Morning Glory Disc Anomaly: Expanding the MR Phenotype.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Morning glory disc anomaly (MGDA) is a congenital malformation characterized by a funnel-shaped optic disc excavation with radiating vessels and a central glial tuft. Imaging is essential to evaluate associated cephalocele and steno-occlusive vasculopathy. The goal of this study was to assess optic nerve, chiasmatic, and sphenoid bone morphology in MGDA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study examined all subjects with funduscopically confirmed MGDA diagnosed and imaged with brain MR imaging between 2008 and 2023. RESULTS: Thirty-two children met inclusion criteria. Ocular involvement was unilateral in 29 subjects and bilateral in 3. Segmental optic nerve enlargement ipsilateral to the MGDA was seen in 21 subjects, with 3 also demonstrating a segmental reduction in the size of the ipsilateral optic nerve. Segmental reduction in the size of the ipsilateral optic nerve was present in 3 additional subjects, one with bilateral MGDA. The optic chiasm appeared asymmetrically thickened in 21 subjects, often with deformity. The optic nerves appeared normal in signal intensity in all subjects, with faint peripheral chiasmatic enhancement in 4 of 20 patients who received contrast. Optic nerve findings were stable in 15 subjects with multiple examinations. A persistent craniopharyngeal canal was identified in 17 subjects with sphenoid cephalocele in 1 and mild inferior pituitary gland displacement in 4. Tubular or nodular nasopharyngeal lesions were seen in 10 subjects. One subject had an off-midline sphenoid bone cleft, midbrain deformity, and abnormal thickening of and enhancement around the left oculomotor nerve; the oculomotor nerve finding was present in 1 additional patient. CONCLUSIONS: MGDA often manifests with ipsilateral optic nerve thickening, leading to a potential misdiagnosis as optic glioma. MGDA is also commonly associated with a persistent craniopharyngeal canal with variable pituitary gland and infundibular deformity, cephalocele, and tubular or nodular nasopharyngeal lesions.

[Validity and reliability of the Tardieu scale for assessing upper limb spasticity in adults with cerebrovascular disease. Systematic review]. / Validez y fiabilidad de la escala de Tardieu para evaluar la espasticidad en miembro superior en adultos con enfermedad cerebrovascular. Revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: The increase in the number of people with upper limb spasticity as a sequela of cerebrovascular disease, which negatively impacts their autonomy, functional independence and participation, and affects their quality of life, calls for the application of precise and objective instruments for its measurement and evaluation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity and reliability of the Tardieu scale in the evaluation of upper extremity spasticity in adults with cerebrovascular disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The search strategy was implemented in eight databases; the systematic review protocol was registered beforehand in INPLASY (with registration no. 2023110076). The evidence was synthesised in three phases: a tabular presentation of results, an evaluation of the quality of the articles, and a narrative synthesis of the findings. RESULTS: Only three of the 33 articles identified fulfilled the variables that enable the validity and reliability of the Tardieu scale to be established. The measurements of angles and velocities R1, R2 and R2-R1 were analysed. Student's t-test to assess the reliability between the measurements of R1 and R2; and angles R2 and R2-R1 showed statistical significance, which confirmed the reliability of the scale. CONCLUSIONS: The Tardieu scale proved robust. It is important to note that the sample size, the time of evolution of the disease and the age of the patients may influence the results of the scale.

TITLE: Validez y fiabilidad de la escala de Tardieu para evaluar la espasticidad en miembro superior en adultos con enfermedad cerebrovascular. Revisión sistemática.Introducción. El incremento en el número de personas con espasticidad en los miembros superiores como secuela de una enfermedad cerebrovascular, que impacta negativamente en la autonomía, la independencia funcional y la participación, y afecta a la calidad de vida de las personas, demanda la aplicación de herramientas clínicas precisas y objetivas para su medición y evaluación. Objetivo. Evaluar la validez y la fiabilidad de la escala de Tardieu en la evaluación de la espasticidad en las extremidades superiores de adultos con enfermedad cerebrovascular. Materiales y métodos. La estrategia de búsqueda se implementó en ocho bases de datos; el protocolo de revisión sistemática se registró previamente en INPLASY (registro n.o 2023110076). La síntesis de la evidencia se llevó a cabo en tres fases: presentación tabular de resultados, evaluación de la calidad de los artículos y síntesis narrativa de los hallazgos. Resultados. De los 33 artículos identificados, sólo tres cumplieron con las variables que permiten establecer la validez y la fiabilidad de la escala de Tardieu. Se analizaron las medidas de los ángulos y velocidades R1, R2 y R2-R1. La prueba de la t de Student para evaluar la fiabilidad entre las medidas de R1 y R2; los ángulos R2 y R2-R1 mostraron significancia estadística, lo que confirmó la confiabilidad de la escala. Conclusiones. La escala de Tardieu demostró robustez. Es importante considerar que el tamaño de la muestra, el tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad y la edad de los pacientes pueden influir en los resultados de la escala.

Protocol description and initial experience in kidney graft perfusion using infrared thermography.

PURPOSE: Protocol description for renal perfusion study using thermographic technology and description of the thermographic and clinical behavior of the transplanted kidneys before and after unclamping. METHODS: Infrared thermographic images of renal grafts are obtained before kidney reperfusion, 10 min after and just before closing the surgical wound. Thermographic data is evaluated together with the type of graft and donor, cold ischemia time, hypovascularized areas determined by the surgeon during surgical intervention, alterations in vascular flow in postoperative echo-Doppler, time at the beginning of graft function and serum creatinine monitoring during postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: 17 grafts were studied. The mean temperature of the grafts before reperfusion, 10 min after and at the end of the surgery were 18.7 °C (SD 6.27), 32.36 °C (SD1.47) and 32.07 °C (SD1.78) respectively. 4 grafts presented hypoperfused areas after reperfusion. These areas presented a lower temperature compared to the well perfused parenchyma surface using thermographic images. CONCLUSION: The study of the usefulness and applicability of thermography can allow the development of tools that provide additional objective information on organ perfusion in real time and non-invasive manner. Our protocol and initial results can contribute to provide new evidence. Further analyses should be developed to shed light on the role of this technology.

Defining well-being in psoriasis: A Delphi consensus among healthcare professionals and patients.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that negatively impacts on patient's life. A holistic approach integrating well-being assessment could improve disease management. Since a consensus definition of well-being in psoriasis is not available, we aim to achieve a multidisciplinary consensus on well-being definition and its components. A literature review and consultation with psoriasis patients facilitated the design of a two-round Delphi questionnaire targeting healthcare professionals and psoriasis patients. A total of 261 panellists (65.1% patients with psoriasis, 34.9% healthcare professionals) agreed on the dimensions and components that should integrate the concept of well-being: emotional dimension (78.9%) [stress (83.9%), mood disturbance (85.1%), body image (83.9%), stigma/shame (75.1%), self-esteem (77.4%) and coping/resilience (81.2%)], physical dimension (82.0%) [sleep quality (81.6%), pain/discomfort (80.8%), itching (83.5%), extracutaneous manifestations (82.8%), lesions in visible areas (84.3%), lesions in functional areas (85.8%), and sex life (78.2%)], social dimension (79.5%) [social relationships (80.8%), leisure/recreational activities (80.3%), support from family/friends (76.6%) and work/academic life (76.5%)], and satisfaction with disease management (78.5%) [treatment (78.2%), information received (75.6%) and medical care provided by the dermatologist (80.1%)]. This well-being definition reflects patients' needs and concerns. Therefore, addressing them in psoriasis will optimise management, contributing to better outcomes and restoring normalcy to the patient's life.

Hypertensive states of pregnancyEstados hipertensivos del embarazo / Estados hipertensivos del embarazo

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) remain a leading cause of pregnancy-related maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality worldwide, including chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and pre-eclampsia. Affected women and newborns also have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life, independent of traditional cardiovascular disease risks. Despite these risks, recommendations for optimal diagnosis and treatment have changed little in recent decades, probably due to fear of the foetal repercussions of decreased blood pressure and possible drug toxicity. In this document we review the diagnostic criteria and classification of (HDP), as well as important aspects regarding pathophysiology and early detection that allows early identification of women at risk, with the aim of preventing both immediate and long-term consequences. Prophylactic treatment with aspirin is also reviewed early and a therapeutic approach is carried out that involves close maternal and foetal monitoring, and if necessary, the use of safe drugs in each situation. This review aims to provide an updated vision for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of HDP that is useful in our usual clinical practice.(AU)

Los estados hipertensivos del embarazo (EHE) siguen siendo una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad materna y fetal relacionada con el embarazo en todo el mundo, incluyen la hipertensión crónica, la hipertensión gestacional y la preeclampsia. Las mujeres afectadas y los recién nacidos también tienen un mayor riesgo de sufrir enfermedades cardiovasculares en el futuro, independientemente de los riesgos tradicionales de la enfermedad cardiovascular. A pesar de estos riesgos, las recomendaciones para un diagnóstico y un tratamiento óptimo han cambiado poco en las últimas décadas, probablemente por el miedo a las repercusiones fetales de la disminución de la presión arterial y la posible toxicidad farmacológica. En ese documento revisamos los criterios diagnósticos y la clasificación de los EHE, así como aspectos importantes en cuanto a fisiopatología y la detección temprana que permita la identificación precoz de las mujeres en riesgo, con el objetivo de prevenir tanto las secuelas inmediatas como a largo plazo. También se revisa el tratamiento profiláctico con aspirina de forma precoz y se realiza una aproximación terapéutica que implica una estrecha vigilancia materna y fetal, y si es necesario, el uso de fármacos seguros en cada situación. Esta revisión pretende dar una visión actualizada para la prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento de los EHE que sea de utilidad en nuestra práctica clínica habitual.(AU)

Emergencia hipertensiva como debut de síndrome de Cushing paraneoplásico / Hypertensive Emergency as the Debut of Paraneoplastic Cushing Syndrome

Presentamos el caso de un paciente con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial vasculorrenal tratada un año antes, que acude a urgencias por emergencia hipertensiva (HTA) y disnea. Descartada primera sospecha de reestenosis de arteria renal con angiografía por tomografía computarizada (angioTC), se completa el estudio confirmándose diagnóstico de cáncer de pulmón mediante prueba de imagen y anatomía patológica. En el estudio de hipertensión se detecta elevación de hormona adrenocorticótropa (ACTH), hipercortisolismo y datos analíticos de hiperaldosteronismo. Con el diagnóstico final de síndrome de Cushing secundario a producción ectópica de ACTH se inicia tratamiento médico, sin llegar a recibir nada más por fallecimiento del paciente a los pocos días.(AU)

We present the case of a patient with a history of renal-vascular hypertension treated with stent one year previously, who attended the emergency room due to hypertensive emergency and dyspnea. Once the first suspicion of renal artery restenosis was ruled out with CT angiography, the study was completed, confirming the diagnosis of lung cancer through imaging and pathological anatomy. In the hormonal study, elevation of ACTH, hypercortisolism and analytical data of hyperaldosteronism were detected. With the final diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome secondary to ectopic production of ACTH, medical treatment was started, without being able to receive anything else due to the death of the patient after a few days.(AU)

Longitudinal outcomes of obeticholic acid therapy in ursodiol-nonresponsive primary biliary cholangitis: Stratifying the impact of add-on fibrates in real-world practice.

BACKGROUND: Suboptimal response to ursodeoxycholic acid occurs in 40% of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients, affecting survival. Achieving a deep response (normalisation of alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and bilirubin ≤0.6 upper limit of normal) improves survival. Yet, the long-term effectiveness of second-line treatments remains uncertain. AIMS: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of obeticholic acid (OCA) ± fibrates. Focusing on biochemical response (ALP ≤1.67 times the upper limit of normal, with a decrease of at least 15% from baseline and normal bilirubin levels), normalisation of ALP, deep response and biochemical remission (deep response plus aminotransferase normalisation). METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal, observational, multicentre study involving ursodeoxyccholic acid non-responsive PBC patients (Paris-II criteria) from Spain and Portugal who received OCA ± fibrates. RESULTS: Of 255 patients, median follow-up was 35.1 months (IQR: 20.2-53). The biochemical response in the whole cohort was 47.2%, 61.4% and 68.6% at 12, 24 and 36 months. GLOBE-PBC and 5-year UK-PBC scores improved (p < 0.001). Triple therapy (ursodeoxycholic acid plus OCA plus fibrates) had significantly higher response rates than dual therapy (p = 0.001), including ALP normalisation, deep response and biochemical remission (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, triple therapy remained independently associated with biochemical response (p = 0.024), alkaline phosphatase normalisation, deep response and biochemical remission (p < 0.001). Adverse effects occurred in 41.2% of cases, leading to 18.8% discontinuing OCA. Out of 55 patients with cirrhosis, 12 developed decompensation. All with baseline portal hypertension. CONCLUSION: Triple therapy was superior in achieving therapeutic goals in UDCA-nonresponsive PBC. Decompensation was linked to pre-existing portal hypertension.

Azithromycin and moxifloxacin resistance determinants in Mycoplasma genitalium in Lleida, Spain.

OBJECTIVE: Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) is a microorganism related to sexually transmitted infections. Antibiotic resistance of MG leads to an increase in treatment failure rates and the persistence of the infection. The aim of this study was to describe the most frequent mutations associated with azithromycin and moxifloxacin resistance in our geographical area. METHODS: A prospective study from May 2019 to May 2023 was performed. MG-positive samples were collected. Real-time PCRs (AllplexTM MG-AziR Assay and AllplexTM MG-MoxiR Assay, Seegene) were performed in MG positive samples to detect mutations in 23S rRNA V domain and parC gene. RESULTS: A 37.1% of samples presented resistance determinants to azithromycin and the most common mutation detected was A2059G (57.9%). Resistance to moxifloxacin was studied in 72 azithromycin-resistant samples and 36.1% showed mutations, being G248T the most prevalent (73.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The resistance to different lines of treat ment suggests the need for a targeted therapy and the performing of a test of cure afterwards.

Relationship between inflammation and oxidative stress and its effect on multiple sclerosis / Relación entre inflamación y estrés oxidativo y su efecto sobre la esclerosis múltiple

Introduction: This paper highlights the relationship of inflammation and oxidative stress as damage mechanisms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), considered an inflammatory and autoimmune disease. Development: The oxidative stress concept has been defined by an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in favor of the oxidants. There is necessary to do physiological functions, like the respiration chain, but in certain conditions, the production of reactive species overpassed the antioxidant systems, which could cause tissue damage. On the other hand, it is well established that inflammation is a complex reaction in the vascularized connective tissue in response to diverse stimuli. However, an unregulated prolonged inflammatory process also can induce tissue damage. Conclusion: Both inflammation and oxidative stress are interrelated since one could promote the other, leading to a toxic feedback system, which contributes to the inflammatory and demyelination process in MS.(AU)

Introducción: Este trabajo destaca la relación de la inflamación y el estrés oxidativo como mecanismos de daño de la esclerosis múltiple, considerada enfermedad inflamatoria y autoinmune. Desarrollo: El concepto de estrés oxidativo se ha definido por un desequilibrio entre oxidantes y antioxidantes a favor de los oxidantes. Es necesario para realizar funciones fisiológicas, como la cadena respiratoria, pero en ciertas condiciones la producción de especies reactivas sobrepasaba los sistemas antioxidantes, lo que podría causar daño tisular. Por otro lado, está establecido que la inflamación es una reacción compleja en el tejido conectivo vascularizado en respuesta a diversos estímulos, pero un proceso inflamatorio prolongado no regulado también puede inducir daño tisular. Conclusión: Tanto la inflamación como el estrés oxidativo están interrelacionados entre sí, ya que uno de ellos podría promover al otro, dando lugar a un sistema de retroalimentación tóxico, que contribuye al desarrollo del proceso inflamatorio y desmielinizante en la esclerosis múltiple.(AU)

[Hypertensive Emergency as the Debut of Paraneoplastic Cushing Syndrome]. / Emergencia hipertensiva como debut de síndrome de Cushing paraneoplásico.

We present the case of a patient with a history of renal-vascular hypertension treated with stent one year previously, who attended the emergency room due to hypertensive emergency and dyspnea. Once the first suspicion of renal artery restenosis was ruled out with CT angiography, the study was completed, confirming the diagnosis of lung cancer through imaging and pathological anatomy. In the hormonal study, elevation of ACTH, hypercortisolism and analytical data of hyperaldosteronism were detected. With the final diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome secondary to ectopic production of ACTH, medical treatment was started, without being able to receive anything else due to the death of the patient after a few days.

Hypertensive states of pregnancy.

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) remain a leading cause of pregnancy-related maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality worldwide, including chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, and pre-eclampsia. Affected women and newborns also have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life, independent of traditional cardiovascular disease risks. Despite these risks, recommendations for optimal diagnosis and treatment have changed little in recent decades, probably due to fear of the foetal repercussions of decreased blood pressure and possible drug toxicity. In this document we review the diagnostic criteria and classification of (HDP), as well as important aspects regarding pathophysiology and early detection that allows early identification of women at risk, with the aim of preventing both immediate and long-term consequences. Prophylactic treatment with aspirin is also reviewed early and a therapeutic approach is carried out that involves close maternal and foetal monitoring, and if necessary, the use of safe drugs in each situation. This review aims to provide an updated vision for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of HDP that is useful in our usual clinical practice.

ACL anatomy: Is there still something to learn? / [Artículo traducido] Anatomía del LAC: ¿queda algo por aprender?

BACKGROUND: The different bony and soft tissue reference points and the micro and macroscopic structures of the knee continue to be the object of focused study and analysis. Upon reviewing the most recent literature, we saw the wide spectrum of studies that seek to define the different anatomical aspects of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to review the most recent publications on the ACL and its morphology in which its microscopic composition and macroscopic anatomy are addressed. RESULTS: The ACL consists of typeI (90%) and typeIII (10%) collagen matrix. Its length ranges from 27 to 38mm and its width from 10 to 12mm. The ACL cross-section area measures an average of 44mm2, and its shape resembles that of an hourglass or a bow tie. ACL bundles have been defined as anteromedial, intermediate, and posterolateral. Femoral and tibial footprints were seen to present a high degree of variability in shape and size. Furthermore, the blood supply is given by the medial genicular artery and innervation by the tibial nerve branches. Additionally, the ACL functionally prevents anterior translation of the tibia and stabilizes against the internal rotation of the tibia and valgus angulation of the knee. CONCLUSIONS: There is great variability in the anatomy of the ACL as well as its attachment sites. At the same time, the shape and size of its footprint has become a factor in determining individualized ACL reconstruction. The persistence of morphological variability in the aging of the ACL and important aspects of surgical planning and decision making with respect to anatomical risk factors suggest that further studies are called for.

Relationship between inflammation and oxidative stress and its effect on multiple sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: This paper highlights the relationship of inflammation and oxidative stress as damage mechanisms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), considered an inflammatory and autoimmune disease. DEVELOPMENT: The oxidative stress concept has been defined by an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in favor of the oxidants. There is necessary to do physiological functions, like the respiration chain, but in certain conditions, the production of reactive species overpassed the antioxidant systems, which could cause tissue damage. On the other hand, it is well established that inflammation is a complex reaction in the vascularized connective tissue in response to diverse stimuli. However, an unregulated prolonged inflammatory process also can induce tissue damage. CONCLUSION: Both inflammation and oxidative stress are interrelated since one could promote the other, leading to a toxic feedback system, which contributes to the inflammatory and demyelination process in MS.

Assessment of seabed litter at Concepción Seamount (Canary island) using a remotely operated towed vehicle.

The seafloor is recognised as a major sink for marine litter. However, studies conducted in this compartment addressing marine litter densities and its interactions with fauna are scarce, mainly due to sampling constraints. In this paper, we assess marine litter density, composition and interactions with marine communities and evaluate its relationship with fishing activities at the "Banco de la Concepción" seamount (Canary Islands, Spain). We took advantage of underwater video records taken with a Remotely Operated Towed Vehicle in the framework of the LIFE IP INTEMARES project. A total of 56 video transects were analysed covering about 9 km with 19 h of video recording. Transects were categorised as high, low, and null fishing effort based on the Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) positional data registered between 2009 and 2017. Litter items were recorded in 70% of the transects with a mean density of 2122 (±2464) items km-2. There were significant differences in litter densities over the three levels of fishing pressure, with a density decrease from stations of high to stations of null fishing pressure. Regarding categories, plastic was by far the most abundant category found (83.1%), mainly consisting of fishing lines, both monofilaments and entangled longlines. The study of the interactions of marine litter with fauna showed that less than 20% of the items presented an interaction with benthic organisms either by causing or not a visible impact. The sponge Asconema setubalense accounted for more than half (57.4%) of all interactions, but only 5% of all A. setubalense specimens showed physical damage.

Electroporación irreversible: ampliando las fronteras de la ablación / Irreversible electroporation: Beyond the limits of tumor ablation

La electroporación irreversible o IRE (irreversible electroporation) es una técnica de ablación tumoral no térmica basada en la aplicación de pulsos eléctricos de alto voltaje entre pares de agujas insertadas alrededor de un tumor. La corriente generada favorece la creación de nanoporos en la membrana plasmática, desencadenando la apoptosis. Por ello, la IRE puede utilizarse de manera segura en localizaciones cercanas a estructuras vasculares delicadas, contraindicadas para el resto de técnicas termoablativas. Actualmente la IRE se emplea con éxito para la ablación de tumores en páncreas, riñón e hígado y, de manera muy extendida, como opción terapéutica focal para el cáncer de próstata. La necesidad de un manejo anestésico específico y la colocación precisa y en paralelo de múltiples agujas implican un alto nivel de complejidad, siendo necesaria una gran experiencia del equipo intervencionista. No obstante, se trata de una técnica muy prometedora con una gran capacidad inmunológica sistémica que puede provocar un efecto a distancia del tumor tratado (efecto abscopal).(AU)

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a non-thermal tumor ablation technique. High-voltage electrical pulses are applied between pairs of electrodes inserted around and/or inside a tumor. The generated electric current induces the creation of nanopores in the cell membrane, triggering apoptosis. As a result, IRE can be safely used in areas near delicate vascular structures where other thermal ablation methods are contraindicated. Currently, IRE has demonstrated to be a successful ablation technique for pancreatic, renal, and liver tumors and is widely used as a focal therapeutic option for prostate cancer. The need for specific anesthetic management and accurate parallel placement of multiple electrodes entails a high level of complexity and great expertise from the interventional team is required. Nevertheless, IRE is a very promising technique with a remarkable systemic immunological capability and may impact on distant metastases (abscopal effect).(AU)

Irreversible electroporation: Beyond the limits of tumor ablation.

Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) is a non-thermal tumor ablation technique. High-voltage electrical pulses are applied between pairs of electrodes inserted around and/or inside a tumor. The generated electric current induces the creation of nanopores in the cell membrane, triggering apoptosis. As a result, IRE can be safely used in areas near delicate vascular structures where other thermal ablation methods are contraindicated. Currently, IRE has demonstrated to be a successful ablation technique for pancreatic, renal, and liver tumors and is widely used as a focal therapeutic option for prostate cancer. The need for specific anesthetic management and accurate parallel placement of multiple electrodes entails a high level of complexity and great expertise from the interventional team is required. Nevertheless, IRE is a very promising technique with a remarkable systemic immunological capability and may impact on distant metastases (abscopal effect).

High frequency of endoluminal thrombus in patients with ischaemic stroke following AARS-CoV-2 infection.

BACKGROUND: Ischaemic stroke may be a major complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studying and characterising the different aetiological subtypes, clinical characteristics, and functional outcomes may be valuable in guiding patient selection for optimal management and treatment. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively on consecutive patients with COVID-19 who developed acute focal brain ischaemia (between 1 March and 19 April 2020) at a tertiary university hospital in Madrid (Spain). RESULTS: During the study period, 1594 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19. We found 22 patients with ischaemic stroke (1.38%), 6 of whom did not meet the inclusion criteria. The remaining 16 patients were included in the study (15 cases of ischaemic stroke and one case of transient ischaemic attack). Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 9 (interquartile range: 16), and mean (standard deviation) age was 73 years (12.8). Twelve patients (75%) were men. Mean time from COVID-19 symptom onset to stroke onset was 13 days. Large vessel occlusion was identified in 12 patients (75%). We detected elevated levels of D-dimer in 87.5% of patients and C-reactive protein in 81.2%. The main aetiology was atherothrombotic stroke (9 patients, 56.3%), with the predominant subtype being endoluminal thrombus (5 patients, 31.2%), involving the internal carotid artery in 4 cases and the aortic arch in one. The mortality rate in our series was 44% (7 of 16 patients). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with COVID-19, the most frequent stroke aetiology was atherothrombosis, with a high proportion of endoluminal thrombus (31.2% of patients). Our clinical and laboratory data support COVID-19-associated coagulopathy as a relevant pathophysiological mechanism for ischaemic stroke in these patients.