scholarly journals Reversible Cerebrovascular Syndrome

Author(s):  
Mohammad Saadatnia

Reversible cerebrovascular syndrome (RCVS) is clinico-radiological syndrome defined as severe recurrent thunderclap headache with or without seizures or neurologic deficits and constriction of cerebral arteries which resolves spontaneously within 1-3 months. RCVS affects patients in various racial and ethnic groups and in all age groups, although most commonly in the fourth decade of life.  Headache is the main symptom. Headache is usually “thunderclap variety”, peaks within one minute and very intense. Many conditions and exposures have been linked to RCVS, including vasoactive drugs, metabolic disorder, vasculitis and the peripartum period. Associated strokes and cerebral hemorrhages are not uncommon. As complications we can see Localized cortical SAH (20-25%), Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (5-10%), posterior reversible encephalopathic syndrome ( PRES). Permanent sequelae of RCVS is usually benign entity. Prognosis is highly dependent on the occurrence of stroke (6-9%), otherwise, by definition, most resolve completely without any sequelae. Treatment is Symptomatic (pain, seizures, blood pressure control), trigger avoidance should be done (either activity or vasoactive substances), calcium channel blockers, IV magnesium and Short-course of steroids may be effective.  

1999 ◽  
Vol 277 (4) ◽  
pp. R931-R937 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Pearce ◽  
Sue P. Duckles ◽  
John Buchholz

The present studies examine the hypothesis that multiple adrenergic neuroeffector mechanisms are not fully developed in fetal, compared with adult, ovine middle cerebral arteries. In arteries denuded of endothelium and pretreated with 1 μM atropine to block involvement of muscarinic receptors, 10 μM capsaicin to deplete sensory peptidergic neurons, and 10 μM nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) to block possible influences from nitric oxidergic innervation, transmural stimulation at 16 Hz increased contractile tensions to 9.5 ± 3.7% ( n = 6) of the potassium maximum in adult arteries. Corresponding values in fetal arteries, however, were significantly less and averaged only 1.1 ± 0.6% ( n =10). However, postsynaptic sensitivity to norepinephrine (NE) was similar in the two age groups; NE pD2 values (−log EC50) averaged 6.11 ± 0.12 ( n = 6) and 6.33 ± 0.09 M ( n = 9) in fetal and adult arteries, respectively. Similarly, NE content measured via HPLC was also similar in the two age groups and averaged 32.4 ± 5.0 ( n = 17) and 32.5 ± 3.9 ng/ng wet wt ( n = 13) in fetal and adult middle cerebral arteries, respectively. In contrast, stimulation-induced NE release was greater in fetal than in adult arteries, whether calculated as total mass released [883 ± 184 ( n = 17) vs. 416 ± 106 pg NE/mg wet wt ( n = 13)] or as fractional release [51.1 ± 5.3 ( n = 17) vs. 22.8 ± 3.8 pg/pg NE content per pulse × 10−6]. Measured as an index of synaptic density, neuronal cocaine-sensitive NE uptake was similar in fetal and adult arteries [1.55 ± 0.40 ( n = 10) and 1.84 ± 0.51 pmol/mg wet wt ( n = 7), respectively]. Overall, age-related differences in postsynaptic sensitivity to NE, NE release, and NE uptake capacity cannot explain the corresponding age-related differences in response to stimulation. The data thus suggest that total synaptic volume and cleft width, in particular, are probably greater and/or that adrenergic corelease of vasoactive substances other than NE is altered in fetal compared with adult middle cerebral arteries.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Cuschieri

Abstract Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been on the health agenda for decades. As the 2020's decade sets in, most of the set health strategies and targets are ending while new goals are expected. Investigating a European country hub known for its high prevalence of NCDs provides evidence-based data that can be used for these new strategies. The aim was to explore potential NCDs trends and associations that could provide evidence for new preventive strategies and goals. Methods Data was obtained from a national representative cross-sectional study through a health examination survey (2014-6). The self-reported data and the results of the examination were used to diagnose participants with type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, overweight and obesity. The study population was stratified by ten years and sex for both descriptive and analytic analyses. Results The male population was significantly more metabolically unhealthy that the female counterparts across all age groups (p = <0.01). The females had the highest newly diagnosed diabetes prevalence across all age groups. It was observed that type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia and hypertension were present as of the 30-39 years group. Conversely, on binary multiple logistic regression analysis, this age group was negatively associated with NCDs even after adjusting for confounders (Diabetes OR:0.06 CI95%:0.02-0.21 p = <0.01; hypertension OR: 0.16 CI 95%: 0.05-0.55 p = <0.01; overweight OR: 0.21 CI 95%: 0.11 - 0.40 p = <0.01). Conclusions The fourth decade of life might be the starting point for metabolic dysregulation. Hence, subject to long-term health and economic burdens, with a potential extension of the metabolic impact on their offspring. Although further research is recommended, this study sets the ball rolling whether preventive action including screening for dysglycaemia and dyslipidaemia should be implemented at a population level from a young age. Key messages Preventive action should start from fourth decade of life. Targeting the fourth decade of life would also ensure a healthier new generation.


2000 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasdeep K. Sharma ◽  
Robert Miller ◽  
Scott Murray

Background: Chronic urticaria is a common condition and is a source of great frustration to patients. It has been suggested that there may be differences among physicians in their approach to this common clinical entity. Objective and Method: A questionnaire was distributed Canada-wide to allergists, dermatologists, and a selection of practitioners with an interest in alternative medicine. The survey included questions on demographics, epidemiology, causative factors, diagnostic methods, therapeutic strategies, follow-up advice, and efficacy of therapies, with emphasis on personal experience. Results: The response rates of allergists and dermatologists were 31% and 36%, respectively. There was wide representation from all regions of Canada and from physicians from all age groups, both genders, different types of practice, and years in practice. The reported incidence per month was 13 and 4 patients for allergists and dermatologists, respectively. The prevalence was 199 and 44 patients by allergists and dermatologists, respectively. Comparison of causative factors showed differences in the experiences of the two groups. Diagnostic investigations were requested in a similar pattern with respect to timing. The specific tests ordered by the groups showing statistical difference were complete blood count (CBC), differential, C4 complement, antinuclear antibodies, and IgE antibody assay. Allergists chose the skin prick test (100%) as the most important allergy test. Dermatologists ranked skin prick (50%), radioallergosorbent test (RAST) (20%), and skin patch (30%) as the most important tests. The top six choices of pharmaceutical therapies chosen by the groups were similar, but in a slightly different order. The responders ranked their personal selection of antihistamines according to effectiveness. Hydroxyzine (Atarax®) and cetirizine (Reactine®, Allegra®) were selected as first and second most effective agents by both groups. The results also show effective experience by both groups with nonsedating and sedating antihistamines. Also, doxepin, ketotifen, and cimetidine are used frequently by both groups. The experience of dermatologists in Canada with respect to other modalities including psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA) therapy, danazol, chelation, calcium channel blockers, and acyclovir is limited and efficacy is ranked either neutral or ineffective. Allergists reported even less experience with these therapies. Conclusion: Allergists and dermatologists across Canada show interesting similarities and differences in their practical approach to the management of chronic urticaria. With the sharing of this information, these two specialties will be better equipped to effectively manage patients suffering from chronic urticaria.


2009 ◽  
Vol 297 (6) ◽  
pp. H2242-H2252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ravi Goyal ◽  
Ashwani Mittal ◽  
Nina Chu ◽  
Lijun Shi ◽  
Lubo Zhang ◽  
...  

Ca2+-independent pathways such as protein kinase C (PKC), extracellular-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and Rho kinase 1 and 2 (ROCK1/2) play important roles in modulating cerebral vascular tone. Because the roles of these kinases vary with maturational age, we tested the hypothesis that PKC differentially regulates the Ca2+-independent pathways and their effects on cerebral arterial contractility with development. We simultaneously examined the responses of arterial tension and intracellular Ca2+ concentration and used Western immunoblot analysis to measure ERK1/2, RhoA, 20 kDa regulatory myosin light chain (MLC20), PKC-potentiated inhibitory protein of 17 kDa (CPI-17), and caldesmon. Phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu)-mediated PKC activation produced a robust contractile response, which was increased a further 20 to 30% by U-0126 (MEK inhibitor) in cerebral arteries of both age groups. Of interest, in the fetal cerebral arteries, PDBu leads to an increased phosphorylation of ERK2 compared with ERK1, whereas in adult arteries, we observed an increased phosphorylation of ERK1 compared with ERK2. Also, in the present study, RhoA/ROCK played a significant role in the PDBu-mediated contractility of fetal cerebral arteries, whereas in adult cerebral arteries, CPI-17 and caldesmon had a significantly greater role compared with the fetus. PDBu also led to an increased MLC20 phosphorylation, a response blunted by the inhibition of myosin light chain kinase only in the fetus. Overall, the present study demonstrates an important maturational shift from RhoA/ROCK-mediated to CPI-17/caldesmon-mediated PKC-induced contractile response in ovine cerebral arteries.


Author(s):  
Sloane A McGraw ◽  
Michael Scholfield ◽  
Ragu Murthy ◽  
Anupama Shivaraju ◽  
Burhan Mohamedali ◽  
...  

Background: Blood pressure (BP) control in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is beneficial on morbidity and mortality, however the US Joint National Committee VII (JNC-7) also recommends systolic BP (SBP) <130 and diastolic BP (DBP) <80 for diabetic patients because diabetes itself is an additional risk for a cardiac event. This can be attained using beta-blockers (BB), angiotensin agonists (ACE-I/ARB), calcium channel blockers, diuretics and nitrates. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study focusing on attaining JNC-7 guidelines, comparing outcomes between 302 diabetic to the 469 non-diabetic patients; all underwent PCI between September 2004 and September 2008 at the Jesse Brown Veterans Hospital in Chicago, IL. We collected data of BP values and antihypertensive regimens on admission and at six month follow up, and correlated these into percentages of which have attained goals. Results: Among diabetics, mean SBP decreased from 134 to 130mmHg (p = 0.002) and mean DBP decreased from 72 to 70mmHg (p= 0.004); in the non-diabetics, the mean SBP decreased from 133 to 127mmHg (p<0.0001) and the mean DBP decreased from 73 to 71mmHg (p<0.0012). With regards to guidelines, the percent of diabetics at SBP goal increased from 41% to 51% (124 to 154 of 302) (p= 0.006), however the percent at DBP goal was not significant. In non-diabetics, percent at goal for SBP increased 46% to 57% (216 to 267 of 469) (p=0.0002) and for DBP increased 69% to 76% (324 to 356 of 469) (p=0.0131). At 6 months, among diabetics the medication usage increased with BB, 80% to 92% (241 to 278 of 302) (p<0.0001) and nitrates 30% to 36% (91 to 109 of 302) (p=0.035). Similarly, among non-diabetics, use of BB, 68% to 87% (319 to 408 of 469) (p<0.0001) and nitrates 19% to 24% (89 to 113 of 469) (p=0.006) increased, as well as ACE-I/ARB 52% to 71% (244 to 333 if 469) (p<0.0001). Conclusions: There were improvements in BP among both populations at six months post-PCI; both attained JNC-7 SBP goal, but only non-diabetics achieved DBP goal. Medication use increased for both groups with BB and nitrates, but also with ACE-I/ARB for non-diabetics only. This analysis suggests that tighter control needs to be obtained among diabetics, especially because they are a higher risk population than those solely with CAD.


2019 ◽  
pp. 149-156
Author(s):  
Edward Smith

Moyamoya disease is defined by stenosis of the distal intracranial internal carotid arteries up to and including the bifurcation, with segments of the proximal anterior and middle cerebral arteries, dilated basal collateral vessels, and bilateral findings. Detailed assessment with digital subtraction angiography will define the severity of disease (Suzuki stage) and presence of spontaneous transdural collateral vessels from external carotid artery branches. These collateral vessels must be protected during surgical intervention. The surgical goal is to establish a new vascular supply to the areas of the brain at risk for stroke, utilizing vessels from the external carotid circulation. Blood pressure control and avoidance of hyperventilation are key to minimize perioperative stroke risk. Preoperative hydration, ongoing use of aspirin, and good pain control will also minimize surgical complications.


Author(s):  
NKEIRUKA GRACE OSUAFOR ◽  
CHINWE VERONICA UKWE ◽  
MATTEW JEGBEFUME OKONTA

Objective: The study aimed to describe the prescription pattern of cardiovascular and/or anti-diabetic drugs and adherence to the World Health Organization (WHO) prescribing indicators in Abuja District Hospitals. Methods: This descriptive retrospective study was carried out in Asokoro and Maitama District Hospitals Abuja. One thousand and nine prescriptions that contained a cardiovascular drug (CVD) and/or anti-diabetic drug issued between June 2017 and May 2018 from the Medical Outpatient Department were analyzed. Data were collected from the pharmacy electronic database, prescription pattern and adherence to WHO prescribing indicators were assessed. The analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Results were presented as percentages, means, and standard deviations. Results: The frequency of treatment was higher among women (58.8%) and the age group of 41–60 (54.8%). The average number of drugs prescribed was 3.3±1.6: the percentage of drugs prescribed in generic was (64%) and (78.8%) were from the Essential Drug List (EDL). Calcium Channel Blockers (CCB, 71.7%) and Biguanides (B, 92.4%) were the most prescribed CVD and anti-diabetic drug. The majority of the CVD (74.5%) and diabetes (63.6%) patients were on combination therapy. The most frequent CVD combination was CCB plus Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (29.7%). Compared to men, the proportion of females taking one or more CVD (61.3%) or antidiabetic (56.4%) was higher. Conclusion: The prescribing indicators are not optimal in Abuja district hospitals. Women received more treatment for cardiovascular and diabetes diseases than men while the age range of 41-60 was more treated than other age groups.


2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (2) ◽  
pp. H610-H618 ◽  
Author(s):  
Greg G. Geary ◽  
Diana N. Krause ◽  
Sue P. Duckles

Gender is known to influence the incidence and severity of cerebrovascular disease. In the present study, luminal diameter was measured in vitro in pressurized middle cerebral artery segments from male rats that were either untreated, orchiectomized (ORX), ORX with testosterone treatment (ORX+TEST), or ORX with estrogen treatment (ORX+EST). The maximal passive diameters (0 Ca2+ + 3 mM EDTA) of arteries from all four groups were similar. In endothelium-intact arteries, myogenic tone was significantly greater in arteries from untreated and ORX+TEST compared with arteries from either ORX or ORX+EST. During exposure to N G-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester (l-NAME), an NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, myogenic tone significantly increased in all groups. The effect of l-NAME was significantly greater in arteries from untreated and ORX+EST compared with arteries from ORX and ORX+TEST rats. Differences in myogenic tone between ORX and ORX+TEST persisted after inhibition of NOS. After endothelium removal or inhibition of the cyclooxygenase pathway combined with K+ channel blockers, myogenic tone differences between ORX and ORX+TEST were abolished. Wall thickness and forced dilation were not significantly different between arteries from ORX and ORX+TEST. Our data show that gonadal hormones affect myogenic tone in male rat cerebral arteries through NOS- and/or endothelium-dependent mechanisms.


Author(s):  
Ji Y. Chong ◽  
Michael P. Lerario

Hemorrhagic stroke is associated with high morbidity and mortality. A common cause of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is hypertension. Patients with suspected ICH should be immediately evaluated with computed tomography (CT) scanning. If coagulopathic, correction of coagulopathy must be instituted rapidly. Hemorrhage due to hypertension usually occurs in subcortical locations. In patients with atrial fibrillation and ICH, a careful analysis of each individual’s risks and benefits must be performed prior to resuming anticoagulation for ischemic stroke prevention. Prevention involves aggressive blood pressure control.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 2050313X1987097
Author(s):  
Francesco Versaci ◽  
Giuseppe Andò ◽  
Marcello Chiocchi ◽  
Francesco Romeo

A 49-year-old man with malignant hypertension had been admitted with hemorrhagic stroke. Refractory hypertension had been observed during hospitalization and the decision had been made to perform renal denervation. A significant blood pressure reduction was obtained immediately after renal denervation and persists at 2-year follow-up. This case demonstrates the long-term sustained efficacy of renal denervation performed in the acute phase of hemorrhagic stroke. In addition, it supports the notion that renal denervation–induced normalization of blood pressure may contribute to better outcomes in a challenging setting such as intracranial bleeding.


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