[A case of cerebral embolism with Coronavirus disease 2019].

A 63-year-old man, who had persistent fever for a month, was admitted to the hospital with sudden left arm palsy with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 3. Consequently, brain MRI showed hyperintensity of the bilateral occipital, right parietal, and right frontal lobes on diffusion-weighted imaging. Moreover, FLAIR presented hyperintensity of the left occipital lobe. Magnetic resonance angiography detected the deficit of the blood-flow signal of the horizontal segment of the middle cerebral artery. He was diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. In addition, chest CT showed ground-glass opacities, and test to detect SARS-CoV-2 was positive. Cerebral embolism was suspected. However, the source was unknown. His ischemic stroke was possibly associated with coagulation abnormality caused by coronavirus disease 2019.

A Visual Task Management Application for Acute Ischemic Stroke Care.

Background: To maximize the effect of intravenous (IV) thrombolysis and/or endovascular therapy (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), stroke centers need to establish a parallel workflow on the basis of a code stroke (CS) protocol. At Kokura Memorial Hospital (KMH), we implemented a CS system in January 2014; however, the process of information sharing within the team has occasionally been burdensome. Objective: To solve this problem using information communication technology (ICT), we developed a novel application for smart devices, named "Task Calc. Stroke" (TCS), and aimed to investigate the impact of TCS on AIS care. Methods: TCS can visualize the real-time progress of crucial tasks for AIS on a dashboard by changing color indicators. From August 2015 to March 2017, we installed TCS at KMH and recommended its use during normal business hours (NBH). We compared the door-to-computed tomography time, the door-to-complete blood count (door-to-CBC) time, the door-to-needle for IV thrombolysis time, and the door-to-puncture for EVT time among three treatment groups, one using TCS ("TCS-based CS"), one not using TCS ("phone-based CS"), and one not based on CS ("non-CS"). A questionnaire survey regarding communication problems was conducted among the CS teams at 3 months after the implementation of TCS. Results: During the study period, 74 patients with AIS were transported to KMH within 4.5 h from onset during NBH, and 53 were treated using a CS approach (phone-based CS: 26, TSC-based CS: 27). The door-to-CBC time was significantly reduced in the TCS-based CS group compared to the phone-based CS group, from 31 to 19 min (p = 0.043). Other processing times were also reduced, albeit not significantly. The rate of IV thrombosis was higher in the TCS-based CS group (78% vs. 46%, p = 0.037). The questionnaire was correctly filled in by 34/38 (89%) respondents, and 82% of the respondents felt a reduction in communication burden by using the TCS application. Conclusions: TCS is a novel approach that uses ICT to support information sharing in a parallel CS workflow in AIS care. It shortens the processing times of critical tasks and lessens the communication burden among team members.

[A case of possible elderly onset rheumatoid meningitis without arthritis].

A 93-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with disturbance of consciousness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hyperintensity of the subarachnoid space in the left frontal and parietal lobes on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR). Gadolinium-enhancement of the pia mater was also observed. We did not perform biopsy because of a high risk of perioperative complication. Although physical examination found no evidence of the rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid factors and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides antibodies were elevated. He was suspected to have rheumatoid meningitis. We treated him with intravenous methylprednisolone (0.5 g/day) for 3 days. Rheumatoid meningitis often shows hyperintensity of the subarachnoid space on the DWI and FLAIR, and steroid therapy is effective.

Intracerebral hemorrhage after intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) therapy for acute cerebral infarction in a patient with ANCA-associated vasculitis.

We report the case of a 68-year-old man who suddenly developed right hemiparesis. MRI of the brain revealed a new infarction in the left corona radiata, and intravenous rt-PA was administered 100 minutes after the onset of symptoms. After the rt-PA infusion was started, his consciousness declined and the CT revealed bilateral intracerebral hemorrhage. His consciousness did not improve thereafter. He was diagnosed with ANCA-associated vasculitis owing to the high levels of MPO-ANCA and urinary protein and the presence of erythrocytes without any other cause of renal damage. Although ANCA-associated vasculitis rarely involves the central nervous system, intracerebral hemorrhage as well as cerebral infarction may occur. This case provides an important opportunity to explore the implications of intravenous rt-PA therapy for acute cerebral infarction in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis.

[A case of cerebral cardioembolism successfully treated by Merci retriever despite a large ischemic change on diffusion-weighted MR imaging].

A 63-year-old man with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation presented with aphasia (16:30) followed by right hemiplegia. The last known time that he was clinically well was 14:30. On admission (17:43), his baseline NIHSS score was 34. Head diffusion-weighted MR imaging (DWI) demonstrated large hyperintense signals throughout the left middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory. The left carotid angiogram (CAG) demonstrated occlusion of the left ICA 2 cm distal from the bifurcation. The right CAG showed a small branch laterally extending from the left anterior cerebral artery (ACA). Mechanical thrombectomy with a Merci retriever removed a large amount of thrombi after the first trial. The left ICA and MCA were recanalized to grade TICI 2b. The left hemiplegia was markedly improved, and he could walk independently. His NIHSS score was 11 at discharge. Revascularization therapy may improve a motor deficit in patients with possible penumbra of the precentral gyrus by collateral circulation from the ACA even if the ischemic lesion in the MCA territory is large on DWI.

Effect of prothrombin complex concentrate on hematoma enlargement and clinical outcome in patients with anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The present study was carried out to determine the effect of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) on hematoma enlargement (HE) and the early clinical outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients on long-term warfarin treatment. METHODS: The medical records and computed tomography (CT) images of 50 consecutive ICH patients on long-term warfarin treatment (35 men, 15 women; 69 ± 12 years old) were reviewed. International normalized ratio (INR) values, frequency of HE and clinical outcome were compared between patients treated with and without PCC. RESULTS: INR values on admission were above 2.0 in 37 patients, of whom 19 were given PCC (PCC group) and 18 were not given PCC (control group). In these 37 patients, the frequency of HE (p = 0.017), the number of patients with a poor clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≥3 at 30 days or at discharge; p = 0.045) and in-hospital mortality (p = 0.042) were significantly higher in the control than in the PCC group. On multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment, PCC administration was independently associated (odds ratio 0.03, 95% confidence interval 0.00-0.63; p = 0.023) with a reduction in poor clinical outcome in ICH patients whose INR values were >2.0 on admission. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate INR reversal with PCC may prevent HE and subsequent poor outcome.

Intraoperative stenting for brachiocephalic and carotid artery stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular stenting is an alternative treatment for brachiocephalic artery stenosis, replacing standard surgical approaches such as carotid endarterectomy. However, a percutaneous approach may be difficult because various conditions such as severe arteriosclerosis of iliac or femoral arteries and aortic disease. We report our experience with intraoperative stenting for these lesions, presenting indications, strategy, and results. METHODS: Seven patients underwent intraoperative stent placement via an open cervical approach. The sites of lesions included 1 innominate artery, 1 common carotid artery, and 5 cervical carotid arteries. Stenting was performed with a sheath introducer placed through a surgically exposed common carotid artery via a small skin incision or common carotid artery exposed for simultaneously performed carotid endarterectomy. Distal protection was used in 6 patients with an endovascular protective balloon or external clamping with forceps. RESULTS: Sufficient dilation of stenosis was obtained in all cases. No complications such as transient ischemic attack, cerebral infarction, and hyperperfusion were encountered. Wound hematoma was not experienced despite perioperative antiplatelet therapy and heparinization during the procedure. Angiographic follow-up over 1 year showed no restenosis in 5 available patients. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative stenting may be an excellent alternative for patients in whom both direct surgical approach and standard percutaneous endovascular approach are not possible.

Enlargement of acute intracerebral hematomas in patients on long-term warfarin treatment.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between warfarin administration and the frequent development of enlarged hematomas in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is controversial. The present study was carried out to examine this issue. METHODS: This study reviewed 41 patients with nontraumatic ICH within 24 h after stroke onset from 1999 to 2003 who received long-term warfarin treatment (29 men and 12 women, 70 +/- 12 years old) and 323 patients who had not been on warfarin (177 men and 146 women, 66 +/- 13 years old). The hematoma volume (HV) on admission, final HV, frequency of hematoma enlargement (HE) and other background characteristics were investigated. RESULTS: Both the HV on admission (p = 0.031) and final HV (p = 0.001) were larger in patients on warfarin than in those not receiving warfarin. HE occurred more frequently (p < 0.001), and mortality at 30 days or at discharge was higher (p = 0.003) in the warfarin group than in the control group. A multivariate adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that warfarin treatment (OR = 5.75, 95% CI = 2.41-13.8, p < 0.001), liver disease (OR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.12-5.99, p = 0.026), and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.04-1.15, p < 0.001, per 1-score increase) on admission were independently related to HE. CONCLUSIONS: Acute ICH in patients on long-term warfarin treatment appears to be associated with HE.

Location of acute brain hemorrhage in patients undergoing antithrombotic therapy.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between antithrombotic therapy and the anatomical location of acute brain hematoma remains disputed. The current study was therefore designed to address this issue. METHODS: The medical records and CT images were retrospectively reviewed in 484 consecutive patients with an acute brain hemorrhage (291 men, 193 women; mean age, 67.2+/-12.3 years) who were admitted to the hospital within 7 days of stroke onset from January 1999 through October 2003. Antithrombotic therapy had been performed in 116 patients (AT Group): warfarin (n=38), antiplatelet therapy (n=70), or both (n=8). The other 368 patients had not received antithrombotic therapy (non-AT Group). The hematoma location was compared among the groups. RESULTS: The location of the hematoma was significantly different between the two groups (p<0.0001). The following locations were seen more frequently in the AT Group than in the non-AT Group: thalamic hemorrhage (44.8% vs. 30.7%), cerebellar hemorrhage (7.8% vs. 2.7%), and lobar hemorrhage (18.1% vs. 11.4%). The clinical characteristics in patients with thalamic, cerebellar, or lobar hemorrhage were compared with those with putaminal hemorrhage. A multivariate analysis using the logistic regression model showed that antithrombotic therapy was an independent factor for cerebellar hemorrhage (OR 3.66, 95%CI 1.31-10.18), lobar hemorrhage (OR 2.27, 95%CI 1.12-4.57), and thalamic hemorrhage (OR 2.20, 95%CI 1.06-4.54) in comparison to putaminal hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: It therefore appears that antithrombotic therapy is independently associated with thalamic, cerebellar, and lobar hemorrhage.

The impact of hyperacute blood pressure lowering on the early clinical outcome following intracerebral hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE: Blood pressure lowering in acute intracerebral hemorrhage patients may prevent hematoma growth and neurological deterioration. The optimal goal of hyperacute antihypertensive therapy for intracerebral hemorrhage patients to obtain a favorable early clinical outcome was investigated. METHODS: Of 688 consecutive patients who were admitted to our stroke care units within 24 h after intracerebral hemorrhage onset, 244 patients who emergently received intravenous antihypertensive therapy due to admission blood pressure at least 180/105 mmHg were assessed. The average systolic and diastolic blood pressure values 6, 12, and 24 h after admission and the percentage reduction of the blood pressure value with respect to the admission blood pressure value were used for analysis. RESULTS: At 3 weeks, 66 patients (27%) had a completely independent activity level corresponding to a modified Rankin Scale score of 1 or less. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, a favorable functional outcome was more common in patients with the lowest quartile of average systolic blood pressure in the initial 24 h (<138 mmHg, odds ratio 4.36, 95% confidence interval 1.10-17.22), and was similarly common in those with the middle two quartiles (138-148 mmHg, 148-158 mmHg) than in those with the highest quartile of systolic blood pressure (> or = 158 mmHg). Analyses using patient quartiles on the basis of the average diastolic blood pressure or the reduction of systolic or diastolic blood pressure did not show an association with early outcome. CONCLUSION: Lowering the systolic blood pressure to less than 138 mmHg during the initial 24 h appears to be predictive of favorable early outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage patients. Randomized controlled trials to answer this question are needed.

[A case of MELAS presenting juvenile-onset hyperglycemic chorea-ballism].

We report herein the case of a 28-year-old man presenting with hyperglycemic chorea-ballism (HCB) in addition to mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS). He was admitted to a local hospital due to weight loss, general fatigue and thirst. The patient had diabetes mellitus, with a blood glucose level of 738 mg/dl and HbA1c of 19.8%. Although insulin therapy improved hyperglycemia, he noticed involuntary movements in the right upper and lower limbs, which subsequently extended to the left side. The patient was thus transferred to our hospital. He displayed short stature (154 cm) and emaciation, and a maternal family history of diabetes mellitus was elicited. He had no history of stroke-like episode, headache, vomiting and seizure. Neurological examination revealed low intelligence (IQ 57), mild sensorineural deafness, and chorea-ballism in the extremities and head without ptosis or eye movement disturbance. Brain computed tomography (CT) demonstrated areas of high density, while T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed extreme hyperintensity and T2-weighted MRI showed hyperintensity in bilateral caudate nuclei, putamina and globi pallidus. HCB was diagnosed. In, CSF, lactate level was increased to 43.9 mg/dl (n, 4-16), pyruvate level was 1.65 mg/dl (n, 0.3-0.9) and total protein concentration was 59 mg/dl. Histological examination of a biopsy sample from the biceps brachii muscle demonstrated ragged-red fibers. An A3243G point mutation in the tRNA(Leu(UUR)) gene was detected, indicating the presence of MELAS. Involuntary movements improved on treatment with haloperidol up to 4.5 mg/day. HCB usually appears in elderly individuals, and cases less than 40-years-old are very rare. The mitochondrial dysfunction in MELAS may accelerate development of HCB.

[An elder case of neurosarcoidosis associated with brain infarction].

A 75-year-old woman with sarcoidosis developed sudden weakness of the left upper and lower limbs. Neurological examination revealed left-sided hemiplegia, hyperreflexia with pathological reflexes and hypesthesia. She was disoriented and euphoric. Diffusion-weighted brain MRI showed high intensity lesions in the right parietooccipital lobes. Electroencephalogram showed diffuse slowing of the background activity. Serum lysozyme increased to 18.4 mg/ml, CSF protein to 51 mg/dl. After admission, she presented psychotic manifestation followed by a progressive disturbance of consciousness. Epithelioid granulomas without caseous necrosis were present in the biopsied lymph node and specimens from the occipital cortex, indicating neurosarcoidosis. Necrosis was also present in the sampled brain tissue. The psychotic symptoms and consciousness disturbance rapidly ameliorated after the treatment with oral prednisolone, 40 mg/day. Neurosarcoidosis should be considered even in an elder case of sarcoidosis complicated with a stroke.

A case of dermato-fasciitis: amyopathic dermatomyositis associated with fasciitis.

Amyopathic dermatomyositis (ADM) is characterized by the typical cutaneous features of dermatomyositis and minor involvement of the skeletal muscles. A 50-year-old woman had fever, reddening and pain in the distal part of all four limbs, and cutaneous findings such as Gottron's papules and periorbital heliotrope. She showed no muscle weakness or atrophy, and her serum creatine kinase was within the normal range. Electromyography showed no myopathic pattern. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) recorded abnormal hyperintensity in the fascia and muscle of the tibialis anterior. A biopsy from the tibialis anterior muscle showed fasciitis and mild myopathic changes with focal perivascular infiltration. This patient also presented with interstitial pneumonitis, although evaluation for malignancy was negative. With steroid therapy, her symptoms and MRI abnormality disappeared within 2 months. This case is therefore considered to be a variant of ADM, presenting as dermato-fasciitis.

[A case of cerebellar ataxia showing severe dystonia masquerading as myoclonic jerky movements on arm extension].

A 43-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to unstable walking, head tilting to the left and difficulty in extending his arm. He was quite healthy until the age of 20 years, when these symptoms appeared and progressed slowly afterward. Due to his unstable walking, he started to use a wheelchair when he was 39 years old. He had no family history of similar disease. On admission, neurological examination revealed spasmodic torticollis, ataxic speech and marked limb and truncal ataxia. Myoclonic jerky flexion of the forearm was induced when he raised and extended his forearm. He also showed mild hyperreflexia in the lower limbs without pathological reflexes. He had weakness and atrophy of the left supraspinatus, infraspinatus, deltoid and biceps brachii muscles and mild superficial sensory impairment in the left axillary nerve territory due to cervical spondylotic radiculopathy of the left C5 root. MRI of the brain demonstrated severe bilateral atrophy of the cerebellar hemispheres and vermis but minimal atrophy of the cerebrum and brainstem. Because surface electromyography revealed continuous discharge with phasic components in the biceps and wrist flexor muscles on extending the upper limbs, the jerky flexion movement of the forearm was considered to be primarily dystonia. Although no giant SEP was observed, a C-response was detected in the long-loop reflex in response to right median nerve stimulation. Nuclear examinations showed diffuse hypoperfusion and decreased glucose metabolism in the cerebellum. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that cerebellar dysfunction may have induced severe dystonic movement resembling myoclonus. We would like to name this complicated involuntary movement an "arm thrust". This is the first case to be reported of sporadic, chronic, progressive cerebellar ataxia accompanied by severe dystonic movement, especially on stretching the forearms, that mimics myoclonic movement.