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Background Unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large‐vessel occlusions despite successful reperfusion have been associated with poor venous outflow. The objective of this study is to assess the relationship between prolonged venous transit (PVT), a novel perfusion imaging surrogate for poor venous outflow, and likelihood of favorable clinical recovery. Methods In this retrospective review of prospectively collected data of consecutive patients (2017–2022) with successfully reperfused, anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke caused by large‐vessel occlusions, we assessed the association between PVT+, defined as time to maximum ≧10‐second timing delays within either the posterior superior sagittal sinus, torcula, or both regions on pretreatment perfusion imaging, and favorable clinical outcomes defined as 90‐day modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2. Patients were dichotomized into PVT+ and PVT− for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analyses for favorable recovery were performed with demographic variables and stroke characteristics. Results A total of 127 consecutive patients (median age, 71 [interquartile range 61—77] years; 59.1% women) were included, and 40 of 127 (31.5%) were PVT+. PVT+ (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.23 [95% CI, 0.07–0.81]; P = 0.02) and advanced age (aOR, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.88–0.97]; P = 0.01) were significantly associated with the primary outcome. Conclusion PVT+ was associated with a lower likelihood of achieving favorable clinical recovery in successfully reperfused patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusion. PVT may serve as a clinically useful adjunctive imaging parameter.

Background Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a major complication in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treated with endovascular thrombectomy. However, HT in patients with AIS due to medium‐vessel occlusions has still not been well researched. In large‐vessel occlusions, collateral status is an important determinant of postprocedural HT, and the cerebral blood volume (CBV) index is a reliable surrogate of collateral status. The aim of our study is to identify an optimal CBV index threshold associated with HT in patients with AIS due to medium‐vessel occlusion and evaluate additional parameters that are independently associated with HT in this group. Methods This retrospective analysis of our prospectively collected database from 2 comprehensive stroke centers consisted of patients presenting with AIS due to medium‐vessel occlusion from 2019 to 2023. The primary outcome was the presence of HT on follow‐up imaging. Optimal CBV index cutoff for HT was derived from a univariate logistic regression analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis for HT was derived from the dichotomized CBV index and other covariates. The receiver operator characteristic curve yielded area under the curve. Statistical significance was P≤$ \le $0.05. Results Of 111 patients (median age, 70 years; 43.2% women) included, 26 (23.4%) patients had HT. The optimal CBV index cutoff was 0.7. From multivariable regression analysis, significant variables included prior stroke (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.18 [95% CI, 1.60–32.16]; P = 0.01), endovascular thrombectomy attempt (aOR, 7.86 [95% CI, 1.78–34.68]; P = 0.01), and CBV index (≤$ \le $ 0.7; aOR, 4.23 [95% CI, 1.02–17.59]; P = 0.04). The area under the curve was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.69–0.91). Conclusion A CBV index ≤$ \le $ 0.7 was independently associated with HT in patients with AIS due to medium‐vessel occlusion. Endovascular thrombectomy attempt and prior stroke history were also independently associated with HT in this population.

Abstract Objective Although small strokes typically result in “good” functional outcomes, significant cognitive impairment can occur. This longitudinal study examined a cohort of patients with minor stroke to determine the pattern of deficits, evolution over time, and factors associated with outcome. Methods Patients admitted to the hospital with their first clinical minor stroke (NIH Stroke Scale [NIHSS] ≤ 10, absence of severe hemiparesis, aphasia, or neglect) were assessed at 1 month post‐infarct, and a subset were followed over time (with 6‐ and 12‐month evaluations). Composite scores at each time point were generated for global cognition, verbal memory, spatial memory, motor speed, processing speed, and executive function. Paired t‐tests evaluated change in scores over time. Regression models identified factors associated with initial performance and better recovery. Results Eighty patients were enrolled, evaluated at 1 month, and prospectively followed. The average age of the participants was 62.3 years, and mean education was 13.5 years. The average stroke volume was 6.6 cc; mean NIHSS score was 2.8. At 1 month, cognitive scores were below the normative range and > 1 standard deviation below the patient's peak (“recovery”) score for every cognitive domain, strongly suggesting that they were well below patients’ prestroke baselines. Forty‐eight patients followed up at 6 months, and 39 at 12 months. Nearly all (98%) patients significantly improved in global cognition (averaged across domains) between 1 and 6 months. Between 6 and 12 months, recovery was variable. Higher education, occupational class, and Caucasian race were associated with higher recovery scores for most domains. Conclusions Cognitive impairment across multiple domains is common following minor stroke regardless of infarct location, suggesting a global process such as network dysfunction that improves over 6 months. Degree of recovery can be predicted using baseline factors.

Purpose: To characterize and predict early post-stroke cognitive impairment by describing cognitive changes in stroke patients 4–8 weeks post-infarct, determining the relationship between cognitive ability and functional status at this early time point, and identifying the in-hospital risk factors associated with early dysfunction.Materials and Methods: Data were collected for 214 patients with ischemic stroke and 39 non-stroke controls. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) exams were administered at post-hospitalization clinic visits approximately 4–8 weeks after infarct. MoCA scores were compared for patients with: no stroke, minor stroke [NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) < 5], and major stroke. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between MoCA score and functional status [modified Rankin Scale score (mRS)] at follow-up. Predictors of MoCA < 26 and < 19 (cutoffs for mild and severe cognitive impairment, respectively) at follow-up were identified by multivariable logistic regression using variables available during hospitalization.Results: Post stroke cognitive impairment was common, with 66.8% of patients scoring < 26 on the MoCA and 22.9% < 19. The average total MoCA score at follow-up was 18.7 (SD 7.0) among major strokes, 23.6 (SD 4.8) among minor strokes, and 27.2 (SD 13.0) among non-strokes (p = 6, and left-sided infarct predicted a follow-up MoCA < 26 (c-statistic 0.75); while admission NIHSS > 6 and infarct volume > 17 cc predicted a MoCA < 19 (c-statistic 0.75) at follow-up.Conclusion: Many patients experience early post-stroke cognitive dysfunction that significantly impacts function during a critical time period for decision-making regarding return to work and future independence. Dysfunction measured at 4–8 weeks can be predicted during the inpatient hospitalization. These high-risk individuals should be identified for targeted rehabilitation and counseling to improve longer-term post-stroke outcomes.

Abstract Background Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) after acute ischemic stroke carries the risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) may indicate increased risk of hemorrhage and can be seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, we examined the association between CMBs and sICH, focusing on the predictive value of their presence, burden, and location. Methods Records from all patients presenting to two academic stroke centers with acute ischemic stroke treated with IV tPA over a 5-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, medical, and imaging variables were evaluated. The presence, number, and location (lobar vs nonlobar) of CMBs were noted on gradient echo MRI sequences obtained during the admission. Univariable and multivariable statistical models were used to determine the relationship between CMBs and hemorrhagic (symptomatic and asymptomatic) transformation. Results Of 292 patients (mean age 62.8 years (SD 15.3), 49% African-American, 52% women), 21% (n = 62) had at least one CMB, 1% (n = 3) had > 10 CMBs, and 1% (n = 3) were diagnosed with probable cerebral amyloid angiopathy. After treatment, 16% (n = 46) developed hemorrhagic transformation, of which 6 (2%) were sICH. There was no association between CMB presence (p = .135) or location (p = .325) with sICH; however, those with a high CMB burden (> 10 CMB) were more likely to develop sICH (OR 37.8; 95% CI: 2.7–539.3; p = .007). Conclusions Our findings support prior findings that a high CMB burden (> 10) in patients with acute stroke treated with IV tPA are associated with a higher risk of sICH. However, the overall rate of sICH in the presence of CMB is very low, indicating that the presence of CMBs by itself should not dictate the decision to treat with thrombolytics.

Background: Stroke can occur in patients on warfarin despite anticoagulation. Patients with a low international normalized ratio (INR) should theoretically be at greater risk for ischemia than those who are therapeutic. Therefore, INR may be able to indicate whether new neurological deficits are more likely strokes or stroke mimics in patients on warfarin. This study evaluates the association and predictive value of INR in determining the likelihood of ischemia. Methods: Patients were identified using the acute stroke registry at a Primary Stroke Center from January 2013 through December 2014. All adult patients undergoing evaluation for acute stroke with prior documented use of warfarin and an INR level at presentation were included. Data were collected regarding patient demographics, medical comorbidities, stroke severity, reason for anticoagulation, and laboratory studies including INR. Student t tests and χ2 analysis were used to evaluate factors associated with increased likelihood of ischemia (stroke or transient ischemic attack) versus mimic. Significant results were entered into a multivariable regression analysis. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were conducted to determine the predictive value of INR for ischemic risk. Results: 116 patients were included; 46 were diagnosed with ischemia, 70 were diagnosed as mimics. 75% of patients were on warfarin for atrial fibrillation versus 25% for venous thrombosis. A statistically significant difference in mean INR for patients with ischemia (n = 46) versus mimics (n = 70) was observed (1.7 vs. 2.8; p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, both sub-therapeutic INR (p < 0.001) and atrial fibrillation (p = 0.014) were predictors of ischemia. In patients with an INR ≥2, the predictive value of having a non-ischemic etiology was 79%. No patient with an INR of ≥3.6 was found to have ischemia. Conclusions: Sub-therapeutic INR and atrial fibrillation are strongly associated with ischemia in patients on warfarin presenting with acute neurologic symptoms. Ischemia is far less likely in patients with an INR of ≥2 and rare in those with an INR ≥3.6. This study shows that the INR value of a patient on warfarin can help stratify patients’ risk for acute ischemic stroke and guide further neurologic imaging and workup.

Introduction: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) typically affects young patients and left untreated can result in hemorrhage or ischemic stroke. Though the disorder has been well characterized in the literature, the most appropriate way to diagnose, treat, and evaluate therapeutic response remains unclear. In previous studies, transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) has shown elevated velocities indicative of vasospasm. This imaging modality is noninvasive and inexpensive; an attractive option for diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring if it is sensitive enough to detect changes in the acute setting given that RCVS often affects the distal vessels early in the course of disease. There is also limited data that calcium channel blockade may be effective in treating vasospasm secondary to RCVS, though the agent of choice, formulation, and dose are unclear. Methods: We report a small cohort of seven patients presenting with thunderclap headache whose vascular imaging was consistent with RCVS. All were treated with calcium channel blockade and monitored with TCD performed every 1–2 days. Results: On presentation, TCD correlated with standard neuroimaging findings of vasospasm (on MR, CT, and conventional angiography). TCD was also able to detect improvement in velocities in the acute setting that correlated well with initiation of calcium channel blockade. Long-acting verapamil appeared to have the greatest effect on velocities compared to nimodipine and shorter-acting calcium channel blockers. Conclusion: Though small, our cohort demonstrates potential utility of TCD to monitor RCVS, and relative superiority of extended-release verapamil over other calcium channel blockers, illustrating the need for larger randomized trials.

BackgroundIntracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) carries high risk for short‐term mortality. We sought to identify race‐specific predictors of mortality in ICH patients. Methods and ResultsWe used 2 databases, the Johns Hopkins clinical stroke database and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). We included 226 patients with the primary diagnosis of spontaneous ICH from our stroke database between 2010 and 2013; in the NIS, 42 077 patients met inclusion criteria. Logistic regression was used to assess differences in predictors of mortality in blacks compared to whites. In our clinical stroke database, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS; P=0.016), ICH volume (P=0.013), intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH; P=0.023), and diabetes mellitus (P=0.037) were predictors of mortality in blacks, whereas GCS (P=0.007), ICH volume (P=0.005), age (P=0.002), chronic kidney disease (P=0.003), and smoking (P=0.010) predicted mortality in whites. Among patients with IVH, blacks had over 7 times higher odds of mortality compared to whites (odds ratio [OR], 7.27; P value for interaction, 0.017) and were more likely to present with hydrocephalus (OR, 2.76; P=0.026). In the NIS, black ICH patients had higher rates of external ventricular drain (EVD) placement compared to whites (9.7% vs 5.0%; P

Nonconvulsive status epilepticus can manifest as personality changes and psychosis. We report an 87-year-old right-handed male presenting with both Capgras syndrome and severe unilateral spatial neglect during nonconvulsive status epilepticus. After treatment of his seizures, his Capgras syndrome and hemispatial neglect resolved. This case illustrates a report of the confluence of Capgras syndrome and documented hemispatial neglect in nonconvulsive status epilepticus only reported once previously [1].

BACKGROUND:Up to 25% of acute stroke patients first note symptoms upon awakening. We hypothesized that patients awaking with stroke symptoms may be safely treated with intravenous alteplase (IV tPA) using non-contrast head CT (NCHCT), if they meet all other standard criteria. METHODS:The SAfety of Intravenous thromboLytics in stroke ON awakening (SAIL ON) was a prospective, open-label, single treatment arm, pilot safety trial of standard dose IV tPA in patients who presented with stroke symptoms within 0-4.5 hours of awakening. From January 30, 2013, to September 1, 2015, twenty consecutive wakeup stroke patients selected by NCHCT were enrolled. The primary outcome was symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) in the first 36 hours. Secondary outcomes included NIH stroke scale (NIHSS) at 24 hours; and modified Rankin Score (mRS), NIHSS, and Barthel index at 90 days. RESULTS:The average age was 65 years (range 47-83); 40% were women; 50% were African American. The average NIHSS was 6 (range 4-11). The average time from wake-up to IV tPA was 205 minutes (range 114-270). The average time from last known well to IV tPA was 580 minutes (range 353-876). The median mRS at 90 days was 1 (range 0-5). No patients had sICH; two of 20 (10%) had asymptomatic ICH on routine post IV tPA brain imaging. CONCLUSIONS:Administration of IV tPA was feasible and may be safe in wakeup stroke patients presenting within 4.5 hours from awakening, screened with NCHCT. An adequately powered randomized clinical trial is needed. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION:ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01643902.

Background: Hypertension damages small vessels, resulting in both lacunar infarction and subcortical intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Substance abuse has also been linked to small vessel pathology. This study explores whether the use of specific substances (eg., cocaine, tobacco) is associated with subcortical ICH over ischemia in hypertensive individuals.Methods: Patients with hypertension, admitted with lacunar infarcts (measuring 1 drink per day (women), >2 drinks per day (men). Logistic regression was performed with ICH as the dependent variable comparing those presenting with ICH to those presenting with ischemia.Results: Of the 580 patients included in analysis, 217 (37%) presented with ICH. The average age was similar between the two groups (64.7 versus 66.3 years). Illicit/controlled drug use was associated with a significantly increased risk of ICH over stroke in unadjusted models (25% versus 15%, p=0.02), with the largest effect seen in users ≥65 years old (not statistically significant). Smoking was associated with ischemia over ICH in a dose-dependent manner: any history of smoking OR 1.84, CI 1.19-2.84; current use OR 2.23, CI 1.37-3.62; heavy use OR 2.48, CI 1.50-4.13. Alcohol use was not preferentially associated with either outcome (p=0.29).Conclusions: In hypertensive patients, tobacco use is associated with an increased risk of subcortical ischemia compared to ICH; while use of illicit/controlled substances appears to be predictive of hemorrhage.

Objective: To compare how at-risk tissue and core infarction were defined in two major trials that tested the use of MRI in selecting acute stroke patients for endovascular recanalization therapy.Methods: MRIs from 12 patients evaluated for possible endovascular therapy were processed using the methods published from two major trials, MR RESCUE and DEFUSE 2. Specifically, volumes of at-risk tissue and core infarction were generated from each patient’s MRI. MRIs were then classified as to whether or not they met criteria for salvageable tissue: penumbral pattern for MR RESCUE and/or target profile for DEFUSE 2) as defined by each trial.Results: Volumes of at-risk tissue by the two definitions were correlated (p=0.017) while the volumes of core infarct were not (p=0.059). The volume of at-risk tissue was consistently larger when defined by the penumbral pattern than the target profile while the volume of core infarct was consistently larger when defined by the target profile than the penumbral pattern. When these volumes were used to classify the MRI scans, nine out of 12 patients (75%) were classified as having a penumbral pattern, while only 4 out of 12 patients (33%) were classified as having a target profile. Of the 9 patients classified as penumbral pattern, 5 (55%) were classified differently by the target profile.Interpretation: Our analysis found that the MR RESCUE trial defined salvageable tissue in a way which made it more likely for patients be labeled as favorable for treatment. For the cohort of patients examined in this study, had they been enrolled in both trials, most of the patients identified as having salvageable tissue by the MR RESCUE trial would not have been considered to have salvageable tissue in the DEFUSE 2 trial. Caution should be taken in concluding that MRI selection for endovascular therapy is not effective as imaging selection criteria were substantially different between trials.

Background Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) commonly presents in general hospital settings, posing challenges for healthcare professionals lacking specialised psychiatric training. The Neuro-11 Neurosis Scale (Neuro-11) offers promise in screening and evaluating psychosomatic symptoms, comprising 11 concise items across three dimensions: somatic symptoms, negative emotions and adverse events. Prior research has validated the scale’s reliability, validity and theoretical framework in somatoform disorders, indicating its potential as a valuable tool for SSD screening in general hospitals.Aims This study aimed to establish the reliability, validity and threshold of the Neuro-11 by comparing it with standard questionnaires commonly used in general hospitals for assessing SSD. Through this comparative analysis, we aimed to validate the effectiveness and precision of the Neuro-11, enhancing its utility in clinical settings.Methods Between November 2020 and December 2021, data were collected from 731 patients receiving outpatient and inpatient care at Shenzhen People’s Hospital in China for various physical discomforts. The patients completed multiple questionnaires, including the Neuro-11, Short Form 36 Health Survey, Patient Health Questionnaire 15 items, Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Hamilton Depression Scale. Psychiatry-trained clinicians conducted structured interviews and clinical examinations to establish a gold standard diagnosis of SSD.Results The Neuro-11 demonstrated strong content reliability and structural consistency, correlating significantly with internationally recognised and widely used questionnaires. Despite its brevity, the Neuro-11 exhibited significant correlations with other questionnaires. A test-retest analysis yielded a correlation coefficient of 1.00, Spearman-Brown coefficient of 0.64 and Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.72, indicating robust content reliability and internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the validity of the three-dimensional structure (p

Patients who receive intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for ischemic stroke are currently monitored in an intensive care unit (ICU) or a comparable stroke unit for at least 24 hours due to the high frequency of neurological exams and vital sign checks. The present study evaluates ICU needs in patients with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) negative MRI after IV tPA.A retrospective chart review was performed for 209 patients who received IV tPA for acute stroke. Data on stroke risk factors, physiologic parameters, stroke severity, MRI characteristics, and final diagnosis were collected. The timing and nature of ICU interventions, if needed, was recorded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with subsequent ICU needs.Patients with cerebral infarct on MRI after tPA had over 9 times higher odds of requiring ICU care compared to patients with DWI negative MRI (OR 9.2, 95% CI 2.49-34.15). All DWI negative patients requiring ICU care did so by the end of tPA infusion (p = 0.006). Among patients with DWI negative MRI, need for ICU interventions was associated with higher NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores (p

Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator is the mainstay for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke in patients presenting within 4.5 hours of symptom onset. Studies have demonstrated that treating patients early leads to improved long term outcomes. MR imaging currently allows quantification of the ischemic penumbra in order to better identify individuals most likely to benefit from intervention, irrespective of time last seen normal. Its increasing use in clinical practice has demonstrated individual differences in rate of infarction. One explanation for this variability is a difference in collateral blood flow. We report two cases that highlight the individual variability of infarction rate, and discuss potential underlying mechanisms that may influence treatment decisions and outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Post tPA patients are typically monitored in an intensive care unit (ICU) for at least 24 hours. However, rigorous evidence to support this practice is lacking. This study evaluates factors that predict ICU needs after IV thrombolysis. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for 153 patients who received intravenous tPA for acute ischemic stroke. Data on stroke risk factors, physiologic parameters on presentation, and stroke severity were collected. The timing and nature of an intensive care intervention, if needed, was recorded. Using multivariable logistic regression, we determined factors associated with requiring ICU care. RESULTS: African American race (Odds Ratio [OR] 8.05, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.65-24.48), systolic blood pressure, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (OR 1.20 per point increase, 95% CI 1.09-1.31) were predictors of utilization of ICU resources. Patients with an NIHSS≥10 had a 7.7 times higher risk of requiring ICU resources compared to patients who presented with an NIHSS