大脑中动脉高密度征与大面积脑梗死预后的相关性研究

目的探讨大脑中动脉高密度征(HMCAS)与大面积脑梗死预后的关系。方法回顾性分析我院139例大面积脑梗死患者的影像学及临床资料。结果根据OCSP分型:98例(98/139)完全前循环梗死(TACI),41例(41/139)部分前循环梗死(PACI)。据首次CT检查中是否出现HMCAS分两组,HMCAS组58例(58/139);非HMCAS组81例(81/139);所有患者因不符合溶栓指征未行溶栓治疗,其中34例(34/139)患者发生梗死后出血。HMCAS组伴出血者21例(21/58),死亡者11例(11/58),非HMCAS组伴出血者13例(13/81),死亡者5例(5/81)。HMCAS组的出血率、死亡率明显高于非HMCAS组。差异具有统计学意义(χ2出血率=7.43,χ2死亡率=5.43,P0.05)。大面积脑梗死患者出现HMCAS,其伴梗死后出血的发生率和死亡率均高于无HMCAS患者。结论 HMCAS出现可以作为脑梗死预测梗死后出血的指标之一,并可提示大面积脑梗死预后不佳。     

Posterior cerebral artery infarction from middle cerebral artery infarction

BACKGROUND: While it is known that posterior cerebral artery (PCA) infarction may simulate middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction, the frequency and localization of this occurrence are unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of PCA infarction mimicking MCA infarction and the territory of the PCA most commonly involved in this simulation. DESIGN: We studied 202 patients with isolated infarction in the PCA admitted to our stroke center to determine the frequency of PCA infarction simulating MCA infarction, the involved PCA territory, and the patterns of clinical presentation. RESULTS: We found 36 patients (17.8%) with PCA ischemic stroke who had clinical features suggesting MCA stroke. The PCA territory most commonly involved was the superficial PCA territory (66.7%), followed by the proximal PCA territory (16.7%) and both the proximal and the superficial PCA territories (16.7%). The principal stroke mechanism was cardioembolic (54.1%) in the superficial PCA territory, lacunar (46.2%) in the proximal PCA territory, and undetermined (40.2%) in both the proximal and the superficial territories. Among the 36 patients, the most common clinical associations were aphasia (13 patients), visuospatial neglect (13 patients), and severe hemiparesis (7 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Posterior cerebral artery infarction simulating MCA infarction is more common than previously thought. Early recognition of the different stroke subtypes in these 2 arteries may allow specific management.     

Hemicraniectomy for large middle cerebral artery territory infarction: outcome in 19 patients

BACKGROUND: Large space-occupying middle cerebral artery infarction accounts for 10-15% of all supratentorial infarctions and carries a mortality of 50% to 80%. Hemicraniectomy may be useful when optimal medical management has failed. METHODS: Between June 1997 and June 2000, 19 patients who fulfilled the clinical and imaging criteria for large middle cerebral artery infarction underwent hemicraniectomy because of impending herniation despite best medical therapy. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) assessed neurological status on admission and at one week after surgery. At 3 month follow up, The Barthel Index (BI) and Rankin Scale (RS) were used to assess the functional outcome among survivors. RESULTS: There were 15 males and 4 females with a mean age of 46.5 years (range 27-76 years). Ten patients (53%) had dominant hemisphere stroke. The mean interval between stroke onset and surgery was 60.3 hours (range 20-103 hours). The mean NIHSS score before surgery was 20.5 (range 17-26) and 10.5 (range 6-22) after surgery. One patient (5.2%) died due to post-operative meningitis. At follow up, mean BI was 56.4 (range 25-90) and RS revealed severe handicap in 4 patients (21%). Patients under 50 years of age had a significantly better outcome with mean BI of 60.7 as compared to only 41.3 (p=<0.048) in older patients. Speech function, especially comprehension improved in all patients with dominant hemisphere infarction. CONCLUSION: These findings add to previous studies suggesting hemicraniectomy may be a useful procedure in patients with large middle cerebral artery territory infarction. The functional outcome is good in younger patients. A randomised controlled trial is required to substantiate these findings.     

Dense middle cerebral artery: etiologic significance and prognosis

Five cases of infarction in the territory of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) are reported. The main feature common to these 5 cases was the presence at CT without contrast injection, in the first 24 hours, of a spontaneous hyperdensity of the ipsilateral MCA. In one case, angiography demonstrated that this hyperdensity was associated with occlusion. In 2 other cases, doppler examination showed occlusion of the internal carotid artery. The transient character of these radiological findings is underlined. In the acute phase of an infarction, hyperdensity of the MCA at an early CT scan without contrast injection suggests an occlusive mechanism and massive infarction with poor clinical outcome.     

Attenuated corticomedullary contrast: An early cerebral computed tomography sign indicating malignant middle cerebral artery infarction. A case-control study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: No neuroradiological markers have been characterized that support a timely decision for decompressive surgery in malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction (mMCAI). This case-control study was designed to analyze whether early cerebral CT (CCT) scanning provides reliable information for the prospective selection of stroke patients at risk of developing mMCAI. METHODS: Thirty-one pairs (n=62) were formed with cases (mMCAI) and controls (acute but not malignant MCA infarction) closely matched in terms of age, sex, and stroke etiology. CCT was performed within 18 hours of stroke onset and analyzed by a blinded neuroradiologist according to a defined panel of 12 CCT criteria. RESULTS: In terms of predicting mMCAI, the criteria of extended MCA territory hypodensities >67% and >50%, hemispheric brain swelling, midline shift, and hyperdense MCA sign exhibited high specificity (100%, 93. 5%, 100%, 96.7%, and 83.9%, respectively) but low sensitivity (45.2%, 58.1%, 12.9%, 19.4%, and 70.9%, respectively). Two criteria yielded high sensitivity (subarachnoid space compressed, 100%; cella media compressed, 80.6%) but low specificity (29% and 74.2%, respectively). The criterion of attenuated corticomedullary contrast yielded both high specificity (96.8%) and sensitivity (87.1%). The latter remained as the crucial criterion [Exp(B)=90.8; 95% CI, 5.8 to 1427. 5] in a 2-tailed logistic regression analysis with the strongest correlating parameters (Spearman correlation factor >/=0.6 or 相似文献   

Computed tomographic parameters predicting fatal outcome in large middle cerebral artery infarction

BACKGROUND: Large middle cerebral artery (MCA) ischaemic stroke when associated with extensive mass effect can result in brain herniation and neurological death. As yet there are few guidelines to aid the selection of patients for aggressive interventional therapies, such as decompression hemicraniectomy and/or hypothermia. METHODS: We studied a cohort of patients from seven centres with large MCA infarction requiring neurocritical care. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the use of early radiological signs on follow-up computed tomographic (CT) signs performed within 48 h of stroke onset for predicting mortality at 30 days. The CT parameters assessed included horizontal displacement of the septum pellucidum, pineal shift, complete or partial infarction of the temporal lobe, involvement of additional vascular territories, and the presence of hydrocephalus. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital death within 30 days. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-five patients who had follow-up CT scans within 48 h were identified from a total of 201 patients with large MCA infarction that received conventional medical therapy alone. The median age was 68 (range 29-99), 56% were female, and the median NIHSS category was 26-30 at 48 h. Among CT variables in univariable analysis, anteroseptal shift >/=5 mm, pineal shift >/=2 mm, complete temporal lobe infarction, involvement beyond the MCA territory, and moderate or severe hydrocephalus were equally predictive of death. Multivariable analysis adjusting for time to CT scan revealed the following predictors of fatal outcome: anteroseptal shift >/=5 mm (OR 10.9; 95% CI 3.2-37.6), NIHSS within 48 h >20 (OR 6.6; 95% CI 2.3-19.3), and infarction beyond the MCA territory (OR 4.9; 95% CI 1.6-15.0). CONCLUSIONS: We identified the role of early CT signs in predicting death following massive MCA infarction. The CT parameters anteroseptal shift (>5 versus /=2 mm, hydrocephalus, temporal lobe infarction, and other vascular territory infarction if present were predictive of fatal outcome. These CT parameters require prospective validation before they should be considered reliable markers for decision-making.     

Impact of infections on long-term outcome after severe middle cerebral artery infarction

Post-stroke infections are the most important complications after acute stroke, accounting for almost 20% of in-hospital deaths and poor functional outcomes at discharge. Little is known about long-term effects of post-stroke infections on outcome. Here, we studied the impact of infections on long-term outcome in 64 patients which had suffered from severe middle cerebral artery infarction. Mean follow-up time in the survivors was 6.5 ± 0.9 years. Structured telephone interviews were performed to assess the patients' current functional outcome. Where re-contacting was not successful, vital status of the patients was requested at the registration office of Berlin. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified three independent risk factors associated with mortality: infections within the first 11 days after stroke, age>64 years, and female sex. Among surviving patients, functional outcome measured by Barthel Index was influenced by infections and immunocompetence measured by levels of monocytic HLA-DR expression on day 3 after stroke. In conclusion, the occurrence of post-stroke infections is the most important predictor of poor long-term outcome in this cohort of patients. Our observation warrants prospective trials on prevention or early treatment of post-stroke infections in order to improve long-term outcome after stroke.     

大脑中动脉高密度征与磁敏感血栓征对大脑中动脉闭塞比较研究

目的比较研究大脑中动脉高密度征(HMCAS)和磁敏感血栓征(SVS)显示大脑中动脉(MCA)闭塞血栓的差异。方法回顾性分析41例临床及影像证实MCA近段闭塞急性脑梗死患者CT及MRI(包含SWI及MRA序列)影像资料。分析HMCAS、SVS显示责任血管血栓灵敏度、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值及其相关性。结果 41例MCA区域急性脑梗死患者中,MRA显示27例同侧MCA近段闭塞,SWI显示21例SVS,CT显示22例HMCAS。HMCAS、SVS显示责任血管血栓灵敏度(78%,78%)、特异性(93%,100%)、阳性预测值(95%,100%)、阴性预测值(68%,70%)。在所有患者中,HMCAS与SVS对预测MCA近段是否闭塞具有高度的一致性(κ值分=0.853);在MRA证实MCA近段闭塞患者中,HMCAS与SVS有无对预测MCA近段是否闭塞具有良好的一致性(κ值分=0.786)。结论 HMCAS、SVS在显示MCA近段血栓具有较好的灵敏度及高度的特异性,并且两者之间具有良好的一致性。     

Multi-variate analysis predicts clinical outcome 30 days after middle cerebral artery infarction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional prognostic value of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy performed within the 5 days of an infarction of the middle cerebral artery territory, compared with previously demonstrated prognostic factors. METHODS: Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed on 77 consecutive non-comatosed patients during the acute stage of middle cerebral artery infarction. The functional status was determined for each patient via the Orgogozo score. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic data were acquired in the infarction and in contra-lateral normal tissue and the results were expressed as metabolite ratios. Correlations were evaluated between the Orgogozo score at day 1 and day 30, the age, the sex, the volume of the infarction, and the metabolic ratios. RESULTS: In a monovariate analysis, the decrease of the NAA/choline ratio was correlated with a low Orgogozo score at days 1 and 30 (P<0.05) and with a large infarction (P<0.05). A stepwise analysis showed a significant relationship between the Orgogozo score at day 30 and the Orgogozo score at day 1, the sex, the volume of infarction, and the NAA/Cho ratio within the infarction. CONCLUSIONS: Our work demonstrates that a good clinical outcome at day 30 depends on a good initial clinical score at day 1, a small volume of infarction, a small decrease of NAA/Cho, and being of the female gender.     

Hemicraniectomy for middle cerebral artery infarction

The space-occupying so-called “malignant” middle cerebral artery infarction is—besides acute basilar artery occlusion—the most devastating form of ischemic stroke. Until recently, there was no proven treatment. In 2007, results from randomized controlled trials provided evidence for the benefit of early hemicraniectomy with respect to mortality after 3 months. This review focuses on current treatment options for malignant ischemic brain infarction, especially hemicraniectomy. Moreover, major unsolved problems and open questions regarding the disease are discussed, and perspective is given on future clinical studies.     

Superficial temporal to middle cerebral artery anastomosis. Clinical outcome in patients with ischemia of infarction in internal carotid artery distribution.

The clinical outcome of our first 40 patients (six with transient ischemic attacks, 22 with mild ischemic infarctions, and 12 with moderate ischemic infarctions) treated with a superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery anastomosis was analyzed. All cerebral ischemias or infarctions occurred in the internal carotid artery distribution. An independent neurologist observer recorded the patients preoperative and postoperative medical and neurological histories and objective neurological findings. There was no operative mortality. During the period of observation (up to 36 months), four patients died of probable myocardial infarction. No patient suffered from recurrent cerebral infarction. Three patients experienced a single ischemic event postoperatively. Neurological deficits were either unchanged (21 patients) or improved (19 patients). Postoperative angiograms showed patency in 97% of the anastomoses.     

Hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign is an ominous prognostic marker despite optimal workflow

Abul‐Kasim K, Brizzi M, Petersson J. Hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign is an ominous prognostic marker despite optimal workflow.
Acta Neurol Scand: DOI: 2010: 122: 132–139.
© 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard. Objectives – To evaluate the association between the hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) and the functional outcome on one hand, and different predictors such as the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), infarct size, ASPECTS Score, intracerebral hemorrhage, and mortality on the other hand. Material and methods – Retrospective analysis of 120 patients with MCA‐stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis. We tested the association between HMCAS and NIHSS, infarct volume, ASPECTS, outcome, level of consciousness, different recorded time intervals, and the day/time of admission. Results – Seventy‐four percentage of patients treated with thrombolysis developed cerebral infarction. All patients with HMCAS (n = 39) sustained infarction and only 31% showed favorable outcome compared with 62% and 60%, respectively among patients without HMCAS (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002). There was statistically significant association between functional outcome and HMCAS (P = 0.002), infarct volume, NIHSS, and ASPECTS (P < 0.001). The time to treatment was 12 min shorter in patients who developed infarction (P = 0.037). Independent predictors for outcome were NIHSS and the occurrence of cerebral infarction on computed tomography for the whole study population, and infarct volume for patients who sustained cerebral infarction. Conclusions – Despite optimal workflow, patients with HMCAS showed poor outcome after intravenous thrombolysis. The results emphasize the urgent need for more effective revascularization therapies and neuroprotective treatment in this subgroup of stroke patients.     

Association of hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign with clinical outcome in patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign (HMCAS) is a marker of thrombus in the middle cerebral artery. The aim of our study was to find out the frequency of the HMCAS, its association with initial neurological severity and early parenchymal ischemic changes on CT, its relevance to clinical outcome, and the efficacy of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) in patients with the HMCAS. METHODS: Secondary analysis of the data from 620 patients who received either rtPA or placebo in the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study I (ECASS I), a double-blind, randomized, multicenter trial. The baseline CT scans were obtained within 6 hours from the onset of symptoms. Functional and neurological outcomes were assessed using the modified Rankin Scale and the Scandinavian Stroke Scale at day 90. RESULTS: We found an HMCAS in 107 patients(17.7%). The initial neurological deficit was more severe in patients with the HMCAS than in those lacking this sign (P<0.0001). Early cerebral edema and mass effect were also more common in patients with the HMCAS (P<0.0001). The HMCAS was related to the risk of poor functional outcome (grade of 3 to 6 on the modified Rankin Scale) on univariate analysis: 90 patients (84%) with the HMCAS and 310 patients (62%) lacking this sign were dependent or dead at day 90 (P<0.0001). However, this association was no longer significant in a logistic model accounting for the effect of age, sex, treatment with rtPA, initial severity of neurological deficit and early parenchymal ischemic changes on CT. Patients with the HMCAS who were given rtPA had better neurological recovery than those who received placebo (P=0.0297). CONCLUSIONS: The HMCAS is associated with severe brain ischemia and poor functional outcome. However, it has no significant independent prognostic value when accounting for the effect of initial severity of neurological deficit and of early parenchymal ischemic changes on CT. Patients with the HMCAS may benefit from intravenous rtPA.     

Excessive closure of the right eye: a new sign of infarction in the territory of the ipsilateral right middle cerebral artery.

In right middle cerebral territory infarction a new sign, excessive closure of the right eye ipsilateral to the lesion and mild closure of the left eye on command, was noted. The excessive ipsilateral eye closure was not observed on spontaneous eye closure.