Neuropsychological aspects of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome.

Despite the increasing knowledge in the past years, only minimal attention has been directed to the neuropsychological aspects and the prevalence of cognitive impairment associated with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). Objective: To describe the frequency and expand the understanding of cognitive dysfunction in RCVS. Methods: The neuropsychological evaluation was performed using a battery consisting of specific neuropsychological instruments that were administered to patients diagnosed with RCVS. A triage was conducted to exclude other potential causes of cognitive impairment. Performance on the tests was treated as a categorical variable, and a cutoff of -1.5 Z-score was adopted to indicate impaired performance. Results: Seven patients diagnosed with RCVS were evaluated, all of whom had a bachelor's degree and normal score in the Mini-Mental State Examination. The average time between diagnosis and neuropsychological evaluation was 1.8 years. Among the patients, 85.6% (n=6) exhibited performance below that of the normal population in at least two of the administered tests. Specifically, 71.4% (n=5) showed alterations in tests from the Psychological Battery for Attention Assessment, with impairment observed in concentrated (n=1), divided (n=3), or alternating (n=4) attention. Furthermore, 28.6% (n=2) demonstrated impairments in the Phonological Verbal Fluency Task, another 28.6% (n=2) exhibited difficulties copying elements of the Rey Complex Figure, and 14.3% (n=1) displayed lower performance in the Five-Digit test, all indicating executive dysfunction. Conclusion: This study provides evidence that cognitive impairment associated with RCVS is more prevalent than previously believed and has not received sufficient attention. Specifically, attention and executive functions are the cognitive domains most significantly impacted by RCVS.

Apesar do crescente conhecimento nos últimos anos, pouca atenção tem sido direcionada aos aspectos neuropsicológicos e à prevalência de declínio cognitivo associado à Síndrome de Vasoconstrição Cerebral Reversível (SVCR). Objetivo: Descrever a frequência e expandir o entendimento da disfunção cognitiva associada à SVCR. Métodos: A avaliação neuropsicológica foi realizada por meio de uma bateria composta de instrumentos neuropsicológicos específicos, que foram aplicados aos pacientes com SVCR. Uma triagem foi realizada para excluir outras potenciais causas de declínio cognitivo. O desempenho nos testes foi considerado como variável categórica, e o corte de −1,5 escore z foi adotado para indicar desempenho comprometido. Resultados: Sete pacientes com diagnóstico de SVCR foram avaliados, os quais tinham todos nível de ensino superior e pontuação normal no Miniexame do Estado Mental. A média de tempo entre o diagnóstico e a avaliação neuropsicológica foi de 1,8 ano. Dentre os pacientes, 85,6%(n=6) apresentaram desempenho comprometido em pelo menos dois dos testes aplicados. Especificamente, 71,4% (n=5) apresentaram alterações nos testes da Bateria Psicológica para Avaliação da Atenção, com comprometimento observado nas atenções concentrada (n=1), dividida (n=3), ou alternada (n=4). Além disso, 28,6% (n=2) demonstraram comprometimento na Fluência Verbal Fonológica, 28,6% (n=2) exibiram dificuldades na cópia da Figura Complexa de Rey e um paciente obteve desempenho alterado no Teste dos Cinco Dígitos, todos indicando disfunção executiva. Conclusão: Este estudo fornece evidência de que o declínio cognitivo associado à SVCR é mais prevalente do que se acreditava anteriormente. Especialmente, os domínios mais significativamente comprometidos foram a atenção e as funções executivas.

Case report: Flow changes in routes of collateral circulation in patients with LVO and low NIHSS: a point favor to treat.

The effectiveness of endovascular thrombectomy in patients presenting low National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores remains controversial, and the acquisition of additional evidence is required to refine the selection of candidates who may benefit the most from this therapeutic modality. In this study, we present the case of a 62-year-old individual, with left internal carotid occlusion stroke and low NIHSS, who had compensatory collateral flow from Willis polygon via the anterior communicating artery. The patient subsequently exhibited neurological deterioration and collateral flow failure from Willis polygon, indicating the need for urgent intervention. The study of collaterals in patients with large vessel occlusion stroke has garnered considerable attention, with research suggesting that individuals with low NIHSS scores and poor collateral profiles may be at a heightened risk of early neurological deterioration. We postulate that such patients may derive significant benefits from endovascular thrombectomy, and may posit that an intensive transcranial Doppler monitoring protocol could facilitate the identification of suitable candidates for such intervention.

Impact of dysexecutive syndrome in quality of life in Alzheimer disease: What we know now and where we are headed.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common form of dementia that leads to multiple repercussions in the patient's life. This condition's clinical characteristics include loss of memory, temporal and spatial disorientation, language or executive dysfunction, and subsequent decline of social function. Dysexecutive syndrome (DS), the second most frequent neuropsychological dysfunction in AD, affects multiple brain areas and causes cognitive, behavioral, and emotional difficulties. We aimed to analyze the association between DS and AD and elucidate possible lack of evidence that may urge further research on this theme. Especially when dealing with such a disabling disease, where new findings can directly imply a better prognosis.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome associated with probable drug poisoning.

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is a clinical condition characterized by arterial involvement of the intracranial vessels, manifesting with vasospasm. The most common clinical manifestation related to the syndrome is the thunderclap headache, which consists of a severe headache that reaches the peak of pain within minutes. The imaging study assumes a leading role in the complementary investigation. Laboratory tests and cerebrospinal fluid analysis are often nonspecific and without significant diagnostic importance. Non-contrast studies of the brain parenchyma reveal variable results that can often be normal. Angiographic findings, which initially may not reveal any changes, allow the visualization of diffuse narrowing of the vessels, with the posterior cerebral circulation being preferentially affected. The present study reports the case of a 19-year-old woman with no relevant medical history, except that she was a regular user of marijuana and a drug based on chloroform and ether. The patient showed clinical and imaging signs compatible with RCVS, and the narcotics used by her were considered precipitating factors.

Stroke in the state of Alagoas, Brazil: a descriptive analysis of a northeastern scenario.

BACKGROUND: There is little information available on stroke epidemiology in the northeast of Brazil. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate the prevalence of the stroke subtypes, prevalence of cerebrovascular risk factors and patterns of management in a public neurovascular outpatient referral service, in Alagoas. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected from consecutive patients with stroke who were treated in a specialized neurovascular clinic between November 2016 and June 2018. Recurrence was evaluated by telephone 12 months after patients had been included in the study. RESULTS: We evaluated 190 patients (mean age, 60.22 ( 13.29 years; 60.5% males). Ischemic stroke was the most frequent subtype (85.2%). Sedentary lifestyle was the most common risk factor (71.6%), followed by hypertension (62.6%) and stroke family history (41.1%). Only 21.5% of the patients were transported by ambulance to the hospital, and 42.6% received medical support in hospital units or emergency units with no imaging support. The median NIHSS was 2.5 (IQR, 1-5) and mRS was 2 (IQR, 1-3). We found a high rate of undetermined stroke (35.8%), and few patients completed the etiological investigation. One year after inclusion in the study, 12 patients (6.3%) had died and 14 (7.3%) had had another stroke. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cerebrovascular risk factors and clinical presentation were similar to what had been seen in previous series. A notable number of patients received medical support in institutions with no imaging equipment. The high number of cases of undetermined stroke etiology shows the difficulty in accessing healthcare services in Alagoas.

Stroke in the state of Alagoas, Brazil: a descriptive analysis of a northeastern scenario / Acidente vascular cerebral no estado de Alagoas, Brasil: análise descritiva de um cenário do nordeste brasileiro

ABSTRACT Background There is little information available on stroke epidemiology in the northeast of Brazil. Objective Our objective was to investigate the prevalence of the stroke subtypes, prevalence of cerebrovascular risk factors and patterns of management in a public neurovascular outpatient referral service, in Alagoas. Methods Data were prospectively collected from consecutive patients with stroke who were treated in a specialized neurovascular clinic between November 2016 and June 2018. Recurrence was evaluated by telephone 12 months after patients had been included in the study. Results We evaluated 190 patients (mean age, 60.22 ( 13.29 years; 60.5% males). Ischemic stroke was the most frequent subtype (85.2%). Sedentary lifestyle was the most common risk factor (71.6%), followed by hypertension (62.6%) and stroke family history (41.1%). Only 21.5% of the patients were transported by ambulance to the hospital, and 42.6% received medical support in hospital units or emergency units with no imaging support. The median NIHSS was 2.5 (IQR, 1-5) and mRS was 2 (IQR, 1-3). We found a high rate of undetermined stroke (35.8%), and few patients completed the etiological investigation. One year after inclusion in the study, 12 patients (6.3%) had died and 14 (7.3%) had had another stroke. Conclusions The prevalence of cerebrovascular risk factors and clinical presentation were similar to what had been seen in previous series. A notable number of patients received medical support in institutions with no imaging equipment. The high number of cases of undetermined stroke etiology shows the difficulty in accessing healthcare services in Alagoas.

RESUMO Antecedentes Até o momento existe pouca informação disponível na literatura sobre a epidemiologia do acidente vascular verebral (AVC) no nordeste brasileiro. Objetivo Investigar a prevalência dos subtipos de AVC, dos fatores de risco para doenças cerebrovasculares e o manejo do AVC em um serviço público especializado em Alagoas. Método Os dados foram coletados de forma prospectiva e consecutiva de pacientes com diagnóstico de AVC em um ambulatório especializado em neurovascular, de novembro de 2016 a junho de 2018. Recorrência do AVC foi avaliada por telefone 12 meses após a inclusão no estudo. Resultados Foram avaliados 190 pacientes, idade média de 60,22(13,29 anos, 60,5% homens. AVC isquêmico foi o subtipo mais comum (85,2%). Sedentarismo foi o fator de risco mais prevalente (71,6%), seguido de hipertensão (62,6%) e história familial de AVC (41,1%). Somente 21,5% dos pacientes foram transportados por ambulância até o hospital e 42,6% receberam o primeiro atendimento em serviço médico sem suporte de exame de imagem. A mediana do NIHSS foi 2,5 (IQR, 1-3). Encontramos alta prevalência de AVC indeterminado (35,8%) e poucos pacientes completaram a investigação etiológica. Após um ano da inclusão no estudo, 12 pacientes (6,3%) morreram e 14 (7,3%) tiveram outro AVC. Conclusão A prevalência dos fatores de risco para doenças cerebrovasculares e a apresentação clínica foram similares a séries prévias. Um número expressivo de pacientes recebeu atendimento médico em locais sem exames de imagem. Houve alto número de pacientes com AVC indeterminado, o que mostra a dificuldade de acesso ao sistema de saúde em Alagoas.

USE OF METABOLOMICS TO THE DIAGNOSIS OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the primary inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and its pathogenesis is related to genetic and environmental factors. Currently, the diagnosis of IBD results in a multidisciplinary approach with significant disadvantages, such as its invasive nature, time spent, and the fact that 10% of patients remain without diagnostic classification. However, new methodologies of analysis have emerged that allowed the expansion of knowledge about IBD, as the metabolomics, the study of metabolites. The presence and prevalence of such metabolites may prove to be useful as biomarkers in the diagnosis of IBD. OBJECTIVE: Analyze fecal samples for metabolic analysis in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), providing differentiation between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. METHODS: This is an observational study with 21 patients diagnosed with IBD (ulcerative colitis 11 and Crohn's disease 10) and 15 healthy controls, all with the consent and clarification. The fecal extracts of all patients are submitted to a high-resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Hydrogen (1H-NMR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate and univariate pattern recognition techniques. Through the metabolomics of fecal extracts, gives us a characterization of employing a noninvasive approach. RESULTS: We identify some metabolites, such as lactate, succinate, alanine, and tyrosine, in the Crohn's disease fecal samples, and leucine, alanine, and tyrosine in the ulcerative colitis fecal samples. All the amino acids presented positive covariance for disease correlation. CONCLUSION: The results showed different metabolic profiles between IBD patients and healthy volunteers based on 1H-NMR analysis of fecal extracts. Moreover, the approach discriminated patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The metabolomics analysis is promising as a novel diagnostic technique for further IBD recognition and surveillance. New studies are necessary to validate these findings.

Uso da metabolômica no diagnóstico de doenças inflamatórias intestinais / Use of metabolomics to the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are the primary inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and its pathogenesis is related to genetic and environmental factors. Currently, the diagnosis of IBD results in a multidisciplinary approach with significant disadvantages, such as its invasive nature, time spent, and the fact that 10% of patients remain without diagnostic classification. However, new methodologies of analysis have emerged that allowed the expansion of knowledge about IBD, as the metabolomics, the study of metabolites. The presence and prevalence of such metabolites may prove to be useful as biomarkers in the diagnosis of IBD. OBJECTIVE: Analyze fecal samples for metabolic analysis in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), providing differentiation between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. METHODS: This is an observational study with 21 patients diagnosed with IBD (ulcerative colitis 11 and Crohn's disease 10) and 15 healthy controls, all with the consent and clarification. The fecal extracts of all patients are submitted to a high-resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Hydrogen (1H-NMR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate and univariate pattern recognition techniques. Through the metabolomics of fecal extracts, gives us a characterization of employing a noninvasive approach. RESULTS: We identify some metabolites, such as lactate, succinate, alanine, and tyrosine, in the Crohn's disease fecal samples, and leucine, alanine, and tyrosine in the ulcerative colitis fecal samples. All the amino acids presented positive covariance for disease correlation. CONCLUSION: The results showed different metabolic profiles between IBD patients and healthy volunteers based on 1H-NMR analysis of fecal extracts. Moreover, the approach discriminated patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The metabolomics analysis is promising as a novel diagnostic technique for further IBD recognition and surveillance. New studies are necessary to validate these findings.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A doença de Crohn e retocolite ulcerativa são as principais doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII), e sua patogênese está relacionada a fatores genéticos e ambientais. Atualmente, o diagnóstico de DII resulta em uma abordagem multidisciplinar e apresenta desvantagens significativas, como sua natureza invasiva, tempo gasto e o fato de 10% dos pacientes permanecerem sem classificação diagnóstica. No entanto, surgiram novas metodologias de análise que permitiram ampliar o conhecimento sobre a DII, como a metabolômica, o estudo dos metabólitos. A presença e a prevalência desses metabólitos podem ser úteis como biomarcadores no diagnóstico da DII. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as amostras fecais por análise metabolômica no diagnóstico de DII, diferenciando os perfis metabólicos entre doença de Crohn e retocolite ulcerativa. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional com 36 indivíduos (doença de Crohn 11, retocolite ulcerativa 10 e 15 controles saudáveis), todos com consentimento esclarecido. Os extratos fecais de todos os pacientes são submetidos a uma espectroscopia de alta resolução por ressonância magnética nuclear de hidrogênio (1H-RMN) combinada com técnicas de reconhecimento de padrões multivariados e univariados. Por meio da metabolômica utilizando extratos fecais, foi possível obter uma caracterização adequada das doenças inflamatórias intestinais através de uma abordagem não invasiva. RESULTADOS: Foi possível identificar os seguintes metabólitos nos pacientes com doen­ça de Crohn: lactato, succinato, alanina e tirosina e, no grupo retocolite ulcerativa encontrou-se leucina, alanina e tirosina. Todos os aminoácidos apresentaram covariância positiva para a doença. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados demonstraram diferentes perfis metabólicos entre pacientes com DII e voluntários saudáveis, com base na análise por 1H-RMN dos extratos fecais. Além disso, pacientes com doença de Crohn e retocolite ulcerativa também podem ser discriminados usando essa abordagem. A análise metabolômica é promissora como uma nova técnica não invasiva de diagnóstico para melhor reconhecimento das DII. Novos estudos são necessários para validar esses achados.