Unilateral hemi-central retinal artery occlusion as a presenting sign of Susac syndrome

ABSTRACT A young woman presented at our clinic with sudden visual loss in the right eye, recurrent vertigo, and right-sided tinnitus. We performed a complete ophthalmological evaluation. This revealed effects of the condition on the small arterioles of the peripheral retina. Susac syndrome is characterized by the clinical triad of retinal arteriolar occlusions, cochleovestibular manifestations, and encephalopathy (which can be identified by neuroimaging abnormalities). Early diagnosis and immunosuppressive therapy improved the patient's visual acuity and the remission of her other symptoms. Hemi-central retinal artery occlusion is an atypical neuro-ophthalmological finding in this disease. However, its identification as a sign of Susac syndrome may facilitate timely diagnosis and accurate treatment.

Factores de riesgo asociados a enfermedades cerebrovasculares en pacientes del Centro de Salud Tulcán Sur

Fundamento: la enfermedad cerebrovascular es toda alteración de una o varias áreas encefálicas, ya sea de forma transitoria o permanente, secundaria a un trastorno de la circulación cerebral de origen isquémico o hemorrágico. Por muchos años ha sido considerada una de las principales causas de muerte a nivel mundial. Está entre las principales causas de muerte en Ecuador. Objetivo: describir los factores de riesgo de enfermedades cerebrovasculares en pacientes adultos diagnosticados con enfermedades cerebrovasculares en el Centro de Salud Tulcán Sur en un periodo de 1 año. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal, en el Centro de Salud Tulcán Sur, en un periodo de 1 año, desde septiembre del 2022 a septiembre del 2023. El universo lo constituyeron 130 pacientes. Se analizaron las variables sociodemográficas: edad y sexo; clínicas: presencia o no de hipertensión arterial, tabaquismo, alcoholismo, diabetes mellitus, dislipidemia, fibrilación auricular y sedentarismo. La normalidad de la distribución de los datos fue analizada utilizando la prueba de Kolmogorov-Smirnov. Las variables categóricas fueron expresadas en frecuencias absoluta y relativa. Las variables cuantitativas se describieron utilizando la media y la desviación típica. Resultados: la media de edad de la población fue de 61,0 ± 16,5. El sexo masculino predominó con 70 pacientes (53,8 %). La hipertensión arterial, el tabaquismo y la obesidad fueron los factores de riesgo cardiovascular más frecuentes con 73 (56,5 %), 79 (60,7 %), 64 (49,2 %) pacientes respectivamente. Conclusiones: la hipertensión arterial, el tabaquismo y la obesidad fueron los factores de riesgo con más prevalencia.

Foundation: cerebrovascular disease is any alteration of one or more brain areas, whether temporary or permanent, secondary to a cerebral circulation disorder of ischemic or hemorrhagic origin. For many years it has been considered one of the main causes of death worldwide. It is among the main causes of death in Ecuador. Objective: to describe the risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases in adult patients diagnosed with cerebrovascular diseases at the Tulcán Sur Health Center over a period of 1 year. Methods: a descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out at the Tulcán Sur Health Center, over a period of 1 year, from September 2022 to September 2023. The universe consisted of 130 patients. The sociodemographic variables were analyzed: age and sex; clinical: presence or absence of high blood pressure, smoking, alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, atrial fibrillation and sedentary lifestyle. The normality of the data distribution was analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Categorical variables were expressed in absolute and relative frequencies. Quantitative variables were described using the mean and standard deviation. Results: the mean age of the population was 61.0 ± 16.5. The male sex predominated with 70 patients (53.8 %). High blood pressure, smoking and obesity were the most common cardiovascular risk factors with 73 (56.5 %), 79 (60.7 %), 64 (49.2 %) patients respectively. Conclusions: high blood pressure, smoking and obesity were the most prevalent risk factors.

Diferencias cliniconeurológicas en pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica de edades menores y mayores de 65 años

Introducción: La enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica tiene una alta frecuencia debida, fundamentalmente, al envejecimiento poblacional. Objetivo: Comparar las características clínicas de pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica de dos grupos etarios. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo en 36 pacientes con enfermedad cerebrovascular isquémica correspondientes a dos grupos etarios (65 y menos años y mayores de 65), quienes fueron atendidos en el Instituto de Neurología y Neurocirugía, La Habana, de enero a diciembre del 2017. Al respecto, se analizaron variables demográficas y clínicas y se aplicaron diferentes pruebas estadísticas para comparar. Resultados: Se obtuvo un aumento significativo de pacientes hipertensos (88,9 %) en el grupo etario mayor de 65 años. La mediana de la escala de ictus del National Institute of Health fue superior en estos pacientes (mediana [10-90 percentil]: 9,5 (4-19]). Hubo incremento estadístico de los mayores de 65 años con parálisis parcial de la mirada y ataxia; en tanto, la monoparesia y la extinción visual predominaron en los de 65 y menos años. Dicha escala mostró un aumento estadístico en el ictus aterotrombótico y cardioembólico en comparación con otras causas en ambos grupos. Los pacientes mayores de 65 años con solo un factor de riesgo o ninguno y los que eran hipertensos tuvieron mayor puntuación de la escala. Conclusiones: El grado de afectación neurológica fue superior en los mayores de 65 años que tenían un factor de riesgo y en aquellos con hipertensión arterial. Puede sugerirse que los mecanismos moleculares y fisiopatológicos de estos pacientes varían según la edad.

Introduction: The ischemic cerebrovascular disease has a high frequency due to the population aging mainly. Objective: To compare clinical characteristics of patients with ischemic cerebrovascular of two age groups. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study was carried out in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Institute in Havana, from January to December, 2017 in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease; 36 individuals of both age groups. In this regard, demographic variables, risk factors, clinical manifestations, coma scale and neurological deficiency, etiology and localization of the ischemic ictus were analyzed. Results: The 65 years group had a significant increase of hypertensive patients (88.9%). The average of the National Institute of Health stroke scale was superior in these patients (median [10-90 percentile]: 9.5 [4-19]). There was statistical increment of over 65 years patients with partial paralysis of the look and ataxia, but monoparesis and visual extinction in the age under 65 years. Such a scale had a statistical increase in the atherothrombotic and cardioembolic ictus in comparison with other etiologies in both patient groups. The over 65 years patients with just one risk factor or and those with hypertension had a higher punctuation of the scale. Conclusions: The degree of neurological affectation was higher in over 65 years patients that had a risk factor and in those with hypertension. As a result it could be suggested that the molecular and pathophysiolologic mechanisms of these patients vary with the age.

Risk factors of apathy and correlations with cognitive function in patients with hypertension combined with cerebral small vessel disease / 中国介入影像与治疗学

Objective To explore the risk factors of apathy and correlations with cognitive function in patients with hypertension combined with cerebral small vessel disease(CSVD).Methods Totally 141 patients with hypertension combined with CSVD were prospectively enrolled and were divided into apathy group(n=43)and non-apathy group(n= 98)according to neuropsychiatric inventory-apathy scale(NPI-Apathy)scores.The general data,imaging marker scores and total imaging burden scores were compared between groups.In hypertension combined with CSVD patients,multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to screen the independent risk factors of apathy,and Spearman correlation analysis was also performed to observe the correlation of apathy and cognitive function.Results The patients'age,high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),Fazekas scores of lateral periventricular white matter hyper-intensity(WMH),cerebral microbleed of depth/infratentorial and total imaging burden scores of apathy group were all higher,while mini-mental state examination(MMSE)and Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)scores were both lower than those of non-apathy group(all P＜0.05).HDL-C and Fazekas scores of lateral periventricular WMH were both independent risk factors for apathy(both P＜0.05),while NPI-Apathy scores were moderately negatively correlated with cognitive function in patients with hypertension combined with CSVD(r=-0.543,-0.484,both P＜0.001).Conclusion HDL-C and Fazekas scores of lateral periventricular WMH were both independent risk factors for apathy in patients with hypertension combined with CSVD.The more severe the apathy,the lower the cognitive function.

Etiological diagnosis of CTPI hypoperfusion and ischemic penumbra indices in patients undergoing acute thrombectomy / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To evaluate the value of perfusion imaging mismatch and low perfusion ratio(HIR)based on CT perfusion imaging in predicting acute intracranial large vessel occlusion(LVO)associated with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis(ICAS).Methods A total of 82 pa-tients with acute intracranial LVO who underwent emergency thrombectomy in our hospital from February 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled in this study.According to the etiology,they were divided into ICAS-related LVO group(ICAS-LVO,65 cases)and cardiogenic embolism group(17 cases).ROC curve was plotted to analyze the predictive value of CT perfusion imaging parame-ters.Results Compared with the cardiogenic embolism group,the ICAS-LVO group had signifi-cantly larger male ratio,higher BMI and TG level,more severe progression of disease,longer time from onset to surgery,larger proportion of ischemic penumbra and higher mismatch ratio,and ob-viously less ratio of atrial fibrillation,lower BNP and HDL levels,smaller infarct volume,and lower HIR(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).ROC curve analysis showed that HIR and mismatch ratio had good predictive value for the etiology of ICAS-LVO.The optimal cut-off value of HIR was 0.26,with an AUC value of 0.74,a specificity of 0.88,and a sensitivity of 0.54.The optimal cutoff for the mismatch ratio was 3.84,with an AUC value of 0.84,a specificity of 0.75,and a sensitivity of 0.90.Generalized linear model revealed that HIR and cerebral blood volume index had no signifi-cant difference in prognostic performance(P=0.175).Conclusion HIR and mismatch ratio are helpful to identify the pathogenesis earlier and formulate surgical strategies more accurately,thereby reducing iatrogenic injury to a greater extent,increasing the effective reperfusion rate,re-ducing the disability and mortality,and improving the prognosis of clinical outcomes.

Long-term complications and outcomes of therapeutic embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations: a systematic review

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Embolization is a promising treatment strategy for cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). However, consensus regarding the main complications or long-term outcomes of embolization in AVMs remains lacking. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the most prevalent complications and long-term outcomes in patients with AVM undergoing therapeutic embolization. DESIGN AND SETTING: This systematic review was conducted at the Federal University of Alagoas, Arapiraca, Brazil. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. Data were obtained from MEDLINE, PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases, which included the epidemiological profile of the population, characteristics of the proposed therapy, complications (hemorrhagic events and neurological deficits), and long-term outcomes (modified Rankin scale pre- and post-treatment, AVM recanalization, complete obliteration, and deaths). RESULTS: Overall, the analysis included 34 articles (2,799 patients). Grade III Spetzler-Martin AVMs were observed in 34.2% of cases. Notably, 39.3% of patients underwent embolization combined with radiosurgery. The most frequently reported long-term complication was hemorrhage, which occurred in 8.7% of patients at a mean follow-up period of 58.6 months. Further, 6.3% of patients exhibited neurological deficits after an average of 34.7 months. Complete obliteration was achieved in 51.4% of the cases after a mean period of 36 months. Recanalization of AVMs was observed in 3.5% of patients. Long-term death occurred in 4.0% of patients. CONCLUSION: Embolization of AVMs is an increasingly safe strategy with low long-term complications and satisfactory outcomes, especially in patients who have undergone combination therapies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ Registration number CRD42020204867.

Relación de la enfermedad periodontal inflamatoria crónica con enfermedades sistémicas / Relationship of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease with systemic diseases

Introducción: La enfermedad periodontal es una infección inmunoinflamatoria crónica de origen multifactorial. Puede avanzar a nivel sistémico por el paso de bacterias y sus productos al torrente sanguíneo, lo cual constituye un factor de riesgo para alteraciones sistémicas. La revisión bibliográfica se realizó de julio 2022 hasta febrero 2023. Se utilizaron las bases de datos PubMed, SciELO y Elsevier y el motor de búsqueda Google Académico. Objetivos: Describir la relación de la enfermedad periodontal inflamatoria crónica con enfermedades sistémicas. Desarrollo: La medicina periodontal estudia la relación que existe entre las periodontopatías y enfermedades sistémicas, como las cardiovasculares, cerebrovasculares, pulmonares, la renal crónica, la artritis reumatoide y el Alzheimer. Las bacterias provenientes de las bolsas periodontales pasan hacia la circulación sanguínea, producen infección metastásica y daño metastásico, mediante la producción de endotoxinas, lipopolisacáridos e inflamación metastásica. Conclusiones: La enfermedad periodontal crónica constituye un factor de riesgo para el desarrollo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, pulmonares, renales, trastornos cerebrovasculares, artritis reumatoide y el Alzheimer debido a reacciones inflamatorias producidas por microorganismos patogénicos; se establece una relación bidireccional entre estas enfermedades y las periodontopatías(AU)

Introduction: Periodontal disease is a chronic immunoinflammatory infection of multifactorial origin. It can advance at a systemic level due to the passage of bacteria and their products into the bloodstream, which constitutes a risk factor for systemic alterations. The bibliographic review was carried out from July 2022 to February 2023. The PubMed, SciELO and Elsevier databases and the Google Scholar search engine were used. Objectives: Describe the relationship of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease with systemic diseases. Development: Periodontal medicine studies the relationship between periodontopathies and systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, pulmonary, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's. Bacteria from periodontal pockets pass into the blood circulation, producing metastatic infection and metastatic damage, through the production of endotoxins, lipopolysaccharides and metastatic inflammation. Conclusions: Chronic periodontal disease constitutes a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal diseases, cerebrovascular disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer's due to inflammatory reactions produced by pathogenic microorganisms; A bidirectional relationship is established between these diseases and periodontopathies. The analysis of this relationship and the mechanisms by which it occurs guarantees the development of a more integrative care practice(AU)

Hemorrhagic Cerebrovascular Disease: An Unusual Presentation of Hyperhomocysteinemia / Accidente cerebrovascular hemorrágico: una inusual presentación de hiperhomocisteinemia / Acidente vascular cerebral hemorrágico: uma apresentação incomum da hiper-homocisteinemia

Introduction: Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with hemorrhagic stroke being the deadliest form of acute stroke. Therefore, the cause of the event should be determined to direct the associated therapy and take preventive measures. Hyperhomocysteinemia has been described as a rare etiology of stroke. Although hyperhomocysteinemia has been associated with venous thrombotic events, altered endothelial function, and procoagulant states, its clinical role in stroke remains controversial. Case description: We present a case of a 60-year-old male patient with primary autoimmune hypothyroidism who presented with dysarthria, facial paresis, and left upper-limb monoparesis after sexual intercourse. A simple skull computed tomography scan showed hyperintensity in the right basal ganglion, indicating an acute hemorrhagic event. Etiological studies were performed, including ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, cerebral angiography, and transthoracic echocardiogram, which ruled out underlying vascular pathology. During follow-up, vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia were detected, without other blood biochemical profile alterations. Supplementation was initiated, and homocysteine levels gradually decreased, without new neurological deficits observed during follow-up. Conclusion: Quantification of homocysteine should be considered in patients with a cerebrovascular disease without apparent cause, as documenting hyperhomocysteinemia and correcting its underlying etiology are essential not only for providing appropriate management but also for preventing future events.

Introducción: el accidente cerebrovascular es una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad en todo el mundo, y el accidente cerebrovascular hemorrágico es la forma más mortífera de accidente cerebro- vascular agudo. La determinación de la causa del evento es esencial para dirigir la terapia asociada y poder tomar medidas preventivas. La hiperhomocisteinemia se ha descrito como una etiología poco frecuente de accidente cerebrovascular. Aunque esta se ha asociado con eventos trombóticos venosos, disfunción endotelial alterada y estados procoagulantes, sigue siendo controvertido su papel clínico en el accidente cerebrovascular. Descripción del caso: se presenta el caso de un hombre de 60 años con hipotiroidismo autoinmune primario que presentó disartria, paresia facial y monoparesia del miembro superior izquierdo después de un encuentro sexual. Una simple tomografía computarizada de cráneo mostró hipointensidad en la región del ganglio basal derecho, que indicaba un evento hemorrágico agudo. Se realizaron estudios etiológicos, incluyendo monitorización ambulatoria de la presión arterial, angiografía cerebral y ecocardiograma transtorácico, que descartaron patología vascular subyacente. Durante el seguimiento, se detectó deficiencia de vitamina B12 e hiperhomocisteinemia, sin otras alteraciones en el perfil bioquímico sanguíneo. Se inició la suplementación y los niveles de homocisteína disminuyeron gradualmente, sin observar nuevos déficits neurológicos durante el seguimiento. Conclusión: la cuantificación de homocisteína debe ser considerada en casos de enfermedad cerebrovascular sin causa aparente, dado que documentar la hiperhomocisteinemia y corregir su etiología subyacente es esencial no solo para proporcionar un manejo adecuado, sino también para prevenir eventos futuros.

Introdução: o acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) é uma das principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade em todo o mundo, sendo o AVC hemorrágico a forma mais letal de AVC agudo. A determinação da causa do evento é essencial para direcionar a terapia associada e poder tomar medidas preventivas. A hiperhomocisteinemia tem sido descrita como uma etiologia rara de acidente vascular cerebral. Embora a hiper-homocisteinemia tenha sido associada a eventos trombóticos venosos, disfunção endotelial alterada e estados pró-coagulantes, seu papel clínico no AVC permanece controverso. Descrição do caso: apresentamos o caso de um homem de 60 anos com hipotireoidismo autoimune primário que apresentou disartria, paresia facial e monoparesia do membro superior esquerdo após relação sexual. A tomografia computadorizada de crânio mostrou hipointensidade na região do gânglio da base direito, indicando evento hemorrágico agudo. Foram realizados estudos etiológicos, incluindo monitorização ambulatorial da pressão arterial, angiografia cerebral e ecocardiograma transtorácico, que descartaram patologia vascular subjacente. Durante o acompanhamento, foram detectados deficiência de vitamina B12 e hiper-homocistei- nemia, sem outras alterações no perfil bioquímico sanguíneo. A suplementação foi iniciada e os níveis de homocisteína diminuíram gradualmente, sem novos déficits neurológicos observados durante o acompanhamento. Conclusão: a quantificação da homocisteína deve ser considerada em casos de doença vascular cerebral sem causa aparente, pois documentar a hiper-homocisteinemia e corrigir sua etiologia subjacente é essencial não apenas para fornecer manejo adequado, mas também para prevenir eventos futuros.

The effects of the healthcare line in a stroke unit: three years' experience of a center in the Northeast of Brazil / Efeitos da linha de cuidado em saúde em uma unidade de AVC: três anos de experiência de um centro no nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Background Treatment at an organized stroke unit center (SUC) improves survival after stroke. Stroke mortality has decreased worldwide in recent decades. Objective This study shows the experience of a SUC in the Northeast of Brazil, comparing its first, second, and third years. Methods We compared data on the SUC prospectively collected from 31 July 2018 to 31 July 2019 (year 1), August 1st, 2019, to July 31st, 2020 (year 2), and August 1st to July 31st, 2021 (year 3). Results There was an expertise evolution through the years, with good outcomes in spite of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in the 3rd year. Also, in the 1st year, the median (interquartile range) door-to-needle time was 39.5 (29.5-60.8) minutes evolving to 22 (17-30) minutes, and then to 17 (14-22) minutes in the last year. Conclusion This was the first report on a SUC's outcome in the Brazil's Central Arid Northeast countryside, and it shows the improvement in care for patients with stroke through an effective healthcare line.

Resumo Antecedentes O tratamento em um centro organizado com Unidade de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) melhora a sobrevida após o AVC. A mortalidade por AVC diminuiu em todo o mundo nas últimas décadas. Objetivo Este estudo mostra a experiência de um centro de AVC no Nordeste brasileiro, comparando o primeiro, segundo e terceiro anos do serviço. Métodos Nós comparamos dados coletados prospectivamente na Unidade de AVC de 31 de julho de 2018 a 31 de julho 2019 (ano 1), 1° de agosto de 2019 a 31 de julho de 2020 (ano 2) e 1° de agosto a 31 de julho de 2021 (ano 3). Resultados Houve uma evolução na conhecimento especializado ao longo dos anos, com bons desfechos apesar da pandemia de coronavirus disease 2019 no terceiro ano. Além disso, no primeiro ano a mediana do tempo porta-agulha foi de 39.5 (29.5-60.8) minutos, evoluindo para 22 (17-30) minutos, e então 17 (14-22) minutos no último ano. Conclusão Este foi o primeiro relato sobre o desempenho de um serviço de AVC do interior do Nordeste brasileiro e evidencia a melhoria assistencial aos pacientes com AVC por meio de uma efetiva linha de cuidado em saúde.

Comportamiento de variables epidemiológicas y clínicas de pacientes con infarto cerebral en Villa Clara

Fundamento la enfermedad cerebrovascular representa el problema de salud más frecuente relacionado con la atención neurológica, hecho en que estriba la importancia que reviste su estudio en los diferentes contextos y desde diversos enfoques. Objetivo describir el comportamiento de variables epidemiológicas y clínicas en pacientes ingresados por infarto cerebral. Métodos estudio descriptivo y transversal, realizado en el servicio de Neurología del Hospital Arnaldo Milián Castro, de Villa Clara, Cuba, el cual incluyó a todos los pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de infarto cerebral cardioembólico o aterotrombótico, ingresados en sala durante el año 2019. La información se obtuvo de las historias clínicas almacenadas en el Archivo del Hospital; y fue procesada en el paquete estadístico SPSS. v. 21. Se aplicó un análisis estadístico descriptivo, en una distribución de frecuencias. Resultados predominaron los pacientes del sexo femenino (51,6 %). Hubo mayor incidencia en hombres mayores de 79 años (47,7 %), y en mujeres mayores de 70 (86,0 %). En el 67,3 % se demostró la causa cardioembólica. La hipertensión arterial resultó el principal factor de riesgo asociado (83,6 %). El defecto motor se observó como hallazgo clínico más frecuente al ingreso (96,7 %). Se identificaron la transformación hemorrágica del infarto y la bronconeumonía nosocomial como principales complicaciones neurológicas y no neurológicas respectivamente. Prevalecieron los pacientes egresados vivos (68,6 %). Conclusiones los ictus isquémicos son más frecuentes en pacientes de edad avanzada; la identificación temprana y manejo oportuno de la enfermedad instaurada puede prevenir en gran medida la aparición de complicaciones, y consecuentemente la muerte.

Background cerebrovascular disease represents the most common health problem related to neurological care, it is important to study it in different contexts and from different approaches. Objective to describe epidemiological and clinical variables' behavior in patients admitted for stroke. Methods descriptive and cross-sectional study, carried out in Arnaldo Milián Castro Hospital's Neurology service from Villa Clara, Cuba, which included all patients with a clinical diagnosis of cardioembolic or atherothrombotic stroke, admitted to the ward during 2019. The information was obtained from the medical records stored in the Hospital Archive; and it was processed in the statistical package SPSS. v. 21. A descriptive statistical analysis was applied, in a frequency distribution. Results female patients predominated (51.6%). There was a higher incidence in men older than 79 years (47.7%), and in women older than 70 (86.0%). In 67.3% the cardioembolic cause was demonstrated. Arterial hypertension was the main associated risk factor (83.6%). The motor defect was observed as the most frequent clinical finding on admission (96.7%). Hemorrhagic transformation of the infarct and nosocomial bronchopneumonia were identified as the main neurological and non-neurological complications, respectively. Patients discharged alive prevailed (68.6%). Conclusions ischemic strokes are more frequent in elderly patients; early identification and timely management of the established disease can largely prevent the appearance of complications, and consequently death.

Comportamiento de indicadores relacionados con la asistencia a pacientes con hemorragia subaracnoidea espontánea en la provincia de Cienfuegos

Fundamento: la importancia sanitaria de la hemorragia subaracnoidea espontánea, como problema de salud, es un hecho reconocido. Objetivo determinar el comportamiento de algunos indicadores relacionados con la asistencia médica a pacientes con hemorragia subaracnoidea espontánea, en el contexto provincial. Métodos estudio observacional, descriptivo-correlacional y retrospectivo, de 96 pacientes con hemorragia subaracnoidea espontánea entre 2016 y 2021. Se analizó el comportamiento de indicadores seleccionados, en su relación con diversas variables. En el análisis estadístico se utilizó como estadígrafo el Odds Ratio y su intervalo de confianza. Resultados el 22 % de los pacientes fue diagnosticado pasadas las primeras 48 horas del inicio de los síntomas, mientras que 13 enfermos (14 %) requirieron más de una asistencia para el diagnóstico. La ocurrencia de diagnóstico tardío cuando no se identificó el sangramiento en la primera consulta fue significativa (OR 21,8[5,1;91,8]). Doce pacientes fueron admitidos fuera de unidades especializadas; esta situación se observó más en pacientes menores de 60 años (21% vs 4 %; OR 5,7[1,1;27,9]), y en quienes el diagnóstico se realizó después de las 48 horas del inicio de las manifestaciones (29 % vs 8 %; OR 4,6[1,3;16,2]). De los 35 pacientes trasladados a otra institución para tratamiento neuroquirúrgico solo cuatro (12 %) fueron evacuados en las primeras 72 horas. Conclusiones se identifican brechas en la atención al paciente con hemorragia subaracnoidea en el contexto provincial; se destacan el ingreso de enfermos fuera de unidades especializadas y el traslado tardío a instituciones con servicio de cirugía neurovascular.

Background: the spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage's health importance, it's recognized as a health problem. Objective: to determine the behavior of some indicators related to medical care for patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage, in the provincial context. Methods: Observational, descriptive-correlational and retrospective study of 96 patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage between 2016 and 2021. The behavior of selected indicators was analyzed in relation to various variables. In the statistical analysis, the Odds Ratio and its confidence interval were used as statisticians. Results: 22% of the patients were diagnosed after the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, while 13 patients (14%) required more than one assistance for diagnosis. The occurrence of late diagnosis when bleeding was not identified at the first visit was significant (OR 21.8[5.1;91.8]). Twelve patients were admitted outside of specialized units; this situation was observed more in patients under 60 years of age (21% vs 4%; OR 5.7[1.1;27.9]), and in whom the diagnosis was made 48 hours after the onset of manifestations (29% vs 8%; OR 4.6[1.3;16.2]). Of the 35 patients transferred to another institution for neurosurgical treatment, only four (12%) were evacuated in the first 72 hours. Conclusions: gaps are identified in the patients' care with subarachnoid hemorrhage in the provincial context; The admission of patients outside specialized units and the late transfer to institutions with neurovascular surgery service stand out.

Study of Incidence of Ponticulus Posterior In Dry Human Atlas Vertebra and Its Clinical Significance

Background: Atlas is the first cervical vertebra. The vertebral artery lies in the groove on posterior arch of the atlas. The vertebral artery groove may sometimes get converted into a foramen. This is commonly known as ponticulus posterior (ponticulus posticus) or arcuate foramen of the atlas. These foramina may be complete or incomplete. This can lead to compression of the vertebral artery and produce symptoms like headache, syncope, altered consciousness etc. It can also complicate manipulations of the cervical spine by reducing the blood flow during extreme rotations of head and neck. It is also associated with vertebrobasilar artery stroke So, neurosurgeons or orthopaedic surgeons who operate in this area should have a detailed knowledge of variations of groove for the vertebral artery. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 50 dried and fully ossified adult human atlas of unknown age and sex collected from the department of Anatomy, Government Medical college, Nagpur. Each atlas vertebra was carefully observed for the presence or absence of complete or incomplete ponticuli on superior surface of posterior arch of atlas. Results: Out of the 50 vertebra studied 7(14%) showed the presence of Ponticuli. Ponticuli were incomplete in all 7 atlas vertebras. Complete ring was not observed in any of the atlas vertebra .Out of the 7 ponticuli 6(12%) were found to be unilateral and in only 1 (2%) case it was found to be bilateral. Out of the 6 ponticuli 4(8%) were noticed on the Left side and 2(4%) were present on the right side. Conclusion: Presence of incomplete ponticulus posterior might cause cervical pain and even cerebrovascular disorders due to pressure on third part of vertebral artery present in the vertebral artery groove. This anatomical knowledge is important for neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists and clinicians while dealing with this region.

Effects of Jin's three needles combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on electromyography, muscle strength, and lower limb motor function in patients with hemiplegia after stroke / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of Jin's three needles combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on electromyography (EMG), muscle strength, and lower limb motor function in patients with hemiplegia after stroke.Methods:A total of 102 patients with hemiplegia after ischemic stroke who received treatment in Dongyang People's Hospital from July 2021 to August 2022 were included in this randomized controlled study. They were divided into a treatment group and a control group ( n = 51 per group) using a random number table method. The treatment group was given Jin's three needles combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and the control group was given neuromuscular electrical stimulation alone. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to assess the degree of neurological impairment. The modified Barthel Index (MBI) score was used to assess a patient's self-care ability. EMG was performed to record myoelectric signals. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale was used to evaluate a patient's lower limb motor function. Manual Muscle Testing was performed to measure a patient's muscle strength. The degree of nerve defect, self-care ability, lower limb motor function, hip flexion muscle strength, knee extensor muscle strength, and ankle dorsalis extensor muscle strength were compared before treatment and after 2 weeks of treatment. Results:After treatment, the NIHSS score in the treatment and control groups significantly decreased compared with those before treatment [(10.14 ± 3.45) points vs. (3.80 ± 1.92) points, (10.10 ± 3.17) points vs. (6.18 ± 2.15) points, t = 17.31, 19.08, both P < 0.05]. After treatment, the NIHSS score in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group ( t = -5.87, P < 0.001). After treatment, the integral EMG values of the tibialis anterior muscle, gastrocnemius muscle, and quadriceps femoris in the treatment and control groups were increased compared with those before treatment [(20.43 ± 5.26) points vs. (48.14 ± 10.41) points, (16.20 ± 2.62) points vs. (24.69 ± 4.07) points, (32.62 ± 3.42) points vs. (43.40 ± 4.69) points; (20.40 ± 5.19) points vs. (35.45 ± 7.41) points, (16.32 ± 2.51) points vs. (20.91 ± 3.45) points, (32.59 ± 3.37) points vs. (37.39 ± 4.06) points, t = -23.79, -16.11, -19.89; -21.92, -10.86, -8.71, all P < 0.05]. After treatment, the integral EMG values of the tibialis anterior muscle, gastrocnemius muscle, and quadriceps femoris in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( t = 7.09, 5.05, 6.92, all P < 0.001). After treatment, The Fugl-Meyer Assessment scale score in the treatment and control groups were significantly increased compared with that before treatment [(17.61 ± 8.93) points vs. (27.16 ± 5.84) points, (17.53 ± 7.59) points vs. (22.22 ± 6.66) points, t = -14.64, -10.72, both P < 0.05). After treatment, The Fugl-Meyer Assessment scale score in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group ( t = 3.98, P < 0.001). After treatment, hip flexion muscle strength, knee extensor muscle strength, and ankle dorsalis extensor muscle strength in the treatment and control groups increased compared with those before treatment. After treatment, hip flexion muscle strength, knee extensor muscle strength, and ankle dorsalis extensor muscle strength in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group [(3.75 ± 0.63) grades vs. (3.31 ± 0.65) grades, (3.51 ± 0.67) grades vs. (3.08 ± 0.87) grades, (2.98 ± 0.81) grades vs.(2.35 ± 1.06) grades, t = 3.41, 2.80, and 3.36, all P < 0.05]. Conclusion:Jin's three needles combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation can improve EMG findings, increase muscle strength, and lower limb motor function in patients with hemiplegia after stroke

Correlation between adverse events and antiplatelet drug resistance after neurovascular intervention for cerebrovascular stenosis / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the correlation between adverse events and antiplatelet drug resistance after neurovascular intervention for cerebrovascular stenosis.Methods:A total of 148 patients with cerebrovascular stenosis who underwent neurovascular intervention at Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2020 to December 2020 were included in this study. The platelet function of patients before and 24 hours after antiplatelet drug treatment was recorded. Platelet drug resistance was analyzed. At 3, 6 months, and 1 year after neurovascular intervention, adverse events were recorded through follow-up. The patients were divided into the occurrence group and the non-occurrence group according to whether adverse events occurred or not using the case-control study method. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between adverse events and antiplatelet drug resistance after neurovascular intervention for cerebrovascular stenosis.Results:After 1 year of follow-up, among the 148 patients, 29 patients lost their follow-up, and 119 were included in the final analysis. Of the 119 patients, 41 patients had adverse events and 78 patients had no adverse events. In the occurrence group, the expression levels of platelet membrane glycoprotein P-selectin and platelet activating complex were (20.22 ± 6.33)% and (68.80 ± 11.52)%, respectively, before drug treatment, and they were (15.77 ± 4.12)% and (43.19 ± 5.90%)%, respectively, after drug treatment, all of which were significantly higher than those in the non-occurrence group [before drug treatment: (16.85 ± 3.24)%, (62.34 ± 10.77)%, after drug treatment: (8.31 ± 2.97)%, (35.85 ± 5.14)%] (before drug treatment: t = 3.20, 2.97, both P < 0.05; after drug treatment: t = 10.28, 6.74, both P < 0.05). The incidences of aspirin resistance and clopidogrel resistance in the occurrence group were 51.2% (21/41) and 43.9% (20/41), respectively, which were significantly higher than 26.9% (8/78) and 19.2% (9/78) in the non-occurrence group ( χ2 = 24.47, 20.23, both P < 0.001). Spearman correlation analysis showed that both aspirin resistance and clopidogrel resistance were moderately positively correlated with adverse events after neurovascular intervention ( r = 0.45, 0.41, both P < 0.05). Conclusion:Adverse events after neurovascular intervention are moderately positively correlated with resistance to the antiplatelet drugs aspirin and clopidogrel.

Efficacy and safety of intravascular intervention therapy in patients with mild stroke and acute large vessel occlusion / 中华老年心脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of EVT in mild stroke patients with ALVO.Methods A total of 124 mild stroke patients with ALVO treated in our hospital were enrolled and randomly divided into control group(n=64)and observation group(n=60).The control group was given routine treatment,while the observation group received EVT treat-ment besides routine treatment.NIHSS score,BI score,and mRS score were compared between the two groups to evaluate the postoperative safety of EVT treatment.Results The NIHSS scores on the 7th and 14th days,and at discharge were significantly lower in the observation group and control group than those at admission(P＜0.05),and those of the former group were obvi-ously decreased than those of the latter group at the corresponding time points(P＜0.01).On the 7th,14th,and discharge days,the BI score of both groups were significantly increased compared to those at admission(P＜0.05),with the scores in the observation group higher than those of the control group at above time points(P＜0.01).The ratio of the patients having mRS score ≤2 point was larger in the observation group than the control group(96.67％vs 84.38％,P＜0.05).One case in the observation group experienced asymptomatic intracranial hemorrhage,and no oth-er adverse events were observed.Conclusion EVT can improve the prognosis of mild stroke pa-tients with ALVO,but does not significantly increases the incidence of adverse events.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and vascular cognitive impairment / 国际脑血管病杂志

In recent years, the relationship between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) has received increasing attention. The mechanism underlying the relationship between the two diseases remains unclear, which may be associated with neuroinflamation, oxidative stress, cerebrovascular disease, gut microbiota imbalance, and insulin resistance. This article reviews the correlation and potential mechanisms between NAFLD and VCI, with the aim of providing reference for further exploration of their correlation.

Vascular dementia / 国际脑血管病杂志

Vascular dementia is a severe cognitive impairment syndrome that can seriously affect the normal life of patients. In the context of the increasingly serious aging of the population, the incidence rate of vascular dementia remains high. However, the pathogenesis of vascular dementia has not yet been fully elucidated, and there are no specific therapeutic drugs or standard treatment methods available. Therefore, this article reviews the risk factors, pathogenesis, and treatment of vascular dementia, in order to provide reference for its treatment and rehabilitation.

Obstructive sleep apnea and vascular cognitive impairment: role of blood-brain barrier impairment / 国际脑血管病杂志

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by recurrent upper respiratory tract obstruction, sleep fragmentation, and hypoxia during sleep. This disease often leads to cognitive, emotional, and memory related neurological damage, and its mechanism is closely associated with the disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This article mainly discusses the relationship between BBB damage caused by OSA and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), as well as the role of early prevention, intervention, and repairing BBB on reducing VCI.

Gut microbiota and cerebral vessel diseases / 国际脑血管病杂志

Gut microbiota is involved in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. The bidirectional communication between intestinal flora and brain can also be conducted through the neuro-immune-endocrine network, namely, the "microbiota-gut-brain axis". A number of studies have shown that the "microbiota-gut-brain axis" disorder plays an important role in the occurrence, development and prognosis of some cerebrovascular diseases, such as cerebral small vessel disease and stroke. This article introduces the latest research progress of the relationship between gut microbiota and cerebrovascular diseases, so as to provide more ideas and options for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.