Contralesional Thalamic Surface Atrophy and Functional Disconnection 3 Months after Ischemic Stroke

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 232-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nawaf Yassi ◽  
Charles B. Malpas ◽  
Bruce C.V. Campbell ◽  
Bradford Moffat ◽  
Christopher Steward ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Stroke Recovery ◽  
Imaging Biomarkers ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Mri Imaging ◽  
Functional Changes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Multimodal Mri ◽  
The Mean

Background: Remote structural and functional changes have been previously described after stroke and may have an impact on clinical outcome. We aimed to use multimodal MRI to investigate contralesional subcortical structural and functional changes 3 months after anterior circulation ischemic stroke. Methods: Fifteen patients with acute ischemic stroke had multimodal MRI imaging (including high resolution structural T1-MPRAGE and resting state fMRI) within 1 week of onset and at 1 and 3 months. Seven healthy controls of similar age group were also imaged at a single time point. Contralesional subcortical structural volume was assessed using an automated segmentation algorithm in FMRIB's Integrated Registration and Segmentation Tool (FIRST). Functional connectivity changes were assessed using the intrinsic connectivity contrast (ICC), which was calculated using the functional connectivity toolbox for correlated and anticorrelated networks (Conn). Results: Contralesional thalamic volume in the stroke patients was significantly reduced at 3 months compared to baseline (median change -2.1%, interquartile range [IQR] -3.4-0.4, p = 0.047), with the predominant areas demonstrating atrophy geometrically appearing to be the superior and inferior surface. The difference in volume between the contralesional thalamus at baseline (mean 6.41 ml, standard deviation [SD] 0.6 ml) and the mean volume of the 2 thalami in controls (mean 7.22 ml, SD 1.1 ml) was not statistically significant. The degree of longitudinal thalamic atrophy in patients was correlated with baseline stroke severity with more severe strokes being associated with a greater degree of atrophy (Spearman's rho -0.54, p = 0.037). There was no significant difference between baseline contralesional thalamic ICC in patients and control thalamic ICC. However, in patients, there was a significant linear reduction in the mean ICC of the contralesional thalamus over the imaging time points (p = 0.041), indicating reduced connectivity to the remainder of the brain. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of remote brain areas, such as the contralesional thalamus, in stroke recovery. Similar methods have the potential to be used in the prediction of stroke outcome or as imaging biomarkers of stroke recovery.

Abstract TP148: The Hydration Influence on the Risk of Ischemic Stroke Outcomes (THIRST-EXPANSION STUDY)

Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Moussavi ◽  
Gustavo Rodriguez ◽  
Joseph Alario ◽  
Ravjot Sodhi ◽  
Aaron Nizam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Serum Osmolality ◽  
Hydration Status ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Past Study ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Stroke Outcomes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: Extensive studies have not been done in patients presenting with ischemic stroke regarding hydration status. It is unclear whether all of the elements of hydration status affect disability on discharge. Our past study suggests that high serum osmolality has a negative impact on ischemic stroke severity. This continuation of our prior study aims to test the effect of all laboratory elements of dehydration on severity and outcome of ischemic stroke patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of ischemic stroke patients admitted between 2004 and 2009 at a community teaching hospital. Serum BUN/Creatinine and serum osmolality (sOsm) was calculated at initial presentation. sOSm, BUN/Cr, hematocrit and bicarbonate levels were analyzed for association with NIHSS and mRS. Patients were divided into two groups by sOsm as follows: (1) sOsm < 295, (2) sOsm ≥ 295; and two groups by BUN/Cr as follows: (3) BUN/Cr < 20, (4) BUN/Cr ≥ 20. Discharge mRS score was compared between (1) and (2); and (3) and (4) to determine the effect of sOsm and BUN/Cr on stroke outcomes. All data was analyzed using SPSS software version 20. Results: Of 1350 patients, 543 (mean age = 72.5 +/-14.2, 56% female) were included. There was a significant difference between the mean admission NIHSS in (1) 8.57, n = 222 and (2) 7.09, n = 319, p < .05 and between (3) 8.90, n = 219 and (4) 6.87, n = 322, p < .05. There was a significant difference in the mean mRS score between (1) 2.92, n = 222 and (2) 2.54, n = 317, p < .05, and (3) 2.92, n = 218 and (4) 2.56, n = 321, p < .05. The same results were found when comparing discharge sOsm values to predict patient outcome. Discharge sOsm correlated with mRS (r = .147, p < .05). Initial BUN/Cr correlated with NIHSS (r = .128, p < .05) and mRS (r = .107, p < .05) and final BUN/Cr with mRS (r = .161, p < .001). Bicarbonate levels at admission correlated with NIHSS at admission (r = -0.134), p < 0.05. Hematocrit levels at discharge correlated with mRS (r= -0.183), p <0.001. Conclusion: Our study suggests that patients with BUN/Cr and sOsm above normal levels at admission and dishcarge have worse outcome at discharge. We also found a correlation between other laboratory variables of dehydration status, namely hematocrit levels and outcome. A future prospective randomized study is warranted.

Abstract 202: The NIH Stroke Scale Can Miss Improvement After IV tPA For Acute Ischemic Stroke

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabeth B Marsh ◽  
Erin Lawrence ◽  
Rafael H Llinas
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Functional Improvement ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Post Discharge ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Iv Tpa

Background and Objective: The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) is the most commonly used metric to evaluate stroke severity and improvement following intervention. Despite its advantages as a rapid, reproducible screening tool, it may be too insensitive to adequately capture functional improvement following treatment. We evaluated the difference in rate of improvement by previously accepted criteria (change of ≥4 NIHSS points) versus physician documentation in patients receiving IV tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Prospectively collected data on all patients receiving IV tPA over a 15 month period were retrospectively reviewed. NIHSS 24 hours post-treatment and on discharge were extrapolated based on examination and compared to NIHSS on presentation. NIHSS scores at post-discharge follow-up were also recorded. Two reviewers evaluated the medical record and determined improvement based on physician documentation. Using tests of proportion, ‘significant improvement’ by NIHSS was compared to physician documentation at each time point. Results: Forty-one patients were treated with IV tPA. The mean admission NIHSS was 8.6 and improved to 6.4 24 hours post-tPA. Twenty-nine of 41 patients (79%) were “better” by documentation; however only 11/41 (27%) met NIHSS criteria for improvement (p compared to documentation <0.001). On discharge, 20/41 patients (49%) met NIHSS criteria for improvement; however a significant difference between physician documentation remained (p=0.04). The mean post-discharge follow-up NIHSS score was 2.0. 20/21 patients (95%) were “better” compared to 16/21 (76%) meeting NIHSS criteria (p=0.08). Conclusion: The NIHSS may inadequately capture functional improvement post-treatment, especially in the days immediately following intervention.

Speckle tracking echocardiography in patients with stroke

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Trush ◽  
S.V Ivanova ◽  
E.N Yushchuk ◽  
A.A Savin ◽  
I.V Melehina
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Speckle Tracking ◽  
Speckle Tracking Echocardiography ◽  
Global Longitudinal Strain ◽  
Ct Scanning ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Large Artery ◽  
Stroke Subtypes ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Introduction Global longitudinal strain (GLS) via speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has emerged as a quantitative technique to estimate myocardial function and has been shown to have clinical utility in a variety of settings. The use of this technique in patients with a stroke is limited. Purpose Comparative analysis of myocardial deformation indicators in patients with a stroke, depending on the severity and subtype. Results 230 patients with an acute cerebrovascular accident (132 men and 98 women) were included in our study, with the mean age of 64,9±10,8. Transient ischemic attack (TIA) was diagnosed in 39 (17%), acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in 191 (83%) patients. The type of an ischemic stroke in each patient was classified as one of the following traditional stroke subtypes: large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) was diagnosed in 85 (44,5%), cardioembolic infarcts were diagnosed in 58 (30,4%), lacunar infarcts were diagnosed in 32 (16,8%) and in 16 (8,4%) the stroke was of another determined or undetermined etiology. There was no significant difference in left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) between the subgroups of TIA and AIS - 63.0% [60.0; 65.0] and 62.0% [58.0; 65.0], respectively. The LV GLS was within normal limits and amounted to 19.9±2.6 in the TIA group where as in the group of patients with stroke there was a significant (p&lt;0.01) decrease in GLS below standard values - 17.1±3.8. The LV EF showed no significant difference between the groups of stroke subtypes. However, a decrease in GLS was found in the series from cardioembolic infarct &gt; lacunar infarct &gt; LAA - 17.5±3.7 &gt; 16.5±6.5 &gt; 16.2±3.2 (p=0,7). A decrease in GLS was significantly more often observed in male patients. A decrease in the level of GLS in patients with a stroke is associated with duration of type 2 diabetes, stroke severity by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, ECG voltage criteria for LVH, increase in heart rate, LV mass/BSA, relative wall thickness (RWT) according to echocardiography. Significant differences in GLS from the size of the stroke focus according to CT scanning/ magnetic resonance imaging were not detected. Conclusion GLS via STE in patients with a stroke correlates with the severity of a stroke, the severity of LV remodeling, risk factors for cardiovascular events and requires a further study to assess the long-term prognosis Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Abstract 16967: Increased Blood Pressure Variability is Associated With Worse Outcome in Acute Ischemic Stroke

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam de Havenon ◽  
Haimei Wang ◽  
Greg Stoddard ◽  
Lee Chung ◽  
Jennifer Majersik
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Blood Pressure Variability ◽  
Harmful Effect ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Ordinal Logistic Regression ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
The Mean

Background: Increased blood pressure variability (BPV) is detrimental in the weeks to months after ischemic stroke, but it has not been adequately studied in the acute phase. We hypothesized that increased BPV in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients would be associated with worse outcome. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed inpatients at our hospital between 2010-2014 with an ICD-9 code of AIS; 213 were confirmed to have AIS by a vascular neurologist. A modified Rankin Score (mRS) after discharge was available in 148/213, at a mean of 86 ± 60 days. In 45/213 the discharge mRS was either 0 or 6, in which case they were included in the final analysis. BPV was measured as the standard deviation (SD) of each patient’s systolic blood pressure readings during the first 24 hours and 5 days of hospitalization (9,844 total readings), or until discharge if discharged in <5 days (Figure 1). The SBP SD was further divided in quartiles. A multivariate ordinal logistic regression with the outcome of mRS, the primary predictor of quartiles of SBP SD, and baseline NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) to control for initial stroke severity. Results: Mean±SD age was 64.2 ± 16.3 years, NIHSS was 12.6 ± 7.9, and mRS was 2.7 ± 2.1. The mean SBP SDs for the first 24 hours and 5 days were 12.1 ± 6.2 mm Hg and 14.1 ± 4.9 mm Hg. In the ordinal logistic regression model, the quartiles of SBP SD for the first 24 hours and 5 days were positively associated with higher mRS (OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.01 - 1.74, p = 0.009; OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.03 - 1.63, p = 0.028). This effect became even more pronounced in patients with the highest quartile of variability (OR = 2.76, 95% CI 1.29 - 5.88, p = 0.009; OR = 2.10, 95% CI 1.01 - 4.36, p = 0.046). Conclusion: In our cohort of 193 patients with AIS, there was a significant association between increased systolic BPV and worse functional outcome, after controlling for initial stroke severity. This data suggests that increased BPV may have a harmful effect for AIS patients, which warrants a prospective observational study.

Abstract NS10: Patients with Mild and Moderate Stroke Have Frequent, Severe, and Persistent Impairment in Information Processing Speed

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Alderman ◽  
Terri Armstrong ◽  
Geri Wood ◽  
Sean Savitz ◽  
Joshua Breier
Keyword(s):  
Information Processing ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Linear Mixed Model ◽  
Stroke Recovery ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Information Processing Speed ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mild Stroke

Background: One year after stroke 50-70% of survivors have information processing speed (IPS) impairment. IPS is a complex, elemental cognitive function with close but separate relationships with memory, attention, executive function, reading, and writing. IPS impairment can be devastating, even without physical deficits. Hypothesis: The frequency and severity of IPS impairment in patients with acute stroke is unrelated to stroke severity. Methods: In a longitudinal study, 30 adults with acute mild (NIHSS <5) versus moderate stroke (NIHSS 5-12) were assessed for IPS and memory impairments at three time points (< 72 hours, Week 3, and Week 12). The Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) was the primary IPS instrument, scores below the norm (51-62 points) indicate impairment. Results: Using linear mixed model regression, no significant difference was noted between patients with mild and moderate stroke in frequency and severity of IPS impairment (p=0.2). All patients had baseline abnormal SDMT scores, improving 21% by Week 12 (p=.005) with one patient scoring as unimpaired (51 points). Patients with mild stroke (n=18) had baseline scores on average 53% lower than SDMT norm (mean score 24 (12), [95% CI] 6 [18, 30], Standard Error (SEM) 3) and 32% lower at Week 12 (mean 34 (11), [95% CI] 5 [29, 40], SEM 3). Patients with moderate stroke (n=12) had baseline SDMT scores 60% lower than norm (mean 21 (11), [95% CI] 6 [15, 27], SEM 3) and 39% lower by Week 12 (mean 31 (12), [95% CI] 7 [25, 38], SEM 3). Memory impairment at enrollment (<72 hours post stroke) was noted in 100% of patients with moderate stroke and 78% of patients with mild stroke; at Week 12 the frequency of memory impairment was equal in both groups (67%). Conclusion: IPS were critically impaired, in both mild and moderate stroke, with minimal spontaneous recovery at Week 12. IPS impairment is clinically significant during stroke recovery. IPS impairment should be considered in the planning of healthcare of stroke victims even with mild stroke.

Abstract 3091: Image Sharing Prior To Transfer Of Patients With Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Minal Jain ◽  
Anunaya Jain ◽  
Abhijit R Kanthala ◽  
Kate C Young ◽  
Babak S Jahromi
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Sinus Thrombosis ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Admission Diagnosis ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Image Sharing ◽  
Interhospital Transfer ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: The lack of 24X7 availability of sub-specialty neurologists and neurosurgeons in regional county hospitals frequently leads to transfer of patients with stroke/ICH to higher tertiary care centers. Transfer of patients without prior communication may delay both diagnosis as well as time sensitive treatments. Recently our institution adopted image sharing prior to transfer to facilitate triage of inter-hospital transfers. Aim: To analyze if image sharing enabled judicious selection of patients more likely to require intensive care/intervention. Methods: We analyzed consecutive adult patients with an admission diagnosis of stroke/TIA/carotid stenosis/carotid-dissection/aneursym/hemiplegia/cerebral venous sinus thrombosis for whom an interhospital transfer request was made. Results: The cohort had 197 subjects with 52.6% females. The mean age of subjects was 61.1 years (SD 16.1 years). The mean distance of healthcare facilities requesting transfer from our center was 47.7 miles (SD 28.5 miles). Of all transfer requests, 78.7% (155) were accepted to our facility, 14.7% (29) were asked to follow up in outpatient clinics, 3% (6) transfers were cancelled because a higher level of care was deemed unnecessary, 1% (2) patients declined transfer and 2.5% (5) were lost to other facilities. The median stroke severity measured by NIHSS on arrival was 3 (IQR 1 to 8). Images were shared prior to decision making for transfer for 20.3% (40) patients. Fewer patients were accepted for transfer with image sharing (73%) than without (83.7%), although this did not reach statistical significance (z statistic -1.51; p=0.132). There was no significant difference in NIHSS (p=0.3919), neurological status measured by GCS (p=0.294) or age (p=0.9942) between subjects who had image sharing versus those who did not. Amongst all accepted patients 45.1% were deemed to need intensive care and 47.7% received interventions (surgical, medical or advanced diagnostic testing). The proportion of patients who underwent intervention or were admitted to an intensive care unit was much higher when patients’ images were shared prior to transfer (85.2%) when compared to patients transferred without image sharing (56.8%; z statistic 2.755; p=0.006). The odds of undergoing intervention when patients were transferred after image sharing was 4.37 as compared to patients transferred without image sharing (95% CI 1.43 to 13.39). Conclusion: Subjects who had their images shared prior to transfer had significantly higher intervention rate. Thus image sharing is a possible tool to increase specificity for selecting patients with stroke related diagnoses, who would benefit from transfer to a tertiary care center.

scholarly journals Active Cancer and Elevated D-Dimer Are Risk Factors for In-Hospital Ischemic Stroke

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Izumi Yamaguchi ◽  
Yasuhisa Kanematsu ◽  
Kenji Shimada ◽  
Masaaki Korai ◽  
Takeshi Miyamoto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Functional Dependence ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Stroke Onset ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Poor Outcomes ◽  
D Dimer ◽  
Active Cancer

Background and Purpose: Little attention has been paid to the pathogenesis of in-hospital stroke, despite poor outcomes and a longer time from stroke onset to treatment. We studied the pathophysiology and biomarkers for detecting patients who progress to in-hospital ischemic stroke (IHS). Methods: Seventy-nine patients with IHS were sequentially recruited in the period 2011–2017. Their characteristics, care, and outcomes were compared with 933 patients who had an out-of-hospital ischemic stroke (OHS) using a prospectively collected database of the Tokushima University Stroke Registry. Results: Active cancer and coronary artery disease were more prevalent in patients with IHS than in those with OHS (53.2 and 27.8% vs. 2.0 and 10.9%, respectively; p < 0.001), the median onset-to-evaluation time was longer (300 vs. 240 min; p = 0.015), and the undetermined etiology was significantly higher (36.7 vs. 2.4%; p < 0.001). Although there was no significant difference in stroke severity at onset between the groups, patients with IHS had higher modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores (3–6) at discharge (67.1 vs. 50.3%; p = 0.004) and rates of death during hospitalization (16.5 vs. 2.9%; p < 0.001). D-dimer (5.8 vs. 0.8 µg/mL; p < 0.001) and fibrinogen (532 vs. 430 mg/dL; p = 0.014) plasma levels at the time of onset were significantly higher in patients with IHS after propensity score matching. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that active cancer (odds ratio [OR] 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26–4.20), prestroke mRS scores 3–5 (OR 6.78; 95% CI 3.96–11.61), female sex (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.19–2.08), and age ≥75 years (OR 2.36; 95% CI 1.80–3.08) were associated with poor outcomes. Conclusions: Patients with IHS had poorer outcomes than those with OHS because of a higher prevalence of active cancer and functional dependence before stroke onset. Elevated plasma levels of D-dimer and fibrinogen, especially with active cancer, can help identify patients who are at a higher risk of progression to IHS.

scholarly journals Headache as a Predictive Factor of Severe Systolic Hypertension in Acute Ischemic Stroke

2003 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoon-Ho Hong ◽  
Yong-Seok Lee ◽  
Seong-Ho Park
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cerebral Infarction ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Cerebral Infarction ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Plasma Catecholamine ◽  
Catecholamine Level ◽  
Stroke Subtypes ◽  
The Mean

ABSTRACT:Background:Elevation of blood pressure (BP) is common in acute cerebral infarction, with several studies reporting a high plasma catecholamine level or previous hypertension as a contributory factor. However, more comprehensive studies on associated clinical parameters are lacking. Our main aim in undertaking this study was to correlate clinical variables associated with a BPelevation in acute ischemic stroke.Methods:Consecutive patients who were admitted to the emergency room and diagnosed with an acute cerebral infarction within 24 hours after the onset of symptoms were investigated. A BP elevation was defined as a high systolic (³200mmHg) or diastolic (³110 mmHg) pressure. The mean systolic and diastolic BP were compared between the different stroke subtypes, lesion locations (carotid vs. vertebrobasilar), and hemispheric sides. The frequency of symptoms, risk factors, location of the infarct, stroke severity, vascular status and laboratory abnormalities were analyzed in order to build a regression model.Results:One hundred thirty-one patients were recruited (M:F=60:71, mean age 66±12 years) and an elevated BP was identified in 33 patients (25.2%). The mean systolic and diastolic BP did not differ significantly between the stroke subtypes, lesion locations, and hemispheric sides. According to univariate logistic regression, an elevated systolic BP correlated with headache (p=0.01) and underlying hypertension (p=0.02) while an elevated diastolic BP correlated with underlying hypertension (p=0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed previous hypertension (OR 5.21, 95% CI 1.40-19.37) and headache (OR 4.09, 95% CI 1.44-11.66) to be independent predictors of an elevated systolic BP.Conclusions:Headache itself is closely associated with severe systolic BP elevation in acute ischemic stroke. Whether treatment of elevated BP improves headache and clinical outcome is not yet known, necessitating future controlled studies.

scholarly journals Correlation between clot density and recanalization success or stroke etiology in acute ischemic stroke patients

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manoj Jagani ◽  
David F Kallmes ◽  
Waleed Brinjikji
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Region Of Interest ◽  
Hounsfield Unit ◽  
Stent Retriever ◽  
Large Artery ◽  
Stroke Etiology ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Axial Slice

Background Predicting recanalization success for patients undergoing endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke is of significant interest. Studies have previously correlated the success of recanalization with the density of the clot. We evaluated clot density and its relationship to revascularization success and stroke etiology. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 118 patients undergoing intra-arterial therapy for acute ischemic stroke. Mean and maximum thrombus density was measured by drawing a circular region of interest on an axial slice of a non-contrast computed tomography scan. T-tests were used to compare clot density to recanalization success or to stroke etiology, namely large artery atherosclerosis and cardioembolism. Recanalization success was compared in four device groups: aspiration, stent retriever, aspiration and stent retriever, and all other. Results There was no significant difference in the mean clot density in patients with successful ( n = 80) versus unsuccessful recanalization ( n = 38, 50.1 ± 7.4 Hounsfield unit (HU) vs. 53 ± 12.7 HU; P = 0.17). Comparing the large artery thromboembolism ( n = 35) to the cardioembolic etiology group ( n = 56), there was no significant difference in mean clot density (51.5 ± 7.7 HU vs. 49.7 ± 8.5 HU; P = 0.31). A subgroup analysis of middle cerebral artery occlusions ( n = 65) showed similar, non-statistically significant differences between groups. There was no difference in the rate of recanalization success in patients with a mean clot density greater than 50 HU or less than 50 HU in each of the four device groups. Conclusions There was no relationship between clot density and revascularization success or stroke etiology in our study. More research is needed to determine if clot density can predict recanalization rates or indicate etiology.

Early Antidepressant Treatment and All-Cause 30-Day Mortality in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 81-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janne Kaergaard Mortensen ◽  
Søren Paaske Johnsen ◽  
Heidi Larsson ◽  
Grethe Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Propensity Score ◽  
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors ◽  
Antidepressant Treatment ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Stroke Recovery ◽  
Stroke Severity ◽  
Registration System ◽  
Severe Stroke ◽  
Civil Registration

Background: Antidepressants, in particular selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, have been associated with antithrombotic and neuroprotective properties and their more widespread use has been suggested in stroke recovery. However, data are sparse on their effects on the clinical outcome, including mortality, associated with early antidepressant treatment after stroke. We aimed to study all-cause 30-day mortality related to early antidepressant treatment in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: We did a population-based follow-up study identifying patients from the Danish Stroke Registry admitted in the former Aarhus County from 2003 to 2010. During this time, initiation of antidepressant treatment during admission was registered in the Danish Stoke Registry. The registry also holds clinical information including stroke type, stroke severity and quality of in-hospital stroke care. Information on vital status and covariates including comorbidities and co-medication was obtained from the following population-based medical registries: the Danish Civil Registration System, Danish Medicines Agency's Medical Register and The Danish National Patients Registry. Information was linked using the unique civil registration number assigned to all Danish residents. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compute the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 30-day mortality in patients treated with antidepressants during admission as compared to patients not treated. In addition, we did stratified analyses on sex, age, stroke severity and propensity score-matched analyses as well as multiple imputation. Results: Among 5,070 consecutive first-ever stroke patients without prior antidepressant treatment, 955 (18.8%) started antidepressant treatment during admission with a median time from admission until treatment of 5 days (interquartile range 2-11). The proportion of patients with severe stroke was higher among treated patients as compared to that among non-treated patients. The adjusted OR of 30-day mortality was 0.28 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18-0.43) for patients treated during admission as compared to patients not treated during admission. Stratification by stroke severity showed signs of effect modification, stratification by sex and age did not. Included in the propensity score-matched analyses were 1,908 patients matched 1:1. The propensity score-matched adjusted OR of death within 30 days was 0.31 (95% CI 0.19-0.49). Conclusion: Although early antidepressant treatment was more often started in patients with severe stroke, treatment was associated with significantly lower mortality. This result requires replication in randomized trials; however, it indicates that early start of antidepressant treatment after stroke may be safe and a more routine use may be feasible.

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