Measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter on computed tomography for the differentiation of transient ischemic attacks

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate whether the measurement of mean optic nerve sheath diameter in patients with transient ischemic attack could be used to distinguish between control groups, the acute ischemic stroke group, and subgroups within the acute ischemic stroke category. METHODS: Retrospectively, the mean optic nerve sheath diameters of patients aged 18 years and older belonging to control, transient ischemic attack, acute ischemic stroke, and subgroups within the acute ischemic stroke category were measured with initial computed tomography conducted in the emergency department. RESULTS: Out of the 773 patients included in the study, 318 (41.1%) were in the control group, 77 (10%) had transient ischemic attack, and 378 (49%) were categorized as stroke patients. The average mean optic nerve sheath diameter was significantly higher in both the stroke and transient ischemic attack groups compared with the control group (p<0.001 for both comparisons). Furthermore, the mean optic nerve sheath diameter in the stroke subgroups was significantly higher than in both the transient ischemic attack and control groups (p<0.001 for all comparisons). In transient ischemic attack patients, the mean optic nerve sheath diameter showed a significant ability to predict transient ischemic attack (AUC=0.913, p<0.001), with a calculated optimal cutoff value of 4.72, sensitivity of 94.8%, and specificity of 73.9%. CONCLUSION: The mean optic nerve sheath diameter of patients in the transient ischemic attack group was lower compared with those in the stroke subgroups but higher compared with the control group.

Coexisting Coronary and Carotid Artery Disease: What We Did, What Happened

ABSTRACT Introduction: There is no complete consensus on the three surgical methods and long-term consequences for coexisting coronary and carotid artery disease. We retrospectively evaluated the surgical results in this high-risk group in our clinic for a decade. Methods: Between 2005 and 2015, 196 patients were treated for combined carotid and coronary artery disease. A total of 50 patients were operated on with the staged method, 40 of which had carotid endarterectomy (CEA) priority, and 10 had coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) priority. CABG and CEA were simultaneously performed in 82 patients; and in 64 asymptomatic patients with unilateral carotid artery lesions and stenosis over 70%, only CABG was done (64 patients). Results were evaluated by uni-/multivariate analyses for perioperative, early, and late postoperative data. Results: In the staged group, interval between the operations was 2.82±0.74 months. Perioperative and early postoperative (30 days) parameters did not differ between groups (P-value < 0.05). Postoperative follow-up time was averaged 94.9±38.3 months. Postoperative events were examined in three groups as (A) deaths (all cause), (B) cardiovascular events (non-fatal myocardial infarction, recurrent angina, congestive heart failure, palpitation), and (C) fatal neurological events (amaurosis fugax, transient ischemic attack, and stroke). When group C events were excluded, event-free actuarial survival rates were similar in all three methods (P=0.740). Actuarial survival rate was significantly different when all events were included (P=0.027). Neurological events increased markedly between months 34 and 66 (P=0.004). Conclusion: Perioperative and early postoperative event-free survival rates were similar in all three methods. By the beginning of the 34th month, the only CABG group has been negatively separated due to neurological events. In the choice of methodology, "most threatened organ priority'' was considered as clinical parameter.

Pre-induction Jerky limb movements on operation table – Is it transient ischemic attack

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a diagnostic challenge for all physicians due to the temporariness of symptoms and the absence of any definitive diagnostic test. There is a very high risk of TIA being followed by an ischemic stroke, hence require urgent investigation and preventive strategies. At the same time, it is also important to distinguish TIA from other close differentials, to avoid wrong diagnoses leading to harmful, misdirected medical management. In this report, we will discuss the case of a middle-aged male patient with stable pre-operative vitals who was posted for total parotidectomy and suddenly developed jerky movement of the upper limb and transient aphasia on the operation theater table along with raised blood pressure. This is a very rare presentation of TIA that needs to be differentiated from other close differentials as this form is mostly associated with severe carotid occlusive disease and, hence, carries a high risk of stroke.

A perplexing case report of an imaging negative acute ischemic stroke

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often seen as the gold standard when dealing with an acute ischemic stroke. Despite its unique ability to quickly diagnose acute stroke with diffusion-weighted imaging, there is enough evidence to suggest that MRI has failed to diagnose acute ischemic stroke in a minority of patients. We, hereby, present a case of a 55-year-old gentleman who presented with symptoms consistent with an acute ischemic event, but concurrent computed tomography and MRI were normal. However, the treatment regime for stroke was commenced despite normal imaging. It was only on the 3rd day of admission when the MRI revealed a significant finding which consolidated our diagnosis of ischemic stroke.Through this case report, we aim to help clinicians avoid misdiagnosis or delay in the treatment strategies, especially intravenous thrombolysis in patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute stroke with normal neuroradiological imaging. This is a testament to the fact that clinical assessment still retains priority until a diagnostic tool offers 100% sensitivity and specificity

A case of transient ischemic attack during acupuncture therapy / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

[Objective] We report a case in which we unexpectedly encountered a patient with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) caused by severe stenosis of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) during the course of acupuncture treatment.Patient: A 79-year-old man suffered from bilateral shoulder pain. He was diagnosed with a frozen shoulder at the orthopedic department and was referred to the acupuncture department.[Results] During the course of acupuncture treatment, the subject occasionally exhibited subtle behavioral features, such as difficulty in speech, holding incoherent conversations, and forgetting where he put things. The symptoms were observed repeatedly during treatment, so the acupuncturist referred the patient to the neurosurgical department for a consultation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain showed an old cerebral infarction in the watershed area in the left paraventricular region, and MR angiography (MRA) revealed left middle cerebral artery stenosis. Single photon emission computed tomography showed decreased blood flow in the left MCA area. The symptoms could be considered TIA with motor and sensory aphasia. The administration of aspirin was started, and the symptoms disappeared.[Discussion and Conclusion] The acupuncturist has more opportunities to obtain information about the patient due to the longer time spent in acupuncture therapy compared to general outpatient treatment. Acupuncture can play an important role in medical partnership. It is also important that the acupuncturist has sufficient medical knowledge.

Multiple Mild Stimulations Reduce Membrane Distribution of CX3CR1 Promoted by Annexin a1 in Microglia to Attenuate Excessive Dendritic Spine Pruning and Cognitive Deficits Caused by a Transient Ischemic Attack in Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) can cause reversible and delayed impairment of cognition, but the specific mechanisms are still unclear. Annexin a1 (ANXA1) is a phospholipid-binding protein. Here, we confirmed that cognition and hippocampal synapses were impaired in TIA-treated mice, and this could be rescued by multiple mild stimulations (MMS). TIA promoted the interaction of ANXA1 and CX3CR1, increased the membrane distribution of CX3CR1 in microglia, and thus enhanced the CX3CR1 and CX3CL1 interaction. These phenomena induced by TIA could be reversed by MMS. Meanwhile, the CX3CR1 membrane distribution and CX3CR1-CX3CL1 interaction were upregulated in primary cultured microglia overexpressing ANXA1, and the spine density was significantly reduced in co-cultured microglia overexpressing ANXA1 and neurons. Moreover, ANXA1 overexpression in microglia abolished the protection of MMS after TIA. Collectively, our study provides a potential strategy for treating the delayed synaptic injury caused by TIA.

Accidente cerebrovascular isquémico en un adulto joven

RESUMEN Presentamos caso de un varón de 39 años con antecedentes de varios accidentes isquémicos transitorios que siempre resolvieron rápida y espontáneamente. Fue sometido a varios estudios cardiovasculares, neurovasculares y de neuro y angioimagen que resultaron normales. El paciente se presentó a consulta con una paresia facio-braquial derecha y disartria. Sin embargo, el cuadro cedió en el transcurso de horas a pesar de manifestarse una isquemia en los estudios neurovasculares. Por todo lo anterior se decidió estudiar trombofilias presentándose el resultado de una mutación del gen G20210A de la protrombina. Al alta, en tratamiento con anticoagulantes orales, el paciente se presenta asintomático con monitoreo mensual continuo.

ABSTRACT We present the case of a 39-year-old man with a history of several transient ischemic attacks that always resolved quickly and spontaneously. He underwent several cardiovascular, neurovascular, and neuro and angioimaging studies that were normal. The patient presented for consultation with a right faciobrachial paresis and dysarthria. However, the condition subsided within hours despite ischemia manifested in neurovascular studies. For all the above, it was decided to study thrombophilias, finding the prothrombin G20210A mutation. Upon discharge, on treatment with oral anticoagulants, the patient is asymptomatic with continuous monthly monitoring.

Ataque isquémico transitorio como manifestación inicial de arteritis de células gigantes: reporte de caso / Transient ischemic attacks initial manifestation of giant cell arteritis: case report

RESUMEN La arteritis de células gigantes es la vasculitis sistémica de medianos y grandes vasos más frecuente en adultos mayores de 50 años. Afecta de manera preferencial a las ramas de las arterias carótidas y vertebrales, pero también se han visto involucradas las arterias axilares, las femorales y las iliacas. Se reporta el caso de un paciente adulto que debutó con clínica de accidente isquémico transitorio asociado con cefalea frontotemporal de moderada intensidad persistente. A la exploración física se encontraba con arterias temporales prominentes y dolorosas, pero no refería síntomas o signos de claudicación mandibular ni de polimialgia reumática. Se confirmó el diagnóstico de arteritis de células gigantes mediante biopsia de arteria temporal y se instauró corticoterapia de forma temprana con buena respuesta al tratamiento. Los eventos isquémicos cerebrovasculares son una presentación relativamente poco frecuente y se han descrito clásicamente cuando ya se han iniciado síntomas de vasculitis. En este caso se presentó como manifestación inicial del periodo activo de la enfermedad, lo cual conlleva un reto diagnóstico que es importante tener en cuenta para iniciar las medidas terapéuticas de manera precoz y disminuir las complicaciones potencialmente graves asociadas. Dentro de tales medidas es preciso destacar el uso de agentes biológicos como el tocilizumab que como terapia adyuvante reduce el riesgo de recaída y la exposición acumulativa de corticoides, en comparación con la monoterapia con corticoides en ciertos casos de arteritis de células gigantes con complicaciones.

SUMMARY Giant cell arteritis is the most common systemic vasculitis of medium and great vessels in adults over 50 years of age. This involvement preferentially the branches of the carotid and vertebral arteries, but the axillary, femoral and iliac arteries have also been involved. The case of an adult patient who debuted with a transient ischemic accident clinic who associated manifestation of moderate persistent frontotemporal headache and the physical examination with prominent and painful temporal arteries is reported. No symptoms or signs of mandibular claudication or polymyalgia rheumatica are reported. The diagnosis of giant cell arteritis was confirmed by temporal artery biopsy and corticosteroid therapy was instituted early with a good response to treatment. Cerebrovascular ischemic events are a relatively rare presentation and have been classically described when symptoms of vasculitis have started, in this case they presented as the initial manifestation of the active period of the disease, which denotes a diagnostic challenge that is important to consider. to initiate therapeutic measures early and reduce associated potentially serious complications. Among these therapeutic measures, the use of biological agents such as Tocilizumab, which as adjuvant therapy reduces the risk of relapse and cumulative corticosteroid exposure compared to corticosteroid monotherapy in cases of giant cell arteritis with complications, should be highlighted.

Vitamin B 12: the hidden ingredient of stroke

Background: Study aimed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin B12 and acute cerebral stroke in this study.Methods: Blood samples drawn within 24 hours after the stroke from hospitalized patients (n=100) and from 100 control cases matched for age, sex and other modifiable risk factors of stroke were analyzed. With a competitive, ECLIA, serum levels of vitamin B12 were measured. The quantitative data of the groups was compared using Analysis of Varience and Tukeys HSD post hoc test for comparison. Chi-square tests were used.Results: Median serum vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in the patients than in the control subjects, 188.71 and 256.25 pg/ml respectively (p=0.0001). This difference was independent from other risk factors. The mean age in case group was 62.49 (SD: 12.45 years) and 56.62 (SD: 13.05 years) in control group with p=0.001. Therefore, prevalence of stroke is more between 6th and 7th decade of life. Mean serum vitamin B12 levels were lower in males (201.8pg/ml) than the females (268.pg/ml) in the case group.Conclusions: Low vitamin B12 is associated with an increased risk of stroke, and its relationship is independent from the other known modifiable stroke risk factors.

Complicaciones cerebrovasculares luego de angiografía coronaria en contexto de infarto agudo de miocardio. Estudio de cohorte / Cerebrovascular complications after invasive percutaneous coronary procedure for acute myocardial infarction in a patient cohort / Complicações cerebro-vasculares após procedimento coronário invasivo percutâneo para infarto do miocárdio aguda em um coorte do paciente

Resumen: Introducción: los eventos cerebrovasculares son una complicación grave, pero infrecuente, de los procedimientos coronarios invasivos. La angioplastia coronaria aumenta el riesgo de presentarla en 17 veces. Los pacientes que la sufren tienen más complicaciones agregadas y mayores tasas de mortalidad. Objetivo: determinar las características clínicas y evolutivas de los pacientes que desarrollaron un evento cerebrovascular luego de una angiografía coronaria de urgencia en el contexto de un infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM). Secundariamente, analizar la relación temporal entre ambos eventos e identificar factores previos asociados al desarrollo de la complicación neurológica. Método: cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes que sufrieron un evento cerebrovascular de cualquier tipo dentro de los 30 días posteriores a un procedimiento coronario por IAM en el Centro Cardiovascular Universitario, entre 2008 y 2017. Se analizaron características demográficas, del procedimiento coronario y del evento cerebrovascular. Resultados: 24 pacientes, 54,2% hombres; 1/3 del total tenía ataque cerebrovascular (ACV) previo. El 66,7% sufrió IAM sin elevación del segmento ST. Todos los eventos cerebrovasculares fueron isquémicos; la mayoría sobre la circulación anterior. El 62% ocurrió en las primeras 48 horas luego del procedimiento coronario, asociándose a mayor duración del procedimiento y número de vasos tratados. En tres casos se utilizó activador tisular del plasminógeno recombinante para reperfusión del evento neurológico. La mediana de NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) fue de 4 puntos (IQ 2-8) en IAM sin elevación del ST, y 8 puntos (IQ 3-20) en IAM con elevación del ST (p=0,20). El 79% de los pacientes sufrió complicaciones adicionales durante la hospitalización; cinco fallecieron. Conclusiones: entre quienes sufrieron complicaciones cerebrovasculares luego de angiografía coronaria pos-IAM existió una proporción similar de ambos sexos y un porcentaje elevado de pacientes con antecedentes de ACV. La forma de presentación del evento cardiovascular fue predominantemente IAM sin elevación del ST. Los eventos cerebrovasculares fueron isquémicos, en su mayoría de la circulación cerebral anterior y ocurrieron en las primeras 48 horas. El ACV/AIT (ataque isquémico transitorio) en este contexto podría asociarse a una mayor estancia hospitalaria y mortalidad.

Summary: Introduction: cerebrovascular events are serious but infrequent complications of invasive percutaneous coronary procedure. Coronary angioplasty increases the risk 17 times. Patients suffering this complication have higher morbidity and mortality rates. Objective: to determine the clinical and evolutionary characteristics of the patients who developed a cerebrovascular event after an emergency coronary angiography in the context of an acute myocardial infarction. Secondly, analyze the temporal relationship between both events and identify previous factors associated with the development of neurological complications. Methods: demographic, characteristics of the angiographic procedure, and cerebrovascular features of a population of patients with stroke occurring within 30 days after of invasive percutaneous coronary procedure for myocardial infarctions are described. Data was retrospectively collected from the Cardiovascular University Center (Hospital de Clínicas, Montevideo, Uruguay) between 2008-2017. Results: 24 patients, 54.2% were men; 1/3 had prior stroke; 66.7% presented non ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. All of the cerebrovascular events were ischemic, most were from the anterior circulation. 62% occurred in the first 48 hours after invasive percutaneous coronary procedure, having this group a higher percentage of percutaneous coronary angioplasty and longer procedures. In three patients recombinant tissue plasminogen activator was used for stroke treatment. NIHSS median was 4 points (IQ 2-8) in patients without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and 8 points (IQ 3-20) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (p=0.20). 79% of patients had complications during the hospitalization, and 5 died. Conclusions: there was a similar proportion of men and women, and a high percentage of patients with a history of stroke. The presentation of the cardiovascular events was predominantly non ST myocardial infarction. All the cerebrovascular events were ischemic, it occurred for most patients in the first 48 hours after invasive percutaneous coronary procedure, and the anterior brain circulation was most commonly affected. Stroke/transient ischemic attack after invasive percutaneous coronary procedure could be associated with longer hospital stays and death.

Resumo: Introdução: o acidente vascular cerebral é uma complicação séria, mas pouco frequente, da procedimiento coronário invasivo percutâneo. Angioplastia coronariana aumenta o risco 17 vezes. Pacientes que sofrem dessa complicação têm mais complicações e maiores taxas de mortalidade. Objetivo: determinar as características clínicas e evolutivas dos pacientes que desenvolveram um evento cerebrovascular após uma angiografia coronária de emergência no contexto de um infarto agudo do miocárdio. Em segundo lugar, analise a relação temporal entre os dois eventos e identifique os fatores anteriores associados ao desenvolvimento de complicações neurológicas. Métodos: uma coorte retrospectiva dos pacientes que sofreram um acidente vascular cerebral nos primeiros 30 dias de um procedimento coronário para o infarto agudo do miocárdio, e a análise dos seus dados demográficos e características de processo coronária e acidente vascular cerebral é realizada é descrito. Dados do Centro Cardiovascular Universitário do Hospital de Clínicas de Montevidéu, Uruguai, foram obtidos retrospectivamente a partir das datas entre 2008 e 2017. Resultados: 24 pacientes; 54,2% eram homens; 1/3 haviam sofrido um ataque cerebrovascular prévio; 66,7% apresentavam infarto agudo do miocárdio sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST. Todos os eventos cerebrovasculares foram isquêmicos, a maioria era da circulação anterior. 62% dos eventos cerebrovasculares ocorreram nas primeiras 48 horas após o procedimento coronário, tendo encontrado nesse grupo procedimentos mais longos e com mais angioplastias coronarianas realizadas. Em 3 pacientes, a ativador do plasminogênio tissular recombinante foi usada para tratar o acidente vascular cerebral. O NIHSS mediana foi de 4 pontos (IQ 2-8) no infarto agudo do miocárdio, sem elevação do segmento ST, e 8 pontos (IQ 3- 20) no infarto agudo do miocárdio com elevação do segmento ST (p = 0,20) . 79% dos pacientes sofreram complicações durante a internação e 5 morreram. Conclusões: houve uma proporção semelhante de ambos sexos e uma alta porcentagem de pacientes com história de acidente vascular cerebral. A apresentação do evento cardiovascular foi predominantemente IAM sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST. O ataque cerebrovascular foi isquêmico, ocorreu mais freqüentemente nas primeiras 48 horas e afetou principalmente a circulação cerebral anterior. Acidente vascular cerebral após intervenção coronária percutânea poderia estar associada a uma permanência hospitalar mais longa e mortalidade.

A Study of Risk Factors of Cerebrovascular Accident at a Tertiary Care Centre in Western UP

A stroke or CVA is defined by the abrupt onset of a neurologic deficit that is attributable to a focal vascular cause. Important modifiable risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, smoking, alcohol intake, sedentary life style, dyslipidemia, heart disease and OCP intake in females and non-modifiable risk factors include old age, gender predisposition and family history. The aim of study is to determine the types of stroke and presenting clinical features and modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with development of stroke. Methods: The present study is a prospective observational study conducted in Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College over a period of one year i.e January 2017 to January 2018.Total 110 cases presenting with stroke were included in the study. Results: The study shows that ischemic stroke is commoner than hemorrhagic stroke.The risk of stroke increases with age and common in males.Diabetes mellitus was seen in 29.1% cases presenting with stroke, 39.1% cases had hypertension.43.6% and 22.7 were smokers and alcoholic respectively. Dyslipidemia was present in 37.3% cases.15.4% cases had history of heart disease.17.2% cases had previous history of stroke. Conclusion: The modifiable risk factors pose a huge burden by increasing the morbidity and mortality due to stroke. Proper control of these risk factors can reduce the burden of disease.

Role of blood asymmetrical dimethylarginine levels in predicting ischemic stroke in patients with transient ischemic attack / 医学研究生学报

Objective Asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels have been associated with transient ischemic attack, however it is still difficult to define the effect of ADMA on the clinical result of TIA patients. This article aimed to investigate the effect of ADMA levels on ischemic stroke in TIA patients. Methods This study included 288 TIA patients treated in Department of Neurology in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical College from January 2015 to December 2017. Blood ADMA was measured within 24 hours after patients’ admission. Patients were divided into low ADMA group (ADMA<0.62µmol/L, n=143) and high ADMA group (ADMA≥0.62µmol/L, n=145) according to the median blood ADMA level. The log-rank test was used to compare the survival rates of two groups. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze independent risk factors of ischemic stroke. Results In low ADMA group, 21 patients had ischemic stroke, and the stroke-free survival time was 18 (6-36) months. In high ADMA group, 32 patients had ischemic stroke, and the stroke-free survival time was 9 (3-33) months. There was a significant difference in the absence of stroke survival curves between the 2 groups (χ2=4.093, P=0.043). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that frequent TIA, high ABCD2 score, and high ADMA were independent risk factors for ischemic stroke. Conclusion Blood ADMA level is an important marker for predicting ischemic stroke in patients with TIA, which have certain significance for judging prognosis and guiding treatment.

Cerebral Microbleed Induced Seizure Misdiagnosed with Transient Ischemic Attack

Diagnosis of transient ischemic attack has been entirely dependent on the clinical history due to the absence of brain magnetic resonance imaging lesion. It is challenging to distinguish between transient ischemic attack and transient ischemic attack-mimics. Cerebral microbleeds would be found in 11.1–23.5% of incidental findings in elderly population. However, cerebral microbleeds have been known to lead to cognitive decline, dementia, seizure and even status epilepticus. We report a case of cerebral microbleeds induced epileptic seizure, visiting the emergency room with sudden onset unilateral motor weakness.

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome Misdiagnosed as Moyamoya Disease with Transient Ischemic Attack as Initial Manifestation

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a disease characterized by reversible and multiple stenoses of cerebral blood vessels that improve within 3 months, accompanied by thunderclap headache. Here, we report an interesting case of RCVS initially misdiagnosed as Moyamoya disease with transient ischemic attack. A 45-year-old woman visited the Neurology Department of Eulji University Hospital. The patient was initially diagnosed with Moyamoya disease with transient ischemic attack. However, follow-up magnetic resonance angiography performed 12 months after the patient was appropriately diagnosed as having RCVS.

Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke performance indicators in patients with transient ischemic attack / Indicadores de desempenho do programa "Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke" em pacientes com ataque isquêmico transitório

ABSTRACT Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke is an in-hospital program for improving stroke care by promoting adherence to scientific guidelines. Of the patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA), 10-15% have a stroke within three months, and many patients do not receive the recommended interventions to prevent this outcome. Objective: The goal of this study was to assess the adherence to stroke quality indicators in patients with TIA. Methods: This retrospective observational study evaluated consecutive patients admitted to a primary stroke center with TIA or acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from August 2008 to December 2013. Six quality indicators applicable to both TIA and AIS were analyzed and compared between groups. Results: A total of 357 patients with TIA and 787 patients with AIS were evaluated. Antithrombotic medication use within 48 hours of admission, discharge use of anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation and counseling for smoking cessation were similar between groups. In the TIA group, discharge use of antithrombotic medication (95% versus 98%; p = 0.01), lipid-lowering treatment (57.7% versus 64.1%; p < 0.01) and stroke education (56.5% versus 74.5%; p < 0.01) were all less frequently observed compared with patients with AIS. Conclusions: The adherence to some of the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke quality indicators was lower in patients with TIA than in patients with AIS. Measures should be undertaken to reinforce the importance of such clinical interventions in patients with TIA.

RESUMO O "Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke (GWTG-S)" é um programa hospitalar criado para melhorar os cuidados em pacientes com AVC ao promover a adesão às diretrizes. Dez a quinze porcento dos pacientes com ataque isquêmico transitório terão um AVC em 3 meses, sendo que muitos não recebem intervenções de prevenção secundária recomendadas. Objetivo: Avaliar a adesão aos indicadores de qualidade do programa GWTG em pacientes com ataque isquêmico transitório. Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo observacional avaliou pacientes consecutivos admitidos em um centro de AVC com suspeita de ataque isquêmico transitório ou AVC isquêmico agudo de agosto/2008 a dezembro/2013. Seis indicadores de qualidade aplicáveis tanto ao ataque isquêmico transitório quanto ao AVC isquêmico agudo foram analisados e comparados entre os grupos. Resultados: Um total de 357 pacientes com ataque isquêmico transitório e 787 pacientes com AVC isquêmico agudo foram avaliados. O uso de antiagregante dentro das primeiras 48 horas da admissão, liberação na alta com anticoagulante para fibrilação atrial e aconselhamento para cessação do tabagismo foram similares entre os grupos. No grupo com ataque isquêmico transitório, o uso de antiagregante na alta hospitalar, o tratamento com estatina e a educação sobre o AVC foram observados menos frequentemente quando comparados ao grupo de pacientes com AVC isquêmico agudo. Conclusões: A adesão a alguns dos indicadores de qualidade do programa GWTG-S foi mais baixa em pacientes com ataque isquêmico transitório quando compara a pacientes com AVC isquêmico agudo. Medidas devem ser tomadas para reforçar a importância dessas intervenções em pacientes admitidos com ataque isquêmico transitório.

Clinical analysis of 11 stroke warning syndrome patients treated with alteplase intravenous thrombolysis / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of stroke warning syndrome (SWS) and to explore the effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase. Methods Eleven patients with SWS, who received intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase in Stroke Center of our hospital between Sep. 2013 and Jan. 2018, were selected. The clinical features, imaging findings and therapeutic effects were analyzed. Results There were risk factors of cerebrovascular diseases in the 11 patients with SWS, in which 7 had hypertension, 4 had diabetes mellitus, 2 had hyperlipoidemia, and 1 had gout. In the classification of symptoms, 7 patients were pure motor type and 4 were motor-sense type. Magnetic resonance diffusion weighted imaging showed that 10 patients developed ischemic stroke. The infarction located in the posterior limb of internal capsule, putamen, globus pallidus, corona and pons. Head and neck computed tomography angiography examination found no large vascular stenosis in the patients. The modified Rankin scale scored 0-1 in 9 patients, 2 in 1 patient, and 3 in 1 patient. Conclusion Perforating artery disease is the main pathogenesis of SWS. Intravenous thrombolysis does not prevent SWS to ischemic stroke, but it improves the prognosis of the patients.

A Longitudinal Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Working Memory in Patients Following a Transient Ischemic Attack: A Preliminary Study / 神经科学通报·英文版

In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate longitudinal changes in brain activation during a verbal working memory (VWM) task performed by patients who had experienced a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Twenty-five first-ever TIA patients without visible lesions in conventional MRI and 25 healthy volunteers were enrolled. VWM task-related fMRI was conducted 1 week and 3 months post-TIA. The brain activity evoked by the task and changes over time were assessed. We found that, compared with controls, patients exhibited an increased activation in the bilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), insula, inferior parietal lobe (IPL), and cerebellum during the task performed 1 week post-TIA. But only the right IFG still exhibited an increased activation at 3 months post-TIA. A direct comparison of fMRI data between 1 week and 3 months post-TIA showed greater activation in the bilateral middle temporal gyrus, right DLPFC, IPL, cerebellum, and left IFG in patients at 1 week post-TIA. We conclude that brain activity patterns induced by a VWM task remain dynamic for a period of time after a TIA, despite the cessation of clinical symptoms. Normalization of the VWM activation pattern may be progressively achieved after transient episodes of ischemia in TIA patients.

Charles Miller Fisher: the 65th anniversary of the publication of his groundbreaking study "Transient Monocular Blindness Associated with Hemiplegia" / Charles Miller Fisher: 65 anos da publicação de seu estudo inovador "Cegueira monocular transitória associada com hemiplegia"

ABSTRACT Charles Miller Fisher is considered the father of modern vascular neurology and one of the giants of neurology in the 20th century. This historical review emphasizes Prof. Fisher's magnificent contribution to vascular neurology and celebrates the 65th anniversary of the publication of his groundbreaking study, "Transient Monocular Blindness Associated with Hemiplegia."

RESUMO Charles Miller Fisher é considerado o pai da neurologia vascular moderna, e um dos gigantes da neurologia no século XX. Esta revisão histórica enfatiza a magnífica contribuição de Miller Fisher na neurologia vascular, particularmente com a celebração dos 65 anos de publicação do seu estudo inovador intitulado "Cegueira monocular transitória associada com hemiplegia".

Effect of rosuvastatin calcium combined with clopidogrel and aspirin on prevention of cerebral infarction in elderly patients with transient ischemic attack and the effects on blood lipids and platelets / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To study the effect of rosuvastatin calcium combined with clopidogrel and aspirin on preventing cerebral infarction in elderly patients with transient ischemic attack, and the influence on blood lipid and platelet.Methods 80 elderly patients with TIA were treated in Haiyan people's hospital from September 2014 to May 2017.All the patients were randomly divided into the observation group and the control group with 40 cases in each group.The control group were treated with clopidogrel and aspirin, and the observation group was treated with rosuvastatin calcium combined with clopidogrel and aspirin.The effect of cerebral infarction prevention, blood lipid and platelet change were compared between the two groups.Results Cerebral infarction incidence was 5% in the observation group, the incidence of adverse reactions was 10%, which were significantly lower than 22.5% and 17.5% in the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).Compared two groups of patients with blood lipid levels after the treatment, the indicators of the observation groupTC (4.89±1.13) mmol/L、TG (1.04±1.02) mmol/L、LDL-C (2.62±1.22) mmol/L was significantly lower than the control group (5.57±1.20) mmol/L、(1.58±1.06) mmol/L、(3.39±1.24) mmol/L, with statistical significance (P<0.05).After treatment, PT (16.88±1.97), APTT (46.23±4.22) in the observation group were longer than (14.01±2.02) (38.21±3.99) in the control group, PLT (150.44±9.87) in the observation group is lower (165.82±9.71) in the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusion Rosuvastatin calcium combined with clopidogrel and aspirin has a significant effect on the prevention of elderly patients with transient ischemic attack of cerebral infarction, which can reduce the blood lipid level, prolong PT, reduce PLT, APTT, and has high value in clinical application.

A Case of Refractory Transient Ischemic Attack Successfully Managed with Chotosan / 日本東洋医学雑誌

We report a case of refractory transient ischemic attack (TIA) successfully treated with chotosan. A 64-year-old woman with recurrent right hemiparesis and dysarthria was seen in our clinic. Twenty-three months before coming to our clinic, she had a history of right hemiparesis and dysarthria, which resolved soon after treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an ischemic legion in the left corona radiata. Then 4 months before coming, she had repeated transient right hemiparesis and dysarthria, which lasted for 40 to 50 minutes and recurred 3 to 4 times a week. She was hospitalized and treated with an intensive TIA therapy including direct thrombin inhibitor, dual antiplatelet therapy, statin, calcium channel blocker and benzodiazepine. Though she continued the therapy for 4 months, it proved ineffective. She was referred to our clinic, and we started to administer chotosan 7.5 g per day for anxiety and dizziness during an attack. Chotosan attenuated TIA within a week, but aggravated after discontinuation on her own. The medication was resumed and TIA diminished within three months. Chotosan treatment has now been continued for 17 months without a single TIA for 14 months. Multiple studies have shown the protective effect of chotosan against cerebrovascular diseases including cerebral infarction and TIA. Therefore, chotosan may be an effective prescription for refractory TIA.