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Objectives: To investigate whether post-stroke statin therapy reduces subsequent major vascular events in statin-naïve patients with pretreatment low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) below the recommended target (≤70 mg/dL for atherosclerotic stroke and ≤100 mg/dL for non-atherosclerotic stroke) at stroke onset., Methods: Patients from an ongoing stroke registry who had an ischemic stroke between 2011 and 2020 were screened. Statin naïve patients with baseline LDL-C below the target were assessed. The effect of post-stroke statin therapy on major vascular events (composite of recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, and death) was investigated using weighted Cox regression analyses using stabilized inverse probability treatment weighting., Results: The baseline LDL-C level of the 1,858 patients (mean age 67.9 ± 15.3 years, 61.4% men, 13.2% atherosclerotic stroke) included in the study was 75.7 ± 17.0 mg/dL. Statins were prescribed to 1,256 (67.7%) patients (low-to-moderate intensity, 23.5%; high intensity, 44.1%). Post-stroke statin therapy was associated with a lower risk of major vascular events during 1-year follow-up (weighted hazard ratio 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.42-0.71). In a subgroup of patients who were at very high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with LDL-C <55 mg/dL or patients who were not at very high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with LDL-C <70 mg/dL, post-stroke statin therapy was also associated with a reduction in major vascular events (weighted hazard ratio 0.45, 95% confidence interval 0.29-0.70). The intensity of the most beneficial statin varied by subtype of stroke., Interpretation: Statin therapy may improve vascular outcomes after ischemic stroke, even in cases of LDL-C below the target without pre-stroke lipid-lowering therapy. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:876-885., (© 2024 American Neurological Association.)

Objective: We evaluated the efficacy of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) on the functional outcome of patients with acute basilar artery occlusion and low posterior circulation acute stroke prognosis early computed tomography score (PC-ASPECTS)., Methods: We identified patients with acute ischemic stroke due to basilar artery occlusion and PC-ASPECTS of 6 or less, presenting within 24 h between August 2008 and April 2022. The primary outcome was a favorable functional outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-3 at 90 days. The secondary outcomes included an mRS score of 0-2, a favorable shift in the ordinal mRS scale, the occurrence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality at 90 days. We compared the outcome of patients treated with EVT and those without EVT, using the inverse probability of treatment weighting methods., Results: Out of 566 patients, 55.5% received EVT. In the EVT group, 106 (33.8%) achieved favorable outcomes, compared to 56 patients (22.2%) in the conservative group. EVT significantly increased the likelihood of achieving a favorable outcome compared to conservative treatment (relative risk [RR] 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.74, p = 0.004). EVT was associated with a favorable shift in the mRS (RR 1.85, 95% CI, 1.49-2.29, p < 0.001) and reduced mortality without an increase in the risk of sICH. It did not have an impact on achieving an mRS score of 0-2., Interpretation: Patients with acute basilar artery occlusion and a PC-ASPECTS of 6 or less might benefit from EVT without an increasing sICH. ANN NEUROL 2024;95:788-799., (© 2024 American Neurological Association.)

Importance: The associations between blood pressure (BP) decreases induced by medication and functional outcomes in patients with successful endovascular thrombectomy remain uncertain., Objective: To evaluate whether BP reductions induced by intravenous BP medications are associated with poor functional outcomes at 3 months., Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study was a post hoc analysis of the Outcome in Patients Treated With Intra-Arterial Thrombectomy-Optimal Blood Pressure Control trial, a comparison of intensive and conventional BP management during the 24 hours after successful recanalization from June 18, 2020, to November 28, 2022. This study included 302 patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy, achieved successful recanalization, and exhibited elevated BP within 2 hours of successful recanalization at 19 stroke centers in South Korea., Exposure: A BP decrease was defined as at least 1 event of systolic BP less than 100 mm Hg. Patients were divided into medication-induced BP decrease (MIBD), spontaneous BP decrease (SpBD), and no BP decrease (NoBD) groups., Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was a modified Rankin scale score of 0 to 2 at 3 months, indicating functional independence. Primary safety outcomes were symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage within 36 hours and mortality due to index stroke within 3 months., Results: Of the 302 patients (median [IQR] age, 75 [66-82] years; 180 [59.6%] men), 47 (15.6%)were in the MIBD group, 39 (12.9%) were in the SpBD group, and 216 (71.5%) were in the NoBD group. After adjustment for confounders, the MIBD group exhibited a significantly smaller proportion of patients with functional independence at 3 months compared with the NoBD group (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.45; 95% CI, 0.20-0.98). There was no significant difference in functional independence between the SpBD and NoBD groups (AOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.58-3.49). Compared with the NoBD group, the MIBD group demonstrated higher odds of mortality within 3 months (AOR, 5.15; 95% CI, 1.42-19.4). The incidence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage was not significantly different among the groups (MIBD vs NoBD: AOR, 1.89; 95% CI, 0.54-5.88; SpBD vs NoBD: AOR, 2.75; 95% CI, 0.76-9.46)., Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of patients with successful endovascular thrombectomy after stroke, MIBD within 24 hours after successful recanalization was associated with poor outcomes at 3 months. These findings suggested lowering systolic BP to below 100 mm Hg using BP medication might be harmful.

Background: Therapeutic-induced hypertension treatment (iHTN) is helpful for alleviating early neurological deterioration (END) in acute small vessel occlusive stroke. We examined the time parameters related to iHTN effectiveness in these patients., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with acute small vessel occlusive stroke who underwent iHTN for END, defined as an increase of ≥2 points in total National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score or ≥1 point in motor items of NIHSS. The primary outcome was an early neurological improvement (ENI; a decrease of ≥2 points in total NIHSS score or ≥1 point in motor items of NIHSS), and the secondary outcome was any neurological improvement (a decrease of ≥1 point in the total NIHSS score). We conducted a multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusting for demographics, risk factors, baseline clinical status, and intervention-related variables. We also generated a restricted cubic spline curve for the END-to-iHTN time cutoff., Results: Among the 1062 patients with small vessel occlusive stroke screened between 2017 and 2021, 136 patients who received iHTN within 24 hours from END were included. The mean age was 65.1 (±12.0) years, and 61.0% were male. Sixty-five (47.8%) patients showed ENI and 77 (56.6%) patients showed any neurological improvement. END-to-iHTN time was significantly shorter in patients with ENI (150 [49-322] versus 290 [97-545] minutes; P =0.018) or any neurological improvement (150 [50-315] versus 300 [130-573] minutes; P =0.002). A 10-minute increase in the time between END and iHTN decreased the odds of achieving ENI (odds ratio, 0.984 [95% CI, 0.970-0.997]; P =0.019) or any neurological improvement (odds ratio, 0.978 [95% CI, 0.964-0.992]; P =0.002). The restricted cubic spline curve showed that the odds ratio of ENI reached its minimum at ≈3 hours., Conclusions: Among patients with small vessel occlusive stroke with END, a shorter interval between END and the initiation of iHTN was associated with increased odds of achieving neurological improvement. The efficacy of iHTN may be limited to induction within the first 3 hours of END., Competing Interests: Disclosures None.

Introduction: Patients with atrial fibrillation-related stroke (AF-stroke) are prone to developing rapid ventricular response (RVR). We investigated whether RVR is associated with initial stroke severity, early neurological deterioration (END) and poor outcome at 3 months., Methods: We reviewed patients who had AF-stroke between January 2017 and March 2022. RVR was defined as having heart rate &gt;100 beats per minute on initial electrocardiogram. Neurological deficit was evaluated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission. END was defined as increase of ≥2 in total NIHSS score or ≥1 in motor NIHSS score within first 72 h. Functional outcome was score on modified Rankin Scale at 3 months. Mediation analysis was performed to examine potential causal chain in which initial stroke severity may mediate relationship between RVR and functional outcome., Results: We studied 568 AF-stroke patients, among whom 86 (15.1%) had RVR. Patients with RVR had higher initial NIHSS score (p &lt; 0.001) and poor outcome at 3 months (p = 0.004) than those without RVR. The presence of RVR [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.13; p = 0.013] was associated with initial stroke severity, but not with END and functional outcome. Otherwise, initial stroke severity [aOR = 1.27; p = &lt;0.001] was significantly associated with functional outcome. Initial stroke severity as a mediator explained 58% of relationship between RVR and poor outcome at 3 months., Conclusion: In patients with AF-stroke, RVR was independently associated with initial stroke severity but not with END and functional outcome. Initial stroke severity mediated considerable proportion of association between RVR and functional outcome., (© 2023 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background:  We investigated the association between the reaction time (R), a thromboelastography (TEG) parameter for hypercoagulability, and functional outcomes based on the occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and early neurological deterioration (END)., Methods:  We enrolled ischemic stroke patients and performed TEG immediately after the patients' arrival. The baseline characteristics, occurrence of HT and END, stroke severity, and etiology were compared according to the R. END was defined as an increase of ≥1 point in motor or ≥2 points in the total National Institute of Health Stroke Scale within 3 days after admission. The outcome was the achievement of functional independence (modified Rankin scale [mRS]: 0-2) at 3 months after stroke. Logistic regression analyses were performed to verify the association between R and outcome., Results:  HT and END were frequently observed in patients with an R of <5 minutes compared with the group with an R of ≥5 minutes (15 [8.1%] vs. 56 [21.0%], p  < 0.001; 16 [8.6%] vs. 65 [24.3%], p  = 0.001, respectively). In multivariable analysis, an R of <5 minutes was associated with decreased odds of achieving functional independence (0.58 [0.34-0.97], p  = 0.038). This association was maintained when the outcome was changed to disability free (mRS 0-1) and when mRS was analyzed as an ordinal variable., Conclusion:  Hypercoagulability on TEG (R <5 minutes) may be a negative predictor for functional outcome of stroke after 3 months, with more frequent HT, END, and different stroke etiologies. This study highlights the potential of TEG parameters as biomarkers for predicting functional outcomes in ischemic stroke patients., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Early neurological deterioration (END) in lenticulostriate artery (LSA) infarction is associated with perforating artery hypoperfusion. As middle cerebral artery (MCA) tortuosity may alter hemodynamics, we investigated the association between MCA tortuosity and END in LSA infarction. We reviewed patients with acute LSA infarction without significant MCA stenosis. END was defined as an increase of ≥ 2 or ≥ 1 in the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) total or motor score, respectively, within first 72 h. The MCA tortuosity index (actual /straight length) was measured. Stroke mechanisms were categorized as branch atheromatous disease (BAD; lesions > 10 mm and 4 axial slices) and lipohyalinotic degeneration (LD; lesion smaller than BAD). Factors associated with END in LD and BAD were investigated. END occurred in 104/390 (26.7%) patients. A high MCA tortuosity index (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 10.63, 95% confidence interval [2.57-44.08], p = 0.001) was independently associated with END. In patients with BAD, high initial NIHSS score (aOR 1.40 [1.03-1.89], p = 0.031) and presence of parental artery disease (stenosis < 50%; aOR 10.38 [1.85-58.08], p = 0.008) were associated with END. In patients with LD, high MCA tortuosity (aOR 41.78 [7.37-237.04], p < 0.001) was associated with END. The mechanism causing END in patients with LD and BAD may differ., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Background and Purpose: Stenting is an important treatment for preventing stroke. However, the effect of vertebrobasilar stenting (VBS) might be limited because of relatively high periprocedural risks. Silent brain infarcts (SBIs) are known as a predictor for future stroke. Because of anatomical differences, factors for SBIs might be different between carotid artery stenting (CAS) and VBS. We compared the characteristics of SBIs between VBS and CAS., Methods: We included patients who underwent elective VBS or CAS. Diffusion-weighted imaging was performed pre- and post-procedure to detect new SBIs. Clinical variables, occurrence of SBIs, and procedure-related factors were compared between CAS and VBS. Moreover, we investigated predictors of SBIs in each group separately., Results: Ninety-two (34.2%) out of 269 patients had SBIs. SBIs were more frequently observed in VBS (29 [56.6%] vs. 63 [28.9%], p<.001). The risk of SBIs outside the stent-inserted vascular territory was higher in VBS compared to CAS (14 [48.3%] vs. 8 [12.7%], p<.001). Larger-diameter stents (odds ratio: 1.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.54, p = .012) and prolonged procedure time (1.01, [1.00-1.03], p = .026) increased the risk of SBIs in CAS, whereas only age increased the risk of SBIs in VBS (1.08 [1.01-1.16], p = .036)., Conclusions: Compared to CAS, VBS was associated with longer procedure time, more residual stenosis, and more SBIs, especially outside the stent-inserted vascular territory. The risk of SBIs after CAS was associated with stent size and procedural difficulty. Only age was associated with SBIs in VBS. The pathomechanism of SBIs after VBS and CAS may be different., (© 2023 American Society of Neuroimaging.)

Background: Thromboelastography (TEG) is a useful for predicting hemorrhagic transformation, early neurological deterioration, and functional outcome after stroke. We aimed to investigate whether TEG value could also be useful in predicting functional outcome via various intraprocedural and postprocedural factors in patients with acute large vessel occlusive stroke who underwent intraarterial thrombectomy (IAT)., Methods: Patients with ischemic stroke who underwent IAT between March 2018 and March 2020 at two tertiary hospitals were included. The association between reaction time (R) and functional outcome was evaluated. The primary outcome was the achievement of functional independence defined as the achievement of a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2 at 3 months after the index stroke., Results: Among a total of 160 patients (mean age, 70.6 ± 12.3 years; 103 [64.4 %] men), 79 (49.3 %) achieved functional independence at 3 months. R, both as a continuous (odds ratio [OR]: 1.45, 95 % confidence interval [95 % CI]: 1.09-1.92, P = 0.011) and dichotomized parameters (R < 5 min [OR: 0.37, 95 % CI: 0.16-0.82, P = 0.014]), were inversely associated with increased odds of achieving functional independence (mRS score 0-2) after multivariable analysis. The association was still consistent when the outcome was the achievement of disability free (mRS score 0-1) or mRS score analyzed as an ordinal variable., Conclusions: Decreased R, especially R < 5 min, was inversely associated with functional outcome pf stroke after EVT., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no financial conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Propensity for lesion lateralization in atrial fibrillation-related cardiac embolic stroke (AF-stroke) remains controversial. In this study, we compared the hemispheric differences among patients with AF-stroke and identified factors associated with lesion laterality., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with acute AF-stroke admitted from January, 2017 to March, 2022. Patients were grouped based on whether lesions were right or left hemispheric in the anterior circulation territory, based on diffusion-weighted imaging. Factors associated with right-side propensity were analyzed., Results: Among 385 patients, the mean age was 74±11 years and 52.5 % were male. Right and left hemispheric lesions were observed in 189 (49.1 %) and 196 (50.9%) patients, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, enlarged left atrium (LA) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.03, 95% confidential interval [CI], 1.007-1.061; p=0.013) and single confluent lesion pattern (aOR= 1.55, 95% CI, 1.012-2.381; p=0.044) were associated with right hemispheric lesions., Conclusions: Enlarged LA and single confluent lesion pattern were strongly related to right-sided propensity in patients with AF-stroke., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Purpose: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has benefits in selected patients 6-24 h after stroke onset. However, the response to EVT >24 h after stroke onset is still unclear. We compared the early response to EVT in patients with different time windows., Methods: Patients who underwent EVT in an emergency setting were enrolled and categorized according to when EVT was performed: within 6 (early), 6-24 (late), and >24 h (very late) after stroke onset. Early neurological improvement (ENI) and deterioration (END) were defined as improvement and worsening, respectively, of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score by ≥4 points after EVT. The three groups' clinical characteristics and response to EVT were compared. We also investigated factors associated with ENI and END., Results: During study period, 274 patients underwent EVT (109 early, 104 late, and 61 very late). Patients who underwent EVT very late were younger (p = 0.007), had smaller ischemic cores, and had lower initial NIHSS scores (8 ± 5) than those who underwent EVT early (14 ± 6) and late (13 ± 7; p < 0.001). Stroke mechanisms also differed according to the time window (p < 0.001): cardioembolism was more common after early EVT, whereas large-artery atherosclerosis was more prevalent among patients who underwent EVT very late. ENI was significantly more common after early (60.6%) and late EVT (51.0%) than after very late EVT (29.5%; p = 0.001); however, rates of END did not differ (11.0%, 13.5%, and 4.9%, respectively). ENI was independently associated with male, higher NIHSS score, and early and late EVT. END was associated with failure of recanalization., Conclusions: ENI was more observed and associated with early and late EVT. Highly selected patients receiving very late EVT may not benefit from ENI but may still have a chance to prevent END. The occurrence of END was associated not with time window but with failure of recanalization., (© 2022 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Two different stroke mechanisms are involved in small vessel disease: branch atheromatous disease (BAD) and lipohyalinotic degeneration (LD). We compared mechanisms of stroke in lenticulostriate arteries (LSA) vs. anterior pontine arteries (APA) and verified factors associated with stroke mechanisms, including shape of middle cerebral artery (MCA) and basilar artery (BA). We retrospectively reviewed patients with acute ischemic stroke with penetrating artery territory confirmed by MRI. The mechanisms of stroke were categorized based on diffusion-weighted imaging; BAD was defined as lesion larger than 10 mm in LSA and lesions involving basal pontine in APA. Other lesions were classified as LD. The shapes of MCA and BA were classified as straight, with one angle, or with two angles (U, C or S shape, respectively) using anterior-posterior view. The study included 221 patients. LD was more common in LSA infarcts, but BAD was more common in APA infarcts (p < 0.001). Low initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [Adjusted Odds ratio (aOR) = 0.78; p < 0.001], absence of hyperlipidemia [aOR = 0.31; p = 0.002], previous statin use [aOR = 4.35; p = 0.028] LSA infarcts [reference = APA territory; aOR = 11.07; p < 0.001], and S-shaped vessels (reference = straight shaped vessels; aOR = 3.51; p = 0.004) were independently associated with LD. Angulations in the mother vessels may be more associated with true small vessel disease more with LD than BAD., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: The effect of cholesterol on the functional outcome after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is still controversial. This study aimed to investigate whether the lipid profile is associated with the EVT prognosis., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with emergent large vessel occlusion who underwent EVT. The blood lipid levels were measured in the fasting state, 1 day after admission. We divided patients into terciles of serum total cholesterol (TC) levels and compared the clinical characteristics among the groups. The factors associated with a good outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin scale 0-2) were investigated, considering the stroke mechanism and recanalization status., Results: Among 274 patients, good outcomes were observed in 108 (39.4%) patients. Low initial severity (odds ratio (OR), 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.858-0.954; p < 0.001) and high TC level (1.35, 1.034-1.758; p = 0.041) were associated with good outcomes. In patients with cardioembolism, young age (0.95, 0.915-0.991; p = 0.021), low initial severity (0.92, 0.857-0.988; p = 0.024), and high TC level (1.60, 1.019-2.499; p = 0.036) were associated with good outcomes. The lipid profile was not associated with a functional outcome in those with large artery atherosclerosis. In patients with complete recanalization, young age (0.97, 0.941-0.994; p = 0.016), low initial severity (0.91, 0.864-0.961; p = 0.001), absence of diabetes (0.45, 0.218-0.947; p = 0.035) or any hemorrhage (0.33, 0.142-0.760; p = 0.009), and high TC level (1.40, 1.031-1.879; p = 0.031) were associated with good outcomes., Conclusions: A high TC level was associated with favorable outcomes after EVT, especially in patients with cardioembolism and complete recanalization., (© 2022. Fondazione Società Italiana di Neurologia.)

Objective: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases blood pressure variability (BPV) and affects stroke outcomes. However, the effect of BPV on early neurological deterioration (END) may be different according to the renal function., Methods: We enrolled ischemic stroke patients with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale of ≤5. END was defined as worsening of ≥1 point in motor power or ≥2 points in total score. BPV was calculated with BP measured during the first 5 days and presented as standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CoV). Renal function was classified using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification of CKD. Variables were compared between those with (KDIGO classification: moderate- to very-high-risk) and without renal impairment (KDIGO classification: low-risk) and factors associated with END were investigated., Results: Among the 290 patients (136 [46.9%] renal impairment), END was observed in 59 (20.3%) patients. BPV parameters and the risk of END increased as renal function was impaired. Renal function and systolic BP (SBP) mean, SD, CoV, and diastolic BP (DBP) mean, SD were independently associated with END. We found no association between BPV parameters and END in normal renal function patients; however, among impaired renal function patients, SBP SD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.32, P<0.001) and CoV (1.30 [1.12-1.50], P<0.001) were associated with END., Conclusions: The association between END and BPV parameters differs according to renal function in minor ischemic stroke; BPV was associated with END in patients with renal impairment, but less in those with normal renal function., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background: Clinical-diffusion mismatch (CDM) and perfusion-diffusion mismatch (PDM) are used to select patients for endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in the late-window period. As CDM well reflects true penumbra, we hypothesized that patients with CDM and PDM would respond better to EVT than those with PDM only at the late-window period., Methods: Acute ischemic stroke patients who received EVT 6-24 h after stroke onset were included. PDM (perfusion-/diffusion-weighted image (DWI) lesion volume >1.8) was used to select candidates for EVT in this time-period in our center. CDM was defined according to the DAWN trial criteria. Response to EVT was compared between patients with and without CDM. Early neurological improvement (ENI) was defined as improvement >4 points on National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score 1 day after EVT. Multivariable analysis was performed to investigate independent factors associated with ENI. The correlation between DWI lesion volume and NIHSS score was investigated in those with and without CDM., Results: Among 94 patients enrolled, all patients had PDM and 44 (46.3%) had CDM. Forty-eight patients (51.1%) showed ENI. The prevalence of hypertension, initial NIHSS score, improvement in NIHSS score after EVT, and prevalence of ENI were greater in patients with CDM than those without. ENI was independently associated with onset-to-door time (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.998 [0.997-1.000]; p = 0.042), complete recanalization (23.912 [2.238-255.489]; p = 0.009), initial NIHSS score (1.180 [1.012-1.377]; p = 0.034), and the presence of CDM (5.160 [1.448-18.386]; p = 0.011). The correlation between DWI lesion volume and initial NIHSS score was strong in patients without CDM (r = 0.731) but only moderate in patients with CDM (r = 0.355)., Conclusion: Patients with both CDM and PDM had a better response to late-window EVT than those with PDM only., (© 2021 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of gradual dipyridamole titration and the incidence of dipyridamole-induced headache in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)., Methods: A randomized, double-blind, double-placebo, parallel group, phase 4 clinical trial (KCT0005457) was conducted between July 1, 2019, and February 25, 2020, at 15 medical centers in South Korea. The study included patients aged >19 years diagnosed with a noncardioembolic ischemic stroke or TIA within the previous 3 weeks. The participants were randomized 1:1:1 to receive Adinox® (aspirin 25 mg/dipyridamole 200 mg) and aspirin (100 mg) once daily for the first 2 weeks followed by Adinox® twice daily for 2 weeks (titration group), Adinox® twice daily for 4 weeks (standard group), and aspirin 100 mg once daily for 4 weeks (control group). The primary endpoint was incidence of headache over 4 weeks. The key secondary endpoint was mean cumulative headache., Results: Ninety-six patients were randomized into the titration (n = 31), standard (n = 32), and control (n = 33) groups. The titration and standard groups (74.1% vs. 74.2%, respectively) showed no difference in the primary endpoint. However, the mean cumulated headache was significantly lower in the titration group than in the standard group (0.31 ± 0.46 vs. 0.58 ± 0.51, p = 0.023). Further, adverse drug reactions were more common in the standard group than in the titration group (28.1% vs. 9.7%, respectively, p = 0.054), although not significantly different., Conclusion: The titration strategy was effective in lowering the incidence of cumulative dipyridamole-induced headache., (© 2022 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Objective: We aimed to present neurological profiles and clinical outcomes of patients with acute neurological symptoms, which developed during hospitalization with nonneurological illness., Methods: We organized the neurological alert team (NAT), a neurological rapid response team, to manage in-hospital neurological emergencies. In this registry-based study, we analyzed the clinical profiles and outcomes of patients who were consulted to the NAT. We also compared the 3-month mortality of patients with acute neurological symptoms with that of patients without acute neurological symptoms., Results: Among the 85,507 adult patients, 591 (0.7%) activated the NAT. The most common reason for NAT activation was stroke symptoms (37.6%), followed by seizures (28.6%), and sudden unresponsiveness (24.0%). The most common diagnosis by the NAT neurologists was metabolic encephalopathy (45.5%), followed by ischemic stroke (21.2%) and seizures or status epilepticus (21.0%). Patients with NAT activation had high rates in mortality before hospital discharge (22.5%) and at 3 months (34.7%), transfer to intensive care units (39.6%), and length of hospital stay (43.1 ± 57.1 days). They also had high prevalence of poor functional status (78.1%) and recurrence of neurological symptoms at 3 months (27.2%). In a Cox proportional hazards model, patients with in-hospital neurological emergencies had a hazard ratio of 13.2 in terms of mortality at 3 months (95% confidence interval, 11.5-15.3; P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Occurrence of acute neurological symptoms during hospital admission was associated with high rate of mortality and poor functional status. These results call for enhanced awareness and hospital-wide strategies for managing in-hospital neurological emergencies., Competing Interests: The authors disclose no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objectives: We evaluated the association between admission glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and subsequent risk of composite vascular events, including stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and vascular death, in patients with acute ischemic stroke and diabetes., Methods: Patients who had a TIA or an acute ischemic stroke within 7 days of symptom onset and diabetes were included in a retrospective cohort design using the stroke registry of the Clinical Research Center for Stroke in Korea. The association between admission HbA1c and composite vascular events, including stroke, MI, and vascular death, during 1-year follow-up was estimated using the Fine-Gray model. The risk of composite vascular events according to the ischemic stroke subtype was explored using fractional polynomial and linear-quadratic models., Results: Of the 18,567 patients, 1,437 developed composite vascular events during follow-up. In multivariable analysis using HbA1c as a categorical variable, the risk significantly increased at a threshold of 6.8%-7.0%. The influence of admission HbA1c level on the risk of composite vascular events was pronounced particularly among those in whom fasting glucose at admission was ≤130 mg/dL. The optimal ranges of HbA1c associated with minimal risks for composite vascular events were lowest for the small vessel occlusion subtype (6.6 [95% confidence internal [CI], 6.3-6.9]) compared to the large artery atherosclerosis (7.3 [95% CI, 6.8-7.9]) or the cardioembolic subtype (7.4 [95% CI, 6.3-8.5])., Dicussion: In patients with ischemic stroke and diabetes, the risks of composite vascular events were significantly associated with admission HbA1c. The optimal range of admission HbA1c was below 6.8%-7.0% and differed according to the ischemic stroke subtype., (© 2021 American Academy of Neurology.)

Objective: To evaluate whether prestroke glucose control is associated with functional outcomes in patients with acute large vessel occlusive stroke and diabetes who underwent intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT)., Research Design and Methods: From the Clinical Research Center for Stroke-Korea registry, we included patients with emergent large vessel occlusive stroke with diabetes who underwent IAT between January 2009 and March 2020. The association between the HbA 1c level at admission and functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale at 3 months after the index stroke) was assessed., Results: A total of 1,351 patients were analyzed. Early neurological deterioration was more common in patients with higher levels of HbA 1c at admission ( P = 0.02 according to HbA 1c quintiles, P = 0.003 according to an HbA 1c cutoff value of 7.0%) than in those with lower HbA 1c levels. Higher HbA 1c levels at admission were significantly associated with decreased odds of favorable functional outcomes at a threshold of 7.0-7.1%. The association was consistently observed in subgroups divided according to age, sex, stroke subtype, occlusion site, degree of recanalization, thrombolysis modalities, time from symptom onset to groin puncture, and treatment period., Conclusions: Prestroke glucose control with a target HbA 1c of ≤7.0% may be beneficial for neurological recovery in patients with diabetes undergoing IAT for large vessel occlusive stroke, regardless of stroke subtype, bridging intravenous thrombolysis, occlusion site, degree of recanalization, and treatment period., (© 2021 by the American Diabetes Association.)

Background: Little is known about newly developed stroke in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU)., Objective: This study aimed to investigate characteristics and outcomes of newly developed stroke in patients admitted to the non-neurological intensive care units (ICU-onset stroke, IOS)., Methods: A consecutive series of adult patients who were admitted to the non-neurological ICU were included in this study. We compared neurological profiles, risk factors, and mortality rates between patients with IOS and those without IOS., Results: Of 18,604 patients admitted to the ICU for non-neurological illness, 218 (1.2%) developed stroke (ischemic, n = 182; hemorrhagic, n = 36). The most common neurological presentation was altered mental status (n = 149), followed by hemiparesis (n = 55), and seizures (n = 28). The most common etiology of IOS was cardioembolism (50% [91/182]) for ischemic IOS and coagulopathy (67% [24/36]) for hemorrhagic IOS. In multivariable analysis, the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.03-1.06, P < 0.001), prothrombin time (AOR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98-0.99, P = 0.013), cardiovascular surgery (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.34-2.50, P < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (AOR = 6.75, 95% CI = 4.87-9.45, P < 0.001), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (AOR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.62-4.55, P < 0.001) were related to the development of IOS. Stroke was associated with increased 3-month mortality after hospital discharge (AOR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.58-3.05; P < 0.001), after adjustment for APACHE II and comorbidities., Conclusions: Patients who developed IOS had characteristics of initial critical illness and managements performed in the ICU as well as neurological presentations. The occurrence of IOS was related to high morbidity and mortality.

Background and Purpose- We evaluated whether hemoglobin concentration at admission was associated with stroke recurrence and composite vascular events (stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death) in acute ischemic stroke. Methods- We collected data from patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack from a multicenter stroke registry database in Korea. The association of hemoglobin concentration with 1-year stroke recurrence and composite vascular events was evaluated with respect to age, presence of cerebral artery stenosis, stroke severity, and stroke subtype. Results- Hemoglobin levels were inversely associated with stroke recurrence and composite vascular events. One-year rates of stroke recurrence and composite vascular events were significantly higher in patients with anemia or moderate anemia. In multivariable analyses, moderate anemia remained an independent predictor of stroke recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.16-1.75]) and composite vascular events (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.07-1.48]). Moderate anemia increased the risk of composite vascular events in patients with mild-to-moderate stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <16, P =0.01 for interaction). Conclusions- Hemoglobin concentration could be an independent predictor of stroke recurrence and composite vascular events.

Background: Optimal blood pressure (BP) management after intraarterial thrombectomy (IAT) has yet to be thoroughly elucidated. We assessed whether maintaining a systolic BP (SBP) of ≤130 mm Hg for 24 h following IAT was associated with better outcomes in patients with successful recanalization., Methods: Patients presenting with large vessel occlusion within 4 h from symptom onset underwent IAT based on multiphase computed tomography angiography, and those achieving successful recanalization were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were dichotomized based on a 24-h mean SBP after IAT >130 or ≤130 mm Hg, and functional outcomes were compared at 3 months. At 3 months, 24-h mean SBPs were compared based on recanalization degree, baseline collateral status, stroke mechanism, and occlusion site., Results: The proportion of favorable outcomes at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0-2) was significantly lower in patients with a mean SBP >130 mm Hg over the 24 h after IAT (40.5 vs. 66.7%, p = 0.02). The distribution of mRS varied significantly among patients with complete recanalization, poor baseline collateral status (pial arterial filling score 0-3), cardioembolic stroke, or middle cerebral artery occlusion, with higher mRS values associated with higher mean SBPs. A mean SBP >130 mm Hg during the 24 h after IAT was associated with worse functional outcomes after multivariable adjustment (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.11-6.41; p= 0.03)., Conclusion: Stricter BP control during the 24 h following IAT may improve clinical outcomes in patients with large vessel occlusion who achieved successful recanalization., (© 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Background: Blood pressure variability (BPV) is associated with target organ damage progression and increased cardiovascular events, including stroke. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between short-term BPV during acute periods and recanalization degree, early neurological deterioration (END) occurrence, and functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients who had undergone intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT)., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 303 patients with large vessel occlusive stroke who underwent IAT. The following BPV parameters, measured over 24 and 48 h after IAT, were compared: the mean, SD, coefficient of variation (CV), variation independent of the mean (VIM) for both the systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP, and the proportion of nocturnal SBP risers., Results: BPV parameters decreased with higher recanalization degree. The mean SBP (SBPmean) over 24 and 48 h after IAT, and the SD of SBP (SBPSD), CV of SBP (SBPCV), and VIM of SBP (SBPVIM) during the 48 h following the procedure had significant associations with recanalization degree. Patients with END had higher BPV than that of those without END, and the difference was more evident for incomplete recanalization. Increased BPV was associated with a shift toward poor functional outcome at 3 months after adjustment, including recanalization degree (OR range for significant parameters, 1.26-1.64, p = 0.006 for 48 h SBPmean, p = 0.003 for 48 h SBPCV, otherwise p < 0.002)., Conclusions: Short-term BPV over 24 and 48 h after IAT in acute ischemic stroke patients was related to recanalization degree, and END occurrence, and may be an independent predictor of clinical outcome., (© 2019 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

We investigated the association between early recanalization degree after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation, and functional outcome. We also evaluated whether recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA) dosing error could influence the outcome. Patients with ischemic stroke with major vessel occlusion (n=256) who underwent IVT were included. Recanalization status (no recanalization, partial recanalization, and complete recanalization) was confirmed by subsequent magnetic resonance or conventional angiography. Association between early recanalization degree and favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2) was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Early partial recanalization was achieved in 33 (12.9%), and complete recanalization in 7 (2.7%) patients. Patients with the highest quintile of rTPA dosage achieved complete recanalization more frequently than the lower four quintiles (8.0% vs 2.0%, P=0.03). Hemorrhagic transformation tended to occur more frequently in patients with complete recanalization as compared with patients with partial recanalization (57.1% vs 21.2%, P=0.15). The proportion of favorable outcome was significantly lower in patients with the highest quintile of rTPA dosage used as compared with the patients with lower four quintiles (40.8%, 57.0%, P=0.04). In multivariable analysis, partial recanalization was significantly associated with favorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 3.15; 95% CI, 1.06-9.35), but complete recanalization was not. Early partial recanalization after IVT may be an indicator of favorable outcome with low occurrence of any hemorrhagic transformation., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objective: Symptomatic basilar artery stenosis (BAS) is associated with high risk of ischemic stroke recurrence. We aimed to investigate whether statin therapy might prevent the progression of symptomatic BAS and stroke recurrence., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with acute ischemia with symptomatic BAS, which was assessed using magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) imaging on admission day, and 1 year later (or the day of the clinical event). The clinical endpoints were recurrent ischemic stroke and its composites, transient ischemic attack, coronary disease, and vascular death., Results: Of the 153 patients with symptomatic BAS, 114 (74.5%) were treated with a statin after experiencing a stroke. Statin therapy significantly prevented the progression of symptomatic BAS (7.0% vs 28.2%) and induced regression (22.8% vs 15.4%) compared to non-statin users (p = 0.002). There were 31 ischemic stroke incidences and 38 composite vascular events. Statin users showed significantly lower stroke recurrence (14.9% vs 35.9%, p = 0.05) and composite vascular events (17.5% vs 46.2%; odds ratio [OR], 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13-0.64) than those not using statins did. Recurrent stroke in the basilar territory and composite vascular events were more common in patients with progression of BAS than they were in other patients (OR, 5.16; 95% CI, 1.63-16.25 vs OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.56-11.34)., Conclusion: Our study suggests that statin therapy may prevent the progression of symptomatic BAS and decrease the risk of subsequent ischemic stroke. Large randomized trials are needed to confirm this result.

Objective: We investigated the association between the presence of major vessel occlusion (MVO) and the intensity of the International Normalized Ratio (INR) in cardioembolic high-risk patients taking warfarin. We also evaluated whether the presence of MVO could predict the subtherapeutic range of INR ≤1.7 ensuring safe administration of intravenous thrombolytics., Methods: The medical records of 177 cardioembolic stroke patients who were taking warfarin between April, 2008 and March, 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association between vessel occlusion and intensity of INR. To predict INR ≤1.7, decision tree analysis was performed., Results: INR was inversely associated with MVO in an unadjusted model (OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.17-0.76), and in a model adjusted for initial NIHSS score and time from symptom onset to arrival (OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.11-0.73). Fifty-two of 58 (89.7%) patients with MVO had an INR ≤1.7, compared with 83 of 119 (69.7%) patients without MVO. Indication for anticoagulation agent use was dichotomized into NVAF and others, and applied to the subgroup of patients with MVO. All patients with NVAF (31/31, 100%) had INR ≤1.7, while 21 of 27 of the other patients (77.8%) had INR ≤1.7., Conclusions: Low INR at presentation in cardioembolic stroke patients during anticoagulation treatment was associated with occurrence of major vessel occlusive stroke. Presence of MVO and indications for anticoagulation may be utilized to ensure the feasibility of administration of intravenous thrombolytics., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background: There have been no prospective studies on the clinical features, etiologies, and outcome of transient ischemic attack (TIA) in Korea. The aim of this study was to identify variables that can discriminate TIA from TIA mimics. Also we evaluated the characteristic of TIA patients according to the presence of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion., Methods: Patients were categorized into TIA and TIA mimics according to the result of an initial workup. TIA patients were divided according to the presence of DWI lesions. Baseline demographics, risk factors, laboratory results, initial blood pressure, imaging findings, recurrence rate of TIA or stroke at 3 months, and initial neurologic manifestations were prospectively collected and compared., Results: We evaluated a total of 252 patients (212 with TIA and 40 with TIA mimics). Steno-occlusion of the relevant artery (odds ratio [OR], 22.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.03-246.73) and cardioembolic risk (OR, 32.15; 95% CI, 1.12-922.97) were significantly associated with TIA. Amnesia (OR, .001; 95% CI, .00-.05) and consciousness disturbance (OR, .003; 95% CI, .00-.06) favored TIA mimics. Perfusion defect (OR, 5.56; 95% CI, 2.90-10.68) and cardioembolic risk (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.14-6.32) were significantly associated with DWI lesion. Recurrence did not significantly differ according to the presence of a lesion on DWI (positive, 4.9%; negative, 7.8%; P = .41)., Conclusion: Steno-occlusive disease and cardioembolic risk were independently associated with TIA. Perfusion defect and cardioembolic risk predicted positive DWI lesion. The value of various imaging modalities for predicting TIA etiology needs further evaluation., (Copyright © 2015 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Acute dizziness is a common symptom among patients visiting emergency medical centers. Extensive neurological examinations aimed at delineating the cause of dizziness often require experience and specialized training. We tried to diagnose central dizziness by machine learning using only basic clinical information. Methods: Patients were enrolled who had visited an emergency medical center with acute dizziness and underwent diffusion-weighted imaging. The enrolled patients were dichotomized as either having central (with a corresponding central lesion) or non-central dizziness. We obtained patient demographics, risk factors, vital signs, and presentation (non-whirling type dizziness or vertigo). Various machine learning algorithms were used to predict central dizziness. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was measured to evaluate diagnostic accuracy. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) value was used to explain the importance of each factor. Results: Of the 4,481 visits, 414 (9.2%) were determined as central dizziness. Central dizziness patients were more often older and male and had more risk factors and higher systolic blood pressure. They also presented more frequently with non-whirling type dizziness (79 vs. 54.4%) than non-central dizziness. Catboost model showed the highest AUROC (0.738) with a 94.4% sensitivity and 31.9% specificity in the test set (n = 1,317). The SHAP value was highest for previous stroke presence (mean; 0.74), followed by male (0.33), presentation as non-whirling type dizziness (0.30), and age (0.25). Conclusions: Machine learning is feasible for classifying central dizziness using demographics, risk factors, vital signs, and clinical dizziness presentation, which are obtainable at the triage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: RAO is caused by various etiologies and subsequent vascular events may be associated with underlying etiologies. Our aim is to investigate the etiologies of RAO, the occurrence of subsequent vascular events and their association in patients with RAO. Methods: We analyzed data from 151 consecutive patients presenting with acute non-arteritic RAO between 2003 and 2013 in a single tertiary-care hospital. The primary outcome was the occurrence of a vascular event defined as stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death within 365 days of the RAO onset. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard model were used to estimate the hazard ratio of the vascular events. Results: Large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) was the etiology more frequently associated with of RAO (41.1%, 62/151). During the one year follow-up, ischemic stroke and vascular events occurred in 8.6% and 9.9% of patients, respectively. Ten vascular events occurred in RAO patients attributed to LAA and 4 occurred in undetermined etiology. RAO patients with LAA had a nearly four times higher risk of vascular events compared to those without LAA (hazard ratio 3.94, 95% confidence interval 1.21–12.81). More than a half of all events occurred within one month and over three fourths of ischemic strokes occurred ipsilateral to the RAO. Conclusion: After occurrence of RAO, there is a high risk of a subsequent vascular event, particularly ipsilateral stroke, within one month. LAA is an independent factor for the occurrence of a subsequent vascular event. Management for the prevention of secondary vascular events is necessary in patients with RAO especially with LAA. Large clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]