Clinical characteristics of children with multisystemic inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID-19 Clinical characteristics of MIS-C associated with COVID-19

Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a public health threat to people all over the world in 2020 and 2021. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WHO (World Health Organization) have named a novel disease multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Herein we aimed to present a group of pediatric patients with MIS-C, who were followed up in our clinic. Material(s) and Method(s): We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were followed up at our University Hospital with the diagnosis of MIS-C between January 2021 and May 2021. Result(s): The mean age of 9 patients was 87.4 +/-17.8 years (range 6-161 months);six of the patients were male. All patients had fever at admission. The duration of the fever was between 3 and 7 days. Four patients (44.4%) had terminal ileitis on ultrasonic examination. The laboratory tests of the patients revealed leukocytosis in 4 (44.4%) patients, anemia in 5 (55.5%) patients, thrombocytopenia in 1 (11.1%) patient, and a high CRP level in 8 (88.8%) patients. All patients had high sedimentation rates and procalcitonin levels. One (11.1%) patient was operated on for terminal ileitis. All patients were treated with steroids (1-2 mg/kg prednisolone) and IVIG (2gr/kg). Patients who needed ICU admission were also treated with vasoactive drug infusion (intravenous dopamine). Discussion(s): There is a need for increased awareness among pediatricians that MIS-C should come to mind, especially in patients with long-lasting fever and signs and symptoms that resemble Kawasaki disease.Copyright © 2022, Derman Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.

Holy Foley: Iatrogenic Duodenal Obstruction From a Make-Shift Gastrostomy Tube

Introduction: Enteral feeding is a physiologic process of providing adequate nutrition and has been shown to improve both mortality and quality of life in patients with inadequate oral intake. Improved critical care medicine and recent wave of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has left us with a large proportion of patients needing alternative enteral nutrition. Although rare, intussusception is an important differential for patients presenting with acute abdominal pain post makeshift percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. Case Description/Methods: A 58-year-old male was admitted to the hospital for coffee ground emesis over three days accompanied with epigastric pain. He had right sided hemiparesis secondary to cerebrovascular accident with PEG tube for enteral nutrition. Examination was significant for epigastric tenderness with normal bowel sounds. PEG tube aspiration revealed bile-tinged fluid. Significant labs included white blood cell count of 11,600 /mm3, hemoglobin 10.2 g/dL, and lactic acid of 2.3 mmol/L. A computerized tomography of the abdomen with IV contrast showed a small segment duodeno-duodenal intussusception at the horizontal segment around the distal end of the tube was noted (Figure A). An urgent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) revealed a Foley catheter acting as a makeshift PEG tube extending across the pylorus into the duodenum. The distal tip of the Foley catheter was visualized with an inflated balloon seen in the third portion of the duodenum (Figure B) The inflated catheter balloon acted as a lead point causing intussusception in a ball-valve effect. The balloon was deflated, and the catheter was replaced (Figure C) with a 20 Fr PEG tube. Discussion(s): Gastric outlet obstruction is an uncommon complication reported in few cases caused by migration of the gastrostomy tube. Rarely this migrating gastrostomy tube can invaginate the duodenum or the jejunum causing intussusception. Only handful of cases have been reported in the literature. Patients usually present with epigastric pain, vomiting or rarely hematemesis. CT scan of the abdomen is the investigation of choice. Amidst the pandemic and supply shortage, Foley catheters have been deemed as a viable alternative to gastrostomy tubes and are being used more often. It is important to recognize this rare complication and use of balloon catheter should raise further suspicion. Timely endoscopic intervention can help avoid bowel necrosis and surgical intervention.

"Doctor as a Drug" in a Stroke Follow-Up

Each year about 400 000 people in Russia get strokes. Whereas an acute treatment takes place in specialized intensive care units in hospitals, follow-up is handed over to general (rarely - private) practitioner. The majority of stroke survivors show low adherence to follow-up resulting in repeated hospitalizations and growth of multi-morbidity burden. With COVID-19 pandemic negatively affecting availability of medical services and increasing health risks for stroke survivors, a physician-patient relation becomes the means of persuading patients to health-promoting behaviour.Copyright © 2022 University of Latvia. All Rights Reserved.

Superior Cerebellar Artery Dissection in a Patient Diagnosed with Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome: A Case Report

Arterial dissection is an uncommon complication of reversible cerebral vasocon-striction syndrome (RCVS). We describe the case of a 35-year-old woman with a migraine history who presented with recurrent thunderclap headache and focal neurological signs, including right hemiataxia. She had been diagnosed with COVID-19 disease two weeks earlier. Neuroimaging revealed multifocal stenosis of the posterior circulation arteries and dissection of the right superior cerebellar artery. She improved significantly throughout her one-week hospitalization and maintained only mild ataxia. The interplay between COVID-19 disease, RCVS, and arterial dissection requires further investigation.Copyright © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) and Sinapse 2022.

An unusually fulminant case of encephalomyelitis in an 80 year old

Background: There have been reports of demyelinating syndromes in association with COVID-19 and to a much lesser extent COVID 19 vaccines. The association between demyelination and vaccines, in general, remains controversial. We review a presentation of fulminant demyelination, and discuss antecedent COVID-19 vaccination, the formulation of a broader differential diagnosis and ultimately the pathologic diagnosis. Case presentation: An 80-year-old woman presented with seizure, encephalopathy, quadriparesis and ultimately expired. She received a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine one day prior. Imaging revealed contrast enhancing cerebral lesions, longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. CSF was markedly inflammatory. Pathologic examination of the CNS lesions revealed demyelination and inflammation beyond white matter, not restricted to a perivenular distribution. Conclusion(s): This case depicts a seemingly fulminant course of a diffuse demyelinating syndrome characterized clinicopathologically as Marburg's variant of multiple sclerosis. There are several unique aspects of this case including the extremely rapid course, the unusual evolution of CSF abnormalities, with hypoglycorrhachia and markedly elevated protein. The proximity to vaccination is a pertinent association to document, though we cannot unequivocally prove causation.Copyright © 2022 The Authors

Covid-19 Vaccine safety and adverse event analysis from Pakistan

Covid immunization commenced on 2nd Feb 2021 in Pakistan and as of 7th Sep 2021, over 84 million vaccine doses were administered in Pakistan, of which 72% procured by the government, 22% received through Covax and 6% were donated. The vaccines rolled out nationally included: Sinopharm, Sinovac and CanSinoBIO (China), AstraZeneca (UK), Moderna and Pfizer (USA), Sputnik (Russia), and PakVac (China/Pakistan). About half of the eligible population in Pakistan (63 m) had received at least one dose of Covid vaccine as of Sep 2021. Pakistan National Pharmacovigilance Centre (PNPC) in coordination with WHO, MHRA and Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC) established pharmacovigilance centers across Pakistan. The Covid vaccine AEFIs in Pakistan were mainly reported via NIMS (National Immunization Management System), COVIM (Covid-19 Vaccine Inventory Management System), 1166 freephone helpline and MedSafety. There have been 39,291 ADRs reported as of 30th Sept 2021, where most reported after the first dose (n = 27,108) and within 24-72 h of immunization (n = 27,591). Fever or shivering accounted for most AEFI (35%) followed by injection-site pain or redness (28%), headache (26%), nausea/vomiting (4%), and diarrhoea (3%). 24 serious AEFIs were also reported and investigated in detail by the National AEFI review committee. The rate of AEFIs reports ranged from 0.27 to 0.79 per 1000 for various Covid vaccines in Pakistan that was significantly lower than the rates in UK (~4 per 1000), primarily atrributed to underreporting of cases in Pakistan. Finally, Covid vaccines were well tolerated and no significant cause for concern was flagged up in Pakistan's Covid vaccine surveillance system concluding overall benefits outweighed risks.Copyright © 2022

Acute ischemic stroke due to floating thrombus of ascending aorta: An acute and subacute complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Objective: To describe ischemic stroke due to floating thrombus of ascending aorta occurring as acute and subacute complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Material(s) and Method(s): consecutive identification in clinical practice of ischemic strokes secondary to aortic arch thrombosis and history of acute or recent Covid-19 infection. Result(s): two patients had ischemic stroke with evidence of aortic arch thrombosis. The first case had concomitant acute Covid-19 infection, the second had recent Covid-19 infection. Both patients underwent intravenous thrombolysis, and subsequent anticoagulation. One patient died due to cerebral hemorrhage. Discussion and Conclusion(s): aortic arch thrombosis can be an incidental finding in acute ischemic stroke in patients with concomitant and recent COVID-19 disease. However, the infection may lead to thrombosis in non-atherosclerotic vessels and to cerebral embolism. Our findings support active radiological search for aortic thrombosis during acute stroke in patients with acute or recent COVID-19 disease.Copyright © 2022

Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: A case series from 4 Colombian cities during the pandemic

SARS-CoV-2 infection has been associated with multiple neurological manifestations. One such manifestation, which has been described since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and is relevant for current neurological practice, is Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). The literature describes neurotoxic mechanisms of the virus itself and the possible pathways by which it may affect the peripheral nerves in experimental studies;however, we still lack information on the mechanisms causing the immune response that gives rise to GBS in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Colombia is one of the Latin American countries worst affected by the pandemic, with the third-highest number of cases in the region;thus, it is essential to recognise GBS, as this potential postinfectious complication may severely compromise the patient's functional status in the absence of timely diagnosis and treatment. We present a series of 12 cases of GBS associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection from hospitals in 4 different Colombian cities and describe the clinical presentation, laboratory and electrophysiological study findings, and treatment.Copyright © 2022 Sociedad Espanola de Neurologia

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, neuroradiology-neuropathology

Introduction: Progressive multifocal leukoencepha-lopathy (PmL) is an unfavorable demyelinating disease of the CNS caused by reactivation of JC virus (JCV). JCV is a double-stranded DNA human polyomavirus predominatingly acquired in childhood. Blood samples taken from healthy persons indicate that 50-90% of adults have been exposed to this virus. JCV is an opportunistic pathogen, with PmL manifesting primarily in patients with immunodefciency or taking immunomodulatory treatments or with lymphoproliferative diseases. We report a patient who developed PmL shortly after diagnosis of follicular lymphomma. Case presentation: A 70-year-old-woman admitted to the neurological departament with hemiparesis, psy-chomotor slowing down, balance problems, dizziness and in depressed mood. the patient underwent aorto-femoral transplant 12 years ago and for 10 years was under constant observation of a hematologist due to enlarged lymph nodes. Five years ago, the patient had planoepithelial cell carcinoma removed. the patient also sufered from COViD-19 infection and sufered from depression. elevated leukocytosis and D dimers, were the only abnormal results obtained in laboratory tests. However, pulmonary embolism was excluded in Ct angio. Cytometry of blood showed follicular lymphoma. Radiological fndings: mRi and Ct scans showed multiple asymmetrical pathological areas of hyperin-tense signal in t2-dependent images, hypointense in t1-dependent ones and Ct-hypodense regions which extended continuously in control examinations. they were located in the white matter of multiple lobes of both brain hemispheres subcortically and periventric-ullary. the subcortical U-fbers were involed. they did not show contrast enhancement and mass efect. they showed peripheral ring and patchy difusion restriction particularly at their leading edge. in spite of the used steroid therapy the patient's health deteriorated rapidly. the patient died of symptoms of cardio-respiratory failure 1 month after admission to hospital. Neuropathological features: the neuropathological examination revealed numerous foci of demyelination in the white matter of the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe in the pons and in the cerebellum. myelin losses were accompanied by damage to oligodendrocytes and proliferation of macrophages. the nuclei of the damaged oligodendrocytes were enlarged and hyperchromatic, and some had a "ground-glass" appearance typical of viral infection. the astrocytes were bizarre with lobulat-ed, hiperchromatic or hypochromatic nuclei and damage of cytoplasmic procesesses (clasmatodendrosis). Conclusion(s): the triad of neuropathological injuries: destruction of oligodendrocytes with intranuclear viral inclusions ("ground-glass" appearance), multifocal demyelination and bizarre astrocytes allowed for the diagnosis of late form of classical progressive multifo-cal leukoencephalopathy (cPmL), despite the short time since diagnosis of follicular lymphoma, but with many years of enlargement of the lymph nodes.

A case report: Upper limb recovery from stroke related to SARS-CoV-2 infection during an intervention with a brain-computer interface.

COVID-19 may increase the risk of acute ischemic stroke that can cause a loss of upper limb function, even in patients with low risk factors. However, only individual cases have been reported assessing different degrees of hospitalization outcomes. Therefore, outpatient recovery profiles during rehabilitation interventions are needed to better understand neuroplasticity mechanisms required for upper limb motor recovery. Here, we report the progression of physiological and clinical outcomes during upper limb rehabilitation of a 41-year-old patient, without any stroke risk factors, which presented a stroke on the same day as being diagnosed with COVID-19. The patient, who presented hemiparesis with incomplete motor recovery after conventional treatment, participated in a clinical trial consisting of an experimental brain-computer interface (BCI) therapy focused on upper limb rehabilitation during the chronic stage of stroke. Clinical and physiological features were measured throughout the intervention, including the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT), the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), corticospinal excitability using transcranial magnetic stimulation, cortical activity with electroencephalography, and upper limb strength. After the intervention, the patient gained 8 points and 24 points of FMA-UE and ARAT, respectively, along with a reduction of one point of MAS. In addition, grip and pinch strength doubled. Corticospinal excitability of the affected hemisphere increased while it decreased in the unaffected hemisphere. Moreover, cortical activity became more pronounced in the affected hemisphere during movement intention of the paralyzed hand. Recovery was higher compared to that reported in other BCI interventions in stroke and was due to a reengagement of the primary motor cortex of the affected hemisphere during hand motor control. This suggests that patients with stroke related to COVID-19 may benefit from a BCI intervention and highlights the possibility of a significant recovery in these patients, even in the chronic stage of stroke.

Functional Improvement in a Post-partum Stroke Before and After Maternal Separation from Newborn Due to COVID-19 Visitation Restrictions: A Case Report

Case Diagnosis: A patient with a severe postpartum stroke showed impressive functional gains after increased visitation from newborn during her rehabilitation course. Case Description or Program Description: Patient AF presented after a complex pregnancy and partum course complicated by placental abruption, 4th degree perineal tear, pre-eclampsia with severe features and hemorrhagic shock. Postpartum she suffered a right internal carotid stroke, was given thrombolytics and developed subsequent hemorrhagic transformation resulting in L sided facial droop and severe L hemiparesis. After medical stabilization, the patient was admitted to a separate freestanding inpatient rehabilitation hospital for 3 weeks and daily physical, occupational and speech therapy. Initially COVID-19 visitation restrictions did not allow her newborn to visit more than 1 hour every other day, one week after an admission and after a medical appeal a visitation exception was granted for 5 hours daily with her newborn for the remaining 2 weeks of her stay. Her initial functional independence measure scores remained unchanged after the initial week at the rehabilitation hospital, but functional recovery in the subsequent two weeks was profoundly improved with daily contact with her newborn. Total Functional Independence Measure scores across 11 domains increased from 40/77 to 60/77 during her last two weeks of rehabilitation. Patient especially showed impressive progress in ambulatory ability, initially she was able to walk 20 ft with minimum assistance in the parallel bars and by discharge she was ambulating 200 ft moderate assistance with a single point cane. Setting(s): Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital Assessment/Results: The drastic improvement in this patient's functional status after increased contact with her newborn exemplifies the important role of the newborn in maternal stroke recovery. Discussion (relevance): The unfortunate nature of COVID-19 visitation limitations has created a unique opportunity to understand the importance of mother and newborn contact in the functional recovery from postpartum cerebrovascular accidents. Conclusion(s): Mother and newborn proximity is vital in the recovery of postpartum cerebrovascular accidents, and warrants further investigation to understand the emotional, motivational, and physiological mechanisms of neurological recovery from these injuries.

VACCINE-INDUCED THROMBOCYTOPENIA AND THROMBOSIS: SAILING CLOSE TO THE WIND IN A PANDEMIC

SESSION TITLE: Issues After COVID-19 Vaccination Case Posters SESSION TYPE: Case Report Posters PRESENTED ON: 10/19/2022 12:45 pm - 01:45 pm INTRODUCTION: Ever since the global introduction of adenovirus-vector COVID-19 vaccines, cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and thrombocytopenia after immunization has been reported, posing a challenge to global effects on vaccine implementation. CASE PRESENTATION: A previously healthy 33 year old male presented to emergency room with altered mental status after a left sided seizure episode at home. Patient had a 1week history of occipital headache after receiving Ad26.COV2·S Johnson and Johnson vaccine 2 weeks prior. MRI showed superior sagittal sinus thrombosis and right high frontal hemorrhage 8.6x4.7x4.9 cm. CT angiography confirmed nearly occlusive thrombosis of superior sagittal sinus with extension to right transverse sinus. Noted to have a hemoglobin of 15, platelet count of 74000, PT/INR 16/1.2 and PTT of 28. Started on intravenous heparin and intubated for GCS of 4. Heparin was stopped due to supra therapeutic PTT of 200 overnight, drop in platelet count to 55 and hemoglobin to 13. Repeat ct head done for change in neurological exam of dilated right pupil, showed frontoparietal hemorrhage 9.3 cmx4.1 cm and 7 mm midline shift. Heparin was reversed with protamine and transfused 1 unit platelets prior to emergent decompressive craniectomy and thrombectomy. Heparin induced platelet antibody and SRA came back positive confirming vaccine induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. Treatment was initiated with argatroban and IVIG. Platelet count improved with no further propagation of thrombus. Patient underwent feeding tube and tracheostomy placement after 10 days due to prolonged ventilator weaning period and poor mental status. Patient's neurological status continued to improve significantly over subsequent months in acute rehabilitation facility with only residual left sided hemiparesis. Patient was successfully decannulated and anticoagulation switched to apixaban DISCUSSION: Possible pathophysiology is thought to be due to a trigger in spike protein production after biodistribution of adenovirus vaccine and a subsequent autoimmune response resulting in thrombosis. Similar to HIT, platelet consumption leads to thrombocytopenia and the continued platelet and monocyte activation increases thrombin generation, resulting in thrombosis. CDC advices to maintain a high suspicion of cases with symptoms that may indicate an underlying thrombotic event along with simultaneous thrombocytopenia. Heparin use is discouraged, unless HIT testing is negative. The International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH), recommend considering non-heparin anticoagulants and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). While platelet transfusions are avoided, rapid progression with rising ICP may necessitate transfusion to enable neurosurgical intervention CONCLUSIONS: Management of complications including seizures and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality risk. Reference #1: Greinacher A, Thiele T, Warkentin TE, Weisser K, Kyrle PA, Eichinger S. Thrombotic thrombocytopenia after ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccination. N Engl J Med 2021;384:2092–101. Reference #2: Muir KL, Kallam A, Koepsell SA, Gundabolu K. Thrombotic thrombocytopenia after Ad26.COV2.S vaccination. N Engl J Med 2021;384:1964–5 Reference #3: Pavord S, Scully M, Hunt BJ, et al. Clinical Features of Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis. N Engl J Med 2021;385:1680–9 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Axel Duval No relevant relationships by Nadish Garg No relevant relationships by ARCHANA SREEKANTAN NAIR

Multiple sclerosis associated with Balo-like lesions post-Coronavirus disease 2019

Background and Purpose: Balo's concentric sclerosis (BCS) is a rare inflammatory demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized pathologically and radiologically by concentric lamella of alternating demyelinated and partially myelin-preserved white matter. Whether BCS is a variant of multiple sclerosis (MS) or a distinct entity remains debatable. Here, we report an unusual case of MS complicated by Balo's lesions, post-Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), focusing on the evolution ofMRI findings. Methods: Single-case study. Results: The patient is a 42-year-old woman with relapsing-remitting MS diagnosed at age of 19 who was treated with teriflunomide for the past 5 years. She developed a febrile illness and arthralgia for a week;however, COVID-19 testing was deferred. Two weeks later, she presented with vertigo followed by profound right-hemiparesis, gait impairment, and encephalopathy. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed a protein of 56 mg/dl, increased immunoglobulinG(IgG) index, and>l10 unique oligoclonal bands. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG was detected in serum, but viral ribonucleic acid was absent in the CSF. BrainMRI demonstrated, for the first time, several Balo-like and tumefactive lesions, with contrast enhancement and restricted diffusion. She received plasma exchange alternating with pulse steroids, yet was left with ataxic hemiparetic gait. She was later switched to an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy. Followup brain MRIs showed continuous regression of the tumefactive and Balo-like lesions. Conclusion: This case adds to the emerging spectrum of COVID-19- associated radiological findings regarding inflammatory demyelination in the CNS. It remains unknown whether potential neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2 or parainfectious mechanisms might have contributed to the fulminant disease in our patient.

Enterogenous Cyst and Glioblastoma: A Brief Histopathological Review of Two Uncommon Cystic Lesions of the Central Nervous System

Intracranial cystic lesions are common findings in cerebral imaging and might represent a broad spectrum of conditions. These entities can be divided into nonneoplastic lesions, comprising Rathke cleft cyst, arachnoid cyst, and colloid cyst, as well as neoplastic lesions, including benign and malignant components of neoplasms such as pilocytic astrocytoma, hemangioblastoma, and ganglioglioma. Surgical resection and histological evaluation are currently the most effective methods to classify cysts of the central nervous system. The authors report two uncommon cases presenting as cystic lesions of the encephalic parenchyma-a enterogenous cyst and a glioblastoma-and discuss typical histological findings and differential diagnosis.

NEUTROPHIL MENINGO-ENCEPHALITIS AND VENTRICULITIS IN TWO PATIENTS WITH ACUTE SARS-COV-2 INFECTION

Background and Objective: The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has become a global health emergency. Methods: We report two patients with similar atypical neurological presentation of novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted in May 2021. Results: A 60-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman were admitted for acute left hemiparesis, respectively unusual headache with photo-, phonophobia. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was made by a positive nasopharyngeal swab RT-PCR. The initial MRI showed for both patients an aspect of unilateral ventriculitis associated with periventricular vasogenic edema and serpiginous periventricular hypo signal in SWI. Both presented in the cerebrospinal fluid, neutrophil pleocytosis WBC 354/mm3, neutrophils 91% and lymphocytes 6% for the first patient and WBC 3000/mm3, neutrophils 91%, lymphocytes 0% for the second patients, associated with hypoglycorrhachia 2,5 mmol/L compared to 7,5 mmol/L glycemia and 2,7 mmol/l compared to 5,9 mmol/L glycemia, respectively. Empirical antibiotic treatment was started, but due to lack of argument for an infection on two consecutively lumbar punctures, the treatment was stopped. Favorable evolution was observed on corticosteroid treatment. The follow-up MRI showed a net reduction of the initial findings for both patients. Conclusion: The presented cases seem to be comparable with the first case of ventriculitis in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 reported by Moriguchi et al in 2020. The particularity of our cases is given by the serpiginous hypo signal in SWI, that was not described in the case report mentioned before. The favorable clinical and radiologic evolution on corticosteroid treatment suggests a probable inflammatory mechanism secondary of COVID.

ENHANCEMENT OF STROKE REHABILITATION WITH LEVODOPA (ESTRELSTUDY) - DESIGN AND PROGRESS OF THE ONGOING MULTICENTER PLACEBOCONTROLLED RANDOMIZED TRIAL

Background: In this multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial we study whether Levodopa given in addition to usual rehabilitative therapies is associated with a patient-relevant enhancement of motor recovery after acute stroke. Methods: ESTREL (Enhancement of Stroke REhabilitation with Levodopa) is a multicenter, placebo-controlled randomized superiority trial. Patients with an acute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke ≤7 days leading to a clinically meaningful hemiparesis in need of in-hospital rehabilitation are enrolled in stroke units and later transferred to experienced neurorehabilitation centers. Participants receive Levodopa 100mg/Carbidopa 25mg three times daily or matching placebo for 5 weeks in addition to standardized rehabilitative therapy. The primary outcome is the Fugl-Meyer- Motor Assessment score 3 months after randomization. We present the characteristics of the first 200 of 610 patients to be enrolled. Results: 13 certified stroke units and 13 neurorehabilitation centers are involved (“stroke-pathway-trial”). The first 200 participants had a median age of 73 [IQR 64-82] years and 43.5 % were female. 169 patients (84.5%) had ischemic stroke. At baseline, the median NIH-Stroke scale score was 8 [5-10]. Successful 3-month assessment was performed in 183 patients (91.5%);11 (5%) died, 5 (2.5%) withdrew from the study and 1 patient missed the clinical 3 months-visit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The ESTREL study will provide evidence whether the additional use of Levodopa in the rehabilitation process of stroke patients is safe and effective. The ESTREL-study started successfully due to the good cooperation between acute stroke units and rehabilitation centers, as well as the high acceptance rate among patients.

ISCHEMIC AND THROMBOEMBOLIC VASCULAR COMPLICATIONS FOLLOWING COVID 19 VACCINATION

Background and aims: The initiation of a global mass vaccination against COVID-19 seems to decrease mortality and hospitalization for vaccinated people. However, side effects may occur. This short review illustrates some cases of vascular complications following the COVID-19 vaccination, affecting young people with ischemic, embolic complications or a combination of the two. Patients and methods: Observation 1: a 46 years old woman consulted for a sudden left sided hemiparesis seven days following the second dose of covid-19 vaccine. The initial brain scan was normal and she received thrombolytic treatment. Control scan showed signs of ischemic stroke of right superficial cerebral artery with haemorrhagic transformation. Supra-aortic ultrasound was performed showing a fresh mobile thrombus with complete obstruction of the right internal carotid artery. Observation 2: a 52 year old patient admitted for accute dyspnea, three days after receiving the third dose of covid-19 vaccine. CT angiography revealed a thrombosis of left pulmonary artery. Five days later, an ischemic vascular accident occurs confirmed by CT scan, so we made a supra-aortic ultrasound revealing a thrombosis of right proximal internal carotid artery. Discussion and results: Incidence of vascular complications due to the covid 19 vaccination is discussed with possible hypotheses. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccines are considered safe since the proven benefits of vaccination in protecting against COVID-19. Nonetheless, health professionals must be aware of all possible complications, early diagnosis and quick initiation of the appropriate treatment may enhance the outcome. (Figure Presented).

Acute prolonged motor aura resembling ischemic stroke after COVID - 19 vaccination (CoronaVac): the firstcase report

Objective: NA Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand has started its vaccination program since February 2021. After the launch of the mass vaccination with CoronaVac, there were reports of patients who suffer unusual hemiparesis across the country. We report the first case of a patient who suffered transient focal neurological deficit mimicking stroke following CoronaVac vaccination. However, instead of an ischemic stroke, motor aura was suspected. Design/Methods: A 24 year-old Thai female presented with left hemiparesis fifteen minutes after receiving CoronaVac. She also had numbness of her left arm and legs, flashing lights, and headaches. On physical examination, her BMI was 32.8. Her vital signs were normal. She had moderate left hemiparesis (MRC grade III), numbness on her left face, arms, and legs. Her weakness continued for 5 days. Results: A brain CT scan was done showing no evidence of acute infarction. Acute treatment with aspirin was given. MRI in conjunction with MRA was performed in which no restricted diffusion was seen. A SPECT was performed to evaluate the function of the brain showing significant hypoperfusion of the right hemisphere. The patient gradually improved and was discharged. Conclusions: In this study, we present the first case of stroke mimic after CoronaVac vaccination. After negative imaging studies, stroke is unlikely to be the cause. Asymmetrical abnormal functional imaging study showing multifocal hypoperfusion on the right could represent the ongoing neurological deficits. Therefore, we believed that it might be due to cortical spreading depression, in which motor aura could be responsible. The uniqueness in our case is the prolongation of weakness that we think might be due reverberating spreading depression wave. The cause is unknown, but we proposed that aluminum found to enhance the vaccine that could disrupt the Glutamate - Nitric oxide - cGMP pathway leading to the prolongation of motor aura.

A Case of Transverse Myelitis After Moderna SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

Objective: This case report describes a longitudinally-extensive transverse myelitis after Moderna SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Background: Transverse myelitis (TM) is an inflammatory spinal cord syndrome presenting with acute-to-subacute neurological deficits. A lesion spanning three or more vertebral segments on imaging is considered “longitudinally-extensive.” The TM differential is broad-- among these etiologies, vaccination is a rare but recognized entity. Design/Methods: 60-year-old, right-handed man with chronic right hemisphere stroke with residual left hemiparesis admitted for four days of bilateral lower extremity numbness progressing to weakness and urinary and bowel incontinence 10 days after receiving his second Moderna SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Examination showed hypotonic lower extremities, proximal greater than distal weakness, a T9 dermatome sensory level, perineal numbness, mildly-reduced rectal tone, and preserved reflexes. MRI spine revealed a longitudinallyextensive, non-enhancing T2-hyperintense lesion spanning T8-T12. CSF analysis demonstrated 5 white blood cells, 1271 red blood cells, 124 glucose, and 55 protein. Aside from mildly elevated ESR and CRP, extensive serum and CSF work-up for other causes of myelopathy, including nutritional/toxic (copper, zinc, heavy metals), infectious (RPR/VDRL, HIV, HTLV, HSV, VZV, West Nile), and rheumatologic (anti-Jo, anti-Mi-2, anti-Ro/La, anti-smith, anti-Scleroderma, anti-dsDNA, anti-ribosomal P, anti-RNP), were unremarkable. Anti-NMO and anti-MOG antibodies were negative. He improved with methylprednisolone 1000 mg daily for five days suggesting an autoimmune etiology. Results: NA Conclusions: Transverse myelitis has a broad presentation and differential, requiring detailed history-taking to determine the cause as management differs between etiologies. SARS-CoV-2 and post-vaccination are known etiologies for TM. Given the timing of our patient's symptom onset after vaccination and thorough exclusion of other causes, we postulate a potentially novel case of TM associated with the Moderna SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Though post-vaccination myelopathy is potentially debilitating if untreated, it is rare, and the benefits of vaccination appear to outweigh the risks.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosisin the Setting of an AVMWhile on Anticoagulation: A Case Report

Objective: To increase the awareness of neurological complications of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) due to obstruction of the venous drainage despite being on anticoagulants. Background: Cerebral AVMs are high-flow intracranial vascular malformation comprised of feeding arteries, a nidus of vessels with intervening brain parenchyma through which arteriovenous shunting occurs and dilated draining veins allowing significant hemodynamic gradient without an interposed resistance. Venous drainage stenosis or occlusion will increase the hemodynamic pressure gradient within the AVM compartments and potentially lead to redistribution of flow resulting in cerebral venous sinus thrombosis or hemorrhagic stroke from nidus rupture. This effect might be worsened in the presence of a generalized hypercoagulable state causing microvascular injury and thrombosis;despite adequate anticoagulation therapy. Design/Methods: N/A Results: 66-year-old obese woman with history of atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, prior stroke, small left frontal AVM diagnosed on conventional angiogram and recent COVID-19 infection presented to our comprehensive stroke center with seizures and right hemiparesis. MRI brain showed T2/FLAIR hyperintense lesion in the left frontal/parasagittal region with an extensive vasogenic edema, heterogeneous diffusion restriction, and gyriform contrast enhancement. Conventional angiogram showed AVM without nidus opacification but with an associated mass effect correlating with parenchyma edema and early venous shunting. Patient was initially misdiagnosed as low-grade neoplasm although accurate diagnosis of left parasagittal frontal venous infarct in the setting of spontaneous venous thrombosis of left frontal AVM was made with conventional angiogram. Conclusions: Venous infarct due to CVST is a devastating complication of AVM. The hemodynamic pressure gradient within the AVM might play a larger role in contributing to hypercoagulable state within the venous system leading to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis despite patient being on therapeutic anticoagulation.