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Numerous studies report poorer outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in elderly patients than in non-elderly patients. We aimed to investigate the changes in neurological symptoms after MT in elderly patients.We included 151 patients with acute stroke who independently performed activities of daily living before admission, underwent MT at our hospital between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2021, and had successful recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction grade2b). The subjects were divided into two groups according to whether they were aged ≥80 years (elderly group) or80 years (non-elderly group), and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores and deep and subcortical white matter hyperintensity (DSWMH) grades were compared between both groups.There were 57 (38 %) and 94 (62 %) patients in the elderly and non-elderly groups, respectively. After propensity score matching, the median (interquartile range) NIHSS scores were significantly higher in the elderly group than in the non-elderly group at both 24 h (12 [5.5-19] vs 8; [2-14] P = 0.040) and 1 week (8 [3-12] vs 2.5 [0-13.5]; P = 0.041) after MT but not before MT (18 [13.5-22.5] vs 20 [14.5-24]; P = 0.549). DSWMH grades were significantly higher in the elderly group than in the non-elderly group (2 [1-3] vs 1 [0-2]; P = 0.018).MT in the elderly group was associated with poorer improvement in neurological symptoms from the early period after MT than in the non-elderly group, even when successful recanalization was achieved. White matter lesions may contribute to the poor neurological improvement after recanalization in the elderly group.

In real-world settings, many patients experience single or multiple recurrences of non-cardiogenic cerebral infarction, which is mainly caused by arteriosclerosis. These patients are treated according to set guidelines. While antiplatelet therapy is the standard treatment for preventing recurrence, this therapy alone is insufficient for full prevention of recurrence. Combining the administration of antiplatelet agents with the management of risk factors for recurrent cerebral infarction can maximize the preventive effects of these drugs.

A 62-year-old woman was transported to our hospital for management of generalized clonic seizures. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed an increased monocyte-dominant cell count, high protein concentration, and low glucose concentration that was 17% of the plasma glucose concentration. Contrast-enhanced cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed diffuse leptomeningeal enhancement with multiple nodular lesions. She underwent examinations that ruled out the following conditions: tuberculous meningitis, systemic sarcoidosis, malignant lymphoma, carcinomatous meningitis, and central nervous system vasculitis. On hospital day 13, dural and brain biopsies revealed neurosarcoidosis, for which steroid therapy was administered. Thereafter, imaging examinations showed marked improvement. Because isolated neurosarcoidosis is difficult to diagnose, early pathologic diagnosis may be essential.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common disease encountered in daily practice; however, few patients with AF received oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy. This study focused on differences in OAC prescriptions and influencing factors between specialists (neurological and cardiovascular) and non-specialists. A retrospective comparative analysis was conducted on 480 patients with acute cardioembolic stroke caused by non-valvular AF who were admitted to our hospital between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2020. All patients had visited our hospital or other hospitals for their underlying diseases. Overall, 232 (specialist group SG) and 248 patients (non-specialist group NSG) were examined by specialists and non-specialists, respectively. The NSG had a significantly lower percentage of OAC prescriptions on admission than the SG (P

Background: The choice of standard or reduced doses of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) depends on patients’ age, body weight, and renal function based on package instructions. Our aim was to conduct a simulation of DOAC dose using patients’ data obtained on admission. Methods: This retrospective study included 314 ischemic stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation admitted to our hospital between September 2014 and February 2018. Data on age, body weight, creatinine, and creatinine clearance were collected for each subject, and simulation was conducted for the dose of each DOAC. Results: The mean age of 314 subjects was 77.2 years; those aged 75 years or older accounted for 61.5% (193 patients). It was suggested that a standard dose of rivaroxaban could be used in 67.5% of patients and that of apixaban in 65.9%. By contrast, a standard dose of dabigatran could be used in only 16.9% of patients and that of edoxaban in only 32.5%. The simulation analysis for patients aged 75 years or older showed that a standard dose of rivaroxaban could be used in 54.9% of patients and that of apixaban in 44.6%, while that of edoxaban could be used in only 19.7% of patients. Conclusions: When DOACs are prescribed for secondary prevention of cerebral infarction in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, the rate of standard or reduced dose varies depending on the kind of DOAC. Further analysis is required to clarify whether a standard dose of one DOAC or reduced dose of another DOAC yields the best result for each patient.

Background Anticoagulant therapy is indicated for management of ischemic stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. We retrospectively investigated how oral anticoagulants were selected for ischemic stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Methods This study included 297 stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation admitted to our hospital between September 2014 and December 2017, and who were subsequently transferred to other institutions or discharged home. Baseline clinical characteristics were compared between patients prescribed warfarin and those prescribed direct-acting oral anticoagulants. Results In total, 280 of 297 (94.3%) patients received oral anticoagulant therapy, including 36 with warfarin, while 244 received direct oral anticoagulants. Age, percentage of heart failure, CHADS2 score before stroke onset, percentage of treatment with warfarin on admission, percentage of feeding tube at hospital discharge, and modified Rankin Scale at hospital discharge were significantly higher in the warfarin group versus the direct oral anticoagulants group, while creatinine clearance was significantly higher in the direct oral anticoagulant group. By multiple logistic regression, taking warfarin at admission and higher modified Rankin Scale at hospital discharge were associated with warfarin selection, while higher creatinine clearance was associated with direct oral anticoagulant selection (warfarin: odds ratio [OR] 7.10 [95% confidence interval {CI} 2.83-17.81]; modified Rankin Scale at hospital discharge: [OR] 1.47 [95% {CI} 1.06-2.04]; creatinine clearance: [OR] .97 [95% {CI} .95-.99]). Conclusions Selection of oral anticoagulants in acute ischemic stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation was influenced by warfarin use at admission, clinical severity at hospital discharge, and renal function.

This study aimed to determine whether oral anticoagulant therapy affects the severity of cerebral infarction at onset in elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.This retrospective study included 330 elderly patients (aged ≥75 years) who were hospitalized for cardioembolic stroke due to non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Patients' medical history, stroke severity at onset (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score), and the prevalence of large vessel occlusion were compared between patients who received oral anticoagulant therapy (n = 109) and those who did not receive oral anticoagulant therapy (n = 221).Stroke severity was significantly lower in patients who received anticoagulants than in those who did not receive anticoagulants (6 versus 12; P = 0.021). Patients who did not receive anticoagulants had a significantly higher prevalence of large vessel occlusion (52% versus 37%; P = 0.010). After resampling based on propensity score matching, both median stroke severity (7 versus 12; P = 0.046) and large vessel occlusion prevalence (36% versus 57%; P = 0.019) were significantly lower in patients who received anticoagulant therapy.The results of this study suggest that elderly patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation who are administered oral anticoagulant therapy before the onset of cerebral infarction develop less severe stroke than those who are not receiving oral anticoagulant therapy. Thus, oral anticoagulant therapy should be actively considered in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation as it does not only prevents cerebral embolism, but also reduces the risk of severe sequelae.

Background Neuroendovascular therapy is a common treatment for patients with acute ischemic stroke of the anterior circulation who fail to respond to recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. However, although most hospitals can provide recombinant tissue plasminogen activator therapy, many cannot perform neuroendovascular therapy. Thus, use of a drip-and-ship treatment-liaison system allowing recombinant tissue plasminogen activator-treated patients to be transferred to facilities offering neuroendovascular therapy is important. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 16 drip-and-ship patients transferred to our hospital for additional neuroendovascular therapy after they received intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator at prior hospitals between June 2009 and March 2017. Results The mean patient age was 68 ± 17 years. Ten patients had cardiogenic embolism and 6 had atherothrombosis. Additional neuroendovascular therapy was performed in 14 patients. Median National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and diffusion-weighted image-Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Scores before recombinant tissue plasminogen activator therapy were 14 and 8, respectively. Occluded or stenotic lesions of the cerebral arteries were detected by magnetic resonance angiography in the internal carotid artery (n = 4), middle cerebral artery (n = 10), and basilar artery (n = 3) (1 patient had tandem lesions). Mean intervals from onset-to-recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator-to-our hospital (door), door-to-puncture, and onset-to-recanalization were 166, 65, 32, and 334 minutes, respectively. No patients showed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Conclusions Magnetic resonance imaging/angiography performed in previous hospitals allows initiation of reperfusion therapy immediately after transfer. Thus, drip-and-ship plus neuroendovascular therapy is a safe and useful system for treatment of patients with acute infarcts.

Background The accessory middle cerebral artery (AMCA) is a middle cerebral artery (MCA) anomaly originating from the anterior cerebral artery. We report our experience of a case in which thrombectomy was undertaken for a patient with hemodynamics that were specific to the AMCA. Case Presentation An 84‐year‐old man with a history of atrial fibrillation developed paralysis of the left upper and lower extremities. Imaging examinations suggested tandem occlusion of the right internal carotid artery and the origin (M2 segment) of the right MCA. An extremely narrow MCA was visualized. Because there was concern regarding development of frontal lobe infarction, thrombectomy was carried out to restore anterograde blood flow, but an AMCA was found. Recanalization of the main MCA in the infarction zone resulted in hemorrhagic infarction, and the patient died of cerebral herniation. Conclusion When a vascular variation like AMCA is suspected, a careful evaluation of hemodynamics is necessary before undertaking endovascular intervention., The accessory middle cerebral artery is a middle cerebral artery anomaly originating from the anterior cerebral artery. A rare case in which thrombectomy was undertaken for a patient with hemodynamics that were specific to an accessory middle cerebral artery is reported.

Objective Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) following intravenous administration of recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (IV-rt-PA) is considered an effective treatment for the occlusion of the internal carotid artery or the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery. However, its efficacy in treating basilar artery (BA) occlusion is still unclear. In order to evaluate the efficacy of MT in treating BA occlusion, we aimed to analyzed the clinical outcomes of those patients who had undergone MT following IV-rt-PA administration. Patients and methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes of 11 patients with BA occlusion who had undergone MT following IV-rt-PA administration between January 1, 2015, and March 31, 2019. Results The patients consisted of 8 men and 3 women. The mean (±standard deviation) age was 73 ± 9.4 years. Stroke subtypes were found to be atherothrombosis in 2 patients, cardiogenic embolism in 6, arterial dissection in 1, and an unknown cause in 2. The median pretreatment scores were 9 on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and 25 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. The time elapsed from onset of the stroke to reperfusion was 281 min. Successful reperfusion, characterized by a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade ≥ 2b, was achieved in all patients. The 3-month outcomes were good [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2] in 5 patients and poor (mRS 3–6) in 6 patients. The pretreatment median GCS scores were significantly higher in patients with a good outcome compared to that in those with a poor outcome with scores of 11 and 7.5, respectively (P = 0.044). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off score on the GCS was 9.5 [area under the curve (AUC), 0.867; sensitivity, 0.8; specificity, 1.0]. Complications occurred in 1 patient with arterial dissection who had developed a subarachnoid hemorrhage and later died. Conclusion The results of the present study suggests that the pretreatment GCS score might affect the clinical outcomes in patients with BA occlusion who underwent MT following IV-rt-PA therapy.

Background Anticoagulant therapy is used for preventing cerebral infarction in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, in clinical practice, many patients with NVAF are not prescribed oral anticoagulants (OACs). In this study, we retrospectively investigated the prescription status of OACs at the time of stroke onset and factors associated with drug prescription. Methods We studied patients with cerebral infarction with persistent NVAF who were admitted to our hospital between January 1 2015 and December 31, 2018. A total of 245 patients who had a CHADS2 score of 1 or higher and were receiving outpatient care for any underlying disease were included as subjects in this study. Results Overall, 104 of the 245 (42.4 %) patients received OAC therapy. The percentage of heart failure, percentage of previous cerebral infarction, CHADS2 score before stroke onset, and percentage of specialists (cardiovascular or neurological specialists) were significantly higher in the OAC therapy group than in the non-OAC therapy group. Age was older, and percentages of female sex, dementia, and patients receiving antiplatelet drugs on admission were significantly higher in the non-OAC therapy group than in the OAC therapy group. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that previous cerebral infarction and specialists were associated with OAC therapy, whereas dementia and antiplatelet drugs on admission were associated with non-OAC therapy [cerebral infarction: odds ratio (OR) 6.926, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.742–27.541; specialists: OR 3.209, 95 % CI 1.694–6.080; dementia: OR 0.237, 95 % CI 0.067–0.831; and antiplatelet drug: OR 0.029, 95 % CI 0.007–0.114]. Conclusion Our findings indicate that OAC prescription is affected by a previous history of cerebral infarction, a history of dementia, concurrent use of antiplatelet drugs, and whether the patient visits a specialist.

Background and Purpose— We investigated whether administration of edaravone, a free radical scavenger, before or during tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) can enhance early recanalization in a major arterial occlusion. Methods— The YAMATO study (Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator and Edaravone Combination Therapy) is an investigator-initiated, multicenter (17 hospitals in Japan), prospective, randomized, and open-label study. Patients with stroke secondary to occlusion of the M1 or M2 portion of the middle cerebral artery and within 4.5 hours of the onset were studied. The subjects were randomly allocated to the early group (intravenous edaravone [30 mg] was started before or during tPA) and the late group (edaravone was started after tPA and the assessment of early recanalization). Results— One-hundred sixty-five patients (96 men; median age [interquartile range], of 78 [69–85] years) were randomized 1:1 to either the early group (82 patients) or the late group (83 patients). Primary outcome, defined as an early recanalization 1.5 hour after tPA, was observed in 53% of the early group and in 53% of the late group ( P =1.000). About secondary outcomes, the rate of significant recanalization of ≥50% was not different between the 2 groups (28% versus 34%; P =0.393). The symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage has occurred in 4 patients (5%) in the early group and in 2 patients (2%) in the late group ( P =0.443). The favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2) at 3 months was also similar between the groups (53% versus 57%; P =0.738). Conclusions— The timing of edaravone infusion does not affect the rate of early recanalization, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, or favorable outcome after tPA therapy. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index-j.htm . Unique identifier: UMIN000006330.

An 85-year-old woman hospitalized for rehabilitation after cerebral infarction developed persistent bloody diarrhea and was transferred to our hospital (day 1). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen showed edematous thickening extending from the left side of the transverse colon to the rectum, with decreased mucosal enhancement. She was diagnosed with ischemic enteritis. She fasted and was treated with fluids and antibiotics. The bloody diarrhea stopped, and she was restarted on the direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) edoxaban on day 5. Endoscopy on day 11 showed linear ulceration and severe mucosal edema in the rectum. The diarrhea was persistent, so fasting and fluid therapy were continued. A blood test on day 18 showed significant prolongation of the prothrombin time (≥100 s), International Normalized Ratio (14.03), and activated partial thromboplastin time (87.5 s), as well as a significant increase in protein induced by vitamin K absence-II (12,469 mAU/mL). Her condition was diagnosed as a coagulation abnormality due to vitamin-K deficiency. A vitamin-K preparation was administered immediately, and her coagulation abnormality improved rapidly. In general, DOACs do not require routine monitoring with blood tests. However, frequent monitoring of the coagulation function is required in fasting patients on DOACs because acute coagulation abnormalities can be induced rapidly by vitamin-K deficiency. Given that non-valvular atrial fibrillation and ischemic enteritis are among the most prevalent diseases affecting older people, the likelihood of encountering these diseases in daily clinical practice will increase with the aging of the population. We herein report this instructive case suggesting that a severe coagulation abnormality may develop during treatment for ischemic enteritis in older people taking a DOAC.

AIM As the number of aged stroke patients increases in Japan, the proportion of older patients who receive recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA, 0.6 mg/kg) is also rising. However, the Japanese stroke guideline indicates that rt-PA therapy must be administered very carefully in older patients (i.e. ≥81 years of age) because of serious complications after the therapy. We retrospectively assessed the clinical outcomes of rt-PA therapy in older patients. METHODS This study included 321 patients who received rt-PA therapy for acute cerebral infarction at our hospital between April 2007 and April 2017. The outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score at 3 months after treatment) and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhaging (sICH) were compared and analyzed between patients ≥81 years of age (group A) and those

Background: Cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) following cerebrovascular accident (CVA) have rarely been reported. Methods: Case report and literature review. Results: We describe the case of a 58-year-old, right-handed man developed OCD 17 months after stroke resulting from lesion of the right middle cerebral artery infarction. The patient was successfully treated with sertraline up to 50 mg per day. His OCD behaviors largely reduced in 6 weeks, and the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale score was reduced from 29 to 12 in 1 year. A literature review revealed 21 previous cases of OCD following CVA. Among these, consistent with our case, the basal ganglia was the most common site of the lesion responsible for the development of this rare disorder. We discuss the patient's treatment and outcomes. Conclusions: Our present case and a literature review suggest that OCD can manifest following CVA, although further studies are necessary. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors appear to be effective in treating this rare disorder.

We herein report three ischemic stroke patients who underwent emergency carotid artery stenting after receiving intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) treatment. All patients received antiplatelet medications immediately before stent placement for loading as well as dual antiplatelet therapy after stenting. Under high-dose and dual antiplatelet therapy, none of the three patients showed symptomatic intracranial hemorrhaging. However, one case showed reocclusion of the placed stent after acute thrombosis. As a result, new treatment strategies for the use of antiplatelet agents during emergency stent placement must be developed, particularly for patients who have received intravenous t-PA therapy.

Background Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is considered a rare cause of stroke partly because it is not detected if the platelet count is not elevated. However, early detection of ET is important because thrombosis can recur frequently, unless adequately treated. Methods We retrospectively collected data from 10 stroke cases with ET. Clinical characteristics, location of stroke, laboratory data (platelet and leukocyte count, hemoglobin, and JAK2 V617F mutation), and treatment were reviewed. Results The population consisted of 7 women and 3 men aged 18-83 years. Most patients had atherosclerotic risk factors. Half of the patients had a history of ischemic stroke. In 8 patients, ischemic stroke was the first manifestation of ET. Of 13 acute cerebrovascular events, 4 were transient ischemic attacks and 9 were cerebral infarctions. Three patients presented with watershed-type infarcts without large artery stenosis. Two patients had atherosclerotic stenosis of the large artery and experienced atherothrombotic infarction. The mean platelet count was 966 ± 383 × 109/L. JAK2 V617F mutation was found in 5 of 7 patients. Despite treatment with combined antiplatelet and cytoreductive therapy in all patients, 3 experienced recurrent ischemic stroke. Conclusions These findings suggest that ET is an adjunctive risk factor for stroke and the patients with ET are subject to watershed-type infarcts even in the absence of large artery stenosis. Early diagnosis of ET and strict management of vascular risk factors may help prevent additional cerebrovascular events.

Background An intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA, alteplase .6 mg/kg) for acute cerebral infarction within 3 hours of onset was approved in Japan in 2005. The treatment window was subsequently extended to within 4.5 hours of onset. However, few Japanese studies have compared the efficacy and safety of rt-PA therapy between patients treated within 3 hours and patients treated within 3-4.5 hours. Methods This study included 323 patients who received rt-PA for acute cerebral infarction within 3 hours or 3-4.5 hours between April 2007 and March 2017. Patients' characteristics, outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score at 3 months), and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) were retrospectively investigated. Results Of the 323 patients, 219 were treated within 3 hours and 104 were treated at 3-4.5 hours. Among patients receiving rt-PA alone, 154 were treated within 3 hours (3-hour group), and 69 were treated at 3-4.5 hours (3–4.5-hour group). There was no difference in the sICH rate (3.9% versus 4.3%, respectively; P = 1.00) or mRS score of 0-1 (38.3% versus 40.6%, respectively; P = .76) between these groups. In patients receiving additional neuroendovascular therapy, 65 were in the 3-hour group and 35 were in the 3–4.5-hour group. There was no significant difference in the sICH rate (1.5% versus 0%, respectively; P = 1.00) or mRS score of 0-1 (30.8% versus 31.4%, respectively; P = 1.00) between these groups. Conclusions Low-dose rt-PA treatment from either 3 or 3-4.5 hours after acute cerebral infarction has the same efficacy and safety.

Isolated brain infarction in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territory is rare, and its etiology has not yet been fully elucidated. Thus, we aimed to determine the etiologic and clinical characteristics of patients with isolated ACA territory infarction due to arterial dissection.Of 2315 patients with acute cerebral infarction admitted to our hospital between April 2007 and September 2013, 34 patients (1.5%; 28 men, 6 women; mean age, 65 ± 15 years) suffered isolated ACA territory infarction. We performed cranial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and MR angiography for all the patients. Whenever possible, we also performed 3-dimensional computed tomography angiography, digital subtraction angiography, and MR cisternography to diagnose the stroke subtype.The stroke subtypes of the 34 patients with isolated ACA territory infarction were atherothrombotic infarction, cardioembolic infarction, arterial dissection, and unclassified in 11 patients (32%), 11 patients (32%), 11 patients (32%), and 1 patient (3%), respectively. The mean ages at onset were 48 ± 9 and 72 ± 11 years in the dissection and nondissection groups, respectively (P.001). Headaches were present at onset in 4 patients (36%) and 1 patient (4%) with and without dissection, respectively (P = .026). Blood pressure at onset was significantly higher among patients with dissection (systolic, 179 ± 34 mm Hg; diastolic, 102 ± 17 mm Hg) than among patients without dissection (systolic, 155 ± 30 mm Hg; diastolic, 86 ± 21 mm Hg; P.05), and d-dimer values were significantly lower among patients with dissection (P = .034). Favorable clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2) at discharge was achieved in 9 patients (82%) and 10 patients (43%) with and without dissection, respectively (P = .035).Patients with isolated ACA territory infarction demonstrated a relatively high frequency of dissection (32%). Patients with dissection were younger, had a higher frequency of headaches, and demonstrated more favorable prognoses than patients without dissection.

We compared the clinical outcomes of persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in patients with cardioembolic stroke caused by nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) because the nature of the fibrillation can cause persistent cerebral infarction.We classified 619 of 964 patients hospitalized with cardioembolic stroke between April 2007 and December 2013 within 24 hours of onset as having PeAF (n = 447) and PAF (n = 172) according to a retrospective analysis of their clinical records, including National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores on admission, clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] scores) at 90 days after admission, and major cerebral artery occlusion.The PeAF group was significantly older (P.001) and had a higher prevalence of hypertension (P = .007), diabetes (P = .039), heart failure (P = .004), previous coronary artery disease (P = .002) and cerebral infarction (P.001), medication with anticoagulants (P.001), and elevated blood glucose on admission (P = .002). Neurologic severity assessed by NIHSS scores on admission was significantly worse in the PeAF than in the PAF group (P.001). Significantly more patients in the PAF group had favorable outcomes (mRS, 0-2) after 90 days (P.001). The incidence of major cerebral artery occlusion was significantly higher in the PeAF group (P.001).Patients with PeAF and cardioembolic stroke due to NVAF had more severe neurologic deficits on admission, more frequent major arterial occlusion, and poorer outcomes than those with PAF.

Summary Objective Recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities of the pulvinar in patients with epilepsy have received greater attention, but their occurrence and features have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the clinical and radiological features of patients with epilepsy who presented MRI abnormalities of the pulvinar. Patients and methods We retrospectively investigated 225 consecutive patients who came to our institute because of seizures and underwent an MRI within 24 h. The patients who exhibited pulvinar MRI abnormalities, their profile, seizure type, efficacy of medication, and chronological changes of MRI findings were examined. Results Out of the 225 patients who underwent MRI within 24 h of seizure, 17 exhibited MRI abnormalities of the pulvinar. All of these 17 patients presented status epilepticus. Bilateral pulvinar diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) hyperintensity was observed in 3 patients and unilateral pulvinar DWI hyperintensity in the other 14. Out of these 14 patients, 7 exhibited DWI hyperintensity in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex, and 10 patients presented an old lesion due to stroke or trauma. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that the involvement of the pulvinar in status epilepticus is more frequent than expected and consisted of unilateral or bilateral DWI hyperintensities that may completely normalize. These pulvinar MRI abnormalities possibly reflect the epileptogenic hyperexcitation of different cortical areas through their connections with the pulvinar.

Background Previous studies show that 6%-31% of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) were caused by cardiogenic cerebral embolism (cardioembolic TIA). As prompt initiation of therapy is essential in TIA to prevent subsequent strokes, determining their cause is important. In this study, we aim to determine the features of cardioembolic TIA and to compare them with those of noncardioembolic etiology. Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients with a tissue-defined TIA who were admitted to our hospital from April 2007 to August 2013. The etiology was categorized according to Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment, and TIA of cardioembolic origin and cervicocerebrovascular etiology (noncardioembolic TIA) were included in this study. Those with 2 or more possible causes or undetermined etiologies were excluded. Age, sex, comorbidities, ABCD2 score, and CHADS2 score were assessed and compared between the 2 groups. Results There were no significant differences in the neurologic symptoms and their duration, morbidities of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia between the 2 groups. Coronary and peripheral artery diseases were more common in the cardioembolic TIA group (18.4% vs. 6.9%). Incidences of prior stroke and cerebral infarction determined by MRI were similar between the 2 groups. The ABCD2 score showed a similar distribution, but the CHADS2 score was significantly different; the cardioembolic TIA group showed a higher score ( P = .005). Conclusions Clinical features are similar in tissue-defined TIA of cardioembolic and noncardioembolic etiologies. The CHADS2 score can be useful in assessing the probability of cardioembolic TIA.

Background We investigated the effect of rosuvastatin, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, on serum lipids and arteriosclerosis in dyslipidemic patients with cerebral infarction. Methods The subjects were 24 patients with noncardiogenic cerebral infarction complicated by dyslipidemia (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] ≥ 140 mg/dL). Serum lipids and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured at the start of the study and at 3 and 12 months after the initiation of oral rosuvastatin (5 mg/day). Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), intima-media thickness (IMT), and plaque score (PS) were also determined at the start of the study and at 12 months. Results Of the 24 patients admitted, 17 were eligible for statistical analysis. Total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, and non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non–HDL-C) (mean [standard deviation {SD}], mg/dL) were significantly decreased at 3 months (TC, 149.4 [20.4]; LDL-C, 78.7 [18.6]; non–HDL-C, 94.6 [21.7]) and at 12 months (TC, 154.9 [27.2]; LDL-C, 82.5 [23.3]; non–HDL-C, 100.2 [28.8]) compared with the baseline data (TC, 232.8 [29.7]; LDL-C, 162.2 [21.2]; non–HDL-C, 183.0 [27.7]). The serum hs-CRP level (mean [SD], ng/mL) was 1053.1 [818.8] at baseline, 575.2 [481.8] at 3 months, and 488.1 [357.7] at 12 months. The decrease in this parameter at 12 months was statistically significant. There was a decrease, although not statistically significant, in CAVI (mean [SD]) at 12 months (right [Rt.] 8.7 [.9]; left [Lt.] 8.6 [1.0]), compared with baseline (Rt. 9.1 [1.1]; Lt. 9.0 [1.1]). The max-IMT (mean [SD], mm) was (Rt. 2.11 [.97]; Lt. 2.01 [.75]) at baseline and (Rt. 2.18 [.82]; Lt. 2.06 [.79]) at 12 months of study treatment. The PS (mean [SD], mm) was 8.93 [4.33] at baseline and 9.61 [4.79] at 12 months; neither parameter showed a significant change. Conclusions Rosuvastatin at 5 mg/day significantly reduced serum levels of TC, LDL-C, non–HDL-C, and hs-CRP in dyslipidemic patients with cerebral infarction. No significant change in CAVI, max-IMT, or PS was noted after the study treatment.

The presence or absence of the penumbra area is important when performing reperfusion therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke. As a predictor of this penumbra area, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)-diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) mismatch is attracting attention. The usefulness of MRA-DWI mismatch (MDM) using the DWI-Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) in endovascular treatment (EVT) of patients with cerebral large vessel occlusion was evaluated.Of 1442 patients registered in the Recovery by Endovascular Salvage for Cerebral Ultra-acute Embolism-Japan Registry between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011 who presented to the hospital within 24 hours of the onset of acute cerebral infarction because of cerebral large vessel occlusion, 188 patients who had internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery occlusion and achieved recanalization with EVT were included. Of these, 71 patients underwent intracranial EVT because intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator therapy was ineffective. The associations between the presence or absence of MDM (MDM-positive [MDM-P], DWI-ASPECTS≥6; MDM-negative [MDM-N], DWI-ASPECTS6) and 90-day prognosis (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) were examined.Of the 188 patients analyzed, the time from symptom onset to admission was within 3 hours in 143 patients, 3-8 hours in 36 patients, and 8 hours or more in 9 patients. The time from the onset was within 3 hours in 118 patients in the MDM-P and 25 patients in the MDM-N cases. Favorable outcomes (mRS score≤2 at 90 days) were seen in 63 patients (53.4%) in the MDM-P group and 7 patients (28.0%) in the MDM-N group, showing a significantly more favorable clinical outcome in the MDM-P group (P=.027). The incidence of sICH was significantly lower in the MDM-P group (MDM-P group 3.4%, MDM-P group 20.0%; P=.009). The time from the onset was 3-8 hours in 29 patients in the MDM-P group and in 7 patients in the MDM-N group. Favorable outcomes were seen in 12 patients (41.4%) in the MDM-P group and 2 patients (28.6%) in the MDM-N group, with no significant difference between the 2 groups. No patients had sICH. The patients admitted 8 hours or more after the onset were all MDM-P. Five patients (55.6%) had a favorable outcome.This study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of EVT in MDM-P patients within 3 hours of symptom onset. Although the ratio of patients who had a favorable outcome was high in the MDM-P patients admitted 3-8 hours after the onset, the difference was not significant.

Objective The associations between the CHADS2 score/ CHA2DS2-VASc score, and the presence of cerebral vessel occlusion on admission were examined in cardioembolic stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Methods The subjects were 546 consecutive patients hospitalized between April 2007 and December 2012 with onset of cardioembolic stroke associated with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation within 24 h. The associations between the CHADS2 score/CHA2DS2-VASc score and the presence of occluded cerebral vessels on magnetic resonance angiography were evaluated retrospectively. Occluded cerebral vessels were classified into the internal carotid artery, middle cerebral artery (M1, M2), basilar artery, and other (anterior cerebral artery [A1], posterior cerebral artery [P1], vertebral artery). Results Major artery occlusion was seen in 52% of patients with CHADS2 score 0, 52% of patients with score 1, 57% with score 2, 75% with score 3, and 75% with score ≥4. As for the CHA2DS2-VASc score, major artery occlusion was seen in 62% of patients with score 0, 49% with score 1, 53% with score 2, 53% with score 3, 65% with score 4, 71% with score 5, and 82% with score ≥6. The incidence of concurrent major arterial occlusion increased as both scores rose. When classified by occluded blood vessel, the incidence of concurrent internal carotid artery occlusion increased as both the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores increased. Conclusion As the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASs scores increased, the incidence of concurrent major arterial occlusion, particularly internal carotid artery occlusion, increased in patients with cardioembolic stroke associated with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation.

Background Whether the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score reflects severity or clinical outcomes in patients with an initial cardioembolic stroke associated with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NAVF) was investigated. Methods This study included 327 patients hospitalized between April 2007 and March 2012 for an initial cardioembolic stroke associated with NVAF with no history of stroke. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission and clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score after 90 days) were retrospectively evaluated according to the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score. Results CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores were 0, 3.1%; 1, 9.1%; 2, 24.5%; 3, 26%; 4, 20.8%; 5, 14.4%; and 6, 2.1%. The median NIHSS scores for CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores of 0-6 were 4.5, 8, 8, 10, 11, 17, and 23, respectively. Severity differed according to the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score. The clinical outcomes according to the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores were as follows: score 0, mRS scores of 0-2 (80%) and 3-6 (20%); score 1, mRS scores of 0-2 (80%) and 3-6 (20%); score 2, mRS scores of 0-2 (64%) and 3-6 (36%); score 3, mRS scores of 0-2 (48%) and 3-6 (52%); score 4, mRS scores of 0-2 (28%) and 3-6 (72%); score 5, mRS scores of 0-2 (26%) and 3-6 (74%); and score 6, mRS scores of 0-2 (29%) and 3-6 (71%). The clinical outcome worsened as the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score increased. On logistic regression analysis, age, NIHSS score on admission, and thrombolytic therapy were related to a clinical outcome. Conclusions The severity of NVAF-induced initial cardioembolic stroke increased with higher CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores, and the outcomes were poor. The present study suggests that the CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score may be useful not only for the evaluation of stroke risk but also for the prediction of clinical outcomes after stroke.

A 67-year-old woman was brought to our institution because of unconsciousness. Clinical and electrophysiological findings lead us to diagnose her with nonconvulsive status epilepticus. Initial magnetic resonance imaging revealed hyperintensity in the left cerebral cortex and the right cerebellum on diffusion-weighted image and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR). Single-photon emission computed tomography showed increased blood flow in the left frontal cerebrum but not in the right cerebellum. The hyperintensity in the left cerebrum on the follow-up FLAIR was still present. The contralateral cerebellum remained undamaged even though the blood flow was not increased in this region because the excitotoxicity there was far lesser than that in the cerebrum.

Background In patients who are not responsive to intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV t-PA), the present study aimed to report recanalization rates, the incidence of hemorrhagic transformation (HT), and clinical outcomes of additional endovascular therapy (AET), and to investigate the usefulness of magnetic resonance angiography–diffusion mismatch (MDM) in a selection of patients eligible for AET. Methods Fifty-eight patients who received IV t-PA therapy because of intracranial major artery occlusion between April 2007 and November 2010 were divided into 2 groups: 18 patients in the AET group and 21 patients in the IV t-PA nonresponders group. The remaining 19 patients were responders to IV t-PA and therefore not eligible for this study. Recanalization rates, HT incidence, and 3-month outcomes were assessed, and the relationship between MDM and clinical outcome was examined. Results A 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0 to 3 was seen more frequently in the AET group (72% in the AET group v 29% in the nonresponder group; P = .01). Serious outcomes (3-month mRS of 5-6) were seen significantly less often in the AET group (17%) than in the nonresponder group (57%; P = .019). There were no differences in the incidence of HT. In the AET group, reappraisal considering MDM revealed a significantly higher rate of a 3-month mRS of 0 to 3 in the MDM-positive group compared to the MDM-negative group (86% v 25%, respectively; P = .044). Serious outcomes were observed significantly less frequently in the MDM-positive group compared to the MDM-negative group (0% v 75%, respectively; P = .005). Conclusions AET for nonresponders to IV t-PA was safe, improved recanalization rates, and led to better prognoses. MDM was a very good predictor of improved prognosis in a selection of eligible patients for AET after IV t-PA.

Background This study investigated the relationship between CHADS2 scores and the rate of antithrombotic drug use and clinical outcomes in patients with an initial cardioembolic stroke who had nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods In 234 patients (135 men and 99 women; mean age [±SD] 76 ± 11 years) with initial cardiogenic cerebral embolism with NVAF who were admitted to our hospital between April 2007 and March 2011, the CHADS2 score, use of warfarin, and clinical outcomes were retrospectively investigated. Results CHADS2 scores were as follows: 0 points, n = 21 (9%); 1 point, n = 72 (31%); 2 points, n = 92 (39%); 3 points, n = 47 (20%); and 4 points, n = 2 (1%). The overall warfarin use rate was low (14.1%; n = 33), and it was significantly (P = .023) lower for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (8%) than for chronic atrial fibrillation (18.5%). The clinical outcomes evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score after 3 months were: CHADS2 score 0 points, mRS 0 to 2 (81%) and 3 to 6 (19%); 1 point, mRS 0 to 2 (46%) and 3 to 6 (54%); 2 points, mRS 0 to 2 (46%) and 3 to 6 (54%); and ≥3 points, mRS 0 to 2 (29%) and 3 to 6 (71%). The clinical outcome worsened as the CHADS2 score increased (P = .002). Logistic regression analysis revealed that being ≥75 years of age and having a high National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission were related to a poor outcome (P < .001). Conclusions The overall warfarin use rate was low in initial cardioembolic stroke patients with NVAF. Clinical outcomes deteriorated with increases in the CHADS2 score, age ≥75 years, and NIHSS score on admission were related to a poor clinical outcome.

Background We retrospectively analyzed factors related to the outcomes of patients with basilar artery occlusion. Methods Twenty-eight patients with basilar artery occlusion admitted to our hospital within 24 hours after onset between April 2007 and December 2010 were included. We investigated parameters related to outcome, such as coexisting disease, clinical type, clinical severity at admission, the site of occlusion and the infarction lesion, the collateral flow from posterior communicating artery, therapy, and time to therapy after onset. Results Of 28 patients with basilar artery occlusion, good outcomes occurred in 6 patients (21%) and poor outcomes occurred in 22 patients (79%). Clinical severity on admission was significantly different between the 2 groups. Three of 5 patients with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty achieved recanalization. Two of 3 cases with recanalization resulted in poor outcomes. Conclusions Clinical severity on admission was the determinant factor of functional prognosis in patients with basilar artery occlusion.

Background We evaluated whether clinical–diffusion mismatch (CDM) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)–diffusion mismatch (MDM) is useful in detecting diffusion–perfusion mismatch (DPM) in hyperacute cerebral infarction within 3 hours after stroke onset. Methods Among patients with cerebral infarction who arrived within 3 hours after stroke onset at our hospital between May 2007 and December 2010, we included 21 patients (16 men and 5 women; mean age 70 ± 7.8 years) with cerebral infarction of the anterior circulation, and in whom magnetic resonance imaging (diffusion-weighted imaging)/MRA and computed tomograpic perfusion of the head were performed at the time of arrival. DPM-positive status was defined as a difference between DWI abnormal signal area and mean transit time prolongation area (≥20% on visual assessment). CDM-positive status was defined as a National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score ≥8 and DWI–Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) ≥8. MDM-positive status was defined as a major artery lesion and DWI-ASPECTS ≥6. Results Ten of 21 patients had DPM. In all DPM-positive patients, MRA revealed a major artery lesion. Of the 10 DPM-positive patients, 6 were CDM-positive. CDM detected DPM with a sensitivity of 60% and a specificity of 64%. The positive likelihood ratio was 1.65. Of the 10 DPM-positive patients, all were MDM-positive. MDM detected DPM with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 82%. The positive likelihood ratio was 5.5. Conclusions In hyperacute cerebral infarction within 3 hours after onset, MDM, as compared with CDM, was able to detect DPM with higher sensitivity and specificity. This suggests that MDM is more reflective of DPM.

Introduction: The mechanism of the unfavorable outcome in diabetic patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (tPA therapy) is still uncertain. We investigated the relationship of diabetes mellitus with early and delayed recanalization after tPA therapy. Methods: Data on 165 patients from the prospective randomized control study, evaluated the efficacy of combined tPA and Edaravone therapy, were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had the middle cerebral occlusion before t-PA therapy. Based on a history of diabetes mellitus or hemoglobin A1c level of ≥6.5% on admission, all patients were classified into diabetes (D) or non-diabetes (ND) groups. The presence of arterial recanalization was assessed at 2 points: 1) early recanalization, defined as at least partial recanalization Results: Among the 165 (96 men; median age, 78 [69-85] years) patients, 33 (20%) patients were classified into the D group. Age, initial NIHSS score, DWI-ASPECTS, proximal occlusion, and the onset to needle time were not different between the 2 groups (p=0.118, 0.607, 0.586, 0.258, 0.238). Early recanalization was similarly observed in the D and ND groups (61% vs. 51%, p=0.435). However, complete recanalization at 24 h was significantly infrequent in the D group (13% vs. 44%, p=0.002). This tendency was consistent in patients with as well as without early recanalization. Regarding patients with early recanalization, 4 (22%) of the 18 patients in the D group and 34 (58%) of the 59 patients in the ND group had complete recanalization at 24 h (p=0.014). Among those without early recanalization, none (0%) of the 13 patients with the D group had complete recanalization at 24 h, while 18 (30%) of the 60 patients achieved it (p=0.029). By the multivariate regression analysis, diabetes mellitus was the independent negative factor for complete recanalization at 24 h (OR 0.17, 95%CI: 0.05-0.54, p=0.002). At 3 months, there is an increased mortality rate in the D group (19% vs. 6%, p=0.038). Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus was an indicator of no complete recanalization at 24 h regardless of the early recanalization. This may explain the mechanism of the unfavorable outcome in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Objective We previously reported that the antiplatelet action is intensified with combined use of clopidogrel and cilostazol in ischemic stroke patients using the VerifyNow P2Y12 Assay. In this study, the relationship between the cilostazol dose and the platelet function achieved with combination therapy was investigated. Methods The subjects included 231 patients with noncardiogenic ischemic stroke treated at our hospital (18 patients treated with a combination of clopidogrel (75 mg) and cilostazol (100 mg), 52 patients treated with a combination of clopidogrel (75 mg) and cilostazol (200 mg), 126 patients treated with clopidogrel (75 mg) alone and 35 patients treated with cilostazol (200 mg) alone). The platelet function achieved with 20 μM of adenosine diphosphate was measured using the VerifyNow P2Y12 Assay. Clopidogrel resistance was defined as P2Y12 Reaction Units (PRU) >230 and/or % inhibition 230 in 32 patients (25.4%) receiving clopidogrel alone, one patient (5.6%) receiving combination therapy with cilostazol (100 mg) and one patient (1.9%) receiving combination therapy with cilostazol (200 mg). The rate of PRU >230 was significantly lower in both of the cilostazol combination groups than in the clopidogrel alone group. The percent inhibition was

Secondary degeneration of the mesencephalic substantia nigra after cerebral infarction is widely known to occur in animal experiments, but has yet to be sufficiently investigated in human cerebral infarction. This study investigated the background and features of patients exhibiting secondary degeneration of the mesencephalic substantia nigra. The subjects comprised 43 patients admitted to our hospital for cerebral infarction between April 2007 and October 2010 showing secondary degeneration of the mesencephalic substantia nigra on cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We investigated clinical disease type, location of vascular occlusion, lesion site, and time from onset of symptoms to lesion identification by MRI. The clinical disease type was cardiogenic embolism in 29 patients (67%), atheromatous embolism (artery to artery) in 8 patients (19%), embolism (origin unknown) in 2 patients (5%), infarction after coil embolization for internal carotid aneurysm in 1 patient (2%), arterial dissection in 2 patients (5%), and vasculitis due to Takayasu disease in 1 patient (2%). Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) identified the occluded vessel as the internal carotid artery in 19 patients (44%), the middle cerebral artery (M1) in 20 patients (47%), and the middle cerebral artery (M2) in 3 patients (7%); MRA was not performed in 1 patient (2%). The cerebral infarctions were striatal in 7 patients (16%) and striatal and cortical in 36 patients (84%). Hyperintense regions in the mesencephalic substantia nigra were observed in all patients after 7-28 days (mean, 13.3 days) on diffusion-weighted imaging or fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and T2-weighted MRI. Most patients with secondary degeneration of the substantia nigra demonstrated clinical disease comprising vascular occlusion of the internal carotid artery or the neighborhood of the middle cerebral artery, which was envisaged to cause a sudden drop in brain circulation across a wide area. Striatal infarctions were observed in all patients. Secondary degeneration of the substantia nigra appeared at 1-4 weeks after onset and disappeared after several months.

Only a few studies have addressed the optimal start time for oral anticoagulants (OACs) after acute ischemic stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the time of OAC administration after stroke onset.Methods and Results:This study included 300 patients with NVAF who had acute ischemic stroke and were treated with OACs between April 2012 and March 2016. We investigated the time at which OACs were started by anticoagulant type and the relationship between the time of OAC administration and stroke severity (the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score on admission). Of the 300 patients, 114 and 186 patients received warfarin and direct-acting OACs (DOACs), respectively. Patients in the DOAC group had OAC initiated therapy significantly sooner (3 days) than in the warfarin group (7 days; P0.001). With regard to stroke severity (NIHSS score8, mild; 8-16, moderate;16, severe), the median time for starting therapy was 2, 7, and 11 days for mild, moderate, and severe stroke, respectively. Hemorrhagic events occurred in 3 patients in the warfarin group; however, no hemorrhagic events occurred in the DOAC group.Our study revealed that neurologists began OACs earlier in patients with mild acute cerebral infarction. Even in patients with severe stroke, OACs were started earlier than expected.

Objective Decompressive craniectomy (DC) in patients with malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction is known to decrease the mortality rate. However, the functional outcomes (communication and oral intake) of this procedure remain unclear. Most patients with malignant MCA infarction exhibit a loss of consciousness, which may be principally governed by the thalamus. We herein investigated the functional outcomes of DC at 90 days after the onset of malignant MCA infarction and their association with preoperative thalamus deformation, which can occur due to pressure and edema. Methods Twelve of 2,692 patients with acute cerebral infarction were diagnosed with malignant MCA infarction and underwent DC. We evaluated preoperative thalamus damage using brain computed tomography and its association with communication and oral intake abilities and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Barthel index scores at 90 days after stroke onset. Results The mRS score at 90 days was 0-4 in five patients. Seven patients could communicate immediately after surgery, while five could do so by 90 days. Five patients were able to resume the oral intake of food at 90 days. All patients with preoperative thalamus deformation showed a poor recovery, while those with absent or slight preoperative thalamus deformation showed a good recovery. Conclusion Patients with preoperative thalamus deformation caused by pressure and edema show a poor oral intake and communication abilities after DC, suggesting that preoperative thalamus deformation is a predictor of poor functional outcomes after DC in patients with malignant MCA infarction.

We herein describe the case of an 18-year-old girl who presented with dizziness and headache in 2012. In 2013, brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple intracerebral small lesions and intracerebral hydrocephalus. She was diagnosed with neurosarcoidosis following a brain biopsy. Although prednisolone, methotrexate, and azathioprine were administered, her hydrocephalus worsened and her granulomatous lesions were observed to increase in number on MRI. The patient's hydrocephalus showed no improvement despite her undergoing one ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedure, one septum pellucidum fenestration, and three ventriculoatrial shunt procedures. Infliximab therapy was then initiated, which resulted in a reduction in the size of the granulomatous lesions and the improvement of the patient's clinical symptoms. Infliximab may be a viable therapeutic option for treating intractable neurosarcoidosis.

In recent years, increasing attention has been given to acute and ubacute encephalitis related to glutamate receptors (GluR). GluRs re involved in excitatory neurotransmission on cell membrane urfaces of the spinous processes in dendrites of mammalian cenral nervous systems. Abnormal activity of GluR channels is thought o contribute to the neuronal death observed in acute and chronic ncephalitis. GluRs have two types: ionotropic and metabotropic Table 1). Ionotropic GluRs are classified pharmacologically s N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-type, non-NMDA-type (alphamino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid {AMPA}ype, kainate-type), and -type with unknown ligands. NMDA-type luR 2 antibody is frequently found in acute limbic encephalitis r widespread encephalitis [1]. Moreover, NMDA receptor-related ncephalitis is well known to be associated with ovarian teratoma. uch remains unknown regarding the pharmacological properties f the GluR 2 subunit that is localized in the forebrain after birth, ut it is known to be selectively expressed in cerebellar Purkinje ells. Several recent reports [2–5] have revealed anti-GluR 2 antiodies in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of patients with utoimmune encephalitis.

Background Clinical features of medullary infarction were compared between patients with lateral medullary infarction and medial medullary infarction Methods Thirty-seven patients with medullary infarction (29 with lateral medullary infarction and 8 with medial medullary infarction) who were admitted to our center between April 1, 2007 and March 31, 2010 were examined. Background factors, neurologic signs and symptoms, imaging findings, cause of disease, and outcomes were assessed for patients with lateral and those with medial medullary infarction. Results Examination of the clinical symptoms and neurologic findings suggested that among patients with medial medullary infarction, few demonstrated all of the symptoms of Dejerine syndrome at onset, and many had lesions that were difficult to locate based only on neurologic findings. Both lateral and medial medullary infarction were frequently caused by atherothrombosis. However, cerebral artery dissection was observed in 31% of patients with lateral medullary infarction and 12.5% of those with medial medullary infarction. In 13% of patients with lateral and 37% of patients with medial medullary infarction, magnetic resonance imaging diffusion-weighted images on the day of onset did not show abnormalities, and the second set of diffusion-weighted images confirmed infarction lesions. For lateral medullary infarction, a more rostral lesion location was correlated with a poorer 90-day outcome. For medial medullary infarction, a more dorsal lesion location was correlated with a poorer 90-day outcome. Conclusions The diagnosis rate of medullary infarction using imaging examinations at onset—particularly medial medullary infarction—is not necessarily high. The imaging examinations need to be repeated for patients who are suspected to have medullary infarction based on neurologic signs and symptoms.

Background and objective Cervicocephalic arterial dissection can cause both ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. However, spontaneous cervicocephalic arterial dissection presenting only with headache and neck pain has rarely been reported. The clinical features of patients with spontaneous cervicocephalic arterial dissection presenting only with headache and neck pain were investigated. Methods The subjects were seven patients with spontaneous cervicocephalic arterial dissection with headache and neck pain alone who were admitted to our hospital during the past 3 years. The clinical features of these patients were investigated. The diagnosis of arterial dissection was based on the criteria of the Strategies Against Stroke Study for Young Adults in Japan. Results The age of the patients (3 males, 4 females) ranged from 35 to 79 (mean, 51.0 ± 16.2) years. Six patients had vertebral artery dissection, one had internal carotid artery dissection, and one had an association of vertebral and internal carotid artery dissection. With the exception of one patient, the headache and neck pain were unilateral. All patients with vertebral artery dissection complained of posterior cervical or occipital pain. In the cases of internal carotid artery dissection, one patient complained of temporal pain, and one patient with co-existing vertebral artery dissection complained of posterior cervical pain. The mode of onset was acute in five patients, thunderclap in one, and gradual and progressive in one. The pain was severe in all cases. Five patients complained of continuous pain, while two had intermittent pain. The quality of the pain was described as throbbing by five patients and constrictive by two. The headache and neck pain persisted for 1 week or longer in six of the seven patients. Conclusion Cervicocephalic arterial dissection should be suspected when patients complain of intense unilateral posterior cervical and occipital pain or temporal pain.

Therapeutic results with respect to lesion size were analyzed and compared in patients with hyperacute cerebral infarction with and without major artery lesions on magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and in those who did and did not receive intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). Of the patients with cerebral infarction who visited the hospital within 3 hours of onset between April 2007 and September 2009, 127 patients with cerebral infarction in the anterior circulation region in whom head magnetic resonance imaging (diffusion-weighted imaging [DWI]) or MRA was performed (81 men and 46 women; mean age, 71 ± 11 years) were enrolled. Major artery lesions (+) were defined as internal carotid artery occlusion and middle cerebral artery (M1/M2 segment) occlusion and ≥50% stenosis. Based on the presence or absence of major artery lesions and the size of DWI lesions, the subjects were divided into 3 groups: MRA-DWI mismatch (+) group [major artery lesion (+) and DWI-ASPECTS ≥6], MRA-DWI mismatch (-) group [major artery lesion (+) and DWI-ASPECTS6], and major artery lesion (-) group. IV t-PA was given to 21 of the 64 patients in the MRA-DWI mismatch (+) group, to 1 of the 24 patients in the MRA-DWI mismatch (-) group, and to 9 of the 39 patients in the major artery lesion (-) group. In the MRA-DWI mismatch (+) group (n = 64), the median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission was higher in t-PA-treated patients than in t-PA-untreated patients (15 vs 11). The modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at day 90 after onset was more favorable in t-PA-treated patients (0-2 in 10 patients [48%] and 3-6 in 11 patients [52%]) than in t-PA-untreated patients (0-2 in 12 patients [28%] and 3-6 in 31 patients [72%]). After adjusting for admission NIHSS score, there was a significant difference in outcome (mRS score) between t-PA-treated patients (0-2 in 10 patients [48%] and 3-6 in 11 patients [52%]) and t-PA-untreated patients (0-2 in 3 patients [9%] and 3-6 in 29 patients [91%]) (P = .002). In the MRA-DWI mismatch (-) group (n = 24), mRS scores at day 90 after onset were poor in both t-PA-treated (3-6 in 1 patient [100%]) and t-PA-untreated patients (0-2 in 1 patient [4%] and 3-6 in 22 patients [96%]). In the major artery lesion (-) group (n = 39), mRS scores at day 90 after onset were favorable in both t-PA-treated (0-2 in 9 patients [100%]) and t-PA-untreated patients (0-2 in 28 patients [93%] and 3-6 in 2 patients [7%]). When comparing major artery lesions in the MRA-DWI mismatch (+) group, outcomes were more favorable in patients with M1/M2 segment lesions who received t-PA than in those who did not receive t-PA. In the MRA-DWI mismatch (+) group, the prognosis was significantly better for t-PA-treated patients than for t-PA-untreated patients, suggesting that IV t-PA is indicated in patients with MRA-DWI mismatch.