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Background Vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBAO) is a severe type of stroke. Multiple prediction models for outcome and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular treatment have been developed to improve patient management, but few are based on VBAO. This study aimed to provide an overview of published models to predict functional outcome and sICH as well as to validate their ability in patients with acute VBAO treated with endovascular treatment. Methods We performed a systematic search to identify models either developed or validated to predict functional outcomes or sICH after endovascular treatment. Models were externally validated in the Posterior Circulation Ischemic Stroke Registry (PERSIST) study (n = 2422). Outcome measures included the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days and sICH. Model performance was evaluated with discrimination (c‐statistic) and calibration (slope and intercept). Results A total of 65 models were included in overview. The most frequently used predictors were baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (n = 57), age (n = 45), and glucose (n = 32). In the external validation cohort, 777 of 2353 patients (33.0%) achieved mRS score 0–2 at 90 days, 1061 of 2353 patients (45.1%) patients achieved mRS score 0–3 at 90 days, and sICH occurred in 170 of 2422 patients (7.0%). Finally, 27 models were included in external validation. For functional outcome models focusing on mRS score 0–2/3–6, discrimination ranged from 0.63 to 0.66 and best calibrated model was SC (Stroke Checkerboard) (intercept, −0.13 [95% CI, −0.27 to 0.01]; slope, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.67–1.17]). For functional outcome models focusing on mRS score 0–3/4–6, discrimination ranged from 0.64 to 0.74 and best calibrated model was modified Houston Intra‐Arterial Therapy 2 (mHIAT2) (intercept, −0.12 [95% CI, −0.31 to 0.07]; slope, 0.85 [95% CI, 0.65–1.04]). For sICH models, discrimination ranged from 0.53 to 0.83 and best calibrated model was Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, and glucose (TAG) (intercept, 0.13 [95% CI, −0.25 to 0.51]; slope, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.63–1.23]). Conclusions The currently published models are inadequate for predicting functional outcomes and sICH in patients with acute VBAO undergoing endovascular treatment and, therefore, there is a need for more effective models specifically developed for VBAO conditions.

Background: Automated pupillometry (AP) is a handheld, non-invasive tool that is able to assess pupillary light reflex dynamics and is useful for the detection of intracranial hypertension. Limited evidence is available on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. The primary objective was to evaluate the ability of AP to discriminate AIS patients from healthy subjects (HS). Secondly, we aimed to compute a predictive score for AIS diagnosis based on clinical, demographic, and AP variables. Methods: We included 200 consecutive patients admitted to a comprehensive stroke center who underwent AP assessment through NPi-200 (NeurOptics®) within 72 h of stroke onset and 200 HS. The mean values of AP parameters and the absolute differences between the AP parameters of the two eyes were considered in the analyses. Predictors of stroke diagnosis were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic regressions; we then computed a nomogram based on each variable’s β coefficient. Finally, we developed a web app capable of displaying the probability of stroke diagnosis based on the predictive algorithm. Results: A high percentage of pupil constriction (CH, p < 0.001), a low constriction velocity (CV, p = 0.002), and high differences between these two parameters (p = 0.036 and p = 0.004, respectively) were independent predictors of AIS. The highest contribution in the predictive score was provided by CH, the Neurological Pupil Index, CV, and CV absolute difference, disclosing the important role of AP in the discrimination of stroke patients. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that AP parameters, and in particular, those concerning pupillary constriction, may be useful for the early diagnosis of AIS.

Abstract Compelling evidence suggest a key role of immune system in the development and progression of ischemic stroke. Although the balance between proinflammatory CD4 + T helper (Th)-1 lymphocytes, expressing T-bet transcription factor, and anti-inflammatory Th2 cells expressing GATA3 seems to influence the outcome in experimental stroke, the role of peripheral immune response in acute stroke patients is poorly understood. We aimed to evaluate the peripheral Th1/Th2 balance in acute atherothrombotic (ATHS) and cardioembolic stroke (CES) patients and in age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Using flow cytometry, we analyzed the percentage of CD4 + T-bet + T cells and CD4 + GATA3 + T cells from peripheral blood of ATHS and CES patients (2,4 and 7 days after stroke onset). Patients and controls were screened for infectious conditions, autoimmune, inflammatory, or cancerous diseases. On day 2 circulating CD4 + T-bet + T cells were significantly higher in stroke patients compared to controls, and in ATHS compared to CES and controls. On day 7, we observed a significant increase of CD4 + T-bet + T cells in both ATHS and CES patients compared to baseline. No difference was observed in circulating CD4 + GATA3 + T cells among ATHS, CES patients, and controls. These data suggest that circulating CD4 + T-bet + T cells could be useful marker indicating atherothrombotic genesis of stroke and provide new insight into the peripheral adaptive immune response in acute stroke.

Climate change is a critical challenge of our era, and its effects on human well-being are undeniable. It may not be immediately apparent that its impacts can vary by gender. Drawing from lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that a shock can affect men and women differently, due to social norms and pre-existing gender differences. This paper reviews economic studies on how weather shocks—such as floods, droughts, and extreme temperatures—affect a broad spectrum of outcomes, ranging from endowments to economic opportunities and agency. Although specific physiological vulnerabilities exist (e.g. boys are more vulnerable to prenatal shocks, while girls and women are more vulnerable to heat), the most significant gendered impacts stem from pre-existing inequalities and societal responses to these shocks. In regions with a strong preference for boys, families facing resource shortages from shocks might prioritize boys for food and other resources, pull girls from school, marry them off young, or withdraw women from agricultural work so they can focus on household chores. Conversely, boys and men might leave school or migrate to seek alternative income sources during or after such shocks. Without gender-responsive climate policies, climate change is likely to exacerbate existing gender inequalities.

Background: Little evidence is available on the long-term efficacy and safety of edoxaban, mainly due to the recent release date. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the safety of edoxaban, defined by the incidence of major bleedings. We then aimed to evaluate the incidence of thromboembolic events and the persistence of edoxaban therapy in the long-term. Methods: In this observational cohort study, we included ischemic stroke patients enrolled in a previous study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of long-term edoxaban treatment. Data were collected by a trained investigator through a structured telephone interview. Results: Sixty-three subjects (median age 81.0 (73.5–88.0) years, 38.1% male) were included in the study, with a mean follow-up of 4.4 ± 0.7 years (range: 3.2–5.5 years). Only one patient (1.6%, 0.4%/year) presented a major extracranial bleeding, and none had cerebral hemorrhage. Six thromboembolic events occurred in five patients (7.9%): three recurrent strokes, two transient ischemic attacks, and one myocardial infarction (2.2%/year). Over a follow-up period of more than three years, 13 patients discontinued edoxaban (20.6%). Conclusions: Edoxaban seems to be effective and safe in the long-term. The persistence rate of edoxaban therapy is optimal after more than three years of treatment.

We sought to verify the benefit of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation and low National Institute of Health stroke scale score at presentation. The prospective database of our stroke center was screened for patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion and a baseline National Institute of Health stroke scale score ≤5 that had undergone mechanical thrombectomy. Outcome measures were the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days, brain bleeding events and death at 90 days. Out of 459 patients, 17 (12 females, mean age 70 ± 14 years) with occlusion of M1 or M2 segment of middle cerebral artery and baseline National Institute of Health stroke scale score ≤5 underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Eight patients (47%) were treated within 6 hours from the onset, 5 (29%) were treated beyond 6 hours, and 4 (24%) were wake-up strokes. Effective mechanical thrombectomy was achieved in 16 patients (94%) and associated with excellent functional outcomes at 3 months (mRS 0–1) in 13 (76%). The asymptomatic brain-bleeding event was observed in one patient 4 days after effective mechanical thrombectomy concerning safety issues. One patient died 1 month after mechanical thrombectomy of a cause unrelated to stroke. Our findings favor a potential benefit of mechanical thrombectomy in patients with stroke due to large vessel occlusion and low National Institute of Health stroke scale score at presentation. These patients may also benefit from a prolonged time window for treatment.

Background: Automated pupillometry (AP) is a handheld, non-invasive tool that is able to assess pupillary light reflex dynamics and is useful for the detection of intracranial hypertension. Limited evidence is available on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. The primary objective was to evaluate the ability of AP to discriminate AIS patients from healthy subjects (HS). Secondly, we aimed to compute a predictive score for AIS diagnosis based on clinical, demographic, and AP variables. Methods: We included 200 consecutive patients admitted to a comprehensive stroke center who underwent AP assessment through NPi-200 (NeurOptics®) within 72 h of stroke onset and 200 HS. The mean values of AP parameters and the absolute differences between the AP parameters of the two eyes were considered in the analyses. Predictors of stroke diagnosis were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic regressions; we then computed a nomogram based on each variable's β coefficient. Finally, we developed a web app capable of displaying the probability of stroke diagnosis based on the predictive algorithm. Results: A high percentage of pupil constriction (CH, p < 0.001), a low constriction velocity (CV, p = 0.002), and high differences between these two parameters (p = 0.036 and p = 0.004, respectively) were independent predictors of AIS. The highest contribution in the predictive score was provided by CH, the Neurological Pupil Index, CV, and CV absolute difference, disclosing the important role of AP in the discrimination of stroke patients. Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that AP parameters, and in particular, those concerning pupillary constriction, may be useful for the early diagnosis of AIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: We sought to verify the predicting role of a favorable profile on computed tomography perfusion (CTP) in the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) undergoing effective mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 25 patients with AIS due to LVO and with a CTP study showing the presence of ischemic penumbra who underwent effective MT, regardless of the time of onset. The controls were 25 AIS patients with overlapping demographics and clinical and computed tomography angiography features at admission who had undergone successful MT within 6 h from onset and without a previous CTP study. The outcome measure was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days. Results: Sixty-four percent of the study patients had an mRS score of 0–1 at 90 days versus 12% of the control patients (p < 0.001). Patients of the study group had a more favorable distribution of disability scores (median mRS [IQR] score of 0 [0–2] vs. 2 [2–3]). Multivariate analysis showed that the selection of patients based on a favorable CTP study was strongly associated (p < 0.001) with a better neurological outcome. Conclusions: In our small-sized and retrospective study, the presence of ischemic penumbra was associated with a better clinical outcome in patients with AIS due to LVO after MT. In the future, a larger and controlled study with similar criteria of enrollment is needed to further validate the role of CTP in patient selection for MT, regardless of the time from the onset of symptoms.

Background: Seizures are a common complication of cerebral venous thrombosis. In this study, we intended to define clinical and neuroradiological factors associated with early and late seizures and predictors for seizure recurrence. Methods: The database of our high-volume tertiary stroke center was screened for patients diagnosed with cerebral venous thrombosis between April 2006 and July 2021. Demographics, clinical, imaging, and instrumental data were collected. Results: Out of a total of 80 patients, 30 had seizures, either within the first week after onset (22 patients) or after (8 patients). Speech impairment and intracerebral bleeding were statistically associated with seizures in univariate analysis, but in a logistic regression model, only brain damage with hemorrhagic infarct and/or presence of brain hematoma [OR 6.051; 95% CI 1.881–19.468] (p = 0.003) were predicting factors for seizures. Late seizures were significantly more frequent in younger age [OR 0.864; 95% CI 0.763–0.978] (p = 0.020). Early seizures resulted as protective factors for recurrence; an altered state of consciousness at baseline and late seizures resulted as predictive factors for relapses (0.0% vs. 81.0%, p = 0.005, and 100.0% vs. 19.0%, p < 0.005, respectively). Conclusions: Our study confirms brain bleeding as the strongest risk factor for seizures after cerebral venous thrombosis. Recurrence is unusual after early seizures, while the presence of late seizures seems to raise the risk of recurrence.

The essay proposes a critical analysis, based on an ethnographic approach, on the facial protection devices (mascherine) introduced at a global level to face the Covid pandemic19. While reflecting on how masks are redefining interpersonal relations on a decorporealized basis, on their symbolic dimension, on the relationship with the mask and masking, the contribution focuses on masks as "(s)objects". Seen in their materiality, the masks are in fact proposed as emblematic "agent-objects", invested of a "thing-power" (Bennet 2004), to influence our behaviour. But also as "acted-objects ", with reference to human agency, to the human capacity to manipulate them, to reinterpret them in ironic and subversive forms.

Background and purpose: Post‐stroke movement disorders (PMDs) following ischemic lesions of the basal ganglia (BG) are a known entity, but data regarding their incidence are lacking. Ischemic strokes secondary to proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion treated with thrombectomy represent a model of selective damage to the BG. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and features of movement disorders after selective BG ischemia in patients with successfully reperfused acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods: We enrolled 64 consecutive subjects with AIS due to proximal MCA occlusion treated with thrombectomy. Patients were clinically evaluated by a movement disorders specialist for PMDs onset at baseline, and after 6 and 12 months. Results: None of the patients showed an identifiable movement disorder in the subacute phase of the stroke. At 6 and 12 months, respectively, 7/25 (28%) and 7/13 (53.8%) evaluated patients developed PMDs. The clinical spectrum of PMDs encompassed parkinsonism, dystonia and chorea, either isolated or combined. In most patients, symptoms were contralateral to the lesion, although a subset of patients presented with bilateral involvement and prominent axial signs. Conclusion: Post‐stroke movement disorders are not uncommon in long‐term follow‐up of successfully reperfused AIS. Follow‐up conducted by a multidisciplinary team is strongly advisable in patients with selective lesions of the BG after AIS, even if asymptomatic at discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the plateau of Cicolano, south-eastern area of the province of Rieti, since ancient times human living has been possible thanks to agricultural, forest and pastoral activities. The only permanent centre was Castello di Rascino. Once it was destroyed by wars, at the end of the 13th century, the population migrated in two different directions, a part contributing to the foundation of L’Aquila, the other populating the slopes of the adjacent Valle del Salto. To abandon the plateau did not mean to abandon the productive activities, which became seasonal starting the phenomenon of transhumance. Since the seasonal transhumant, who hung about the plateau looking after the flocks or growing cereals and legumes, needed shelters, they started building structures locally called ‘casette’ (small houses). Strategically positioned close to privately appropriated fields or pastures, 147 of these ancient structures have been surveyed. Characterised by a simple and essential architecture, they have fences with ‘anti-wolf’ features to shelter flocks. The social changes of the first half of the last century decreed their abandonment. A recent recovery action, partly supported by EU funds, has helped making this a collective asset which, if well managed, can represent an opportunity for economic and social rescue of the entire territory, historically isolated and fragile.

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is currently the gold standard treatment for ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO). However, the evidence of clinical usefulness of MT in posterior circulation LVO (pc-LVO) is still doubtful compared to the anterior circulation, especially in patients with mild neurological symptoms. The database of 10 high-volume stroke centers in Europe, including a period of three year and a half, was screened for patients with an acute basilar artery occlusion or a single dominant vertebral artery occlusion (“functional” BAO) presenting with a NIHSS ≤10, and with at least 3 months follow-up. A total of 63 patients were included. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that female gender (adjusted OR 0.04; 95% CI 0–0.84; p = 0.04) and combined technique (adj OR 0.001; 95% CI 0–0.81; p = 0.04) were predictors of worse outcome. Higher pc-ASPECTS (adj OR 4.75; 95% CI 1.33–16.94; p = 0.02) and higher Delta NIHSS (adj OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.16–3.65; p = 0.01) were predictors of better outcome. Delta NIHSS was the main predictor of good outcome at 90 days in patients with posterior circulation LVO presenting with NIHSS score ≤ 10.

Background Patients with minor stroke and M2 occlusion undergoing best medical management (BMM) may face early neurological deterioration (END) that can lead to poor long- term outcome. In case of END, rescue mechanical thrombectomy (rMT) seems beneficial. Our study aimed to define factors relevant to clinical outcome in patients undergoing BMM with the possibility of rMT on END, and find predictors of END. Methods Patients with M2 occlusion and a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score≤5 that received either BMM only or rMT on END after BMM were extracted from the databases of 16 comprehensive stroke centers. Clinical outcome measures were a 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-1 or 0-2, and occurrence of END. Results Among 10 169 consecutive patients with large vessel occlusion admitted between 2016 and 2021, 208 patients were available for analysis. END was reported in 87 patients that were therefore all subjected to rMT. In a logistic regression model, END (OR 3.386, 95% CI 1.428 to 8.032), baseline NIHSS score (OR 1.362, 95% CI 1.004 to 1.848) and a pre-event mRS score=1 (OR 3.226, 95% CI 1.229 to 8.465) were associated with unfavorable outcome. In patients with END, successful rMT was associated with favorable outcome (OR 4.549, 95% CI 1.098 to 18.851). Among baseline clinical and neuroradiological features, presence of atrial fibrillation was a predictor of END (OR 3.547, 95% CI 1.014 to 12.406). Conclusion Patients with minor stroke due to M2 occlusion and atrial fibrillation should be closely monitored for possible worsening during BMM and, in this case, promptly considered for rMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New direct oral anticoagulants are recommended for stroke prevention in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, no data are available regarding the optimal time to start oral anticoagulation after acute stroke. The aim of our study was to evaluate the occurrence of symptomatic bleedings within 90 days from acute cardioembolic stroke in patients who received early treatment with Edoxaban. The study was conducted according to an observational prospective uncontrolled design. Secondary endpoints were the incidence of major bleeding (MB), hemorrhagic transformation within the first week of Edoxaban treatment, minor bleeding, and recurrent stroke. We included patients with Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) ≥ 6, NVAF, no previous treatment with any other anticoagulant, preserved swallowing function. Patients with estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate < 50 mL/min, body weight < 60 kg, receiving cyclosporine, dronedarone, erythromycin, ketoconazole, or previous treatment with any other anticoagulant were excluded. We enrolled 75 elderly patients with moderate disability. We did not observe any symptomatic intracranial bleeding or recurrent stroke after 3 months of treatment with early administration of Edoxaban, while two gastrointestinal MB, and 11 minor bleedings were reported. Asymptomatic bleeding was evaluated with a brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging performed 5 days after starting anticoagulant treatment with Edoxaban. Specifically, we observed small petechiae in 12% of the patients, confluent petechiae in 6.6% of the patients, and small hematoma of the infarcted area in 2.7% of the patients. No intralesional hematoma or hemorrhagic lesion outside the infarcted area were observed. According to our data, the early use of Edoxaban seems to be safe in patients after cardioembolic stroke. However, due to the small size of the study sample, and the short follow-up period, further studies are needed.

Background: Little evidence is available on the long-term efficacy and safety of edoxaban, mainly due to the recent release date. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the safety of edoxaban, defined by the incidence of major bleedings. We then aimed to evaluate the incidence of thromboembolic events and the persistence of edoxaban therapy in the long-term. Methods: In this observational cohort study, we included ischemic stroke patients enrolled in a previous study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of long-term edoxaban treatment. Data were collected by a trained investigator through a structured telephone interview. Results: Sixty-three subjects (median age 81.0 (73.5–88.0) years, 38.1% male) were included in the study, with a mean follow-up of 4.4 ± 0.7 years (range: 3.2–5.5 years). Only one patient (1.6%, 0.4%/year) presented a major extracranial bleeding, and none had cerebral hemorrhage. Six thromboembolic events occurred in five patients (7.9%): three recurrent strokes, two transient ischemic attacks, and one myocardial infarction (2.2%/year). Over a follow-up period of more than three years, 13 patients discontinued edoxaban (20.6%). Conclusions: Edoxaban seems to be effective and safe in the long-term. The persistence rate of edoxaban therapy is optimal after more than three years of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although thrombectomy is beneficial for most stroke patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO), it has added new issues in acute management due to intensive care support. In this prospective cohort study, we described the patients admitted to our neuro-intensive care unit (NICU) after thrombectomy in order to assess factors linked to functional outcomes. The outcome was independency assessed for stroke patients consecutively admitted to NICU for an ischemic stroke due to LVO of the anterior cerebral circulation that underwent intra-arterial mechanical thrombectomy (IAMT), either in combination with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) in eligible patients or alone in patients with contraindications for IVT. Overall, 158 patients were enrolled. IVT (odds ratio (OR), 3.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.20–11.90; p = 0.023) and early naso-gastric tube removal (OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.04–10.59 p = 0.042) were associated with good outcomes, whereas a high baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR, 0.72 for each point of increase; 95% CI, 0.61–0.85; p < 0.001) was a predictor of poor outcomes at 3 months. Older age (OR, 0.95 for each year of increase; 95% CI, 0.92–0.99; p = 0.020) and hemorrhagic transformation (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.11–0.84; p = 0.022) were predictors of poor outcomes after IAMT, whereas a modified Treatment in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) score of 2b/3 was a predictor of good outcomes (OR, 7.86; 95% CI, 1.65–37.39; p = 0.010) at 6 months. Our results show that acute stroke patients with LVO who require NICU management soon after IAMT may show specific clinical factors influencing short- and long-term neurologic independency.

Background: Sporadic inclusion body myositis (s-IBM) represents a unique disease within idiopathic inflammatory myopathies with a dual myodegenerative–autoimmune physiopathology and a lack of an efficacious treatment. Circulating miRNA expression could expand our knowledge of s-IBM patho-mechanisms and provide new potential disease biomarkers. To evaluate the expression of selected pre-amplified miRNAs in the serum of s-IBM patients compared to those of a sex- and age-matched healthy control group, we enrolled 14 consecutive s-IBM patients and 8 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. By using two different normalization approaches, we found one downregulated and three upregulated miRNAs. hsa-miR-192-5p was significantly downregulated, while hsa-miR-372-3p was found to be upregulated more in the s-IBM patients compared to the level of the controls. The other two miRNAs had a very low expression levels (raw Ct data > 29). hsa-miR-192-5p and hsa-miR-372-3p were found to be significantly dysregulated in the serum of s-IBM patients. These miRNAs are involved in differentiation and regeneration processes, thus possibly reflecting pathological mechanisms in s-IBM muscles and potentially representing disease biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Heart surgery can be associated with adverse ischemic brain events. Case report: Here, we describe two patients who presented extensive infarction of the corpus callosum and of other brain watershed areas following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) on extracorporeal circulation (ECC). Discussion: Infarction of the corpus callosum is an extremely rare condition due to its abundant blood supply. Our findings are noteworthy since they diverge from classical brain watershed infarcts and from other cases of corpus callosum involvement. This suggests that in some cases, CABG surgery on ECC may be associated to a profound impairment of intracerebral circulation. However, it is also possible that the corpus callosum is particularly vulnerable to yet unknown metabolic modifications connected to ECC. Conclusions: Further studies are needed in order to investigate the complex response of brain circulation and metabolism during heart surgery with ECC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and atrial fibrillation (AF). The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the association between OSA and AF in acute ischemic stroke. The secondary objective is to describe the clinical features of patients with acute ischemic stroke and concomitant OSA. Methods: We enrolled consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke. All patients underwent full-night cardiorespiratory polygraphy. To determine if there is an association between AF and OSA, we compared the observed frequency of this association with the expected frequency from a random co-occurrence of the two conditions. Subsequently, patients with and without OSA were compared. Results: A total of 174 patients were enrolled (mean age 67.3 ± 11.6 years; 95 males). OSA and AF were present in 89 and 55 patients, respectively. The association OSA + AF was observed in 33/174 cases, which was not statistically different compared to the expected co-occurrence of the two conditions. Patients with OSA showed a higher neck circumference and body mass index, a higher prevalence of hypertension and dysphagia, and a higher number of central apneas/hypoapneas. In the multivariate analysis, dysphagia and hypertension were independent predictors of OSA. A positive correlation was observed between OSA severity, BMI, and neck circumference. The number of central apneas/hypoapneas was positively correlated with stroke severity. Conclusions: Our data suggest that OSA and AF are highly prevalent but not associated in acute stroke. Our findings support the hypothesis that OSA acts as an independent risk factor for stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seizures are a common complication of cerebral venous thrombosis. In this study, we intended to define clinical and neuroradiological factors associated with early and late seizures and predictors for seizure recurrence. Methods: The database of our high-volume tertiary stroke center was screened for patients diagnosed with cerebral venous thrombosis between April 2006 and July 2021. Demographics, clinical, imaging, and instrumental data were collected. Results: Out of a total of 80 patients, 30 had seizures, either within the first week after onset (22 patients) or after (8 patients). Speech impairment and intracerebral bleeding were statistically associated with seizures in univariate analysis, but in a logistic regression model, only brain damage with hemorrhagic infarct and/or presence of brain hematoma [OR 6.051; 95% CI 1.881–19.468] (p = 0.003) were predicting factors for seizures. Late seizures were significantly more frequent in younger age [OR 0.864; 95% CI 0.763–0.978] (p = 0.020). Early seizures resulted as protective factors for recurrence; an altered state of consciousness at baseline and late seizures resulted as predictive factors for relapses (0.0% vs. 81.0%, p = 0.005, and 100.0% vs. 19.0%, p < 0.005, respectively). Conclusions: Our study confirms brain bleeding as the strongest risk factor for seizures after cerebral venous thrombosis. Recurrence is unusual after early seizures, while the presence of late seizures seems to raise the risk of recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is unclear whether and how COVID-19 vaccination may affect the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We investigated this potential association in a retrospective study by comparing previously vaccinated (VAX) versus unvaccinated (NoVAX) stroke patients. Methods: We collected clinical reports for all consecutive AIS patients admitted to our hospital and evaluated the outcome predictors in VAX and NoVAX groups. Adjustments were made for possible confounders in multivariable logistic regression analysis, and adjusted hazard ratios were calculated. Results: A total of 466 AIS patients (287 VAX and 179 NoVAX) were included in this study. The NIHSS score at discharge and mRS score at a 3-month follow-up visit were significantly lower in VAX patients compared to NoVAX patients (p < 0.001). Good outcomes (mRS 0–2) were significantly associated with COVID-19 vaccination before AIS (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.400 [95% CI = 0.216–0.741]). Conclusions: The observation that COVID-19 vaccination can influence the outcome of AIS provides support for further studies investigating the role of immunity in ischemic brain damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]