-
Der Anaesthesist Jan 2021Perioperative stroke is defined as an ischemic cerebrovascular event that occurs during or within 30 days after surgery and is associated with an increased... (Review)
Review
Perioperative stroke is defined as an ischemic cerebrovascular event that occurs during or within 30 days after surgery and is associated with an increased perioperative risk of morbidity and mortality. Depending on the type of surgery stroke is diagnosed in up to 11% of all patients in the perioperative period. Patients with a history of ischemic stroke or transitory ischemic attack have an increased risk for perioperative stroke. Therefore, a critical assessment of indications and the timing of surgery are crucial to prevent recurring stroke in this patient population. Importantly, individualized blood pressure management is essential for optimization of cerebral perfusion during the perioperative period.This article provides a summary of the epidemiology, risk factors, and etiology of perioperative stroke. Moreover, possible preventive strategies relevant for the anesthesiologist are reviewed.
Topics: Humans; Ischemic Attack, Transient; Perioperative Period; Postoperative Complications; Risk Factors; Stroke
PubMed: 32749502
DOI: 10.1007/s00101-020-00823-5 -
Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience 2020Previous studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can improve the motor functions and memory of post-stroke patients in the chronic stage.
BACKGROUND
Previous studies have shown that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can improve the motor functions and memory of post-stroke patients in the chronic stage.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of HBOT on overall cognitive functions of post-stroke patients in the chronic stage. The nature, type and location of the stroke were investigated as possible modifiers.
METHODS
A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who were treated with HBOT for chronic stroke (>3 months) between 2008-2018. Participants were treated in a multi-place hyperbaric chamber with the following protocols: 40 to 60 daily sessions, 5 days per week, each session included 90 min of 100% oxygen at 2 ATA with 5 min air brakes every 20 minutes. Clinically significant improvements (CSI) were defined as > 0.5 standard deviation (SD).
RESULTS
The study included 162 patients (75.3% males) with a mean age of 60.75±12.91. Of them, 77(47.53%) had cortical strokes, 87(53.7%) strokes were located in the left hemisphere and 121 suffered ischemic strokes (74.6%).HBOT induced a significant increase in all the cognitive function domains (p < 0.05), with 86% of the stroke victims achieving CSI. There were no significant differences post-HBOT of cortical strokes compared to sub-cortical strokes (p > 0.05). Hemorrhagic strokes had a significantly higher improvement in information processing speed post-HBOT (p < 0.05). Left hemisphere strokes had a higher increase in the motor domain (p < 0.05). In all cognitive domains, the baseline cognitive function was a significant predictor of CSI (p < 0.05), while stroke type, location and side were not significant predictors.
CONCLUSIONS
HBOT induces significant improvements in all cognitive domains even in the late chronic stage. The selection of post-stroke patients for HBOT should be based on functional analysis and baseline cognitive scores rather than the stroke type, location or side of lesion.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Brain; Cognition; Female; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Male; Memory; Middle Aged; Oxygen; Retrospective Studies; Stroke
PubMed: 31985478
DOI: 10.3233/RNN-190959 -
Journal of Cardiac Surgery Feb 2022Strokes are a longstanding complication of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair. Understanding the neuroanatomy, mechanism, and severity of stroke will...
BACKGROUND
Strokes are a longstanding complication of acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) repair. Understanding the neuroanatomy, mechanism, and severity of stroke will facilitate efforts to improve prediction, prevention, and treatment strategies.
METHODS
Retrospective review of patients who sustained stroke from a consecutive series of patients undergoing ATAAD repair. Neuroimaging was interpreted by two stroke neurologists blinded to clinical results. Severity of stroke was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Residual disability at 30 days was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).
RESULTS
Twenty percent (38/189) of patients undergoing repair for ATAAD had stroke (unilateral 58%, bi-hemispheric 42% [p = .33]). All strokes were ischemic. No significant lateralization (right vs. left) was noted with unilateral strokes (26% vs. 32%, p = .67). Etiology of stroke was embolic (58%), hypoperfusion (26%), mixed (11%), and unknown (5%). There were no intraoperative variables that correlated with the neuroanatomy or mechanism of stroke. Preoperative carotid dissection was seen in 40% (n = 15), while postoperatively 10% (n = 4) sustained intracranial large vessel occlusion (LVO). Strokes were moderate or severe (NIHSS ≥ 9) in 97% of cases, with 66% incidence of moderate residual disability (mRS ≥ 3) at 1 month postoperatively.
CONCLUSIONS
Strokes associated with ATAAD are severe at presentation resulting in significant disability. One in 10 strokes is due to LVO and potentially amenable to endovascular treatment. Heterogeneity in both location and etiology of stroke makes prevention challenging. Future trials may evaluate the role of early neuroimaging and simultaneous treatment of stroke given advancements in endovascular therapy.
Topics: Aortic Dissection; Brain Ischemia; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Neuroanatomy; Neuroimaging; Retrospective Studies; Stroke; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34783113
DOI: 10.1111/jocs.16136 -
Stroke May 2015Determining the underlying cause of stroke is important to optimize secondary prevention treatment. Increased blood levels of natriuretic peptides (B-type natriuretic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Determining the underlying cause of stroke is important to optimize secondary prevention treatment. Increased blood levels of natriuretic peptides (B-type natriuretic peptide/N-terminal pro-BNP [BNP/NT-proBNP]) have been repeatedly associated with cardioembolic stroke. Here, we evaluate their clinical value as pathogenic biomarkers for stroke through a literature systematic review and individual participants' data meta-analysis.
METHODS
We searched publications in PubMed database until November 2013 that compared BNP and NT-proBNP circulating levels among stroke causes. Standardized individual participants' data were collected to estimate predictive values of BNP/NT-proBNP for cardioembolic stroke. Dichotomized BNP/NT-proBNP levels were included in logistic regression models together with clinical variables to assess the sensitivity and specificity to identify cardioembolic strokes and the additional value of biomarkers using area under the curve and integrated discrimination improvement index.
RESULTS
From 23 selected articles, we collected information of 2834 patients with a defined cause. BNP/NT-proBNP levels were significantly elevated in cardioembolic stroke until 72 hours from symptoms onset. Predictive models showed a sensitivity >90% and specificity >80% when BNP/NT-proBNP were added considering the lowest and the highest quartile, respectively. Both peptides also increased significantly the area under the curve and integrated discrimination improvement index compared with clinical models. Sensitivity, specificity, and precision of the models were validated in 197 patients with initially undetermined stroke with final pathogenic diagnosis after ancillary follow-up.
CONCLUSIONS
Natriuretic peptides are strongly increased in cardioembolic strokes. Future multicentre prospective studies comparing BNP and NT-proBNP might aid in finding the optimal biomarker, the best time point, and the optimal cutoff points for cardioembolic stroke identification.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Electrocardiography; Embolism; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Natriuretic Peptide, Brain; Predictive Value of Tests; Stroke
PubMed: 25765726
DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.114.008311 -
The Lancet. Global Health Apr 2020Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Despite considerable improvements in diagnosis and treatment, little is known about the short-term and...
BACKGROUND
Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Despite considerable improvements in diagnosis and treatment, little is known about the short-term and long-term prognosis after a first stroke in low-income and middle-income countries, including China. We aimed to assess the short-term and long-term risk of recurrent stroke and mortality after a first stroke for each of the major pathological stroke types.
METHODS
This population-based cohort study included adults aged 35-74 years without disability who were recruited to the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB). A baseline survey was conducted in ten geographical areas (five urban, five rural) in China, and participants had clinical measurements recorded. Participants were followed up by monitoring death registries and by electronic linkage to health registries and health insurance claims databases, with follow-up until Jan 1, 2017. Participants were excluded from analyses if they had a previous history of stroke, transient ischaemic attack, or ischaemic heart disease at baseline. All incidences of fatal and non-fatal stroke during the study period were recorded by type (ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and unspecified type). Primary outcome measures were 28-day mortality, recurrent stroke, major vascular events (recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, or vascular death), vascular mortality, and all-cause mortality.
FINDINGS
Of 512 715 individuals in the CKB, 489 586 participants without previous ischaemic heart disease and stroke at recruitment were included, of whom 45 732 (42 073 [92%] confirmed by brain imaging) had a stroke during the study period. The mean age was 59·3 years (SD 9·8) for participants who had a stroke (54% women) and 50·8 years (10·3) for participants with no stroke (60% women). 36 588 (80%) of the incident cases of stroke were ischaemic stroke, 7440 (16%) were intracerebral haemorrhage, 702 (2%) were subarachnoid haemorrhage, and 1002 (2%) were an unspecified stroke type. 28-day mortality was 3% (95% CI 3-4) for ischaemic stroke, 47% (46-48)for intracerebral haemorrhage, 19% (17-22; 52% for rural areas and 32% for urban areas) subarachnoid haemorrhage, and 24% (22-27) for unspecified stroke. Among participants who survived stroke at 28 days, 41% (41-42) had recurrent stroke at 5 years (ischaemic stroke 41% [41-42], intracerebral haemorrhage 44% [42-46], subarachnoid haemorrhage 22% [18-27], unspecified stroke type 40% [35-44]) and mortality at 5 years was 17% ([17-18] ischaemic stroke 16% [15-16], intracerebral haemorrhage 28% [26-29], subarachnoid haemorrhage 16% [12-20], unspecified stroke type 15% [12-19]). After a first ischaemic stroke, 91% of recurrent strokes were also ischaemic stroke; after an intracerebral haemorrhage, 56% of recurrent strokes were intracerebral haemorrhage, and 41% of recurrent strokes were ischaemic stroke.
INTERPRETATION
After a first stroke, the risk of recurrence or death within 5 years was high among this population of Chinese adults. Urgent improvements to secondary prevention of stroke in China are needed to reduce these risks.
FUNDING
Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Kadoorie Charitable Foundation, Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, National Natural Science Foundation of China.
COPYRIGHT
© 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license.
Topics: Adult; Aged; China; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Recurrence; Risk Assessment; Stroke
PubMed: 32199124
DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30069-3 -
Journal of Medicine and Life Jun 2023Watershed strokes have been described previously as ischemic strokes located in vulnerable border zones between brain tissue supplied by the anterior, posterior, and... (Review)
Review
Watershed strokes have been described previously as ischemic strokes located in vulnerable border zones between brain tissue supplied by the anterior, posterior, and middle cerebral arteries in the distal junction between two non-anastomotic arterial territories. Ischemic strokes in border zones are well-recognized entities and well-described in terms of imaging features, but the pathophysiological mechanism of brain injury production is not fully defined. Border zone ischemia is caused by cerebral hypoperfusion through decreased cerebral blood flow and arterial embolism in unstable atheroma plaque. It is often difficult to say which mechanisms are fully responsible for producing cerebral ischemic lesions. This review aimed to highlight the imaging aspect of watershed strokes and to correlate the clinical characteristics of this type of stroke with the diagnostic algorithm for optimal therapeutic management. Neurologists should promptly recognize this type of stroke and investigate its etiology in the shortest possible time.
Topics: Humans; Stroke; Ischemic Stroke; Middle Cerebral Artery
PubMed: 37675172
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0127 -
Lancet (London, England) Oct 2003Stroke is a major public-health burden worldwide. Prevention programmes are essential to reduce the incidence of stroke and to prevent the all but inevitable stroke... (Review)
Review
Stroke is a major public-health burden worldwide. Prevention programmes are essential to reduce the incidence of stroke and to prevent the all but inevitable stroke epidemic, which will hit less developed countries particularly hard as their populations age and adopt lifestyles of the more developed countries. Efficient, effective, and rapid diagnosis of stroke and transient ischaemic attack is crucial. The diagnosis of the exact type and cause of stroke, which requires brain imaging as well as traditional clinical skills, is also important when it will influence management. The treatment of acute stroke, the prevention and management of the many complications of stroke, and the prevention of recurrent stroke and other serious vascular events are all improving rapidly. However, stroke management will only be most effective when delivered in the context of an organised, expert, educated, and enthusiastic stroke service that can react quickly to the needs of patients at all stages from onset to recovery.
Topics: Acute Disease; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stroke
PubMed: 14568745
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14544-8 -
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular... Aug 2019Sneddon syndrome (SS) is an episodic or chronic, slowly progressive disorder and characterized by generalized livedo racemosa (patchy, violaceous, skin discoloration)... (Review)
Review
Sneddon syndrome (SS) is an episodic or chronic, slowly progressive disorder and characterized by generalized livedo racemosa (patchy, violaceous, skin discoloration) and recurrent cerebrovascular events. The histopathology of skin and brain is remarkable for a noninflammatory thrombotic vasculopathy involving medium- and small-sized dermal and cerebral arteries, respectively. Approximately 80% of the SS patients are women with a median age of diagnosis at 40 years. However, the onset of the disease during childhood have been reported. Etiopathogenesis of SS is unknown with 2 primary mechanisms proposed - autoimmune/inflammatory versus thrombophilia. SS is primarily classified as antiphospholipid positive or negative type. Neurological manifestations usually occur in 3 phases: (1) prodromal symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and vertigo, (2) recurrent strokes, and (3) early onset dementia. Livedo racemosa precedes the onset of recurrent strokes by more than 10 years, but in many instances, the significance of the skin lesion is recognized only after the appearance of the stroke. The involvement of the heart valves, systolic labile hypertension, and retinal changes are also commonly associated with this syndrome. Treatment of SS is primarily based on anecdotal reports. Antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents are used for secondary stroke prophylaxis, and a recent study showed a relatively lower stroke recurrence rate with the universal use of antiplatelet/antithrombotic agents. Routine use of anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapies is controversial. Neuropsychiatric prognosis of SS is relatively poor with predominant deficits in the concentration, attention, visual perception, and visuospatial skills.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Cerebral Arteries; Fibrinolytic Agents; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Livedo Reticularis; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Recurrence; Risk Factors; Skin; Sneddon Syndrome; Stroke; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31160219
DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.05.013 -
Translational Stroke Research Feb 2017Stroke, resulting from limited blood flow to the brain, is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Stroke is classified as ischemic, due... (Review)
Review
Stroke, resulting from limited blood flow to the brain, is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Stroke is classified as ischemic, due to lack of blood flow, or hemorrhagic, due to bleeding. Because 87 % of strokes are classified as ischemic, this type will be the predominant focus of this review. Except for thrombolytic therapy, there is no established treatment to reduce the neurological deficits caused by ischemic stroke. Therefore, it is necessary to develop new therapeutic strategies designed to improve neurological functions after ischemic stroke. Recently, therapies to enhance neurogenesis after ischemic stroke have been investigated. However, these approaches have not led to successful clinical outcomes. This review addresses the pathophysiology of stroke, neurogenesis after stroke, and how to stimulate these processes based on the current literature. Finally, ongoing clinical trials to improve neurological functions after stroke by enhancing neurogenesis are discussed in this review.
Topics: Animals; Brain Ischemia; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy; Humans; Intracranial Hemorrhages; Neural Stem Cells; Neurogenesis; Recovery of Function; Stroke
PubMed: 26987852
DOI: 10.1007/s12975-016-0460-z -
Journal of Vascular Surgery May 2024Cryptogenic stroke represents a type of ischemic stroke with an unknown origin, presenting a significant challenge in both stroke management and prevention. According to... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
Cryptogenic stroke represents a type of ischemic stroke with an unknown origin, presenting a significant challenge in both stroke management and prevention. According to the Trial of Org 10,172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria, a stroke is categorized as being caused by large artery atherosclerosis only when there is >50% luminal narrowing of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery. However, nonstenosing carotid artery plaques can be an underlying cause of ischemic stroke. Indeed, emerging evidence documents that some features of plaque vulnerability may act as an independent risk factor, regardless of the degree of stenosis, in precipitating cerebrovascular events. This review, drawing from an array of imaging-based studies, explores the predictive values of carotid imaging modalities in the detection of nonstenosing carotid plaque (<50%), that could be the cause of a cerebrovascular event when some features of vulnerability are present.
METHODS
Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed were searched for articles on cryptogenic stroke and those reporting the association between cryptogenic stroke and imaging features of carotid plaque vulnerability.
RESULTS
Despite extensive diagnostic evaluations, the etiology of a considerable proportion of strokes remains undetermined, contributing to the recurrence rate and persistent morbidity in affected individuals. Advances in imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scans, and ultrasound examination, facilitate more accurate detection of nonstenosing carotid artery plaque and allow better stratification of stroke risk, leading to a more tailored treatment strategy.
CONCLUSIONS
Early detection of nonstenosing carotid plaque with features of vulnerability through carotid imaging techniques impacts the clinical management of cryptogenic stroke, resulting in refined stroke subtype classification and improved patient management. Additional research is required to validate these findings and recommend the integration of these state-of-the-art imaging methodologies into standard diagnostic protocols to improve stroke management and prevention.
Topics: Humans; Carotid Stenosis; Stroke; Carotid Arteries; Ischemic Stroke; Plaque, Atherosclerotic
PubMed: 38190926
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2024.01.004