January 2022 Critical Care Case of the Month: Ataque Isquémico Transitorio in Spanish

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. History of Present Illness: The patient is a previously healthy 61-year-old Spanish-speaking woman who was unable to speak after awakening. Per Emergency Medical Service she was found to be aphasic upon their arrival. While in the Emergency Room the patient was able to speak, alert and oriented x4, with all her symptoms spontaneously resolved. The patient denied fever, chills, blurred vision, headache or any history of migraines, TIA, or stroke. The patient had a similar event about two weeks earlier which also spontaneously resolved. During that time, the patient had a non-contrast CT head and an MRI of the brain, both of which were unremarkable. Her home medications include aspirin 81 mg and atorvastatin 40 mg daily. Past Medical History, Family History and Social History: The patient denies tobacco use or use of illicit drugs. She reports that she will occasionally drink alcohol. There is no family history of strokes. …

Predictors of Seizure Recurrence in Solitary Calcified Neurocysticercosis in Relation to Computed Tomography Scan: Prospective Observational Study

Background and Purpose: Solitary calcified neurocysticercosis (NCC) on the computed tomography (CT) scan of brain in patients of epilepsy is common finding in endemic regions. Factors causing seizures in such cases are debatable. Immature calcification may be the causative factor for seizure recurrence. Thus, we aimed to study predictors of seizure recurrence specific to morphological characteristics on CT scan.Methods: Patients with solitary calcified NCC on CT scan brain and active seizures were prospectively included. The protocol included clinical evaluation, contrast-enhanced CT scan of the brain, and electroencephalogram (EEG) at baseline and 9th month of 1-year follow-up in all patients. Seizure recurrence after 1 week of enrolment was recorded.Results: One hundred twenty patients with a mean age of 23.33±12.81 years were included with a final follow-up of 109 patients and 35 patients had seizure recurrence. On univariate analysis, seizure frequency of more than 1 episode/month (45.7% vs. 25.7%, p=0.037; odds ratio [OR], 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-5.68), perilesional edema on CT head (45% vs. 10.8%, p<0.001; OR, 6.95; 95% CI, 2.58-18.7), lower density (HU) of lesion on CT head (139.85±76.54 vs. 204.67±135.9 HU p=0.009) and abnormal EEG at presentation (p<0.001; OR, 18.25; 95% CI, 2.15-155.13) were significantly associated with seizure recurrence. On multivariate analysis, presence of perilesional edema on CT head (p=0.001; OR, 6.854; 95% CI, 2.26-20.77), density of lesion on CT (HU) (p=0.036; OR, 0.995; 95% CI, 0.99-1) and abnormal EEG (p=0.029; OR, 12.125; 95% CI, 1.29-113.74) were independently associated with seizure recurrence.Conclusions: The presence of perilesional edema, HU of calcification on CT brain, and abnormal EEG suggest an increased risk of seizure recurrence in patients of epilepsy with solitary calcified NCC.

Acute haemorrhage rate in 28,000 Out-of-Hours CT heads

Objectives: The aim of this paper is to assess the acute haemorrhage rate in patients who had CT head investigation out-of-hours with and without trauma and compare the rates of haemorrhage between warfarin and DOACs, at a busy teritary teaching hospital. Methods: All CT heads performed between January 2008 and December 2019 were identified from the radiology information system (RIS) at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals (STH), with the requesting information being available from January 2015. The clinical information was assessed for the mention of trauma or anticoagulation and the reports were categorised into acute and non-acute findings. Results: Between 2008 and 2019 the number of scans increased by 63%, with scans performed out of hours increasing by 278%. Between 2015 and 2019, the incidence of acute ICH was similar over the 5 year period, averaging at 6.9% and ranging from 6.1 to 7.6%. The rate of detection of acute haemorrhage following trauma was greater in those not anticoagulated (6.8%), compared with patients on anticoagulants such as warfarin (5.2%) or DOACs (2.8%). Conclusions: Over 12 years, there has been a significant increase in the number of CT heads performed at STH. The rate of ICH has remained steady over the last 5 years indicating a justified increase in imaging demand. However the incidence of ICH in patients prescribed DOACs is lower than the general population and those on warfarin. Advances in knowledge: : This finding in a large centre should prompt discussion of the risk of bleeding with DOACs in relation to CT head imaging guidelines.

Trauma-Associated Tension Pneumocephalus with Characteristic Mount Fuji Sign—Case Report

Tension pneumocephalus is a rare and life-threatening neurosurgical emergency in the setting of blunt or penetrating head trauma, especially in those with craniofacial fractures, which emergency physicians should be aware about. Early identification and appropriate treatment measures including supine positioning, 100% oxygen via mask, early neurosurgery consultation and, if required, operative intervention are paramount to optimal neurological and survival outcome. Definitive diagnosis requires imaging usually in the form of computed tomography (CT) head and serial monitoring of neurological status, optic nerve sheath diameter measurement and repeat imaging, essential to identify patients who might have features of increased pressure on brain matter, which could lead to adverse neurological and clinical outcomes. We present two cases of tension pneumocephalus with the characteristic Mount Fuji sign on CT head, who were managed nonoperatively with optimal neurological outcome. In patients with severe head or maxillofacial trauma presenting to emergency department, CT should be evaluated for signs of tension pneumocephalus, and such patients need to be closely observed for complications of pressure effect on brain matter to ensure optimal neurological and survival outcomes.

Abstract 13824: Computerized Tomography vs Ultrasound Imaging for Detecting Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury

Introduction: After an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), the resulting hypoxic-ischemic injury (HII) to the brain remains the main cause of mortality. Standardized approaches for measuring the extent of injury and monitoring of changes are lacking and continue to be a critical barrier to progress in improving neurological survival. Objective: We sought to characterize the prevalence of HII detected on computerized tomography of the brain and its correlation to point-of-care optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurements as an alternative modality for detecting brain injury. Methods: Adult OHCA patients at an urban academic ED were included in this study on a convenience sample basis from 2018-2019. The patients were grouped by findings of hypoxic-ischemic injury (HII) on both initial and subsequent CT brain imaging performed after ROSC in respective groups. CT Brain findings were compared to ONSD measurements as performed with point-of-care ultrasound by fellowship-trained emergency physicians within one hour of hospital arrival and at 6 hours, after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and to cerebral performance category (CPC) at hospital discharge. Results: 76 patients enrolled in the study had a median age was 59, 49% were female, and 37% survived to hospital discharge. 58 patients had CT head performed, 40 had ONSD measured within one hour, and 27 patients had both. Of that 27, 9 (33%) had evidence of HII on initial imaging and 15 (55%) had evidence of HII on subsequent imaging for a total of 20 unique patients. The average ONSD within 1 hour of ROSC for those with no HII on any imaging was 0.59 cm, and for those without HII on initial imaging but with HII on subsequent imaging was 0.67 cm, and this difference was statistically significant (p< 0.05). Of the 20 patients with HI, 14 (70%) patients died and 6 (30%) survived with a CPC of 4. The average time to first CT head was 4 hours and 45 mins and the average time to subsequent imaging was 97 hours and 45 mins. Conclusion: After an OHCA, early time point ONSD measurements can potentially indicate brain injury within 1 hour of ROSC even in those without initial evidence of HII on CT imaging.

Analysis and results from a UK national dose audit of paediatric CT examinations

Objectives: To present the results following a UK national patient dose audit of paediatric CT examinations, to propose updated UK national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) and to analyse current practice to see if any recommendations can be made to assist with optimisation. Methods: A UK national dose audit was undertaken in 2019 focussing on paediatric CT examinations of the head, chest, abdomen/pelvis and cervical spine using the methods proposed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The audit pro-forma contained mandatory fields, of which the post-examination dosimetry (CTDIvol and DLP) and the patient weight (for body examinations) were the most important. Results: Analysis of the data submitted indicates that it is appropriate to propose national DRLs for CT head examinations in the 0- < 1, 1- < 5, 5- < 10 and 10- < 15 year age ranges. This extends the number of age categories of national DRLs from those at present and revises the existing values downwards. For CT chest examinations, it is appropriate to propose national DRLs for the first time in the UK for the 5- < 15, 15- < 30, 30- < 50 and 50- < 80 kg weight ranges. There were insufficient data received to propose national DRLs for abdomen/pelvis or cervical spine examinations. Recommendations towards optimisation focus on the use of tube current (mA) modulation, iterative reconstruction and the selection of examination tube voltage (kVp). Conclusions: Updated UK national DRLs are proposed for paediatric CT examinations of the head and chest. Advances in knowledge: A national patient dose audit of paediatric CT examinations has led to the proposal of updated national DRLs.

Abstract 1122‐000122: The Role of the Venous System in Infarct Burden in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction : Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of disability internationally. Most therapies focus on intra‐arterial treatment to improve post‐stroke deficits and neurologic status. However, if a relationship between venous anatomy and post‐stroke deficits or infarct size can be shown, then venous augmentation strategies represent a possibility for future interventions as an adjunct to intra‐arterial treatment. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed all ischemic infarcts at our institution that underwent thrombectomy from January 2018 – October 2020. From these, we selected cases that were demonstrated as M1 occlusions on intra‐procedural angiogram and those who had a CT Head obtained within six hours of the patient’s last known normal (LKN). Patients without a CT Head or CT Angiogram of their head were excluded. Using axial and sagittal reconstructed views of 0.9mm slices, cross‐sectional area measurements were taken of the superior sagittal sinus 1cm above the Torcula, in three locations of the ipsilateral and contralateral transverse sinus, in three locations of the ipsilateral and contralateral sigmoid sinus, and of the ipsilateral and contralateral internal jugular vein (IJV) at the external surface of the skull. For the transverse and sigmoid sinuses, the three measurements were averaged together. These measurements were then compared against patient’s Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS). Results : 77 patients were identified in the study period. Average ASPECTS was 8.9, ranging from 5–10. There were three patients included with ASPECTS < 6. Average ipsilateral transverse sinus area was 34.4mm ± 3.34, average ipsilateral sigmoid sinus area was 32.8mm ± 2.74, average ipsilateral IJV area was 46.9 mm ± 5.00. Correlation tests to identify relationships between venous sinus area and ASPECTS was unremarkable (ipsilateral transverse sinus p = 0.574, ipsilateral sigmoid sinus p = 0.548, ipsilateral IJV p = 0.798). When assessed as a ratio of ipsilateral venous sinus area to contralateral sinus area to assess correlation with ASPECTS, results were unremarkable (transverse sinus p = 0.891, sigmoid sinus p = 0.292, IJV p = 0.499). Conclusions : Venous sinus size was not found to be predictive or associated with predominantly favorable ASPECTS for strokes found within six hours. We believe this may be due to our cohort lacking significant numbers of patients with low ASPECTS, yielding a false negative result. We are currently expanding this project to include a comparable number of patients with ASPECTS < 6 to determine the role of venous collateral system in infarct progression.

Abstract 1122‐000199: Real‐World Bridging with Intra‐Arterial Therapy is Safe After Tenectplase in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction : The safety profile of IV tenecteplase (TNK) as a bridging therapy to Intra‐arterial therapy (IAT) is not well‐established in patients receiving acute ischemic stroke therapy. Our objective was to evaluate the incidence of hemorrhagic transformation in subjects who received TNK followed by IAT outside of clinical trial setting. Methods : Electronic medical records of subjects with stroke secondary to LVO who received TNK and IAT within 4.5 hours of last known normal were reviewed. CT head within 24 hours post‐TNK was evaluated for hemorrhagic transformation (HT). Severity was determined by ECASS III criteria Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was defined as an increase in NIHSS greater than or equal to 4. Clinical outcomes were assessed with NIHSS at admission, discharge and mRS scores at one month. Z score population proportions were used for subgroup analysis. Social Science Statistics was used for data analysis. Results : From October 2020 to April 2021, 20 subjects received IV tenecteplase. Four subjects did not have LVO or undergo IAT and were excluded from study. Four subjects (25%) developed hemorrhagic transformation. Of this subset, 2 subjects (12.5%) had asymptomatic HI‐1, 1 subject had symptomatic HI‐2, and 1 subject had asymptomatic PH‐1. One subject developed intracranial hemorrhage (ICH score 5) outside of stroke region (intraventricular, subarachnoid, infratentorial parenchymal) without evidence of hemorrhagic transformation of ischemic stroke. In subgroup analysis between subjects with HT and without HT, there was no statistically significant difference in intra‐arterial non‐thrombolytics (z = 0.1393, p = 0.44433); there was a trend towards significance in number of passes (z = 1.2534, p = .10565) and periprocedural IV heparin use for intracranial stenting and/or angioplasty (z = 0.9342, p = 0.17619). There was a statistically significant increase of HT when periprocedural IV integrilin (z = 1.6727, p = 0.04746) was used. Conclusions : Our small subset of early real‐world experience demonstrates a higher rate of symptomatic transformation in bridging with TNK when compared with alteplase. Larger prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.

Abstract 1122‐000171: Unusual Multicompartmental Intracranial Hemorrhage After Tenecteplase Administration

Introduction : The 2019 AHA/ASA updated Guidelines for the Early Management of Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke mention tenecteplase (TNK) as a reasonable therapy in patients without contraindications for IV fibrinolysis who are also eligible to undergo mechanical thrombectomy. We describe a case of acute left MCA ischemic stroke treated with IV TNK (IV bolus of 0.25 mg/kg) followed by mechanical thrombectomy with subsequent multicompartmental intracranial hemorrhages unrelated to area of infraction. Methods : A retrospective review at a single center university hospital was performed for all intravenous TNK administrations outside of a clinical trial setting from October 2020 to July 2021. Results : A 61‐year‐old male with history of HTN and cardiomyopathy (EF<20%). Presented with sudden onset right sided weakness, aphasia and left gaze. Presenting NIHSS was 28. CT head with hyperdense left MCA sign and ASPECTS score of 10. CTA confirmed proximal left MCA M1 segment occlusion. IV TNK was given within 01:23 hours of symptoms onset. Subsequently, patient underwent emergent mechanical thrombectomy for disabling large vessel occlusion stroke. Spontaneous near complete recanalization of left MCA occlusion was noted on initial angiography run with small non flow limiting distal thrombi visualized in the distal MCA territories. Immediate post procedure CT head was negative for any intracranial hemorrhage. Patient’s exam was noted to improve to NIHSS of 2. Approximately 6 hours after the TNK administration, patient became acutely unresponsive with NIHSS of 26. With Glasgow Coma Scale 7 patient required emergent intubation. CT head revealed bilateral cerebellar intraparenchymal hemorrhages, extensive subarachnoid hemorrhage in basal cisterns and within the sulci in bilateral frontotemporal regions, as well as subdural hemorrhages along the falx and tentorial dural folds. Hypertonic saline was administered followed by emergent extraventricular drain placement. Tranexamic acid 1000 mg was given as emergent reversal, fibrinogen level was 155 mg/dL. Despite aggressive medical management and over following 24 hours, exam worsened with loss of pupillary reflexes. Patient was terminally extubated 2 days after initial presentation in accordance with his advance directives. Conclusions : Tenecteplase was a reasonable choice in this case given LVO and disabling stroke. The patient’s neurological exam improved significantly after TNK with evidence of spontaneous recanalization. However, patient’s multicompartmental intracranial hemorrhages unrelated to area of infraction were unusual in the absence of any vascular lesions to predispose hemorrhage based on CT and conventional angiography. Further observational studies are warranted to evaluate similar complications of Tenecteplase administration and their occurrence rates.