Detection of Early Ischemic Changes in Noncontrast CT Head Improved with "Stroke Windows".

Introduction. Noncontrast head CT (NCCT) is the standard radiologic test for patients presenting with acute stroke. Early ischemic changes (EIC) are often overlooked on initial NCCT. We determine the sensitivity and specificity of improved EIC detection by a standardized method of image evaluation (Stroke Windows). Methods. We performed a retrospective chart review to identify patients with acute ischemic stroke who had NCCT at presentation. EIC was defined by the presence of hyperdense MCA/basilar artery sign; sulcal effacement; basal ganglia/subcortical hypodensity; and loss of cortical gray-white differentiation. NCCT was reviewed with standard window settings and with specialized Stroke Windows. Results. Fifty patients (42% females, 58% males) with a mean NIHSS of 13.4 were identified. EIC was detected in 9 patients with standard windows, while EIC was detected using Stroke Windows in 35 patients (18% versus 70%; P < 0.0001). Hyperdense MCA sign was the most commonly reported EIC; it was better detected with Stroke Windows (14% and 36%; P < 0.0198). Detection of the remaining EIC also improved with Stroke Windows (6% and 46%; P < 0.0001). Conclusions. Detection of EIC has important implications in diagnosis and treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Utilization of Stroke Windows significantly improved detection of EIC.

Case report of intracranial Rosai-Dorfman disease.

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD)-sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy-represents a peculiar proliferation of histiocyte-like cells in patients. The condition was described by Rosai and Dorfman in 1969, after examining 4 cases, as an idiopathic histiocytic disorder. In 1972, they studied an additional 30 cases of patients with RDD. A histioproliferative disorder, RDD is characterized by bilateral, painless, cervical lymphadenopathy in 81% of patients. Fever, leukocytosis, elevated sedimentation rate, and polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia may also be found. In 30% of patients, extranodal involvement is present and may include the skin, eye orbit, upper respiratory tract, or testes. Cases involving the central nervous system are rare and account for < 5% of patients with RDD. We report on a 78-year-old woman presenting with new-onset headache, dizziness, and imbalance, which had been present for a few weeks prior to admission. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed 2 enhancing lesions within the right and left cerebellar hemispheres. Biopsy of the mass demonstrated a lymphohistiocytic infiltrate involving the cerebellum with foci of emperipolesis (phagocytosed lymphocytes). The adjacent cerebellum showed myelinated nerve fibers with reactive gliosis. A thorough work-up and histopathologic exam of the biopsied mass demonstrated lymphohistiocytic infiltrate with foci of emperipolesis (phagocytosed lymphocytes) consistent with RDD. Other differential considerations, such as primary or secondary neoplasms, infections, lymphoproliferative disorders, granulomatoses, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and lymphocyte-rich meningioma were ruled out by additional histopathologic exam.

Asterixis related to gabapentin intake: a case report and review.

Asterixis has been reported as a side effect of toxic and metabolic abnormalities. The current literature contains very little evidence of gabapentin-related neurotoxicity. Our observations reveal that neurotoxic side effects of gabapentin use may be seen even when dose adjustments are made for patients with mild-to-moderate renal dysfunction. Clinical vigilance for possible neurotoxic effects of gabapentin therapy in patients with renal dysfunction is warranted.

Safety of a "drip and ship" intravenous thrombolysis protocol for patients with acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: The "drip and ship" approach for intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is becoming the standard of care for patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in communities without direct access to a stroke specialist. We aimed to demonstrate the safety of our "drip and ship" IVT protocol. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients with AIS treated with IVT between January 2003 and January 2011. Information on patients' baseline characteristics, neuroimaging, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality was obtained from our stroke registry. A group of patients were treated with IVT by an emergency physician in phone consultation with a board-certified vascular neurologist (BCVN) at 1 of our 3 stroke network-affiliated hospitals (SNAHs). These patients were subsequently transferred to our Joint Commission-certified primary stroke center (CPSC) after completion of IVT ("drip and ship" protocol). The other patients were treated directly by a BCVN at the CPSC. RESULTS: We studied 201 patients treated with IVT. Of them, 14% received IVT at a SNAH ("drip and ship" protocol) and 86% were treated at the CPSC. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to age, National Institutes of Health Stoke Scale score, stroke symptom onset-to-needle time, sICH, or in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our "drip and ship" protocol for IVT is safe. The protocol was not associated with an excess of sICH or in-hospital mortality compared with patients who received IVT at the CPSC.

Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease.

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), affects 70% to 80% of patients, and causes significant morbidity and discomfort. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction symptoms in PD include sexual dysfunction, swallowing and gastrointestinal disorders, bowel and bladder abnormalities, sleep disturbances, and derangements of cardiovascular regulation, particularly, orthostatic hypotension. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction in PD may be caused by an underlying degenerative process that affects the autonomic ganglia, brainstem nuclei, and hypothalamic nuclei. Anti-parkinsonian medications can cause or worsen symptoms of ANS dysfunction. The care of a PD patient with ANS dysfunction relies on its recognition and directed treatment, including coordinated care between the neurologist and appropriate subspecialist. Pharmacotherapy may be useful to treat orthostasis, gastrointestinal, urinary, and sexual dysfunction.