Anticoagulants versus Antiplatelet Treatment in the Medical Management of Carotid Floating Thrombus.

BACKGROUND: Carotid free-floating thrombus (CFT) is a rare cause of stroke describing an intraluminal thrombus that is loosely associated with the arterial wall and manifesting as a filling defect fully surrounded by flow on vascular imaging. Unfortunately, there is no clear consensus among experts on the ideal treatment for this pathology. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients diagnosed with CFT on computed tomography angiogram (CTA) between January 2015-March 2023. We aimed to compare two treatment regimens: anticoagulation (ACT) and antiplatelet (APT) in the treatment of CFT. APT regimens included the use of dual or single antiplatelets (DAPT or SAPT; aspirin, clopidogrel and ticagrelor) and ACT regimens included the use of direct oral anticoagulants, warfarin, heparin or low molecular weight heparin +/- ASA. Patients that underwent mechanical thrombectomy were excluded. RESULTS: During study time there were 8252 acute ischemic stroke hospitalizations, of which 135 (1.63 %) patients were diagnosed with CFT. Sixty-six patients were included in our analysis. Patients assigned to APT were older (60.41years ± 12.82;p < 0.01). Other demographic variables were similar between ACT and APT groups. Complete CFT resolution on repeat vascular imaging was numerically higher at 30 days (58.8 vs 31.6 %, respectively; p = 0.1) and at latest follow-up (70.8 vs 50 %; p = 0.1) on ACT vs APT, respectively without reaching statistical significance. Similarly, there was numerically higher rates of any ICH with ACT compared to APT but it did not achieve statistical significance (27.6 % vs 13.5 %; p = 0.5). There were similar rates of PH1/2 hemorrhagic transformation, independence at discharge and similar hospital length of stay between ACT and APT groups. Patients assigned to APT were more likely to be discharged on their assigned treatment compared to those assigned to ACT (86.5 vs 55.2 %; p < 0.001). The rate of 30-day recurrent stroke was comparable among ACT and APT at 30 days (3.4 vs 0 %; p = 0.1, respectively). Subgroup analysis comparing exclusive ACT vs Dual APT lead to similar results. CONCLUSION: Our study showed comparable efficacy and safety outcomes in CFT patients who were exclusively managed medically with ACT vs APT. Larger prospective studies are needed.

Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack.

Cerebrovascular disease is a common and potentially life-threatening illness if not triaged and/or treated appropriately. The diagnosis is made based on a combination of clinical history and neuroimaging studies. The majority of strokes can be prevented, and this process often begins in the primary care office through the careful assessment of vascular risk factors. Appropriate workup aims to pinpoint a pathogenic mechanism and guide therapy. Stroke treatment has rapidly advanced over the past several years, resulting in improved outcomes.

Predictors of post stroke cognitive impairment: VITATOPS cognition substudy.

INTRODUCTION: Post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common complication of ischemic stroke. PSCI can involve different depending on clinical and stroke related characteristics. The aim of this study is to determine the factors associated with impairments in specific cognitive domains. METHODS: The Vitamins to Prevent Stroke (VITATOPS) trial is a large, multinational randomised controlled trial. In this substudy, consecutive patients admitted for ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) at a tertiary hospital in Singapore were included. PSCI was defined as impairment of any of the six cognitive subgroups - visuoconstruction, attention, verbal memory, language, visual memory and visuomotor function - that were assessed annually for up to five years. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine factors associated with impairments in each of these cognitive domains. RESULTS: A total of 736 patients were included in this study, of which 173 (23.5 %) developed cognitive impairment. Out of the six cognitive domains, the greatest proportion of patients had an impairment in visuoconstruction (26.4 %) followed by attention (19.8 %), verbal memory (18.3 %), language (17.5 %), visual memory (17.3 %) and visuomotor function (14.8 %). Patients with posterior circulation cerebral infarction (POCI) as the index stroke subtype had higher rates of cognitive impairment. Further subgroup analyses show that Indian race and advanced age were predictive of language impairment, whilst fewer years of education and POCI were predictive of verbal memory impairment. POCI was predictive of visual memory impairment, and advanced age and POCI were predictive of visuomotor function impairment. CONCLUSION: We identified visuoconstruction and attention domains to be the most affected in our Asian cohort of PSCI. Advanced age, lower levels of education, posterior circulation strokes and concomitant comorbidities such as peripheral artery disease are independent predictors of PSCI.

Diagnostic challenges of focal neurological deficits during an acute take-Is this vascular?: Clinical hints, pearls and pitfalls.

Stroke and TIAs are amongst the common neurological presentations encountered by specialists and non-specialist health care providers. Despite the advances of neuroimaging techniques, clinicians are frequently faced with diagnostic challenges on evaluation of patients with suspected stroke. In this review, we discuss the characteristic features of cerebrovascular diseases and how to identify them. We also aim to provide a resource for non-stroke specialist clinicians to help them to correctly identify the symptoms and signs of disorders that may masquerade as stroke such as migraine, seizure, and functional disorder, and at the same time we explore how we can identify strokes that present atypically.

The influence of diagnostic subgroups, patient- and hospital characteristics for the validity of cardiovascular diagnoses-Data from a Norwegian hospital trust.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular discharge diagnoses may serve as endpoints in epidemiological studies if they have a high validity. Aim was to study if diagnoses-specific characteristics like type, sub-categories, and position of cardiovascular diagnoses affected diagnostic accuracy. METHODS: Patients (n = 7,164) with a discharge diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure or cerebrovascular disease were included. Data were presented as positive predictive values (PPV) and sensitivity. RESULTS: PPV was high (≥88%) for acute myocardial infarction (n = 2,189) (except for outpatients). For heart failure (n = 4,026) PPV was 67% overall, but higher (>99%) when etiology or echocardiography was included. For hemorrhagic (n = 257) and ischemic (n = 1,034) strokes PPVs were 87% and 80%, respectively, with sensitivity of 79% and 75%. Transient ischemic attacks (n = 926) had PPV 56%, but sensitivity 86%. Primary diagnoses showed higher validity than subsequent diagnoses and inpatient diagnoses were more valid than outpatient diagnoses (except for transient ischemic attack). The diagnoses of acute myocardial infarction and heart failure where most valid when placed at cardiology units, while ischemic stroke when discharged from an internal medicine unit. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnoses of acute myocardial infarction and stroke had excellent validity when placed during hospital stays. Similarly, heart failure diagnoses had excellent validity when echocardiography was performed before placing the diagnosis, while overall the diagnoses of heart failure and transient ischemic attack were less valid. In conclusion, the results indicate that cardiovascular diagnoses based on objective findings such as acute myocardial infarction and stroke have excellent validity and may be used as endpoints in clinical epidemiological studies with less rigid validation.

Large variations in atrial fibrillation screening practice after ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack in Sweden: a survey study.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) screening after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) is given high priority in clinical guidelines. However, patient selection, electrocardiogram (ECG) modality and screening duration remains undecided and current recommendations vary. METHODS: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical practice of AF screening after ischemic stroke or TIA at Swedish stroke units. In collaboration with the stakeholders of the Swedish Stroke Register (Riksstroke) a digital survey was drafted, then tested and revised by three stroke consultants. The survey consisted of 17 multiple choice/ free text questions and was sent by e-mail to the medical directors at all stroke units in Sweden. RESULTS: All 72 stroke units in Sweden responded to the survey. Most stroke units reported that ≥ 75% of ischemic stroke (69/72 stroke units) or TIA patients (67/72 stroke units), without previously known AF, were screened for AF. Inpatient telemetry ECG was the method of first-choice in 81% of the units, but 7% reported lack of access. A variety of standard monitoring durations were used for inpatient telemetry ECG. The second most common choice was Holter ECG (17%), also with considerable variations in monitoring duration. Other AF screening modalities were used as a first-choice method (handheld and patch ECG) but less frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical practice for AF screening after ischemic stroke or TIA differed between Swedish stroke units, both in choice of AF screening methods as well as in monitoring durations. There is an urgent need for evidence and evidence-based recommendations in this field. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Asymmetric and symmetric dimethylarginine as markers of endothelial dysfunction in cerebrovascular disease: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) have been proposed as mediators of endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic role of ADMA and SDMA in acute cerebrovascular disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: A prospective case-control study was performed, enrolling 48 patients affected by ischemic stroke with no cardioembolic origin, 20 patients affected by TIA, 40 subjects at high cardiovascular risk and 68 healthy subjects. ADMA levels were significantly lower in high-risk subjects (18.85 [11.78-22.83] µmol/L) than in patients with brain ischemic event, both transient (25.70 [13.15-40.20] µmol/L; p = 0.032) and permanent (24.50 [18.0-41.33] µmol/L; p = 0.001). SDMA levels were different not only between high-risk subjects and ischemic patients, but also between TIA and stroke patients, reaching higher levels in TIA group and lower levels in stroke group (1.15 [0.90-2.0] vs 0.68 [0.30-1.07] µmol/L; p < 0.001). SDMA was also correlated with short-term prognosis, with lower levels in case of adverse clinical course, evaluated by type of discharge (p = 0.009) and need of prolonged rehabilitation (p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: The present study highlights the relationship between l-arginine, ADMA, SDMA and acute cerebrovascular events. Therefore, our results suggested a potential role of SDMA as a specific marker of transient ischemic damage and as a short-term positive prognostic marker.

Medium-intensity statin with ezetimibe versus high-intensity statin in acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease (MESIA): A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: High-risk stroke patients are recommended to receive high-intensity statin therapy to reduce the risk of stroke recurrence. However, doubling the dosage of statin drugs did not increase the achievement rate of LDL-C target or provide additional clinical benefits, but significantly increased the risk of adverse reactions. Statins and ezetimibe work through different mechanisms and the combined use of statins and ezetimibe significantly improves outcomes with comparable safety profiles. We tested the hypothesis that moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe may offer advantages over the conventional high-intensity statin regimen in terms of efficacy and safety. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial. Eligible participants were aged 18 years or older with acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease. We randomly assigned (1:1) participants within the acute phase of ischemic stroke, i.e., within 1 week after the onset of mild ischemic stroke (NIHSS score ≤ 5), within 1 month for severe cases (NIHSS score ≥ 16), and within 2 weeks for the rest, as well as patients with TIA within 1 week of symptom onset, to receive either moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe (either 10-20 mg atorvastatin calcium tablets plus a 10 mg ezetimibe tablet, or 5-10 mg rosuvastatin calcium tablets once per day plus a 10 mg ezetimibe tablet once per day) or high-intensity statin (40 mg atorvastatin calcium tablets or 20 mg rosuvastatin calcium tablets once per day) for 3 months. Randomization was performed using a random number table method. The primary efficacy outcome was the level and achievement rate of LDL-C after 3 months of treatment, specifically LDL-C ≤ 1.8 mmol/L or a reduction in LDL-C ≥ 50 %. The secondary outcome was the incidence of new stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) within 3 months. The safety outcome was liver and renal function tests, and the occurrence of statin-related muscle events within 3 months. FINDINGS: This trial took place between March 15, 2022, and March 7, 2023. Among 382 patients screened, 150 patients were randomly assigned to receive either medium-intensity statins with ezetimibe (n = 75) or high-intensity statins (n = 75). Median age was 60.0 years (IQR 52.75-70.25); 49 (36.6 %) were women and 85 (63.4 %) were men. The target achievement of LDL-C at 3 months occurred in 62 (89.86 %) of 69 patients in the medium-intensity statin with ezetimibe group and 46 (70.77 %) of 65 patients in the high-intensity statin group (P=0.005, OR=0.273, 95 % CI: 0.106, 0.705). The reduction magnitude of LDL-C in moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe group was significantly higher (-56.540 % vs -47.995 %, P=0.001). Moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe group showing a trend of a greater reduction in LDL-C absolute value than high-intensity statin group but without statistical significance (-1.77±0.90 vs -1.50±0.89, P=0.077). New AIS or TIA within 3 months, liver and renal function tests, and the occurrence of statin-related muscle events within 3 months were also statistically insignificant. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that both gender and lipid-lowering regimen as independent risk factors influencing the rate of LDL-C achievement in individuals diagnosed with acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease, but only lipid-lowering regimen had predictive value. INTERPRETATION: Compared to guideline-recommended high-intensity statin therapy, moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe further improved the achievement rate of LDL-C in patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease, with a higher reduction magnitude in LDL-C. In terms of safety, there was no significant difference between the two regimens, suggesting that moderate-intensity statin with ezetimibe can also be considered as an initial treatment option for patients with acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

Infection, delirium, and risk of dementia in patients with and without white matter disease on previous brain imaging: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The increased risk of dementia after delirium and infection might be influenced by cerebral white matter disease (WMD). In patients with transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and minor stroke, we assessed associations between hospital admissions with delirium and 5-year dementia risk and between admissions with infection and dementia risk, stratified by WMD severity (moderate or severe vs absent or mild) on baseline brain imaging. METHODS: We included patients with TIA and minor stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Score <3) from the Oxford Vascular Study (OXVASC), a longitudinal population-based study of the incidence and outcomes of acute vascular events in a population of 94 567 individuals, with no age restrictions, attending eight general practices in Oxfordshire, UK. Hospitalisation data were obtained through linkage to the Oxford Cognitive Comorbidity, Frailty, and Ageing Research Database-Electronic Patient Records (ORCHARD-EPR). Brain imaging was done using CT and MRI, and WMD was prospectively graded according to the age-related white matter changes (ARWMC) scale and categorised into absent, mild, moderate, or severe WMD. Delirium and infection were defined by ICD-10 coding supplemented by hand-searching of hospital records. Dementia was diagnosed using clinical or cognitive assessment, medical records, and death certificates. Associations between hospitalisation with delirium and hospitalisation with infection, and post-event dementia were assessed using time-varying Cox analysis with multivariable adjustment, and all models were stratified by WMD severity. FINDINGS: From April 1, 2002, to March 31, 2012, 1369 individuals were prospectively recruited into the study. Of 1369 patients (655 with TIA and 714 with minor stroke, mean age 72 [SD 13] years, 674 female and 695 male, and 364 with moderate or severe WMD), 209 (15%) developed dementia. Hospitalisation during follow-up occurred in 891 (65%) patients of whom 103 (12%) had at least one delirium episode and 236 (26%) had at least one infection episode. Hospitalisation without delirium or infection did not predict subsequent dementia (HR 1·01, 95% CI 0·86-1·20). In contrast, hospitalisation with delirium predicted subsequent dementia independently of infection in patients with and without WMD (2·64, 1·47-4·74; p=0·0013 vs 3·41, 1·91-6·09; p<0·0001) especially in those with unimpaired baseline cognition (cognitive test score above cutoff; 4·01, 2·23-7·19 vs 3·94, 1·95-7·93; both p≤0·0001). However, hospitalisation with infection only predicted dementia in those with moderate or severe WMD (1·75, 1·04-2·94 vs 0·68, 0·39-1·20; pdiff=0·023). INTERPRETATION: The increased risk of dementia after delirium is unrelated to the presence of WMD, whereas infection increases risk only in patients with WMD, suggesting differences in underlying mechanisms and in potential preventive strategies. FUNDING: National Institute for Health and Care Research and Wellcome Trust.

Delayed diagnosis of a transient ischemic attack caused by ChatGPT.

Techniques of artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly used in the treatment of patients, such as providing a diagnosis in radiological imaging, improving workflow by triaging patients or providing an expert opinion based on clinical symptoms; however, such AI techniques also hold intrinsic risks as AI algorithms may point in the wrong direction and constitute a black box without explaining the reason for the decision-making process.This article outlines a case where an erroneous ChatGPT diagnosis, relied upon by the patient to evaluate symptoms, led to a significant treatment delay and a potentially life-threatening situation. With this case, we would like to point out the typical risks posed by the widespread application of AI tools not intended for medical decision-making.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated With Elevated Risk of Incident Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack in Women Veterans.

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with ischemic heart disease in women veterans, but evidence for associations with other cardiovascular disorders remains limited in this population. This retrospective longitudinal cohort study evaluated the association of PTSD with incident stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) in women veterans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Veterans Health Administration electronic health records were used to identify women veterans aged ≥18 years engaged with Veterans Health Administration health care from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2019. We identified women veterans with and without PTSD without a history of stroke or TIA at start of follow-up. Propensity score matching was used to match groups on age, race or ethnicity, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, female-specific risk factors, a range of mental and physical health conditions, and number of prior health care visits. PTSD, stroke, TIA, and risk factors used in propensity score matching were based on diagnostic codes. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for associations of PTSD with an incident stroke/TIA composite. Subanalyses considered stroke and TIA separately, plus age- and race- or ethnicity-stratified analyses were carried out. The analytic sample included 208 092 women veterans (104 046 with and 104 046 without PTSD). PTSD was associated with a greater rate of developing stroke/TIA (HR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.25-1.42], P<0.001). This elevated risk was especially pronounced in women <50 years old and in Hispanic/Latina women. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate a strong association of PTSD with incident stroke/TIA in women veterans. Research is needed to determine whether addressing PTSD and its downstream consequences can offset this risk.

Association Between Cardiovascular Event Type and Smoking Cessation Rates Among Outpatients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Insights From the NCDR PINNACLE Registry.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear how the type of an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) event potentially influences patients' likelihood of smoking cessation. METHODS: Using 2013 to 2018 data from the US based National Cardiovascular Data Registry Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence outpatient cardiac registry, we identified patients who were current smokers at a clinic visit and followed them over time for a subsequent ASCVD event. Self-reported smoking status was assessed at each consecutive visit and used to determine smoking cessation after each interim ASCVD event (myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass graft, stroke/transient ischemic attack, peripheral artery disease). We constructed separate multivariable Cox models with nonproportional hazards to examine the association of each interim ASCVD event with smoking cessation, compared with not having an interim ASCVD event. We estimated the relative association of ASCVD event type with smoking cessation using contrast tests. Analyses were stratified by presence versus absence of ASCVD at baseline. RESULTS: Across 530 cardiology practices, we identified 1 933 283 current smokers (mean age 62±15, male 54%, ASCVD at baseline 50%). Among the 322 743 patients who had an interim ASCVD event and were still smoking, 41 336 (12.8%) quit smoking by their first subsequent clinic visit, which was higher among those with baseline ASCVD (13.4%) as compared with those without baseline ASCVD (11.5%). Each type of ASCVD event was associated with an increased likelihood of smoking. Patients who had an myocardial infarction, underwent coronary artery bypass graft (hazard ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.55-1.65]), or had a stroke or transient ischemic attack were more likely to quit smoking as compared with those who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention or had a new diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (hazard ratio, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.17-1.22]). CONCLUSIONS: Only 13% of patients reported smoking cessation after an ASCVD event, with the type of event being associated with the likelihood of smoking cessation, prompting the need for patient-centered interventions.

Prevalence of Fabry disease and GLA variants in young patients with acute stroke: The challenge to widen the screening. The Fabry-Stroke Italian Registry.

BACKGROUND: Fabry disease (FD) is a treatable X-linked lysosomal storage disorder caused by GLA gene variants leading to alpha-galactosidase A deficiency. FD is a rare cause of stroke, and it is still controversial whether in stroke patients FD should be searched from the beginning or at the end of the diagnostic workup (in cryptogenic strokes). METHODS: Fabry-Stroke Italian Registry is a prospective, multicentric screening involving 33 stroke units. FD was sought by measuring α-galactosidase A activity (males) and by genetic tests (males with reduced enzyme activity and females) in patients aged 18-60 years hospitalized for TIA, ischemic stroke, or intracerebral hemorrhage. We diagnosed FD in patients with 1) already known pathogenic GLA variants; 2) novel GLA variants if additional clinical, laboratory, or family-derived criteria were present. RESULTS: Out of 1906 patients, we found a GLA variant in 15 (0.79%; 95%CI 0.44-1.29) with a certain FD diagnosis in 3 (0.16%; 95%CI 0.03-0.46) patients, none of whom had hemorrhage. We identified 1 novel pathogenic GLA variant. Ischemic stroke etiologies in carriers of GLA variants were: cardioaortic embolism (33%), small artery occlusion (27%), other causes (20%), and undetermined (20%). Mild severity, recurrence, previous TIA, acroparesthesias, hearing loss, and small artery occlusion were predictors of GLA variant. CONCLUSION: In this large multicenter cohort the frequency of FD and GLA variants was consistent with previous reports. Limiting the screening for GLA variants to patients with cryptogenic stroke may miss up to 80% of diagnoses. Some easily recognizable clinical features could help select patients for FD screening.

Distinguishing Transient Cerebral Ischemia From Other Brief Neurologic Events.

"Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est ['knowledge itself is power']." Sir Francis Bacon, Meditationes Sacrae (1597).

Approval, Evidence, and "Off-Label" Device Utilization: The Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Story.

BACKGROUND: Following regulatory approval, medical devices may be used "off-label." Patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is indicated to reduce recurrent stroke but has been proposed for other indications, including migraine, transient ischemic attack, and diving decompression illness. We sought to evaluate PFO closure rates and indications relative to the timing of regulatory approval and publication of key randomized trials. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study using the OptumLabs Data Warehouse of US commercial insurance enrollees from 2006 to 2019. We quantified PFO closure among individuals with ≥2 years of preprocedure coverage to establish indications, classified hierarchically as stroke/systemic embolism, migraine, transient ischemia attack, or other. RESULTS: We identified 5315 patients undergoing PFO closure (51.8% female, 29.2%≥60 years old), which increased from 4.75 per 100 000 person-years in 2006 to 6.60 per 100 000 person-years in 2019. Patients aged ≥60 years accounted for 29.2% of closures. Procedure volumes corresponded weakly with supportive clinical publications and device approval. Among patients with PFO closure, 58.6% underwent closure for stroke/systemic embolism, 10.2% for transient ischemia attack, 8.8% for migraine, and 22.4% for other indications; 17.6% of patients had atrial fibrillation at baseline; and 11.9% developed atrial fibrillation postprocedure. Those aged ≥60 years and male were less likely to undergo closure for migraine than stroke/systemic embolism. CONCLUSIONS: From 2006 to 2019, PFO closure use was consistently low and corresponded weakly with clinical trial publications and regulatory status. Nearly half of patients underwent PFO closure for indications unapproved by the Food and Drug Administration. Regulators and payers should coordinate mechanisms to promote utilization for approved indications to ensure patient safety and should facilitate clinical trials for other possible indications.

Computed diffusion-weighted imaging in patients with transient neurovascular symptoms with and without ischemic infarction.

PURPOSE: Detection of ischemic lesions in patients with transient neurovascular symptoms is relevant for the estimation of the risk of a subsequent stroke and etiological classification. To improve detection rates, different technical approaches have been used, such as diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with high b-values or higher magnetic field strength. Here, we sought to investigate the value of computed DWI (cDWI) with high b-values in these patients. METHODS: From an MRI report database we identified patients with transient neurovascular symptoms who underwent repeated MRI including DWI. cDWI was calculated with a monoexponential model with high b-values (2000, 3000, and 4000 s/mm2) and compared to the routinely used standard DWI with regard to presence of ischemic lesions and lesion detectability. RESULT: Overall 33 patients with transient neurovascular symptoms (71 [IQR 57-83.5] years; 21 [63.6%] male) were included. On DWI, acute ischemic lesions were observed in 22 (78.6%). Acute ischemic lesions were observed in 17 (51.5%) patients on initial DWI, and in 26 (78.8%) patients on follow-up DWI. Lesion detectability was rated significantly better on cDWI at 2000s/mm2 compared to standard DWI. In 2 (9.1%) patients, cDWI at 2000s/mm2 revealed an acute ischemic lesion proven on follow-up standard DWI which was not detected with certainty on the initial standard DWI. CONCLUSION: cDWI might be a valuable addition to routinely acquired standard DWI in patients with transient neurovascular symptoms since its use might result in improved ischemic lesion detection. A b-value of 2000s/mm2 seems most promising for clinical practice.

Smokers with Elevated Glycated Albumin Could Not Benefit from Dual Antiplatelet Therapy after Minor Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of smoking on dual antiplatelet therapy in patients with minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) under different glycated albumin (GA) levels. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients with Acute Nondisabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE) trial. A subgroup of 3,044 patients with baseline GA levels was included and categorized by smoking status and GA levels. The primary efficacy outcome was a new stroke within 90 days. The safety outcome was any bleeding event at 90 days. The interaction of smoking status with antiplatelet therapy was calculated by Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: In patients with GA levels ≤15.5%, the proportion of smokers was 37.7% (719/1,908), while in patients with GA levels >15.5%, it was 51.6% (586/1,136). During the 3-month follow-up period, 299 (9.9%) patients had a new stroke occurrence. In patients with elevated GA levels, both smokers and nonsmokers could not benefit from dual antiplatelet therapy (smokers, adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42-1.17; nonsmokers, adjusted HR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.57-1.18). In patients with normal GA levels, dual antiplatelet therapy reduced the risk of stroke recurrence in smokers by 72% (adjusted HR 0.28, 95% CI: 0.14-0.56) and in nonsmokers by 53% (adjusted HR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.26-0.86). However, whether the GA level was elevated or normal, there was no significant interaction between smoking status and antiplatelet therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Smokers with elevated GA levels could not benefit from dual antiplatelet therapy after minor stroke or TIA.

Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy: clinical presentation and risk of stroke and transient ischaemic attack.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy is a rare but important disease that can be associated with life-threatening complications due to cerebral vasculitis. The primary objective was to determine the incidence of neurological complications and risk factors for stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) associated with acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy. Secondary objectives included the clinical presentation, visual outcomes and recurrence rates. METHODS: This was a multicentre retrospective case series including 111 eyes from 60 subjects presenting from January 2009 to June 2020. RESULTS: Median age at presentation was 29 years (IQR 24.7-35.1) and 36 subjects (60.0%) were male. 20 subjects (33.3%) reported a viral prodrome. Stroke and TIA were observed in seven subjects (11.7%). Older age was the only significant risk factor for stroke/TIA (p=0.042). Vision loss occurred in seven eyes, with four eyes (3.6%) having final visual acuity 6/15-6/60 and three eyes (2.7%) having visual acuity of 6/60 or worse. Recurrence occurred in 10 subjects (16.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of headache cannot reliably predict those at risk of stroke/TIA. Individuals presenting with acute posterior multifocal pigment epitheliopathy should therefore undergo a clinical neurological review and work-up for cerebral vasculitis as deemed appropriate by the treating ophthalmologist and collaborating neurologist.

Predictors of recurrent cerebral ischemia after patent foramen ovale closure: A single center observational study.

OBJECTIVES: Transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure lowers recurrent stroke in patients with cryptogenic stroke or transient ischemic attack with an indication for closure. However, the incidence of recurrent stroke is not negligible and underlying pathophysiology remains largely unknown. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of recurrent ischemic neurological events and to assess its predictors after transcatheter patent foramen ovale closure. METHODS: We enrolled consecutive patients who underwent patent foramen ovale closure for secondary prevention of neurological ischemic events at the University Hospital of Parma between 2006 and 2021. Clinical and procedure-related features were collected for each patient. The incidence of recurrent ischemic neurological events was assessed at follow-up. RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 169 patients with mean Risk of Paradoxical Embolism score at hospital admission of 6.4 ± 1.5. The primary indication was previous cryptogenic stroke (94 [55.6 %] subjects), followed by transient ischemic attack (75 [44.4 %]). Among patients with complete outcome data (n= 154), after a median follow-up of 112 months, recurrent cerebral ischemia occurred in 13 [8.4 %], with an annualized rate of 0.92/100 patients. The presence of obesity [OR 5.268, p = 0.018], Risk of Paradoxical Embolism score < 7 [OR 5.991, p = 0.035] and migraine [OR = 5.932 p = 0.012] were independent positive predictors of recurrent stroke/ transient ischemic attack after patent foramen ovale closure. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of obesity, Risk of Paradoxical Embolism score < 7 and migraine were independent positive predictors of recurrent ischemic neurological events after patent foramen ovale closure.