Decompressive hemicraniectomy improves outcome in patients with failed arterial recanalization after acute carotid artery occlusion

Abstract

Background and objectives: Decompressive hemicraniectomy reduces morbidity and mortality in patients with large hemispheric stroke. However, its role in patients that underwent failed endovascular reperfusion remains unknown.

Methods: Patients with acute stroke secondary to internal carotid artery occlusion who underwent endovascular multimodal reperfusion therapy were evaluated. Patients with failed revascularization who were referred for decompressive hemicraniectomy were compared with patients with failed reperfusion who did not undergo decompressive hemicraniectomy. Functional outcome was assessed with the modified Rankin Score (mRS) and neurological disability with the NIH Stroke Scale Score (NIHSS) at 90 days from stroke onset.

Results: Six decompressive hemicraniectomy-treated patients were included (four females, mean age: 36.7 years, mean NIHSS: 24.5). None of the decompressive hemicraniectomy-treated patients died compared to six of seven patients with failed multi-modal reperfusion therapy that did not undergo decompressive hemicraniectomy. All decompressive hemicraniectomy-treated patients were discharged to a rehabilitation facility whereas the only surviving non-decompressive hemicraniectomy-treated patient was discharged to a nursing facility. Five of the six decompressive hemicraniectomy-treated (84%) and none of the non-decompressive hemicraniectomy-treated patients had an mRS ≤3 at 90 days post-stroke.

Discussion: Decompressive hemicraniectomy can significantly improve functional outcome in patients with large carotid artery strokes that failed to recanalize following multi-modal reperfusion therapy. These results imply that decompressive hemicraniectomy should be planned in patients who undergo multi-modal reperfusion therapy for large carotid artery stroke.     

Assessment of ABCD2 scale in patients with transient ischaemic attack or stroke

Background and purposeStroke risk prediction scores have been designed to stratify risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events in patients with transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor ischaemic stroke (MIS).Material and methodsConsecutive patients with TIA or MIS referring to Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad presenting within 24 hours from the onset of symptoms were recruited to the prospective cohort study between 2010 and 2011. MIS was defined as an ischaemic stroke with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score < 4. The end-point of the study was a new ischaemic cerebrovascular event or vascular death at 90 days and, additionally, at 3 days after the index TIA or MIS. The decision to admit and of method of treatment in each case was left to the discretion of the stroke neurologist. The predictive accuracy of the ABCD² scoring system for recurrent stroke or TIA was quantified by the area under the curve (AUC), using the c-statistics.ResultsThe study included 393 patients with TIA (238 males, 155 females) and 118 patients with MIS (77 males, 41 females). Among 511 patients with minor ischaemic events, 117 strokes (23.2%), 99 TIAs (19.6%), and 11 vascular deaths (2.2%) occurred within 3 months after the index event. The ABCD² score had a weak predictive value for 3-month and 3-day recurrent stroke in patients with TIA (AUC = 0.599 and 0.591, respectively), but a high predictive value for 3-month and 3-day recurrent stroke in patients with MIS (AUC = 0.727 and 0.728, respectively).ConclusionsThe ABCD² score is highly predictive for short-term recurrent stroke in patients with MIS but not in patients with TIA, although it was originally designed for patients with TIA.     

The efficacy and safety of intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase in the treatment of ischaemic stroke in a rural hospital

Background and purposeOngoing evaluation of the results of thrombolytic therapy in patients with ischaemic stroke (IS) in regions with different health care organization is absolutely crucial for making this method of treatment safer and efficient. The aim of this study was to analyse the efficacy and safety of treatment with intravenous alteplase in patients with acute IS in a rural hospital.Material and methodsBetween 2006 and 2011, 1392 patients with IS were treated (including 200 patients treated with alteplase; 14.37%). In patients treated with alteplase, we analysed the influence of several variables on the functional status after 3 months according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), case-fatality rate during 3 months after onset and symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH).ResultsIn the studied population, good outcome (mRS 0–2) at 3 months was related to younger age (p = 0.001), male sex (p = 0.02) and low scores (< 15 points) on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (p < 0.0001). Deaths within 3 months were related to older age (p = 0.027), female sex (p = 0.004), severity of stroke measured by NIHSS score (p < 0.0001) and presence of radiological signs of previous stroke in baseline computed tomography (CT) (p = 0.002). Patients with SICH had higher mean age (p = 0.014) and higher severity of neurological deficit measured on the NIHSS scale (p = 0.03).ConclusionsThe indications for intravenous thrombolysis in patients with IS should be strictly analysed so that the treatment is effective and safe especially in older patients, patients with greater severity of neurological symptoms and patients with old post-stroke lesions in baseline CT.     

Weekend versus weekday admissions in Polish stroke centres – could admission day affect prognosis in Polish ischaemic stroke patients?

Background and purposeDisparities in resources, access to the expertise and healthcare providers both at hospital and before admission, or patients’ awareness of stroke symptoms can cause differences in weekend and weekday stroke severity and prognosis. The aim of the study was to explore differences in baseline characteristics and outcomes of ischaemic stroke patients admitted on weekdays and weekends.Material and methodsA questionnaire based on the WHO Step Stroke and Swedish Stroke Registry was used to collect data on patients admitted to centres participating in the POLKARD Hospital Stroke Registry between June 1^st, 2004 and May 31^st, 2005. To ensure the quality, only centres reporting at least 100 patients were analysed. Clinical characteristics and early outcomes (death rate and poor outcome defined as modified Rankin scale score of 3 or above) were compared between patients admitted on weekdays and weekends.ResultsA total of 19667 ischaemic stroke patients, including 5924 admitted during weekends, were reported by 72 stroke centres. Weekend patients were older, more often disabled prior to stroke and more commonly presented with atrial fibrillation and coronary heart disease. Weekend patients were more likely to present consciousness disturbances at admission. More patients admitted on weekends died during hospitalization or had poor outcome at discharge than weekday patients (15.9% and 59.8% vs. 14.1% and 55.3%, respectively). After adjusting for baseline severity of stroke and case-mix, the regression model showed that weekend ischaemic stroke patients had worse prognosis (odds of 1.137 and 1.147 for death and poor outcome, respectively).ConclusionsAdmissions on weekends are associated with higher mortality and poor outcome, and that can be only partially explained by differences in baseline characteristics of admitted patients.     

Neuron-specific enolase and S 100B protein as predictors of outcome in ischaemic stroke

Background and purposeAs neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S 100B protein are brain origin proteins, the aim of this study was to assess whether a single NSE and S 100B measure may predict clinical outcome of patients with cerebral ischaemic infarct.Material and methodsSeventy-one patients with ischaemic stroke and 41 controls were studied. All patients had computed tomography of the brain performed after admission and on the third day and volume of the infarct was assessed by the volumetric method from the second examination. NSE and S 100B protein were analysed by immunochemiluminescence on the fourth day after admission. Clinical state of the patients was determined with the NIH stroke, Barthel and Rankin scales on admission, discharge from the hospital, and after one and 3 months from the onset of stroke.ResultsNSE levels in blood were significantly higher in stroke patients than in the control group – 36.9 ± 24.0 vs. 14.3 ± 9.7 μg/L. Also, the levels of the S 100B protein were significantly higher in the patient group (0.85 ± 1.74 vs. 0.10 ± 0.03 μg/L) but only the levels of S 100B protein correlated with the calculated size of the infarct (Spearman coefficient = 0.77). No such correlation was identified for NSE level (Spearman coefficient = 0.25).ConclusionsAlthough significant differences in NSE and S 100B levels between stroke patients and the control group were found, only S 100B protein level correlated with stroke volume, neurological status at admission and functional outcome. NSE did not correlate with stroke volume, neurological status or clinical outcome.     

The β-fibrinogen –455G/A gene polymorphism and the risk of ischaemic stroke in a Polish population

Background and purposeIschaemic stroke is considered to be multifactorial and interactions between environmental and genetic factors play an important role. Although vascular risk factors are well known, the genetic ones are still undiscovered. In the present study, we assessed the significance of the β-fibrinogen –455G/A gene polymorphism and the risk of ischaemic stroke in a Polish population.Material and methods426 ischaemic stroke patients classified according to stroke aetiologies (small vessel disease, large vessel disease or cardioembolic stroke) and 234 controls were included in the study. The association of the β-fibrinogen genotypes with ischaemic stroke was tested using logistic regression analysis under dominant, recessive or additive models of inheritance.ResultsThe allele and genotype distributions of the β-fibrinogen –455G/A gene polymorphism did not differ significantly between patients and controls (patients: G – 75%, GG – 56.6%, GA – 36.8%, AA – 6.6%; controls: G – 73.7%, GG – 57.3%, GA – 32.9%, AA – 9.8%; p > 0.05, χ²). In addition, logistic regression analysis adjusted for the known risk factors, i.e. hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes mellitus and smoking, did not show a role of the studied polymorphism in ischaemic stroke.ConclusionsThe β-fibrinogen –455G/A gene polymorphism is not a risk factor for ischaemic stroke in a Polish population.     

CD4+CD28− lymphocytes and ischaemic stroke. Part I: CD4+CD28− lymphocytes and common carotid artery intima-media thickness

Background and purposeMore and more data point to the involvement of the CD4⁺CD28^? lymphocyte subpopulation in the pathogenesis of ischaemic stroke. This paper attempts to answer the question of whether an increase in the percentage of CD4⁺CD28^? lymphocytes in the blood may be associated with carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT).Material and methodsThe study involved a group of 109 patients, aged 45 to 65 years, including 42 patients with first-ever ischaemic stroke, experiencing symptoms resulting from disturbances of the anterior area of cerebral circulation, arterial hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus (group 1). Group 2 consisted of 34 patients with above-mentioned risk factors but without ischaemic stroke. The control group comprised 33 healthy individuals. Distribution of sex and mean age was comparable. The IMT of carotid arteries was measured by ultrasonography. Flow cytometry was applied to determine the percentage of CD4⁺CD28^? lymphocytes in the peripheral blood.ResultsThe IMT was significantly greater in patients with stroke than in patients without stroke. No significant correlation was found between the proportion of CD4⁺CD28^? lymphocytes in the blood and the IMT of carotid arteries.ConclusionsThe significant proportion of CD4⁺CD28^? lymphocytes in patients with ischaemic stroke points to the involvement of the cells in the pathogenesis of stroke. The CD4⁺CD28^? lymphocytes are not involved in the pathomechanism of common carotid arteries IMT thickening in this group of patients.     

Decompressive craniectomy with clot evacuation in large hemispheric hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage

Introduction: Decompressive hemicraniectomy in large hemispheric infarctions has been reported to lower mortality and improve the unfavorable outcomes. Hematoma volume is a powerful predictor of 30-day mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Hematoma volume adds to intracranial volume and may lead to life-threatening elevation of intracranial pressure. Methods: Records of 12 consecutive patients with hypertensive ICH treated with decompressive hemicraniectomy were reviewed. The data collected included Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at admission and before surgery, ICH volume, ICH score, and a clinical grading scale for ICH that accurately risk-stratifies patients regarding 30-day mortality. Outcome was assessed as immediate mortality and modified Rankin Score (mRS) at the last follow-up. Results: Of the 12 patients with decompressive hemicraniectomy, 11 (92%) survived to discharge; of those 11, 6 (54.5%) had good functional outcome, defined as a mRS of 0 to 3 (mean follow-up: 17.13 months; range: 2–39 months). The mean age was 49.8 years (range: 19–76 years). Three of the 7 patients with pupillary abnormalities made a good recovery; of the 11 patients with intraventricular extensions (IVEs), 7 made a good recovery. The clinical finding (which was present in all 3 patients with mRS equal to 5 and which was not present in patients with mRS less than 5) was abnormal occulocephalic reflex. Of the 10 patients with an ICH score of 3,9 (90%) survived to discharge, 4 (44%) had good functional outcome (mRS: 1–3). Hematoma volume was 60 cm³ or greater in eight patients, four (50%) of whom had good functional outcome (mRS: 0–3). Conclusion: Decompressive hemicraniectomy with hematoma evacuation is life-saving and improves unfavorable outcomes in a select group of young patients with large right hemispherical ICH.     

Care for patients after stroke. Results of a two-year prospective observational study from Mazowieckie province in Poland

Background and purposeLittle has been published about different elements of the health services in long-term follow-up in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. The aim of this study was to explore the health services for stroke patients in Poland.Material and methodsPatients from 3 centres representing different levels of stroke care organization from Mazowieckie province were included. Data on first-ever stroke patients with “onset-to-door” time no longer than 7 days, consecutively admitted to participating centres between March 1 and June 30, 2002 were collected prospectively. Patients were assessed on admission, on discharge and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after discharge. Type of care, rehabilitation, readmissions, consultations and diagnostic procedures were evaluated.ResultsOne hundred and sixty-four patients with first-ever stroke were included. Twenty-one patients died during hospitalization, and 36 during the two-year follow-up. Most patients were discharged home, under family care. The total rate of readmission decreased over time, from 58% to 11%, and so did the rate of rehabilitation, from 41.5% to 15%. All patients had been seen by their general practitioners and neurologists.ConclusionsPost-stroke care is provided mostly by family members. Access to rehabilitation is limited and decreases over time. This study could help the authorities in healthcare budget allocation in Poland.     

Incidence and case fatality rates of first-ever stroke - comparison of data from two prospective population-based studies conducted in Warsaw

Background and purposeAccording to official statistics, the stroke mortality rate has remained high in Eastern European countries for a few decades. It has been shown that also in Poland stroke mortality failed to decline in the period 1984 to 1992. Since that time, stroke management in our country has changed, especially in the cities, where stroke units have been developed. The aim of the present study was to compare incidence and case fatality rates, estimated on the basis of two prospective population-based studies performed in Warsaw in 1991/1992 and 2005.Material and methodsIncidence rates and case fatality rates for the first-ever-in-a-lifetime stroke have been estimated on the basis of two population-based studies: the Warsaw Stroke Registry (population 182 649) conducted in 1991 and 1992, and the European Register of Stroke (population 120 186) – registration in 2005. In both studies data were standardized to the European population by the direct methods.ResultsContrary to the incidence rates, which did not change significantly between 1991/1992 and 2005, 30-day and 1-year case fatality rates decreased significantly from 43% to 14.9% and from 59.7% to 33.1%, respectively.ConclusionsComparison of data from two population-based prospective stroke registries showed that stroke case fatality and mortality significantly decreased. This may be associated with the better management of patients in the acute phase of stroke and implementation of secondary prevention strategies for stroke.     

Decompressive hemicraniectomy in severe cerebral venous thrombosis: a prospective case series

Small retrospective case series suggest that decompressive hemicraniectomy can be life saving in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) and impending brain herniation. Prospective studies of consecutive cases are lacking. Thus, a single centre, prospective study was performed. In 2006 we adapted our protocol for CVT treatment to perform acute decompressive hemicraniectomy in patients with impending herniation, in whom the prognosis with conservative treatment was considered infaust. We included all consecutive patients with CVT between 2006 and 2010 who underwent hemicraniectomy. Outcome was assessed at 12 months with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Ten patients (8 women) with a median age of 41 years (range 26-52 years) were included. Before surgery 5 patients had GCS < 9, 9 patients had normal pupils, 1 patient had a unilaterally fixed and dilated pupil. All patients except one had space-occupying intracranial hemorrhagic infarcts. The median preoperative midline shift was 9 mm (range 3-14 mm). Unilateral hemicraniectomy was performed in 9 patients and bilateral hemicraniectomy in one. Two patients died from progressive cerebral edema and expansion of the hemorrhagic infarcts. Five patients recovered without disability at 12 months (mRS 0-1). Two patients had some residual handicap (one minor, mRS 2; one moderate, mRS 3). One patient was severely handicapped (mRS 5). Our prospective data show that decompressive hemicraniectomy in the most severe cases of cerebral venous thrombosis was probably life saving in 8/10 patients, with a good clinical outcome in six. In 2 patients death was caused by enlarging hemorrhagic infarcts.     

Predictors of depressive symptoms in patients with stroke – a three-month follow-up

Background and purposeDepression is one of the most common post-stroke complications, which could impair rehabilitation outcome and quality of life, and could also increase mortality after stroke. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between demographic, socioeconomic and clinical (stroke risk factors, type of stroke, location of vascular lesion, cognitive functions) factors on the presence and severity of post-stroke depressive symptoms in patients after first ever stroke as well as on their social functioning.Material and methodsA prospective, cohort study with a three-month observation period was performed in seven centres. Severity of depressive symptoms was assessed with the help of a short, 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), 3 months after stroke onset.ResultsOn the basis of GDS (GDS ≤ 5 points or > 5 points) patients were allocated to a group without (n = 160) or with symptoms suggestive of depression (n = 82). The study groups did not differ with respect to age, sex or place of residence. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that independent predictors for the presence of symptoms suggestive of depression at 3 months after stroke were: low level of education, low income, greater severity of stroke, worse functional status, self-reported problems with daily-living activities and need of help in daily living activities. More than 60% of patients with depressive symptoms limited their social contacts. Patients with depressive symptoms were unsatisfied with their relations with life partners and friends.ConclusionsOur study showed a complex aetiology of post-stroke depressive symptoms with an important role of socioeconomic factors. Depressive symptoms after stroke worsen existing health, social and economic problems, and cause social isolation of patients.     

Caregiver burden after stroke: towards a structural model

Background and purposeStroke may impose a severe burden on both the patients and their caregivers. Although there is substantial literature relating to the adverse impact of stroke on patients, considerably less is known about its impact on their caregivers. The aim of this study was to analyse predictive factors of the overall burden in caregivers of stroke victims and to verify the structural model of burden, built on the basis of theoretical and empirical assumptions.Material and methodsOne hundred and fifty pairs of patients and their caregivers were evaluated. The Caregiver Burden Scale (CB), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC), Social Support Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, Barthel Index and Scandinavian Stroke Scale were all used to evaluate caregiver burden and the characteristics of patients and caregivers.ResultsThe caregivers experienced a moderate burden (mean CB = 2.08) and emotional distress (mean total HADS = 14.1). Path analysis showed that higher burden was associated with a lower SOC score, higher emotional distress, and lower patient's functional status. Higher emotional distress, in turn, was associated with lower SOC and lower patient's functional status. These results show that the burden and the degree of emotional disturbance are two distinct negative consequences of caregiving.ConclusionsThe negative consequences of caregiving depend mainly on the caregiver's intra-psychic factors and the patient's disability. Professional interventions should be targeted at enhancing caregivers’ ability to cope with stress, improving their caregiving skills and reducing the physical dependence of patients.     

Craniectomía descompresiva en el infarto maligno de arteria cerebral media: percepción familiar,resultados y factores pronósticos

ObjectiveThe prognosis of one hemisphere malignant infarction creates doubt among neurosurgeons about decompressive hemicraniectomy indication. What results are achieved in the short to medium term? Are families satisfied with the surgery once the patient is at home? In the present study, we analyze our experience in this matter during the last thirteen years.Material and methodsIn our review, twenty-one patients were included from 2004 to 2017, according to the protocol for the management of ischaemic stroke that is implemented in our institution. The relatives were interviewed by telephone. The functional outcome at discharge, 3 months, 1 year, and at present was measured using the modified Rankin scale (mRS).ResultsPatient age was shown to be directly related to the mRS (r = 0.56; p = 0.035) and 37.5% achieved a good outcome (mRS ≤ 3); 78.9% of the interviewed relatives would repeat the surgical decision.ConclusionsWe present a 21 patients group where the best outcome was achieved in patients ≤ 60 years old. The severe neurological sequelae in patients with malignant infarction subjected to decompressive hemicraniectomy are tolerated and accepted by most families to the benefit of survival. We must not let this family satisfaction hide the prognosis, having to contextualize it within the real ambulatory situation of the patients.     

Neurological recovery after decompressive craniectomy for massive ischemic stroke

Introduction: Decompressive craniectomy has demonstrated efficacy in reducing morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients with massive hemispheric cerebral infarction. However, little is known about the patterns of functional recovery that exist in patients after decompressive craniectomy, and controversy still exists as to whether craniotomy and infarct resection (“strokectomy”) are appropriate alternatives to decompression alone. We therefore used functional magnetic resonance imaging (f-MRI) to assess the extent and location of functional recovery in patients after decompressive craniectomy for massive ischemic stroke. Methods: f-MRI was obtained in three patients with massive nondominant cerebral infarction who had undergone decompressive craniectomy for severe cerebral edema 13 to 26 months previously. Brain activation was triggered by hand-gripping or foot-movement tasks. Imaging results were combined with periodic clinical follow-up to determine the extent of neurological recovery. Results: Activation of the contralateral hemisphere was seen in the sensorimotor cortex, premotor, and supplementary motor areas. Lesser activation patterns were seen in equivalent regions of the infarcted hemisphere. Peri-infarct activation foci were seen in two of the three patients, but no activation occurred within the area of infarction as defined by the initial stroke seen on diffusion-weighted MRI. All three patients demonstrated some corresponding neurological improvement. Conclusion: After massive hemispheric cerebral infarction requiring decompressive craniectomy, patients may experience functional recovery as a result of activation in both the infarcted and contralateral hemispheres. The evidence of functional recovery in peri-infarct regions suggests that decompression alone may be preferable to strokectomy where the risk of damage to adjacent nonischemic brain may be greater.     

急性缺血性脑卒中血管内治疗21例临床分析

目的探讨急性缺血性脑卒中血管内治疗的方法、疗效和安全性。方法回顾性分析血管内治疗的大血管闭塞的急性缺血性脑卒中患者21例。10例为阿替普酶静脉溶栓后桥接血管内治疗,11例直接行血管内治疗。其中机械取栓12例,机械取栓+支架植入3例,单纯颈动脉支架植入3例,机械取栓+动脉溶栓1例,机械取栓+动脉溶栓+支架植入1例,单纯动脉溶栓1例。评估术中mTICI再通等级、并发症及术后随访第90天m RS评分,分析疗效与安全性。结果21例患者前循环卒中18例,后循环卒中3例。NIHSS评分平均15. 81±6. 44分。20例患者术后血管再通达mTICI 2 b-3级。术中并发出血1例,术后大量颅内出血1例,无症状少量颅内出血4例。术后高灌注综合征8例,其中4例行去骨瓣减压术,最终死亡5例(23. 81%)。术后随访第90天mRS评分0～2分8例。结论经充分评估并及时采取适宜的单一或多种血管内治疗方法对于大血管闭塞导致的急性缺血性脑卒中患者安全有效。     

Intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke in patients not fully adhering to the European licence in Poland

Background and purposeThe European licence for alteplase excludes from thrombolysis large groups of acute stroke patients. The Polish licence was revised in 2010, but until then many patients could receive the treatment only off-label. Our aim was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of intravenous alteplase in Polish patients not fully adhering to the original European drug licence compared to patients treated strictly on-label.Material and methodsWe analysed all patient data contributed to the Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke registry from Polish centres between October 2003 and July 2009.ResultsOff-label thrombolysis was administered in 224/946 (23.7%) patients. The most frequent deviations were: use of intravenous antihypertensives (8.2%), age > 80 years (5.4%), time-to-treatment > 3 hours (4.5%), oral anticoagulation (4.2%), previous stroke with concomitant diabetes (2.1%), and previous stroke ≤ 3 months (1.5%). We found no differences in the ratio of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) according to SITS, ECASS and NINDS definitions. Adjusted odds for 3-month mortality were similar (OR 0.86, 95% CI: 0.51-2.41), excluding patients with previous stroke ≤ 3 months (OR 3.48, 95% CI: 0.96-12.7). Adjusted odds for death or dependency were slightly increased (OR 1.40, 95% CI: 0.92-2.13), especially in patients aged > 80 years (OR 2.80, 95% CI: 1.11-7.05), and with previous stroke ≤ 3 months (OR 4.07, 95% CI: 0.97-17.1).ConclusionsPolish stroke patients receiving off-label thrombolysis tended to achieve a less favourable outcome, but they were not at increased risk of sICH or death. Considering the current Polish license for alteplase, it may be reasonable to additionally stratify the risk in patients aged > 80 years or with previous stroke ≤ 3 months.     

Decompressive hemicraniectomy in a 2-year-old girl with a left middle cerebral artery infarct

Introduction We report on the case of a 2-year 5-month-old girl with congenital heart disease who developed left middle cerebral artery occlusion and cerebral hemorrhagic infarction a day after ventricular septal defect patch closure.Results Cranial computed tomography scan revealed an acute hemorrhagic infarct over the left middle cerebral artery territory with midline shift to the right. Since medical treatment failed, decompressive hemicraniectomy with duraplasty was performed, successfully reversing herniation. Decompressive surgery allows extracranial expansion of the swollen brain and relieves CSF space compression. We believe this to be the youngest reported patient to undergo decompressive hemicraniectomy for middle cerebral artery territory infarction. Although the patient survived, her functional outcome was poor.Conclusion Decompressive hemicraniectomy can be lifesaving and should be considered as an alternative therapy for patients with brain swelling refractory to medical management.     

Early rehabilitation of comatose patients after traumatic brain injury

Background and purposeAs a result of improvements in the rescue system and progress in intensive care therapy, an increasing number of patients have survived severe traumatic brain injury in recent years. Early and consistent administration of the correct rehabilitation programme is of crucial importance for the restoration and improvement of cerebral function, as well as social reintegration. This prospective study was conducted at the neurosurgical department of a university hospital to assess the one-year outcome of comatose patients after severe traumatic brain injury.Material and methodsTwenty-seven patients were included. Patients received multimodal early-onset stimulation and continuous inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation therapy. One-year outcome was assessed by means of the Glasgow Outcome Scale, Barthel Index, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and need of care.ResultsSeven patients died, 4 remained in a vegetative state, 7 were severely disabled, 6 were moderately disabled, and 3 achieved a good recovery 12 months after injury. Median Barthel Index was 65 and median FIM score was 84. The majority of patients were still at least intermittently dependent on care.ConclusionsDespite intensive rehabilitation treatment, severe traumatic brain injury is still burdened with significant mortality and morbidity.     

Stroke in patients with migraine

Background and purposeMigraine with aura (MA) is considered as a risk factor for ischaemic stroke. The present observational retrospective study compares migraine patients admitted for a documented stroke with those presenting focal neurological symptoms and headache without a demonstrable lesion and in which the final diagnosis was a migraine attack with aura.Material and methodsThe study included 14 migraine patients with a stroke and 37 without a stroke. The clinical characteristics, the vascular risk factors and the results of the technical examinations were compared.ResultsStroke occurred in migraine patients with aura as well as without aura. Classical vascular risk factors were rather rare. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) with or without atrial septum aneurysm appeared to be the main risk factor for stroke in patients with a history of migraine. Infarcts were mainly located in the supratentorial territory of the posterior cerebral circulation. Also some lobar haematomas were observed, but their aetiology remained uncertain. The strokes were generally mildly severe with good outcome. Hyperintense signals in the cerebral white matter and cerebellum, on T₂-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, were more frequent in the migraine patients with stroke.ConclusionsThe presence of PFO, rather than of MA, appeared to be the main risk factor for stroke patients with migraine. No direct relation between migraine and stroke could be demonstrated.