Abstract

Introduction: Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by severe headaches accompanied by reversible segmental vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries. Ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke are considered major complications of RCVS. We aimed to assess outcomes of RCVS patients with and without stroke, and to compare presentation with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Methods: Data was extracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) spanning 2016 to 2018. All adult patients diagnosed with RCVS were identified using ICD-10 codes after excluding patients with a concurrent diagnosis of primary angiitis. Measured outcomes included adverse events during hospitalization and discharge disposition. Standard bivariate statistical tests were applied to compare groups. Results: Of 3170 patients (mean age 48.0±15.7 years; 73.3% female) who were admitted with the diagnosis of RCVS, 1565 patients (49.4%) had no stroke and 1605 patients (50.6%) presented with stroke. In patients who presented with stroke, 375 patients (26.1%) had only ischemic stroke and 1060 (73.9%) presented with only hemorrhagic stroke. Rates of routine discharge were higher in patients with no stroke (75.4% vs 57.9%, p<0.001) versus those presenting with stroke (Table). In patients who presented with stroke, rates of percutaneous gastrostomy (PEG) placement were higher in ischemic stroke group compared to patients with hemorrhagic stroke (5.3% vs 2.4%, p=0.004), whereas rates of ventilation/intubation were higher in patients with hemorrhagic stroke (10.8% vs 4.0%, p=0.001). Routine discharge was more frequent in RCVS patients presenting with hemorrhagic rather than ischemic stroke (66.0% vs 48.0%, p<0.001). Conclusions: More than half of patients admitted with a diagnosis of RCVS presented with stroke. RCVS patients presenting with ischemic stroke have higher rates of PEG placement and lower rates of routine discharge than those presenting with hemorrhagic stroke.

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