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Background: In atherothrombotic acute ischemic stroke (AIS), when the atheroma breaks down, the clot can incorporate foam cells (FCs). The identification of the correct etiology is paramount for secondary stroke prevention. This study aims to evaluate the presence of the FC in the arterial clot, and to determine whether patients with FCs and patients without FCs (NFCs) had different cerebrovascular risk factors, haemato-chemical parameters, and atherosclerotic disease incidence, in order to predict the etiological diagnosis. Methods: We collected 100 clots retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy from 495 consecutive AIS patients with large vessel occlusion. An expert pathologist evaluated the FC presence by histological examination stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Results: We observed FCs in 29/100 (29%) of retrieved clots and divided the patients into two groups, with/without FCs. The two groups had similar clinical and laboratory features, with a discrepancy between the FC presence in the clot and the clinical etiological diagnosis, even if not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our study showed the presence of FCs in approximately one-third of the retrieved clots, but the identification of the clot that presumably comes from the atheromatous plaque rupture tended to disagree with the clinical diagnosis. Future studies may reveal their potential to disclose clot origin or specific patient characteristics, guiding treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Leprosy primarily affects peripheral nerves, leading to significant neurological complications such as polyneuritis, mononeurosis, and autonomic dysfunction, which contribute to severe disabilities and impaired quality of life for patients. This scoping review aims to investigate the neurological manifestations and main treatments of leprosy patients., Materials and Methods: Studies were identified from an online search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus databases. This review has been registered on OSF (n) PQBYH., Results: Neurological complications of leprosy, such as neuropathy and paralysis, necessitate accurate diagnosis and treatment, as immunological reactions can exacerbate nerve damage. Various studies highlight the effectiveness of personalized therapies, such as corticosteroids, multi-drug therapy (MDT), and surgical interventions, in improving symptoms and neurological function in leprosy patients., Conclusions: Managing neurological complications of leprosy necessitates careful diagnosis and treatment, as many patients experience unresolved peripheral neuropathy despite multidrug therapy. Future research should focus on improving diagnostic tools, exploring the link between neuropathic pain and psychological issues, and developing effective vaccines and treatments to enhance patient outcomes.