Significance of hyperintense vessels on FLAIR MRI in acute stroke

OBJECTIVE: To describe hyperintense vessels sign (HVS) in patients with acute stroke on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI and determine its clinical significance and utility. BACKGROUND: Enhancement of vessels on postcontrast MRI in patients with acute stroke is considered an indicator of early brain ischemia. Recently, the FLAIR technique has shown promise in earlier and better detection of ischemic brain parenchymal lesions. METHODS: Two observers retrospectively reviewed 304 MRI of patients with stroke and identified 30 patients with acute middle cerebral artery stroke and HVS on FLAIR obtained within 24 hours of symptom onset. These patients were evaluated with contrast-enhanced MRI (n = 9), MR angiography of carotid and intracranial circulation (n = 30), cerebral angiography (n = 8), transcranial Doppler (n = 17), and SPECT (n = 16). The extent of HVS was compared with final infarct size and NIH Stroke Scale score. RESULTS: HVS on FLAIR was seen in 10% of the patients with acute stroke. HVS was associated with large vessel occlusion or severe stenosis (>90%). Intravascular enhancement on contrast MRI was observed in vessels that were hyperintense on FLAIR. Both cortical and subcortical infarcts demonstrated HVS. MR angiographic and cerebral angiographic findings of large vessel occlusion or severe stenosis (>90%), slow flow, low velocities by transcranial Doppler, and hypoperfusion on SPECT correlated with HVS. HVS was the earliest ischemic change in three patients scanned within 3 hours of ictus. Final infarct size was smaller than the area showing HVS in all patients. CONCLUSION: HVS on FLAIR MRI is an indicator of slow flow and early ischemia as a result of large vessel occlusion or stenosis and inadequacy of collateral circulation. HVS does not mean that infarction has occurred but indicates brain tissue at risk of infarction. It should prompt consideration of revascularization and flow augmentation strategies.     

脑梗死患者磁共振液体反转恢复序列成像高信号血管征的意义

目的 探讨脑梗死患者磁共振液体反转恢复序列(FLAIR)成像高信号血管征(HVS)的意义.方法 对我院住院脑梗死患者共262例的磁共振FLAIR成像中的HVS进行识别与分析,并与磁共振血管成像(MRA)和数字减影血管造影(DWI)所见进行对比.结果 共发现HVS 119例(45.4%),其中发病<24 h者47例(47/56,83.9%),且显著高于发病1～7 d(61/151,40.4%)和7 d后(11/55,20.0%)者(χ2=49.371,均P<0.01).HVS位于大脑外侧裂74例(62.2%),皮质沟回11例(9.2%,11/119),后循环34例(28.6%,34/119).HVS分布与MRA和DWI对比表明,在血管病变和缺血性病灶有比较好的对应.结论 磁共振FLAIR成像的HVS有助于脑梗死患者血管病变的评估.     

Initial Glasgow Coma Scale score predicts outcome following thrombolysis for posterior circulation stroke

BACKGROUND: Randomized trials of thrombolytic stroke treatment have either excluded patients with posterior circulation ischemia or used inclusion criteria making enrollment of these patients less likely. Consequently, there is less published information on thrombolytic therapy for posterior circulation stroke. OBJECTIVE: To determine effective thrombolytic treatment times for posterior circulation stroke and factors that might help predict clinical outcome. DESIGN: We describe our experience treating 21 consecutive patients with either intravenous or intra-arterial thrombolytic therapy for posterior circulation ischemic stroke between October 9, 1993, and February 19, 2001. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Glasgow Coma Scale, and modified Rankin Scale scores were evaluated at baseline, and the modified Rankin Scale was measured 3 months after stroke, with a good outcome being a modified Rankin Scale score of 2 or less. RESULTS: Nine patients received intravenous therapy; 12 patients received intra-arterial therapy. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at onset was 20 (range, 2-39), and the median Glasgow Coma Scale score was 9 (range, 3-15). Twelve patients were treated within 8 hours of symptom onset (range, 1 1/2 hours to 16 days). Nine patients (43%) had a modified Rankin Scale score of 2 or less at 3 months. The initial Glasgow Coma Scale score and treatment within 8 hours of symptom onset were each associated with good outcome, but the initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was not predictive. CONCLUSIONS: Thrombolytic therapy for posterior circulation stroke may be beneficial even when initiated 8 hours after symptom onset. Level of consciousness, as measured by Glasgow Coma Scale score, seems to be a more important predictor of outcome than the initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score.     

尿激酶静脉溶栓治疗急性椎基底动脉缺血性卒中的临床疗效分析

目的 探讨尿激酶静脉溶栓治疗急性期椎基底动脉系统缺血性卒中的临床疗效.方法 13例急性期椎基底动脉系统缺血性卒中患者经静脉输注尿激酶50-150万U,并进行溶栓前、溶栓后即刻、6h、24h、7d、14d的美国围立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分.3个月时进行MRS评分以评定预后. 结果 13例患者在溶栓前NIHSS评分平均为(17.46-6.19)分,溶栓后评分呈下降趋势,溶栓后即刻为(11.77±6.47)分,溶栓后6 h为(10.31±5.65)分.24 h为(7.92±6.43)分,7 d为(6.58±5.41)分.14d为(6.50±5.56)分.溶栓后24h后的时间段NIHSS评分与溶栓前相比均明显减少,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).13例中有3例死亡,2例预后不佳,8例预后良好.4例出现出血并发症,其中脑出血2例. 结论 尿激酶静脉溶栓治疗可有效改善急性期椎基底动脉系统缺血性脑卒中的临床症状和预后.     

Early CCT signs of supratentorial brain infarction: clinico-radiological correlations

Early signs of brain infarction can be detected by modern CCT technology even within the first 6 h after stroke. Little is known about the prognostic significance of early infarction signs in CCT. We prospectively evaluated clinical and CCT findings of 95 consecutive patients with an acute ischemia in the territory of the middle cerebral artery. All patients were admitted to our stroke unit within 6 h after stroke. In 55 patients CCT was performed within 3 h, and in 40 cases between 3 and 6 h. In all patients the clinical findings were assessed by the Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS). The disability due to stroke was evaluated after 4 weeks by use of the modified Rankin Scale. We could demonstrate the following early signs of cerebral infarction: focal hypodensity (23.2%), obscuration of basal ganglia (12.6%), focal brain swelling (22.1%), hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCA; 11.5%). In 3 patients early edema led to ventricular compression, in 1 patient to midline shift. The occurrence of early infarction signs did not depend on the etiology of ischemia but was significantly associated with a severe neurological deficit at admission and an unfavourable disability status 4 weeks after stroke. Focal brain swelling and HMCA were often followed by extensive infarction lesions on the follow-up CCT. In conclusion, early signs of hemispheric brain infarction visible on CCT scans performed within 6 h after stroke are correlated with severe stroke and an unfavourable functional outcome. However, a substantial part of our patients had a benign course of the disease in spite of early CCT pathology. Decisions on therapy in individual patients therefore should not depend on early CCT findings exclusively.     

Absent middle cerebral artery flow predicts the presence and evolution of the ischemic penumbra

OBJECTIVES: In acute ischemic stroke the pattern of a perfusion-imaging (PI) lesion larger than the diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion may be a marker of the ischemic penumbra. We hypothesized that acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion would predict the presence of presumed "penumbral" patterns (PI > DWI), ischemic core evolution, and stroke outcome. METHODS: Echoplanar PI, DWI, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) were performed in 26 patients with MCA territory stroke. Imaging and clinical studies (Canadian Neurological Scale, Barthel Index, and Rankin Scale) were performed within 24 hours of onset and repeated at days 4 and 90. RESULTS: MCA flow was absent in 9 of 26 patients. This was associated with larger acute PI and DWI lesions, greater PI/DWI mismatch, early DWI lesion expansion, larger final infarct size, worse clinical outcome (p < 0.01) and provided independent prognostic information (multiple linear regression analysis, p < 0.05). Acute penumbral patterns were present in 14 of 26 patients. Most of these patients (9 of 14) had no MCA flow, whereas all nonpenumbral patients (PI < or = DWI lesion) had MCA flow (p < 0.001). Penumbral-pattern patients with absent MCA flow had greater DWI lesion expansion (p < 0.05) and worse clinical outcome (Rankin Scale score, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Absent MCA flow on MRA predicts the presence of a presumed penumbral pattern on acute PI and DWI and worse stroke outcome. Combined MRA, PI, and DWI can identify individual patients at risk of ischemic core progression and the potential to respond to thrombolytic therapy beyond 3 hours.     

Effect of pretreatment with statins on the severity of acute ischemic cerebrovascular events

OBJECTIVE: Treatment with statins reduces the risk of ischemic stroke among patients at increased risk for vascular disease. Recent experimental data suggest neuroprotective properties of statins in acute cerebral ischemia. We investigated whether a premedication with statins is associated with a better outcome in patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular events. METHODS: Within a cross-sectional study, nested in a cohort we identified 1691 patients with a recent ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Clinical severity of the vascular event was evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) after 1 week. By means of multivariate logistic regression modeling, we determined the influence of prior statin use on stroke severity with adjustment for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Severe stroke, defined as a modified Rankin Scale of 5 or 6 (n=231; 14%), was less frequent in patients receiving statin treatment before the event (6% vs. 14%, OR=0.37; 95% CI 0.19 to 0.74; p=0.004). This association remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors. We found a significant interaction between the presence of diabetes and the effect of pretreatment with statins on stroke outcome. Of the patients with diabetes, none of those on statin treatment but 16% of those without a statin had a bad outcome. After exclusion of the group of diabetic patients with prior statin medication, the protective effect was reduced and not statistically significant anymore. CONCLUSIONS: Pretreatment with statins seems to be associated with reduced clinical severity in patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular events, particularly in patients with diabetes.     

Elevated serum concentrations of troponin T in acute stroke: What do they mean?

Elevations in serum troponin T in acute stroke have been suggested as an early marker of a poor outcome. A prospective, case-control study was undertaken to define characteristics associated with elevations in troponin T concentrations. Consecutive admissions to the Royal Adelaide stroke unit were assessed. Stroke outcome was determined using the modified Rankin scale. Elevated serum troponin T was seen in 12/109 (11%) of patients with stroke and was associated with more severe stroke, larger lesion volume and a worse outcome. However, as a prognostic indicator, elevations in troponin T had lower sensitivity for predicting death or dependence at discharge than the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Troponin T levels are elevated in a significant proportion of patients with acute stroke, principally those with large infarcts affecting the territory supplied by the middle cerebral artery but their value as a prognostic indicator remains uncertain.     

Doppler ultrasound and clinical findings in patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis

The aim of this study was to assess cerebral hemodynamics in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing thrombolytic therapy and to assess the relationship between cerebral hemodynamics and outcome. Forty-one unselected patients admitted to hospital within 3 h received intravenous thrombolytic therapy and were examined by extracranial and transcranial Doppler ultrasound examinations. Their strokes were clinically graded with the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Outcome after 3 months was graded with the modified Rankin Scale. Amongst the 27 patients who had an additional ultrasound examination 24 h after treatment, favorable outcome was significantly more common amongst patients with recanalization than amongst those without (P < 0.004). Thirteen patients with middle cerebral artery occlusions were continuously monitored during thrombolysis and frequently up to 5 h after start of thrombolysis. Early recanalization occurred in nine (69%), at a median delay of 178 min (range 140-287) after stroke onset. All of these nine patients had a favorable outcome. Recanalization within 24 h was associated with favorable outcome. Subgroup analysis suggests that this effect is mostly related to early recanalization within the first 5 h after stroke. Transcranial Doppler may therefore help to identify those patients most probably to benefit from thrombolysis, especially in those patients with a higher potential risk of complications.     

颅内复杂动脉瘤搭桥孤立术疗效观察

目的 探讨颅内外血管吻合或搭桥联合动脉瘤孤立术治疗颅内巨大型复杂动脉瘤的术式选择及适应证.方法 回顾分析2008年2月-201 1年12月经脑血管造影术明确诊断的12例颅内巨大型动脉瘤患者术前评价方法 及手术治疗经过.结果 12例患者中颈内动脉系统巨大型动脉瘤6例(4例位于颈内动脉海绵窦段或床突段、2例位于颈内动脉交通段),大脑中动脉巨大型动脉瘤3例,后循环动脉瘤3例.其中7例术前MR灌注成像显示载瘤动脉远端组织存在明显缺血.选择行颞浅动脉.大脑中动脉低流量血管吻合术;5例载瘤动脉远端组织供血正常,且搭桥血管长度较长(≥15 cm)、术前球囊闭塞试验呈阴性、患侧压颈脑血管造影侧支循环充盈不良患者,行高流量颅内外血管搭桥术.11例术后神经功能缺损程度评价良好,改良Rankin量表评分0-3分;1例术后4分,3个月后改善至3分.结论 对于无法施行塑形夹闭术的颅内复杂巨大型动脉瘤患者,颅内外血管吻合或搭桥联合动脉瘤孤立术是其可选择的最后方法 ;而MR或CT灌注成像观察载瘤动脉远端组织供血正常与否.是选择不同流量血管吻合或搭桥术的关键.枕动脉、颞浅动脉或桡动脉为常用搭桥血管.     

The mid‐M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery is a cutoff clot location for good outcome in intravenous thrombolysis

Background and purpose: We studied the impact of the location of the thrombus (internal carotid artery, proximal M1 segment, distal M1 segment, M2 segment, and M3 segment of the middle cerebral artery) in predicting the clinical outcome of patients treated with intravenous thrombolytic therapy (<3 h) in a retrospective cohort. Methods: Anterior circulation thrombus was detected with computed tomography angiography in 105 patients. Baseline clinical and radiological information was collected and entered into logistic regression analysis to predict favorable clinical outcome (3‐month modified Rankin Scale from 0 to 2 was a primary outcome measure). Results: Three months after stroke, there was a significant increase in mortality (32% vs. 3%, P < 0.001) and functional dependency (82% vs. 29%, P < 0.001) in patients with internal carotid artery or proximal M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery thrombus compared to a more distal occlusion. In the regression analysis, after adjusting for National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, age, sex, and onset‐to‐treatment time, the clot location was an independent predictor of good clinical outcome (P = 0.001) and exhibited dose‐response type behavior when moving from a proximal vessel position to a more distal one. When the location was dichotomized, a cutoff between the proximal and the distal M1 segments best differentiated between good and poor clinical outcome (OR = 16.0, 95% CI 3.9–66.2). Conclusions: The outcome of acute internal carotid artery or proximal M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery occlusion is generally poor even if treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Alternative revascularization strategies should be considered. Vascular imaging at the admission is required to guide this decision.     

Association of sleep apnea with clinically silent microvascular brain tissue changes in acute cerebral ischemia

The aim of this study was to determine the importance of sleep apnea in relation to clinically silent microvascular brain tissue changes in patients with acute cerebral ischemia. Patients with acute cerebral ischemia prospectively underwent nocturnal respiratory polygraphy within 5 days from symptom-onset. Sleep apnea was defined as apnea–hypopnea-index (AHI) ≥5/h. Experienced readers blinded to clinical and sleep-related data reviewed brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scans for leukoaraiosis and chronic lacunar infarctions. Ischemic lesions were considered clinically silent when patients did not recall associated stroke-like symptoms. Functional outcome was assessed with modified Rankin Scale at discharge, 6 and 12 months. Fifty-one of 56 (91 %) patients had sleep apnea of any degree. Patients with moderate-to-severe leukoaraiosis (Wahlund score ≥5) were found to have higher mean AHI than those with none or mild leukoaraiosis (34.4 vs. 12.8/h, p < 0.001). Moderate-to-severe sleep apnea (AHI ≥15/h) was found to be an independent predictor of moderate-to-severe leukoaraiosis (adjusted OR 6.03, 95 % CI 1.76–20.6, p = 0.0042) and of moderate-to-severe leukoaraiosis associated with clinically silent chronic lacunar infarctions (adjusted OR 10.5, 95 % CI 2.19–50.6, p = 0.003). The higher the Wahlund score and the AHI, the more likely unfavorable functional outcome resulted over time (p = 0.0373). In acute cerebral ischemia, sleep apnea is associated with clinically silent microvascular brain tissue changes and may negatively influence functional outcome. Routine sleep apnea screening and further investigation of possible long-term effects of non-invasive ventilatory treatment of sleep apnea appear warranted in this at-risk population.     

Serum cardiac troponin I in acute stroke is related to serum cortisol and TNF-alpha

BACKGROUND: Serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a specific marker of myocardial injury related to in-patient fatality and cardiac injury in acute stroke. We investigated whether cTnI in acute stroke is related to serum cortisol, acute inflammatory response, and insular damage. We also investigated whether cTnI predicted outcome at 3 months. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was based on 155 patients with CT-confirmed acute cerebral infarction and study inclusion within 24 h (50% within 12 h) of stroke onset. Blood samples were obtained on inclusion. Stroke severity was assessed by the Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS) and outcome was assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), death or dependency was defined as mRS > or =3 three months after stroke. RESULTS: 35% of all patients and 63% of patients who died within 3 months were troponin positive. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and cortisol were independently related to detection of cTnI: TNF-alpha(+100 pg/ml) OR 1.5 (CI 95% 1.1-2.2), cortisol(+100 nmol/l) OR 1.1 (CI 95% 1.01-1.2). SSS and age were also included in this model and did not reach significance. cTnI positivity was, together with age, stroke severity and prestroke mRS, but not s-cortisol, an independent explanatory variable of outcome at 3 months (death or dependency) with OR 4.1 (CI 95% 1.1-14.5). cTnI did not relate to insular involvement. CONCLUSION: In this study, cortisol and TNF-alpha were independently related to cTnI, which was predictive of 3-month prognosis.     

Emergency Carotid Artery Stent Insertion for Acute ICA Occlusion

Objective

An effective intervention has not yet been established for patients with acute occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of emergent stent placement of carotid artery to improve neurologic symptoms and clinical outcome.

Methods

Of 84 consecutive patients with severe ICA stenosis who were admitted to our institution from March 2006 to May 2009, 10 patients with acute ICA occlusion (11.9%) underwent emergency carotid artery stent placement. We reviewed their records for neurologic outcome using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, before and at 7 days after stent placement; clinical outcome using the modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS); frequency of procedure-related complications; and recurrence rate of ipsilateral ischemic stroke within 90 days.

Results

Carotid lesions were dilated completely in all patients. Median NIHSS scores before emergency stent placement and at 7 days were 16.6 and 6, respectively, showing significant improvement. Eight patients (80%) had favorable outcomes (mRS score 0-2 and GOS 4-5). Complications occurred in two patients (20%): stent insertion failed in one and an intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in the other. Ipsilateral ischemic stroke did not recur within 3 months.

Conclusion

Emergency carotid artery stent placement can improve the 7-day neurologic outcome and the 90-day clinical outcome in selected patients with acute cerebral infarction.     

Serial study of apparent diffusion coefficient and anisotropy in patients with acute stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We sought to characterize the evolution of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and apparent diffusion anisotropy (ADA) in acute stroke and to evaluate their roles in predicting stroke evolution and outcome. METHODS: We studied 26 stroke patients acutely (<24 hours), subacutely (3 to 5 days), and at outcome (3 months). Ratios of the ADC and ADA within a region of infarction and the normal contralateral region were evaluated and compared with the Canadian Neurological Scale, Barthel Index, and Rankin Scale. RESULTS: Heterogeneity in ADC and ADA evolution was observed not only between patients but also within individual lesions. Three patterns of ADA evolution were observed: (1) elevated ADA acutely and subacutely; (2) elevated ADA acutely and reduced ADA subacutely; and (3) reduced ADA acutely and subacutely. At outcome, reduced ADA with elevated ADC was observed generally. We identified 3 phases of diffusion abnormalities: (1) reduced ADC and elevated ADA; (2) reduced ADC and reduced ADA; and (3) elevated ADC and reduced ADA. The ADA ratios within 12 hours correlated with the acute Canadian Neurological Scale (r=0.46, P=0.06), subacute Canadian Neurological Scale (r=0.55, P=0.02), outcome Barthel Index (r=0.62, P=0.01), and Rankin Scale (r=-0.77, P<0.0005) scores. CONCLUSIONS: Combined ADC and ADA provide differential patterns of stroke evolution. Early ADA changes reflect cellular alterations in acute ischemia and may provide a potential marker to predict stroke outcome.     

Admission fibrinolytic profile predicts clot lysis resistance in stroke patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator

Endogenous fibrinolysis inhibitors may be involved in t-PA resistance, decreasing stroke thrombolysis benefits. We aim to determine the impact of pretreatment levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), lipoprotein(a), thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) and homocysteine on arterial recanalization and outcome. Forty-four consecutive patients with acute proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion were studied, including assessment of transcranial Doppler artery patency. The neurological status was determined by NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and long-term outcome with modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Patients who recanalized after t-PA infusion had lower PAI-1 levels than those who remained occluded. Similarly, patients who achieved dramatic clinical recovery at 12 hours exhibited significantly lower PAI-1 levels as those independent (mRS< or =2) at third month. We observed a trend towards lower lipoprotein p(a) in patients who achieved recanalization at 1 hour, whereas no relation was found between TAFI or homo-cysteine levels and recanalization. After a regression model was applied the only independent predictor of thrombolysis resistance was baseline PAI-1>34 ng/ml, such that high PAI-1 levels interfere with tPA-induced recanalization in stroke, predicting a higher susceptibility towards clot-lysis resistance and poor out-come.     

Trevo System: Single‐Center Experience with a Novel Mechanical Thrombectomy Device

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Recent reports have indicated that mechanical thrombectomy may have the potential to treat acute ischemic stroke. This study aims to describe the safety and effectiveness of Trevo Retriever, using Stentriever technology, in revascularization of patients with acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

Prospective study evaluating the clinical, radiological, and functional outcome of 13 patients with an angiographically verified occlusion of the anterior cerebral circulation. All patients underwent thrombectomy with TR as monotherapy or in combination with intra‐arterial thrombolysis, within the first 8 hours from the onset of symptoms. Successful revascularization was defined as thrombolysis in cerebral ischemia grade 2a to 3. Good outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2.

RESULTS

Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 19(16‐22). The occlusion site was middle cerebral artery in 8 patients and internal carotid artery in 5 patients. Revascularization was achieved in 10 of 13 patients (77%). The mean time from groin puncture to recanalization was 95 ± 31 minutes. No significant intra‐procedural complications occurred. Four patients (30%) died during the 90‐day follow‐up period and 4 patients (30%) achieved functional independence.

CONCLUSION

Early clinical experience suggests that the TR can allow safe and effective revascularization in certain subjects with acute ischemic stroke.     

Apathy in acute stroke patients

Background and purpose: Apathy is a frequent disturbance in stroke patients. The aim of this case–control study was to elucidate whether apathy: (i) was secondary to stroke or related to hospitalization, (ii) was related to thalamic and striatocapsular stroke lesions, (iii) was independent from cognitive impairment and depression in the acute phase of stroke, (iv) was associated with clinical and demographical variables and (v) was associated with a worse functional outcome at discharge. Methods: We assessed a sample of 94 consecutive patients with an acute (≤4 days) stroke (22 intracerebral haemorrhages, 72 cerebral infarcts), and a control group of 50 patients with acute coronary syndrome, with the 10‐item Apathy Evaluation Scale‐Clinical. We related apathy with cognition (MMSE), depression (Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale) and with outcome (modified Rankin Scale). Results: Apathy was present in 36 (38.3%) acute stroke patients but was also frequent in patients with acute coronary syndrome (24%). Stroke patients were more inaccurate in understanding their problems than patients with acute coronary syndrome (P = 0.005). Logistic regression identified cerebral haemorrhage (OR = 3.5), low educational level (OR = 4.7) and a trend of right hemispherical lesion (OR = 3.0) as independent predictors for apathy (R² = 32.3%). Cognitive impairment and depression were not associated to apathy. Apathy was associated with a worse outcome (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Apathy was frequent in acute stroke patients, and it was predicted by acute intracerebral haemorrhage and right hemispherical acute stroke lesion.     

Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging within 6 hours of stroke onset: inter- and intra-observer reproducibility

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides valuable pathophysiological information during the very first hours of cerebral ischemia. However, the reliability of prime-time MRI in the setting of emergency care remains unknown. AIM: To evaluate the reproducibility between and within observers of the assessment of MRI scans in stroke patients. METHOD: We performed a MRI scan within 6 h of stroke onset, with time-of-flight (TOF), T2* gradient echo, FLAIR, diffusion- (DWI) and perfusion- (PWI) weighted images, in 17 consecutive patients. Four observers, blinded to the clinical history, separately performed a visual assessment of all scans, and repeated the assessment 2-8 days later. Two neuroradiologists made volumetric measures of diffusion and perfusion abnormalities using a semi-automatic technique 2 weeks after the 2nd visual assessment. We evaluated: (i) in the whole set of MRI scans, the quality of scans and their ability to identify primary hemorrhages on T2* gradient echo sequences; (ii) in patients with acute cerebral ischemia only, the inter- and intra-observer agreement for the presence of arterial occlusion and cerebral abnormalities on TOF sequences, and (iii) on DWI and PWI sequences, the relationship between visual and automatic assessments for the presence of a mismatch (defined as the difference between the perfusion and diffusion abnormalities) of >20%. Statistics used the kappa (kappa) method. RESULTS: The median delay between clinical onset and MRI was 285 min. Two patients had primary cerebral hemorrhages, 1 a post-ictal deficit, and 14 cerebral ischemia. The quality of the scans was judged as appropriate for all scans in all sequences except for FLAIR. All observers identified the 2 patients with hemorrhages. The inter- and intra-observer reliability was substantial to excellent (kappa values ranging from 0.63 to 1.00) for all sequences. The agreement between visual and automatic assessments for the presence of a mismatch of >20% was excellent in all observers. CONCLUSION: The visual assessment of T2* gradient echo, TOF, diffusion and perfusion sequences at the acute stage of stroke is reproducible between and within observers. The visual assessment is as good as the volumetric assessment to detect a mismatch of >20%.     

Potential value of post stroke extracranial arterial blood flow volume in the prediction of stroke functional outcome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral vasoreactivity and collateral circulation are important protective mechanisms against cerebral ischemia. Previous studies suggest that the efficiency of these mechanisms can be reflected by extracranial arterial blood flow volume. Brain damage leading to neurological impairments can influence patients' functional recovery after stroke. This study attempted to explore the potential value of post stroke extracranial arterial blood flow volume in the prediction of stroke patients' functional outcome. METHODS: We prospectively studied 362 consecutive patients who were hospitalized for recent acute strokes. All patients underwent extracranial arterial blood flow volume measurement of the carotid and vertebral arteries by color velocity imaging quantification within 3 days after admission. Their functional recovery was assessed 6 months after stroke. The effect of post stroke extracranial arterial blood flow volume on patients' functional outcome was tested by multivariate ordinal regression after controlling for other independent variables. Significance was at p<0.05. RESULTS: Post stroke extracranial arterial blood flow volume together with age, pre-stroke modified Rankin scale, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and diabetes mellitus had significant effects on the patients' 6-month functional outcome as measured by the modified Rankin scale after controlling for other independent variables (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Post stroke extracranial arterial blood flow volume is an independent outcome predictor. The graded predictive power of this parameter is potentially more superior than other outcome predictors by allowing classification of stroke outcome according to the degree of severity. A large prospective study is thus warranted to investigate its clinical value in the management of stroke patients.