Trombolisis sistémica complicada en embolia cerebral múltiple por trombo intraventricular / Systemic thrombolysis following multiple embolic cerebral lesions in a patient with myocardial infarction and intraventricular thrombus

RESUMEN Se presenta un caso de trombólisis sistémica complicada con transformación hemorrágica en paciente con evento isquémico cerebral sintomático por embolia múltiple a partir de trombo intraventricular en contexto de infarto agudo de miocardio por oclusión total de arteria descendente anterior con deterioro severo de función sistólica de ventrículo izquierdo.

ABSTRACT: We describe a case of complicated systemic thrombolysis with hemorrhagic transformation in a patient with a cerebral ischemic event due to multiple embolisms from intraventricular thrombus in the context of acute myocardial infarction due to total occlusion of the anterior descending artery and severe deterioration of left ventricular systolic function.

Multimodal assessment in polymicrobial infective endocarditis with silent spondylodiscitis and cerebral embolism / Evaluación multimodal en endocarditis infecciosa polimicrobiana con espondilodiscitis silenciosa y embolia cerebral

Abstract Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but severe disease, due to an infection of the endocardial surface of the heart. The annual incidence ranging from 3 to 7 per 100 000 person-years, with an overall mortality rates of 25%. Staphylococci and Streptococci accounted for approximately 80% of IE cases. Enterococci are the third leading cause accounted for approximately 5-18% of all cases and are increasingly linked to health-care contact. The increasing number of cardiovascular electronic devices, prosthetic valves implants along with frequent invasive diagnostic or therapeutic procedures performed in elderly, may also contribute to the rise of IE in this population. Blood cultures and echocardiographic findings are the cornerstone of the IE diagnosis, confirmed or rejected according to modified Duke criteria. Other imaging modalities as Cardiac Computed Tomography, Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 18Ffluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography (18FDG-PET/CT) can determine a more correct diagnosis and identify many of the endocarditis-related complications. Here, we describe a patient with aortic prosthetic valve and Enterococcus faecalis (EF) IE. Cerebral and spinal MRI and 18FDG-PET/CT, performed during the hospitalization, showed multi-organ silent periferic embolization. Furthermore, the cultural examination of the valvular surgical specimen revealed a methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus suggestive for polymicrobial endocarditis. Some Authors demonstrated a possible false-positive valve culture due to a postoperative contamination. Since contaminated cultures usually yield microorganisms compatible with endocarditis, such as coagulase-negative Staphylococci, viridans group Streptococcus species, may be difficult for the physician not to treat the patient. This case represents need for high level of suspicion to diagnose IE. Multimodality assessment improves the diagnosis and allows the detection of the complications. Moreover, a multidisciplinary team and specialized centers determine a better patient’s outcome.

Resumen La endocarditis infecciosa (EI) es una enfermedad poco frecuente pero severa, dada por una infección del endocardio. La incidencia anual oscila entre 3 y 7 por cada 100 000 personas-año, con una tasa de mortalidad general del 25%. Los estafilococos y los estreptococos representaron aproximadamente un 80% de los casos de EI. Los enterococos son la tercera causa, aportando aproximadamente 5% a 18% de todos los casos, y se vinculan cada vez más al contacto con la atención médica. El número creciente de dispositivos electrónicos cardiovasculares e implantes de válvulas protésicas, junto con los frecuentes procedimientos invasivos diagnósticos o terapéuticos en las personas ancianas, también podrían contribuir al incremento de EI en esta población. Los hemocultivos y los hallazgos ecocardiográficos son la piedra angular del diagnóstico de EI, confirmado o rechazado de acuerdo con los criterios modificados de Duke. Otras modalidades de imagenología tales como la Tomografía Computarizada Cardíaca (TCC), la Resonancia Magnética Cardíaca (RMC) y la Tomografía por Emisión de Positrones - Tomografía Computarizada con 18F-fluorodeoxiglucosa (18F-FDG PET/TC) pueden determinar un diagnóstico más preciso e identificar muchas de las complicaciones asociadas a la endocarditis. Aquí describimos un paciente con una válvula aórtica protésica y EI por EF. Una RM del cerebro y la columna vertebral y una 18F-FDG PET/TC practicadas durante la hospitalización evidenciaron embolia periférica multiorgánica silenciosa. Además, el examen por cultivo de la muestra quirúrgica valvular reveló Staphylococcus aureus sensible a la meticilina (SASM), sugestivo de endocarditis polimicrobiana. Algunos autores demostraron un posible falso positivo del cultivo valvular dado por contaminación postoperatoria. Ya que los cultivos contaminados generalmente producen microorganismos compatibles con la endocarditis, tales como estafilococos coagulasa negativos y estreptococos del grupo viridans, le puede resultar difícil al médico no tratar al paciente. Este caso representa la necesidad de tener un alto nivel de sospecha para diagnosticar la EI. La valoración multimodal mejora el diagnóstico y permite detectar complicaciones. Además, un equipo multidisciplinario y los centros especializados determinan un mejor desenlace para el paciente.

Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS) and Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation Patients: not so Different after all?

Abstract Background: Stroke related to atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with high recurrence and mortality rates. Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS) is associated with fewer vascular risk factors, less disability, and a high recurrence rate. Objective: To compare risk factors, functional outcomes and the occurrence of primary endpoint (a composite of recurrent stroke, cardiovascular death, and myocardial infarction) between AF stroke and ESUS patients. Method: A retrospective analysis was conducted including all consecutive patients with first-ever ischemic stroke admitted to the Hospital de Clinicas (Clinical Hospital) of the Federal University of Paraná from October 2012 to January 2017 (n=554). There were 61 patients with stroke due to AF and 43 due to ESUS. Both groups were compared for demographic characteristics and vascular risk factors. Logistic regression models were performed to assess the impact of each variable on the primary endpoint in a 12-month follow-up. Statistical significance was considered for p-values < 0.05. Results: ESUS patients, as compared to AF patients, were younger and more likely to be smokers. ESUS patients presented a mean CHADS2VASc score of 4, while the AF group presented a score of 5 (p <0.001). The primary endpoint was observed in 9 (20.9%) ESUS and 11 (18.0%) AF patients over a 12-month period (p=0.802). Higher glucose levels upon hospital admission (p=0.020) and a higher modified Rankin Scale upon hospital discharge (p=0.020) were predictors of the primary endpoint occurrence. Conclusion: AF and ESUS stroke patients presented very similar independence rates upon hospital discharge and outcomes after 12 months, despite some baseline differences, including stroke recurrence, vascular death, and myocardial infarction.

Embolismo cerebral durante vuelo comercial: reporte de caso / Cerebral embolism during commercial flight: case report

RESUMEN Presentamos el caso de un varón de 25 años con antecedentes de consumo de marihuana y tabaco, que durante viaje en vuelo comercial a Cusco presentó disnea, pérdida de conciencia y estado epiléptico. Arribó a esta ciudad presentando hipotensión arterial, murmullo pulmonar abolido, sin recuperación de conciencia. La tomografía de tórax reveló bullas pulmonares y la tomografía mostró neumoencéfalo, diagnosticándose embolia gaseosa cerebral. La hipoxemia asociada a convulsiones y pérdida de conciencia en una persona joven durante el vuelo no es un evento común. La pérdida de la presión en la cabina durante el ascenso parece ser el evento desencadenante en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar.

ABSTRACT We present the case of a 25-year old man with a history of marijuana and tobacco consumption who, during a commercial flight to Cusco, presented dyspnea, loss of consciousness, and epileptic condition. He arrived in this city presenting arterial hypotension, abolished pulmonary murmur, with no recovery of consciousness. The thorax tomography revealed lung bullae and the tomography showed pneumocephalus. He was diagnosed with cerebral gas embolism. Hypoxemia associated with seizures and loss of consciousness in a young person during a flight is not a common event. Loss of cabin pressure during climb appears to be the triggering event in patients with lung disease.

Embolia cerebral como presentación atípica de síndrome de May Thurner

El síndrome de May-Thurner es una anormalidad anatómica que consiste en la comprensión cronica de la vena iliaca común izquierda, entre la arteria ilíaca común derecha y la columna vertebral, que puede predisponer a la trombosis venosa profunda. Es una entidad rara, y es infrecuente que provoque una embolia paradojal cerebral. Se presenta el caso de una isquemia cerebral de origen embólico, en un varón de 30 años, luego de actividad sexual. Los estudios realizados revelaron síndrome de May-Thurner asociado con un foramen oval permeable y una trombofilia por factor V de Leiden. Fue tratado con anticoagulantes orales y no ha presentado recurrencias.

May-Thurner syndrome is an anatomic abnormality that predisposes patients to increase risk of paradoxical embolism and stroke. It consists of chronic compression of the left common iliac vein by the overlying right common iliac artery and lumbar spine. This may lead to deep venous thrombosis and paradoxical embolism that could provoke cerebral ischemia in patients with a cardiac shunt from right-to-left. Embolic cerebral ischemic event is reported in a 30-year-old man after sexual intercourse. Further studies revea led suggestive findings of May-Thurner syndrome coupled with a patent foramen ovale and a factor V Leiden thrombophilia. He was placed on anticoagulation therapy and has not had any recurrent events.

Accidente cerebrovascular secundario a mixoma auricular izquierdo: una causa infrecuente de embolismo cerebral / Stroke due to a auricular myxoma: a infrequent cause of cerebral embolism

BACKGROUND: Atrial myxomas are very infrequent primary bening cardiac neoplasms, being considered a rare but highly fatal cause of cerebral embolism. Objectives: We describe the case of an ischemic stroke (CVA) with hemorrhagic conversion secondary to atrila myxoma as an embolic source, and its subsequent early surgical resolution. CLINICAL CASE: A 63-year-old male has a clinical episode compatible with ischemic stroke, receiving thrombolytics treatment with subsequent hemorrhagic conversion. Embolic source study show a mass compatible with cardiac myxoma in the left atrium, performing surgical resection via transeptal approach at 12 days of evolution, with repair of the interatrial defect with autologous pericardium patch. DISCUSSION: Atrial myxoma is a silent pathology and little diagnosed at its early stage, associated with events of systemic repercussion of high mortality and uncertain prognosis. Hemorrhagic cerebrovascular events constitute contraindication for anticoagulation prior to 21 days of evolution. In this case, due to the high embolic risk of myxoma, the inactivy of the bleeding was demonstrated by performing the surgery successfully on the twelfth day of evolution.

Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) cohort of Brazilian patients in a university hospital / Coorte brasileira de pacientes com AVC embólico de fonte indeterminada (ESUS) em um hospital universitário

ABSTRACT Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is an important group of cryptogenic strokes that are in evidence due recent ongoing trials. We reviewed medical records at discharge from the stroke unit of all patients who met ESUS criteria and attended our institution between February 2016 and July 2017. Among 550 stroke patients, 51 had ESUS. We found that hypertension (60%), diabetes mellitus (34%), and smoking (36%) were the most prevalent risk factors. The mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were 7 at admission and 4 at discharge, while median scores on the modified Rankin scale were 0 and 2 at admission and discharge, respectively. Our sample had similar ages, risk factors prevalence and NIHSS scores at admission and discharge when compared with European and North American cohorts. Although a small cohort, our study suggests that the ESUS population is similar in countries with different health financing.

RESUMO Acidentes vasculares cerebrais (AVC) embólicos de fonte indeterminada (ESUS) é um grupo importante de pacientes com AVC criptogênico que estão em evidência devido a recentes ensaios clínicos. Foram revisados os prontuários médicos na alta da unidade de AVC de todos os pacientes que preencheram os critérios para ESUS atendidos em nossa instituição entre fevereiro de 2016 e julho de 2017. Entre 550 AVCs, 51 eram pacientes com ESUS. Hipertensão (60%), diabetes mellitus (34%) e tabagismo (36%) foram os fatores de risco mais prevalentes. Os escores médios do National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) foram 7 na admissão e 4 na alta, enquanto os escores médios na escala de Rankin modificada (mRs) foram 0 e 2 na admissão e alta, respectivamente. Nossa amostra teve idade, prevalência de fatores de risco, escores NIHSS na admissão e alta, quando comparados com coortes europeias e norte-americanas semelhantes. Apesar de ser uma pequena coorte, nosso estudo sugere que a população ESUS é semelhante em países com diferentes níveis de financiamento em saúde.

Cerebral Air Embolism: a Case Report with an Emphasis of its Pathophysiology and MRI Findings

Cerebral air embolism (CAE) is a rare complication of various medical procedures. It manifests with symptoms similar to those of typical acute cerebral infarction, however the treatment is quite different. We present a case of arterial CAE that was associated with a disconnected central venous catheter and appeared as punctate dark signal intensities with aliasing artifacts on the susceptibility-weighted filtered phase magnetic resonance image. The susceptibility-weighted filtered phase image can be helpful for diagnosing CAE and the magnetic resonance imaging reflects the pathophysiology of CAE.

Conducta antitrombótica en pacientes con fibrilación auricular e ictus isquémico. Hospital Faustino Pérez. Año 2017 / Antithrombotic behavior in patients with auricular fibrillation and ischemic stroke. Hospital ¨Faustino Pérez¨. 2017

Introducción: se realizó un estudio observacional transversal en pacientes con fibrilación auricular ingresados con ictus isquémico en la sala de neurología del Hospital Faustino Pérez el año 2017. Objetivo: describir la conducta antitrombótica en estos pacientes previa al ingreso en relación con: riesgo de embolismo y sangrado, factores de riesgo de sangrado, tratamiento antitrombótico indicado. Materiales y métodos: el universo del estudio fue de 40 pacientes con fibrilación auricular e ictus isquémico. Durante el ingreso a los pacientes y/o familiares se les aplicó una encuesta para la obtención de la información. Se determinó el riesgo de embolismo y sangrado según las escalas CHA2DS2-VASc y HAS-BLED respectivamente. Resultados: predominó el grupo de edades de 75-84 años con 50%, 95% de los pacientes presentó alto riesgo de embolismo, los factores de riesgo de sangrado más frecuente fueron la edad > 65 años y la hipertensión arterial con 95% y 85% respectivamente, 70 % presentó bajo riesgo de sangrado y en pacientes con alto riesgo de sangrado el 20% presentó puntuación de 3 puntos, 60% de los pacientes no presentó tratamiento antitrombótico antes del ingreso con ictus isquémico asociado a fibrilación auricular, 35 % fue tratado con antiagregantes plaquetario y solo 5% con tratamiento anticoagulante. Conclusiones: la mayoría de los pacientes fueron mayores de 75 años con alto riesgo de embolismo y bajo riesgo de sangrado por lo cual era recomendada la anticoagulación. Los anticoagulantes orales son poco indicados en pacientes con fibrilación auricular a pesar de asociarse a mayor supervivencia (AU).

Introduction: it was carried out a transversal observational study in the hospitalized patients with atrial fibrillation and ischemic stroke in the neurology service of Faustino Pérez Hospital in 2017. Objective: To delineate the antithrombotic management in these patients prior to be admitted in the hospital in regard to embolism risk and bleeding risk, bleeding risk factors, antithrombotic therapy indicated. Materials and methods: The universe of the study was 40 patients with AF and ischemic stroke. During the hospitalization of the patients were applied a survey to patients and/or their relatives for getting the information. The embolism risk and bleeding risk were defined according to CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scales respectively. Results: The most prevalence ages group was of the 75-84 year-old, in 95% of the patients the embolism risk was high, the most frequent bleeding risk factors for bleeding were age over 65 years and arterial hypertension with 95% y 85% respectively, in 70% bleeding risk was low and in patients with high bleeding risk the 20% carried a score of 3 points, 60% of the patients hadn't antithrombotic therapy prior to be hospitalized with ischemic stroke, 35 % used antiplatelet Agents and only 5% used anticoagulants therapy. Conclusion: The most hospitalized patients with ischemic stroke and AF had high embolism risk and low bleeding risk and should be treated with oral anticoagulant therapy. Oral anticoagulants are underused patients with atrial fibrillation despite of being associated with more survival (AU).

Late Coil Migration after Embolization of Cerebral Aneurysms ­ Case Series

Background Coil migration after cerebral aneurysm embolization is a very rare complication. It can take place early or late in the postoperative period, evolving asymptomatic and causing severe neurological deficits. Ruptured aneurysms of anterior communicant artery were the most frequent reported examples in the literature. Case Report We report three cases of patients with unruptured aneurysms treated with coils and remodeling balloon technique. The first case was that of a left posterior communicating artery aneurysm with coil migration to a distal cortical branch of ipsilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA). The patient had mild paresthesia in the arm for a few days. The second one was a fenestrated basilar artery aneurysm with coil migration to the P2 segment of the left posterior cerebral artery. The patient was fully asymptomatic. The third case was a MCA aneurysm with coil migration to the M3 segment. There were no ischemic complications, and all patients underwent a new endovascular procedure. Conclusions Coil migration is a rare but not always severe complication. Antiplatelet agents are recommended even if the coil migration is asymptomatic.

Introdução A migração de coil após embolização de aneurisma cerebral é uma complicação muito rara. Ela pode ocorrer no período pós-operatório tanto precoce quanto tardio, evoluindo assintomático ou causando graves déficits neurológicos. Aneurismas rotos da artéria comunicador anterior foram os exemplos mais frequentes relatados na literatura. Relato de Caso Relatamos três casos de pacientes com aneurismas não rotos tratados com coils e técnica de remodelagem com balão. O primeiro caso foi de um aneurisma de artéria comunicante posterior com migração do coil para um ramo cortical distal da artéria cerebral média (ACM) ipsilateral. A paciente apresentou parestesia leve no braço por alguns dias. O segundo foi um aneurisma de artéria basilar fenestrada com migração de coil para o segmento P2 da artéria cerebral posterior esquerda. O paciente ficou totalmente assintomático. O terceiro caso foi de um aneurisma de ACM com migração do coil para o segmento M3. Não houve complicações isquêmicas, e todos os pacientes foram submetidos a novo procedimento endovascular. Conclusões Migração de coil é uma complicação rara, mas nem sempre grave. Antiagregantes plaquetários são recomendados mesmo se a migração do coil for assintomática.

Lipiodol brain embolism through right inferior phrenic artery-pulmonary vein shunt after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization

Lipiodol brain embolism is a rare complication associated with transcatheter arterial cheomoembolization (TACE). The present case describes a patient with lipiodol brain embolism who presented with several symptoms, including drowsy mental state, right facial palsy, and weakness in the right upper and lower limbs. The patient's non-enhanced computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings revealed multifocal lipiodol deposition and an acute infarction of the brain. A retrospective review of the angiography findings revealed a right inferior phrenic artery-pulmonary vein shunt, which was not observed during the previous TACE. Three days after TACE, the patient's symptoms improved; however, the extent of the brain hyperintensity had widened further on the following MRI. The patient gradually recovered and was finally discharged.

Endocarditis infecciosa por Staphylococcus aureus meticilino sensible en pediatría. Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis in pediatrics. A case report and literature review

Resumen: La endocarditis infecciosa es una enfermedad poco frecuente en pediatría pero con importante morbimortalidad. Si bien existen grupos de riesgo bien definidos puede presentarse en niños sin cardiopatía subyacente e inmunocompetentes, en quienes la etiología estafilocócica es la más frecuente y el diagnóstico continúa siendo un desafío. Presentamos el caso de un niño de 2 años, previamente sano, con una endocarditis a Staphylococcus aureus meticilino sensible de presentación no usual.

Summary: Infective endocarditis is rather an unusual condition in pediatrics, although it is associated with significant morbility and mortality. In spite of there being well defined risk groups the disease may present in children with no underlying heart disease who are immunocompetent, Staphylococcus aureus being the most frequent etiology. In those cases, diagnosis still constitutes a challenge. The study presents the case of a 2 year-old patient, with a healthy history, who presented methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus infective endocarditis, with rather an unusual presentation.

Incidence and functional outcome of atrial fibrillation and non-atrial fibrillation- related cardioembolic stroke in Joinville, Brazil: a population-based study / Incidência e desfecho funcional de AVC cardioembólico com e sem fibrilação atrial em Joinville, Brazil: estudo de base populacional

ABSTRACT Among ischemic strokes, cardioembolic (CE) stroke has the worst outcome. We measured the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) and non-AF related CE strokes, previous anticoagulant use, and the 90-day functional outcome. Using multiple overlapping sources, we included all CE strokes that occurred in 2015 in Joinville, Brazil. Of the 374 ischemic strokes, 23% (84) were CE. The CE age-adjusted incidence, per 1,000 person-years, was 0.14 (0.11–0.17). Of the 26 patients with known prior AF, 73% (19) were not anticoagulated, 77% (20) had a CHA2DS2VASc score ≥ 3 and 81% (21) had a HAS-BLED score < 3. After three months, approximately one third of those 26 patients died or became disabled. The incidence of CE stroke in our sample was lower than in other population-based studies. The opportunity for anticoagulation was missed in one third of cases.

RESUMO Entre todos os subtipos de AVC isquêmico, os eventos cardioembólicos (CE) apresentam os piores prognósticos. Determinamos a incidência de AVC isquêmico CE, associada ou não à fibrilação atrial (FA), o uso prévio de anticoagulantes e os desfechos funcionais em Joinville, Brasil. Utilizando múltiplas e sobrepostas fontes de informação, registramos todos os primeiros eventos CE ocorridos em 2015. Entre 374 eventos isquêmicos, 23% (84) foram CE. A incidência ajustada, para qualquer fonte cardioembólica, foi 0.14 (0.11–0.17) por 1000 pessoas-ano. Entre 26 pacientes com FA previamente conhecida, 73% (19) não estavam anticoagulados, 77% (20) tinham ≥ 3 pontos na escala CHA2DS2VASc e 81 % (21) < 3 pontos na escala HAS-BLED. Após 3 meses, um terço destes 26 pacientes morreram ou ficaram dependentes. A incidência de AVC I CE em Joinville é menor do que em outros estudos de base populacional. Um terço dos casos de AVC I CE com FA previamente conhecida perderam a oportunidade de anticoagulação.

Assessment of endovascular management of extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis

Background: Carotid artery stenting [CAS] had become widely used as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy [CEA] in revascularization therapy of carotid artery stenosis, especially in some high risk patients for surgical intervention

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome and follow up of cases that undergo extracranial CAS at the Neuroendovascular Unit of Ain Shams University Hospital

Methods: During a 30 month period, 50 cases were enrolled and underwent carotid artery stenting with open cell [Protege [registered] - EV3] or closed cell [Wall stent[registered] - Boston scientific] stents. A filter device for embolic protection [Spider filter[registered] - EV3] was used. Clinical assessment with the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] together with post procedural diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging [DW-MRI] was used to determine cerebral embolization

Results: CAS was performed in 50 cases; 40 [80%] symptomatic and 10 [20%] asymptomatic. A similar number of open-cell and closed-cell stents were used. New acute cerebral emboli were detected with DW-MRI in 12% [6/50] of cases after the procedure. Three [3/50] cases [6%] showed corresponding clinical deterioration in NIHSS; two cases developed minor stroke and the third case developed a major stroke

Conclusion: CAS at Ain Shams Neuroendovascular Unit showed a high technical success rate and good short term clinical outcome

Síndrome de embolia grasa con predominio de síntomas neurológicos / Fat embolism syndrome with predominant neurological symptoms / Síndrome de embolia gordurosa com predomínio de sintomas neurológicos

Introducción. La embolia grasa es la obstrucción de los vasos sanguíneos de pequeño calibre por lípidos producidos durante la degradación tisular. Se presenta en individuos con fracturas de huesos largos, y es asintomático en más del 90 % de los casos. El síndrome de embolia grasa corresponde a un proceso grave poco frecuente en la práctica clínica, caracterizado por la aparición de petequias, dificultad respiratoria y alteraciones neurológicas. Reporte de caso. Se trata de una mujer adulta joven con trauma cerrado de tórax y fracturas múltiples de huesos largos de las extremidades superiores e inferiores por politraumatismo de alta energía, que fue sometida a reducción bajo anestesia de las fracturas. A las 48 horas, comenzó a presentar dificultad respiratoria, exantema petequial de predominio en la pared anterior del tórax y deterioro neurológico con convulsiones tónico-clónicas focales y bilaterales, que cedieron con un medicamento anticonvulsivo intravenoso. Se le diagnosticó síndrome de embolia grasa debido al antecedente de trauma y a las lesiones evidenciadas en la resonancia magnética. Se le brindó soporte respiratorio y terapia anticoagulante, con lo cual el cuadro clínico mejoró. Discusión. El tejido graso ingresa a la circulación cuando la presión en el lecho del drenaje venoso es superada por la presión en la médula ósea. Los ácidos grasos libres tóxicos causan edema vasogénico y citotóxico, así como hemorragia por destrucción celular. Conclusión. Es importante considerar la presencia de esta complicación en pacientes con múltiples fracturas y brindar un tratamiento oportuno con la intención de disminuir las secuelas asociadas con esta condición

Introduction: Fatty embolism is the obstruction of small blood vessels by lipid product of tissue degradation. It occurs in individuals with long bone fractures, being asymptomatic in more than 90% of cases. The fat embolism syndrome corresponds to a severe and rare process in clinical practice, characterized by the appearance of petechiae, respiratory stress and neurological disorders. Case report: Young adult with high energy-polytrauma and closed chest trauma with multiple fractures of long bones of the upper and lower extremities who was taken to operating theater for redu-cing them under anesthesia. Forty-eight hours after, she began to present with respiratory distress, petechial rash predominantly in the anterior thorax and neurological deterioration with focal seizure activity to bilateral tonic-clonic, which yielded with intravenous anticonvulsant. A fat embolism syndrome was diagnosed due to the history of trauma and the lesions evidenced in the magnetic resonance. She was given respiratory support and anticoagulant therapy, with which the clinical picture improved. Discussion: The fatty tissue enters the circulation when the venous drainage bed pressure is overcome by the pressure inside the bone marrow. The toxic free fatty acids cause vasogenic and cytotoxic edema, as well as hemorrhage by cell destruction. Conclusion: It is important to consider the presence of this complication in patients with multiple fractures and to offer timely treatment with the intention of reducing the sequelae associated with this condition.

Introdução. Embolia gordurosa é a obstrução dos vasos sanguíneos de diâmetro reduzido pelos lipídios produzidos durante a degradação tecidual. Ocorre em indivíduos com fraturas de ossos longos e é assintomática em mais de 90% dos casos. A síndrome da embolia gordurosa corresponde a um processo grave, pouco frequente na prática clínica, caracterizado pelo aparecimento de petéquias, dificuldade respiratória e alterações neurológicas. Relato de caso. Trata-se de uma mulher adulta jovem, com trauma de tórax fechado e múltiplas fraturas de ossos longos dos membros superiores e inferiores por politraumatismos de alta energia, que foi submetida a redução sob anestesia. Às 48 horas, ela começou a ter dificuldade em respirar, exantema petequial predominantemente sobre a parede torácica anterior e dano neurológico com convulsões tónico-clónicas e bilateral focal, que cedeu com uma medicação anticonvulsivante intra-venosa. Ela foi diagnosticada com síndrome de embolia gordurosa devido a uma história de trauma e às lesões evidenciadas na ressonância magnética. Ela recebeu suporte respiratório e terapia anticoa-gulante, com o qual o quadro clínico melhorou. Discussão. O tecido adiposo entra na circulação quando a pressão no leito da drenagem venosa é superada pela pressão na medula óssea. Os ácidos graxos livres tóxicos causam edema vasogênico e citotóxico, além de hemorragia por destruição celular. Conclusão. É importante considerar a presença dessa complicação em pacientes com múltiplas fraturas e fornecer tratamento oportuno com a intenção de reduzir as sequelas associadas a essa condição

Evaluation of cardiac sources of embolism

Cerebrovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity .20% of cerebral infarcts are due to cerebral embolism of cardiac origin. Conditions associated with cardiogenic emboli are either rhythm abnormalities such as atrial fibrillation (AF) responsible for 50% , or structural abnormalities .Whereas left ventricle thrombus ,left atrium thrombus ,vegetation , tumor and protruding atherosclerotic plaque are considered as direct sources of embolization , others such as valvular disease , wall motion abnormality , atrial septal defect (ASD) , patent foramen ovale(PFO) , atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) and spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) are considered as indirect cardiac sources of embolization . In this article evaluation of cardiacsources of embolism and the role of echocardiography are discussed. Though both transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) play an important role,TEE appears to be more sensitive in identifying potential abnormalities in patients with suspected cardiac sources of emboli

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies for Acute Intracranial Atherosclerosis-related Occlusions / 대한뇌졸중학회지

Intracranial atherosclerosis-related occlusion (ICAS-O) is frequently encountered at the time of endovascular revascularization treatment (ERT), especially in Asian countries. However, because baseline angiographic findings are similar between ICAS-O and embolism-related occlusion (EMB-O), it is difficult to differentiate the etiologies before the ERT procedure. Moreover, despite successful randomized trials on ERT, results from studies examining the optimal treatment protocol in ICAS-O patients remain unclear. In this review, we describe the clinical and imaging factors that may possibly differentiate ICAS-O from EMB-O. We will also discuss some current hurdles for treating ICAS-O in the hyperacute period and suggest the optimal ERT strategy for ICAS-O patients.

Cerebral and Coronary Air Embolism after Percutaneous Needle Aspiration Biopsy of Lung

Percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy is a relatively simple and safe procedure for the diagnosis of lung and mediastinal lesions. Systemic air embolism during and after percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy of the lung is very rare; however, it is still a complication that can cause fatal outcomes, such as cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction. Here, we report a 72-year-old woman who suffered a change in consciousness immediately after receiving a percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy for the pathologic examination of pulmonary nodules found during a routine health medical examination. She had left side weakness and ST segment elevation on an electrocardiogram. After a high concentration of oxygen, she recovered from neurological symptoms and electrocardiographic abnormalities. The authors report a case of air embolism occurring simultaneously in the brain and coronary arteries after percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy.

Mechanical Thrombectomy with Solitaire Stent Retrieval for Acute Cardioembolic Stroke

OBJECTIVE: Few studies have reported the outcome of mechanical thrombectomy with Solitaire stent retrival (MTSR) in subtypes of acute ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and result of MTSR in acute cardioembolic stroke. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with acute cardioembolic stroke were treated by MTSR. The angiographic outcome was assessed by thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) grade. TICI grade 2a, 2b, or 3 with a measurable thrombus that was retrieved was considered as a success when MTSR was performed in the site of primary vessel occlusion, and TICI grade 2b or 3 was considered as a success when final result was reported. Clinical and radiological results were compared between two groups divided on the basis of final results of MTSR. Persistent thrombus compression sign on angiogram was defined as a stenotic, tapered arterial lumen whenever temporary stenting was performed. The clinical outcomes were assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 months. RESULTS: The failure rate of MTSR was 20% (4/20) and other modalities, such as permanent stenting, were needed. Final successful recanalization (TICI grade 2b or 3) was 80% when other treatments were included. The rate of good outcome (mRS≤2) was 35% at the 3-month follow-up. Failure of MTSR was significantly correlated with persistent thrombus compression sign (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Some cases of cardioembolic stroke are resistant to MTSR and may need other treatment modalities. Careful interpretation of angiogram may be helpful to the decision.