un IMPA elevado en pacientes con ictus isquémico reciente. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio casos-control. Se incluyeron 100 pacientes con un ictus isquémico en los 6 meses previos y 50 pacientes hipertensos sin enfermedad cardiovascular como controles. Resultados: Se estudiaron 61 ictus lacunares (LAC) y 39 no lacunares (NLAC). La edad media fue de 65±11 años, y 60 (40%) pacientes eran mujeres. El IMPA elevado estaba presente en el 9% de los ictus (en 5 LAC y 4 NLAC) y en el 8% de los controles (p no significativa [NS]), con un valor medio similar de IMPA en ambos grupos: 23,9±14mmHg y 24,9±15mmHg respectivamente (p=NS), aunque los pacientes controles presentaron una PA más alta en consulta (sistólica [p=0,008] y diastólica [p=0,0001]), PA sistólica de 24h (p=0,028) y PA sistólica diurna (p=0,022). Entre los pacientes con ictus, un IMPA elevado se asoció con enfermedad coronaria previa (p=0,005), con el patrón circadiano de PA (p=0,029), pero no con el tratamiento antihipertensivo prescrito. En el análisis multivariante, el IMPA elevado solo se asoció con enfermedad coronaria previa (p=0,001). Conclusiones: Aproximadamente uno de cada 10 pacientes con ictus isquémico reciente presenta un IMPA elevado. Se deberían implementar estrategias para la detección y tratamiento del IMPA tras un ictus.

Introduction: High morning BP surge (MBPS) has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. We evaluated the presence of a high MBPS in patients with recent ischaemic stroke. Material and methods: A case-control study was carried out. One hundred patients with an ischaemic stroke in the previous 6 months and fifty hypertensive patients without cardiovascular disease were included as controls. Results: 61 lacunar (LAC) and 39 non-lacunar (NLAC) strokes were studied. The mean age was 65±11 years, and 60 (40%) patients were women. High MBPS was present in 9% of strokes (in 5 LAC and 4 NLAC) and in 8% of controls (p not significant [NS]), with a similar mean value of MBPS in both groups: 23.9±14mmHg and 24.9±15mmHg respectively (p=NS), although the control patients had a higher office BP (systolic [p=.008] and diastolic [p=.0001]), 24h systolic BP (p=.028) and daytime systolic BP (p=.022). Among the stroke patients, high MBPS was associated with previous coronary heart disease (p=.005), circadian BP pattern (p=.029), but not with the type of antihypertensive treatment prescribed. In multivariate analysis, elevated MBPS was only associated with previous coronary artery disease (p=.001). Conclusions: Approximately one in ten patients with recent ischaemic stroke has a high MBPS. Strategies to detect and treat high MBPS after a stroke are needed.

Treatment of hyperglycaemia in patients with acute stroke.

The proportion of diabetic patients who are hospitalised for stroke has been increasing in recent years, currently reaching almost a third of all cases of stroke. In addition, about half of patients with acute stroke present hyperglycaemia in the first hours of the stroke. Although hyperglycaemia in the acute phase of stroke is associated with a poor prognosis, its treatment is currently a topic of debate. There is no evidence that the adminstration of intravenous insulin to these patients offers benefits in terms of the evolution of the stroke. New studies in development, such as the SHINE study (Stroke Hyperglycemia Insulin Network Effort), may contribute to clarifying the role of intensive control of glycaemia during the acute phase of the stroke. Ultimately, patients who have presented with stroke should be screened for diabetes.

[Importance of hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy in patients with ischemic events of the heart or brain]. / Importancia de la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda hipertensiva en pacientes con eventos isquémicos coronarios o cerebrales.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Hypertensive left ventricular hypertrophy (H-LVH) is a potentially modifiable vascular risk factor (VRF) often overlooked in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of H-LVH in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) or ischemic stroke (IS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively assessed all the echocardiography studies of patients admitted with the diagnosis CHD or IS over a 4-year period. RESULTS: We studied 533 patients, 330 with CHD and 203 with IS. Mean age was 69 (±11) years, 61.5% males. Hypertension was the most common RF: 362 patients (67.9%) (CHD vs. IS: 70 vs. 64.5%; P=NS). H-LVH was seen in 234 patients (43.9%) (CHD vs. IS: 44.8 vs. 42.3%; P=NS). Patients with H-LVH were older and received a greater number of antihypertensive drugs at discharge. Half of patients with hypertension presented H-LVH (184 patients; 50.8%), with similar frequency in both groups (CHD vs. IS: 50.6 vs. 51.1%; P=NS). Neither patients' characteristics nor VRF with the exception of hypertension (P=.0001) were associated with H-LVH. CONCLUSIONS: H-LVH is a major VRF in patients with ischemic events in the heart and brain. Nearly half the patients present H-LVH, with a similar frequency in both groups. It is important to identify H-LVH in these patients to optimize treatment and improve long-term prognosis.

[Neurological complications of tick-borne relapsing fever]. / Complicaciones neurologicas de la fiebre recurrente transmitida por garrapatas.

INTRODUCTION: Tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) can cause neurological complications. There are hardly any studies in Spain on this subject. AIM: To study the prevalence and clinical characteristics of neurological complications of patients with TBRF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all the patients attended with TBRF over 12 years (2004-2015) in a hospital in a rural area of southern Spain. RESULTS: We included 75 patients, 42 males (56%). Mean age: 33 years (range: 14-72 years). Tick bites were observed in 9 patients (12%). The most common symptoms were: fever in 64 (85.3 %) patients, headache in 41 (54.6%) patients, and vomits in 26 (34.6%) patients. Manifestations suggesting meningeal involvement were noted in 9 (12%) of the patients, and 3 patients (4%) had clear meningeal signs on admission. All these patients underwent lumbar puncture. None of the patients presented facial palsy or other neurologic manifestation. Cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities were found in the three patients with meningismus. In one case Borrelia were found in the cerebrospinal fluid. In those cases with neurologic involvement the treatment used was penicillin G in one case and ceftriaxone in two patients. All patients recovered completely. CONCLUSIONS: TBRF is one of the less severe forms of borreliosis and less than 5% of patients present neurological complications. However, physicians should know that Borrelia can cause meningitis in subjects exposed to ticks in endemic regions of TBRF.

TITLE: Complicaciones neurologicas de la fiebre recurrente transmitida por garrapatas.Introduccion. La fiebre recurrente transmitida por garrapatas (FRTG) puede producir complicaciones neurologicas. No existen apenas estudios en España sobre el tema. Objetivo. Estudiar la prevalencia y las caracteristicas clinicas de las complicaciones neurologicas de los pacientes con FRTG. Pacientes y metodos. Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes atendidos con FRTG durante 12 años (2004-2015) en un hospital de una zona rural del sur de España. Resultados. Se incluyeron 75 pacientes, 42 varones (56%), con una edad media de 33 años (rango: 14-72 años). Se observaron picaduras de garrapatas en nueve pacientes (12%). Los sintomas mas frecuentes fueron: fiebre en 64 pacientes (85,3%), cefalea en 41 (54,6%) y vomitos en 26 (34,6%). Se sospecho afectacion meningea en nueve pacientes (12%), de los que tres (4%) tenian signos meningeos en el momento del ingreso. A todos ellos se les realizo una puncion lumbar. Ninguno presento paralisis facial ni otra manifestacion neurologica. Se encontraron alteraciones del liquido cefalorraquideo en los tres pacientes con meningismo. En uno de los casos se visualizo Borrelia en el liquido cefalorraquideo. En los pacientes con afectacion neurologica, el tratamiento utilizado fue penicilina G en un caso y ceftriaxona en dos. Todos los pacientes se recuperaron completamente. Conclusiones. La FRTG es una de las formas menos graves de borreliosis, y menos del 5% de los pacientes presenta complicaciones neurologicas. Sin embargo, los medicos deben saber que Borrelia puede causar meningitis en los sujetos expuestos a garrapatas en regiones endemicas de FRTG.

[Neurologic manifestations of infective endocarditis: a diagnostic and prognostic challenge]. / Manifestaciones neurológicas de la endocarditis infecciosa: un reto diagnóstico y pronóstico.

INTRODUCTION: Infective endocarditis (IE) is an ongoing challenge in terms of excess morbidity and mortality. Neurologic complications occur in 20-40% of patients, and the brain is the main location of IE extracardiac complications. AIM: To analyse clinical characteristics of the neurologic complications found in patients with IE, focused on the diagnostic and prognostic aspects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied retrospectively the cases of patients with IE admitted to the Hospital de Valme and Hospital de la Merced between 1998 and 2003. Laterly, patients with and without neurologic manifestations were compared. Sixty episodes of IE were evaluated. RESULTS: Neurological complications occurred in 12 patients (20%). The most frequent neurologic manifestation was unilateral hemi paresis, which occurred in seven cases (58.3%), three cases with acute confusional state (25%) and two patients developed meningitis (16.6%). Brain infarction was the most common lesion found in neuroimaging, in 6 patients (50%), followed by 2 cases (16.6%) of brain hemorrhage, and without significant findings in the cases left. Cases with neurologic complications had significantly higher mortality (p < 0.001) and higher frequency of negative blood culture (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Neurologic complications of IE are frequent during the evolution of the disease, and they still constitute a significant problem in clinical practice because they often are not accurately diagnosed and significantly increase patients' mortality.

Current management of asymptomatic carotid stenosis. / Manejo actual de la estenosis carotídea asintomática.

Asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) is a common problem in daily clinical practice, and its management is still the subject of controversy. In contrast to symptomatic carotid disease, the main studies on surgical treatment of patients with ACS have shown only a modest benefit in the primary prevention of stroke. In addition, current medical treatment has drastically decreased the risk of stroke in patients with ACS. Selecting patients amenable to endovascular treatment and determining how and when to conduct the ultrasound follow-up of these patients are issues that still need resolving. This article analyzes two new studies underway that provide evidence for better management of ACS in daily clinical practice.

[Tight control of blood pressure after ischemic stroke is associated with nocturnal hypotension episodes]. / El control estricto de la presion arterial tras un ictus isquemico se asocia con la aparicion de episodios de hipotension nocturna.

AIM: To evaluate whether a tighter blood pressure (BP) control in patients with recent ischemic stroke is associated with the presence of nocturnal hypotension (NHP) episodes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included one hundred consecutive patients who had been discharged for ischemic stroke in the previous six months. To evaluate adequacy of BP control in these patients office BP and 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring values were used. RESULTS: We studied 63 males and 37 females; mean age was 69 ± 11 years. Sixty-eight lacunar and 32 non-lacunar strokes were included. Episodes of NHP were observed in 59 patients. Clinical hypertension was present in 34 patients. An abnormal pattern of circadian rhythm of BP was present in 72 subjects. Only 18 patients had BP within normal limits. Episodes of NHP were more frequent in subjects with good BP control versus patients with bad BP control: 88.8% and 52.4 % respectively (p = 0.007). The presence of NHP episodes was also inversely related to number of BP parameters altered (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Tight control of BP after ischemic stroke is associated with a high frequency of NHP episodes. It is likely that aggressively lowering BP levels within the normal range after an ischemic stroke may be not beneficial, particularly in elderly patients.

TITLE: El control estricto de la presion arterial tras un ictus isquemico se asocia con la aparicion de episodios de hipotension nocturna.Objetivo. Evaluar si un control mas estricto de la presion arterial (PA) en pacientes con ictus isquemico reciente se asocia con la presencia de episodios de hipotension nocturna (HPN). Pacientes y metodos. Se incluyeron 100 pacientes consecutivos que habian sido dados de alta por ictus isquemico en los seis meses previos. Para evaluar el buen control de la PA en estos pacientes, se utilizaron valores de la PA en consulta y monitorizacion ambulatoria de la PA de 24 horas. Resultados. Se estudiaron 63 varones y 37 mujeres; la media de edad fue de 69 ± 11 años. Se incluyeron 68 ictus lacunares y 32 no lacunares. Se observaron episodios de HPN en 59 pacientes. La hipertension clinica estuvo presente en 34 pacientes. Un patron anormal del ritmo circadiano de la PA estaba presente en 72 sujetos. Solo 18 pacientes tenian la PA dentro de limites normales. Los episodios de HPN fueron mas frecuentes en los pacientes con buen control de la PA en comparacion con los pacientes con mal control: 88,8% y 52,4%, respectivamente (p = 0,007). La presencia de episodios de HPN tambien estaba inversamente relacionada con el numero de parametros de PA alterados (p = 0,001). Conclusiones. El control estricto de la PA tras un ictus isquemico se asocia con una alta frecuencia de episodios de HPN. Es probable que una reduccion intensiva de los niveles de la PA dentro del rango de la normalidad tras un ictus isquemico pueda no ser beneficiosa, en particular en los pacientes ancianos.