Acute Lacunar Infarction Research Articles

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound reveals free-floating thrombus in carotid artery: The cause of stroke is surprisingly plaque rupture.

Acute stroke poses a serious threat to people's health. The occurrence of a thrombus following the rupture of vulnerable plaques in the carotid artery is a significant contributor to the development of stroke. In previous case reports, it has been challenging to visualize tiny ulcerations within carotid artery plaques using computed tomography angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA), even when the rupture of the plaque leads to the formation of a free-floating thrombus (FFT). However, in this particular case, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was able to overcome this limitation and provide a more precise assessment, confirming that the FFT formation was indeed a result of plaque rupture rather than any other potential causes. Cases that utilize CEUS to visualize the formation of ulcers and FFT resulting from plaque rupture are even more rare. As such, we present this case to shed light on this infrequent phenomenon. In this case study, we present a 65-year-old male patient who was admitted to the hospital due to headache and abnormal mental behavior for one day. During the routine cervical artery ultrasound examination upon admission, we detected the presence of plaque in the right internal carotid artery of the patient, resulting in luminal stenosis. Additionally, we observed suspected hypoechoic material at the distal end of the plaque. After undergoing CEUS examination, it was definitively determined that an ulcer had formed and a FFT had developed due to the rupture of carotid artery plaque. Subsequent CTA and DSA examinations further confirmed the presence of the FFT. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals an acute lacunar infarction in the head of the right caput nuclei caudate, which strengthens the potential link between the patient's neurological and psychiatric symptoms observed during admission. The patient received prompt antiplatelet therapy and underwent cervical artery stenting surgery with the assistance of a distal embolic protection device. Following the procedure, the patient was discharged on the fourth day and experienced a complete recovery. CEUS is a valuable tool for visualizing FFT resulting from the rupture of vulnerable plaques in the carotid artery.

Safety and efficacy of the novel Alpha stent for the treatment of intracranial wide-necked aneurysm

The Alpha stent is an intracranial closed-cell stent with a unique mesh design to enhance wall apposition. It recently underwent structural modifications to facilitate easier stent deployment. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of stent-assisted coil embolization for unruptured intracranial aneurysms using the Alpha stent. Between January 2021 and November 2021, 35 adult patients with 35 unruptured intracranial aneurysms in the distal internal carotid artery were prospectively enrolled. For efficacy outcomes, magnetic resonance angiography at the 6-month follow-up was evaluated using the Raymond-Roy occlusion classification (RROC). The safety outcome evaluated the occurrence of symptomatic procedure-related neurological complications up to 6 months postoperatively. Technical success was achieved in 34/35 (97.1%). Six months postoperatively, aneurysm occlusion showed RROC I in 32/35 (91.4%) and RROC II in 3/35 (8.6%) patients. Procedure-related neurologic complications occurred in one patient (2.9%) who experienced hemiparesis due to acute lacunar infarction, which resulted in a 6-month mRS score of 1. The Alpha stent demonstrated excellent efficacy and safety outcomes in stent-assisted coil embolization of unruptured distal ICA aneurysms. The recent structural modifications allowed for easier stent delivery and deployment.Clinical trial registration number: KCT0005841; registration date: 28/01/2021.

Neuropsychiatric manifestation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A unique case series

Neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) affects the brain, spinal cord, or other nerves and leads to neurological and psychiatric symptoms directly related to SLE. We report a series of four female patients with NPSLE as the first presentation for SLE. None of them were previously diagnosed with SLE. The first case involved a 50-year-old patient who presented with back pain and lower limb weakness for three weeks associated with numbness. A lumbar puncture was done, and CSF analysis showed high WBC and normal glucose levels with negative CSF cultures for bacteria. The patient was diagnosed with aseptic meningitis and treated with antibiotics and antiviral medication without improvement. So she was treated as a case of SLE aseptic meningitis with steroids. In the second case, a 20-year-old patient had a generalized tonic-clonic seizure with the acute manifestation of hypertensive urgency. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done and suggested posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES). The third case was for a 38-year-old patient who complained of dizziness, general weakness, and convulsion. On review of the systems, the patients had positive symptoms of SLE. Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) and double-stranded ds-DNA were positive. Computed tomography (CT) scans were done and showed a thymoma. The patient was diagnosed with SLE in association with focal seizures and thymoma. In the last case, a 44-year-old patient presented with tongue heaviness and right-side weakness. MRI revealed small acute lacunar infarction scattered at both cerebral hemispheres and the right side of the cerebellum, and chest CT showed pulmonary embolism (PE). The patient was diagnosed with an acute ischemic stroke and PE related to SLE. In conclusion, the neurological manifestations of SLE are a significant issue for both patients and clinicians. Here we report a unique case series and describe the prognosis and outcome of the treatment in these cases.

Abstract 97: Acute Ischemic Stroke Despite Anticoagulant Use: The Neuro-AFib Study

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) admissions in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) using anticoagulants (AIS-despite-AC) are commonly seen in stroke units but data on their frequency, causes, and outcomes are scarce. Methods: The Neuro-AFib study is a multicenter effort geared toward elucidating the causes and consequences of strokes in a contemporary AF cohort. Detailed clinical, laboratory and multimodal imaging data from known AF patients consecutively admitted to 20 stroke centers with an IS between 1/2018-12/2019 were used to define characteristics of AIS-despite-AC and compared to AIS-off-AC. Results: Out of 4456 patients with known AF prior to the AIS, 2051 (46%) were using anticoagulants. Patients who had AIS-despite-AC were younger (76.8 + 11 vs 77.8 + 12, p=0.007), had higher mean CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores (4.57 + 1.7 vs 4.21 + 1.7, p<0.001), and they were more likely to have permanent AF (23.5% vs 19.6%, p=0.002) and a past-history of stroke/TIA (36% vs 25%, p<0.001) when compared to non-AC group. Chronic embolic (non-lacunar) infarcts on imaging were more common among AIS-despite-AC (34.5% vs 26.7%, p<0.001). Acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) was common among AIS-despite-AC (48%). The pattern of the acute infarcts (numbers, embolic features) was not different. The calculated acute infarct volume was large (34ml) and mean NIHSS was 10.4 for AIS-despite-AC. Intravenous thrombolysis was used much less commonly for AIS-despite-AC (10.5% vs 32.1%, p<0.001). Symptomatic carotid disease was suspected in 2.4%, a hypercoagulable condition in 5.7%, whereas acute lacunar infarct was found in 6.5% of all patients. Death or significant disability (mRS 3-5) at hospital discharge were common in AIS on vs off AC (70.6% vs 75.2%, p<0.001). Conclusions: Based on a large multicenter cohort, AF patients who have AIS-despite-AC have higher AF load and risk scores, most don't have a concurrent etiology and they are more likely to have recurrent embolic events. The stroke severity, common presence of LVO, infarct size, and poor outcomes are alarming features, and most patients are unable to receive thrombolysis because of AC use. Overall, detection of AF patients at risk of AIS-despite-AC and development of specific preventive modalities should be priorities.

Relationships of Hematocrit With Chronic Covert and Acute Symptomatic Lacunar Ischemic Lesions.

Red blood cell (RBC) concentrations are known to associate with ischemic stroke. It is unclear whether RBC concentrations associate specifically with small vessel disease lacunar infarcts. We investigated the hypothesis that RBC concentrations associate with both chronic covert and acute symptomatic brain MRI lacunar infarcts. A cross-sectional observational analysis was performed across 2 cohorts with available hematocrit (as the assessment of RBC concentration exposure) and MRI outcome data. The primary setting was a population-based cohort of stroke-free, older adult (>50 years) participants from the Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS) enrolled between 2003 and 2009. A second replication sample consisted of patients admitted with acute stroke and enrolled into the Columbia Stroke Registry (CSR) between 2005 and 2020. Associations of hematocrit with (1) chronic, covert lacunar infarcts and (2) symptomatic (i.e., acute) lacunar strokes were separately assessed from the NOMAS and CSR cohorts, respectively, using general additive models after adjusting for relevant covariates. Of 1,218 NOMAS participants analyzed, 6% had chronic, covert lacunar infarcts. The association between hematocrit and these covert lacunar infarcts was U-shaped (χ2 = 9.21 for nonlinear associations; p = 0.03), with people with hematocrit extremes being more likely to have covert lacunar infarcts. Of the 1,489 CSR patients analyzed, 23% had acute lacunar strokes. In this sample, only the relationships of increased hematocrit concentrations and lacunar strokes were replicated (adjusted coefficient β = 0.020; SE = 0.009; p = 0.03). We identified relationships of hematocrit with MRI lacunar infarcts in both stroke-free and ischemic stroke cohorts, respectively. The relationship between increased hematocrit concentrations with lacunar infarcts was replicated in both cohorts. Further studies are required to clarify the mechanisms behind the relationships of hematocrit with ischemic cerebral small vessel disease.

Abstract 102: Pseudo‐Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia in a Patient with an Acute Globus Pallidus Infarct: A Case Report

Introduction Internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) is an ocular movement disorder typically due to a lesion in the medial longitudinal fasciculus (MLF). Rarely, similar ocular movement abnormalities can be observed in the absence of an MLF lesion. This case report aims to highlight a potential association between acute globus pallidus (GP) infarct and an ocular movement abnormality resembling INO. Methods N/A Results Case Presentation: A 72‐year‐old male with a medical history significant for chronic myeloid leukemia, prostate cancer, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, prior stroke, and heart failure presented with dizziness. Examination revealed right INO, skew deviation with right hypertropia, left lower extremity weakness, left upper extremity dysmetria, right facial weakness (prior deficit), and ataxic gait. MRI of brain confirmed an acute lacunar infarct in the right globus pallidus with no apparent brainstem or cerebellar lesion. The patient was started on dual antiplatelet therapy and discharged with home rehabilitation services to improve his balance. Discussion: The patient presented with pseudo‐INO in the setting of an acute globus pallidus infarct. This case introduces the idea that ocular motor abnormalities resembling INO could occur due to a GP lesion, which was not previously reported. The basal ganglia control saccadic eye movements by means of their connection to the superior colliculus (SC). GP was shown to have a role in this connection which may provide a plausible explanation for this observation. Another possible explanation can be based on the concept of diaschisis, where a lesion in a specific area of the brain (GP in this case) can lead to deficits or impairments in various functions associated with that region (the SC and its pathway for controlling saccadic eye movement). Conclusion This case emphasizes that slow adducting saccades and associated nystagmus is not always INO.

A rare case report: isolated midbrain lacunar infarct affecting the ipsilateral medial longitudinal fasciculus causing internuclear ophthalmoplegia effect

Isolated medial longitudinal fasciculus infarct is rare and can also be associated with cranial nerve nuclei or extra-nuclear regions leading to respective neurological deficit. We report a case of 73-year-old woman presenting with a 24 hour of confusion, abnormal eye movement and unsteady gait on a background history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension and Alzheimer’s disease. Her examination found to have dysdiadokinesia in left upper limb and inability to adduct right eyeball on left lateral gaze, without affecting the pupil. She was not oriented to time and place while before this event she could. Her examination found to have normal power in limbs and sensation. Her computed tomography (CT) brain showed no evidence of acute infarction or intracranial bleed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain demonstrated acute lacunar infarct involving the ipsilateral medial longitudinal fasciculus. This case demonstrates rare brainstem infarct affecting medial longitudinal fasciculus region below the IIIrd cranial nerve nucleus giving features of internuclear ophthalmoplegia affecting medial rectus muscle without affecting autonomic fibres of IIIrd cranial nerve due to which the pupil is not affected. We recommend strict control of predisposing conditions, mainly diabetes and hypertension to reduce the incidence of brainstem stroke.

Association between Carotid Wall Shear Stress-Based Vascular Vector Flow Mapping and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease.

Wall shear stress (WSS) is the frictional force caused by viscous blood flowing along the vessel wall. Decreased WSS is associated with local vascular endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. The vector flow mapping (VFM) technique detects the direction of intracardiac blood flow and WSS on the vessel wall with echocardiography. In this study, we examined carotid WSS by applying the VFM technique to the carotid arteries and evaluated its relationship with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). This is a single-center, prospective, observational study. We investigated the association between carotid WSS and SVD imaging, and cognitive outcomes in consecutive 113 patients with acute lacunar infarction. Carotid WSS was negatively associated with age (r=-0.376, p＜0.001). Lower WSS was correlated with total SVD scores (ρ=-0.304, p=0.004), especially with enlarged perivascular space (EPVS) in the basal ganglia ＞10 (p＜0.001). The carotid intima-media thickness was not associated with the total SVD score (ρ=-0.183, p=0.052). Moreover, lower WSS was associated with executive dysfunction. EPVS has recently been reported as a marker of early SVD imaging, and executive dysfunction is common in vascular cognitive impairment. These results suggested that decreased carotid WSS based on vascular VFM, which can be measured easily, is associated with imaging and cognitive changes in the early stages of SVD.

Trimethylamine N-Oxide and White Matter Hyperintensity Volume Among Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

Although increasing evidence suggests that trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is associated with atherosclerosis, little is known about whether TMAO and its related metabolites (ie, choline, betaine, and carnitine) are associated with small vessel disease. To evaluate the association between TMAO and its related metabolites with features of cerebral small vessel disease, including white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) and acute lacunar infarction. This cross-sectional study included patients enrolled in the Specialized Programs of Translational Research in Acute Stroke biorepository. The registry included 522 patients with acute ischemic stroke who were 18 years or older who presented at the Massachusetts General Hospital or Brigham and Women's Hospital within 9 hours after onset between January 2007 and April 2010. The analyses in this study were conducted between November 2022 and April 2023. Plasma TMAO, choline, betaine, and carnitine were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. WMHV was quantified by a semiautomated approach using signal intensity threshold with subsequent manual editing. Ischemic stroke subtype was classified using the Causative Classification System. Among 351 patients included in this study, the mean (SD) age was 69 (15) years; 209 patients (59.5%) were male and had a median (IQR) admission National Institute of Health Stroke Scale of 6 (3-13). The magnetic resonance imaging subgroup consisted of 291 patients with a mean (SD) age of 67 (15) years. Among these, the median (IQR) WMHV was 3.2 (1.31-8.4) cm3. TMAO was associated with WMHV after adjustment for age and sex (β, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.01-0.29; P < .001). TMAO remained significant in a multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking (β, 0.14; 95% CI, 0-0.29; P = .05). TMAO was associated with lacunar stroke but not other ischemic stroke subtypes in a model adjusted for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, and smoking (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.05-2.66; P = .03). In this observational study, TMAO was associated with cerebral small vessel disease determined by WMHV and acute lacunar infarction. The association was independent of traditional vascular risk factors.

Patient with Recurrent Acute Ischemic Strokes Found to have Cryptococcal Meningitis: A Case Report (P12-5.023)

<h3>Objective:</h3> n/a <h3>Background:</h3> Cryptococcal meningitis is a rare cause of ischemic stroke. Infections most often present in immunocompromised patients, classically AIDS or transplant patients. We present a case of a seemingly immunocompetent patient who presented with recurrent strokes found to have cryptococcal meningitis. <h3>Design/Methods:</h3> n/a <h3>Results:</h3> The patient was a 55-year-old male construction worker with hypertension. A year prior to admission, he was hospitalized for a week with mild SARS-COVID-19 infection. He had received two doses of the mRNA Covid vaccines. One month prior to admission, he developed headaches initially treated as sinus infection with oral antibiotics and steroids. Two weeks later, there was concern for acute-onset aphasia. He was afebrile with mild leukocytosis (13.6 B/L). MRI brain showed multiple, bilateral, scattered lacunar infarcts and left cerebellar infarcts. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography were unremarkable. A loop recorder was placed. He was started on dual antiplatelet and statin therapy. A week later, he was encephalopathic and lethargic. Repeat MRI brain showed new acute lacunar and bilateral cerebellar infarcts. The loop recorder was negative for arrhythmias. A lumbar puncture (LP) was deferred for unclear reasons. Patient was transferred to our stroke service, where he was febrile (102.3°F) with leukocytosis (17.4 B/L). He was encephalopathic and had nuchal rigidity. LP showed elevated opening pressure (55 cm H2O) and tested positive for Cryptococcal antigen. Liposomal amphotericin B and flucytosine were initiated. Diagnostic angiogram was negative for vasculitis. His CD4 count was 332 (normal 410–1,590), however HIV testing was negative and pan-CT scan showed no signs of underlying malignancy. His prolonged hospital course was complicated by elevated intracranial pressure, further strokes, and poor mental status requiring placement of tracheostomy and enteral tube access. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> It is important to keep infection, including cryptococcal meningitis, in the differential for the cause of recurrent strokes even in seemingly immunocompetent patients. <b>Disclosure:</b> Lauren Thaete has nothing to disclose. Dr. Azuma has nothing to disclose.

A case of Pathological Laughter in a patient with recurrent stroke

Introduction Stroke survivors frequently deal with neuropsychiatric sequelae - depression, anxiety and apathy being the most common ones. Pathological laughing and crying (PLC) is a post stroke condition characterized by brief, intense uncontrollable crying and/or laughing due to a neurological disorder. Prevalence of PLC post stroke has been reported to be 15-20%. Pathological laughter (PL) is commonly associated with bilateral or diffuse cerebral lesions. Ischemic injury involving the internal capsule and basal ganglia seems to be associated with emotional disorders. Objectives To discuss an uncommon case of pathological laughter developing after recurrent infarct. Methods A 32-year-old male patient presented to the medical emergency for complaints of slurring of speech since 7 hours. On examination, patient was alert, oriented, with blood pressure 150/90 mmHg. He had a history of similar stroke 2 years prior to current complaints and was on treatment for hypertension since then. Baseline investigations were done. MRI brain revealed acute lacunar infarcts in bilateral ganglio-capsular region, chronic small vessel ischaemic changes in B/L periventricular white matter (Fazeka grade 2) and micro-haemorrhages in various brain regions. Patient was managed conservatively (antiplatelets, statins, antihypertensives). Patient was then referred to Psychiatry department for uncontrollable laughing spells, which started few hours after onset of above complaints. These occurred without any provocation, every 1-2 hours, lasting for several seconds to a minute, and relieved spontaneously. Patient was aware of episodes and found them embarrassing socially. Mental status examination revealed no mood features or other abnormalities. Patient was prescribed Escitalopram, but shifted to homeopathic medicine and was lost to follow up. Telephonic interview one year later revealed that while other complaints have remitted, patient still has laughing spells of similar quality and frequency. Results Discussion: In post stroke PLC, pathological crying represents about 80% cases, while Pure Pathological Laughing, as in the present case, is uncommon. It is generally seen in diffuse CNS pathologies (eg. multiple sclerosis) or bilateral – ischaemic or degenerative. In case of strokes, PL may herald symptom onset, or may immediately follow focal deficits. The aetiology of PLC is unknown; monoaminergic neurotransmission may be altered in post stroke PLC. SSRIs are regarded as first choice treatment agents, given their greater tolerability overall. Conclusions Pathological laughter is a comparatively uncommon but recognisable and treatable post stroke sequela, more commonly seen in bilateral lesions. Patients often describe PL as distressing and socially disabling, but awareness about this condition and available treatments is lacking. Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Abstract WP188: Relationships Of Hematocrit With Asymptomatic And Symptomatic Lacunar Ischemic Lesions

Introduction: Hematocrit at both low and high extremes can result in both hypoxia and thrombosis respectively. While both scenarios may predispose to ischemia, it is unclear whether hematocrit associates with small vessel cerebrovascular lacunar infarcts. Hypothesis: Hematocrit levels will associate with both asymptomatic and symptomatic cerebrovascular lacunar infarcts in stroke-free participants and ischemic stroke patients, respectively. Methods: A cross sectional observational analysis of a prospective, population-based cohort study of stroke-free, older adult (&gt;50) participants from the Northern Manhattan study (NOMAS) receiving baseline hematocrit testing and MRI between 2003-2008 were analyzed. A second, single center prospective cohort of admitted adult ischemic stroke patients receiving baseline hematocrit testing and MRI between 2005-2018 was evaluated. Associations of hematocrit with covert, asymptomatic chronic lacunar infarcts from stroke-free participants in NOMAS were assessed using general additive models after adjusting for relevant covariates. Separate analyses were performed to assess associations of hematocrit with symptomatic acute lacunar infarct stroke etiology using similar adjusted models for patients admitted and enrolled into the ischemic stroke registry. Results: Of 1218 NOMAS participants analyzed, 6% had covert chronic lacunar infarcts. The association between hematocrit and covert chronic lacunar infarcts was U-shaped (X2: 9.21; p-value: 0.03). In the 1489 patients from the ischemic stroke registry, 23% were identified to have symptomatic acute lacunar infarcts. Linear relationships were identified with higher hematocrit and symptomatic acute lacunar infarct etiology (adjusted coefficient beta: 0.020; standard error: 0.009; p=0.03). Conclusions: We identified relationships of hematocrit with both asymptomatic and symptomatic lacunar infarcts in both stroke-free and ischemic stroke cohorts, respectively. There may be a relevant role of red blood cell volumes with ischemic cerebral small vessel disease pathophysiology. However, further studies are required to clarify the mechanisms behind these relationships.

Effect of Angong Niuhuang Pills on Positive Mental Symptoms Caused by Acute Lacunar Infarction in Patients with Mild Alzheimer

Effect of Angong Niuhuang Pills on Positive Mental Symptoms Caused by Acute Lacunar Infarction in Patients with Mild Alzheimer

Application of the Intracranial Arterial Pulsatility Index for Determination of Prognosis after Lacunar Infarct.

We aimed to investigate the usefulness of intracranial arterial pulsatility index to assess the prognosis of lacunar infarcts. Forty-nine patients with confirmed acute lacunar infarct were enrolled in the study. A transcranial color-coded sonography was performed to assess the pulsatility index of bilateral middle cerebral, posterior cerebral, vertebral, and proximal internal carotid arteries. Patients' clinical status was assessed using a modified Rankin scale. Spearman correlation was used for reporting the relation between quantitative data. Statistical significance was defined as a two-tail p-value of less than 0.05. The mean age ± standard deviation was 64.1 ± 9.07 years old, and 57.1% of the patients were male. Upon discharge, only 8.2% of the patients were ranked as 0 on the modified Rankin scale; however, after a 6-month follow-up period, this number increased to 49%. There were no significant differences between the left and right pulsatility index measurements in any of the assessed arteries. Patients with vertebral artery pulsatility indexes >1 on their primary assessment had significantly worse outcomes during the first, third, and sixth months follow-up (all r > 0.3, p-values < 0.01). Pulsatility indexes from other arteries did not predict the prognosis. Sonography-assisted assessment of the vertebral artery blood flow during the early stage of lacunar infarct provides a reliable reference for prognosis estimation.

Swallowing Apraxia Post Ischemic Stroke

A 55-year-old male patient with a known medical history of diabetes mellitus type 2 and treated lymphoma was first admitted with a sudden left-sided facial asymmetry and mouth deviation to the left side with no other neurological symptoms. A Computerized Tomography (CT) scan of the brain showed acute infarct and small left basal ganglia old lacunar infarction. He was discharged on a dual antiplatelet. One week later, the patient's condition had worsened and, therefore, was admitted with an impression of ischemic stroke. A bedside swallowing assessment, VFSS, and FEES study were conducted to diagnose this case. The bedside assessment did not reveal any sensory or motor deficits in his oral cavity and the FEES examination was also unable to rule out pharyngeal dysphagia. However, a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) revealed a significant dysfunction of oral preparation and oral phases and presented difficulty initiating the pharyngeal phase. Given these features, we believe that this swallowing difficulty is caused by swallowing apraxia. This case provides additional information and understanding on management from the swallowing side.

PSUN369 Glucagonoma-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy in a Young Female: A Case Report

Abstract Background Dilated cardiomyopathy has been reported in patients with glucagonoma. Since glucagon increases myocardial cAMP levels independent of beta adrenoreceptor blockade, thereby increasing heart rate and cardiac output, chronic excessive glucagon stimulation of the heart may lead to cardiomyopathy (Chang-Chretien, 2004). Clinical Case A 26 year old female presented with a 2-year history of palpable epigastric mass, vomiting and weight loss. Abdominal CT showed a heterogeneously enhancing, lobulated pancreatic head-body mass measuring 6.7×6.1×9.9 cm and a hypo-enhancing nodule in hepatic segment IVb, worrisome for metastasis. Endoscopy-guided FNAB of the pancreatic mass revealed a well-differentiated pNET, Grade 3. Chromogranin and synaptophysin stains were positive, Ki-67 index was 33.6%. She was lost to follow-up. After 4 months, she was admitted due to 1 week history of increased vomiting episodes up to 10x daily and abdominal discomfort with 2 day history of incomprehensible speech and right-sided weakness. On examination, she was weak-looking, tachycardic (114 bpm), underweight (BMI 17.45 kg/m2) and with palpable, hard, non-tender epigastric mass measuring 10×7 cm. She also had hyperpigmented patches on both legs initially manifesting as intermittent oozing excoriations over the past 2 years. Cranial MRI revealed subacute CVD infarct. Anticoagulation was given. On the second day, she started having diarrheal episodes. Supportive management was given. Serum glucagon was markedly elevated (&amp;gt;25,000 pg/mL, normal &amp;lt;80). Serum PP (6562 pg/mL, normal &amp;lt;228) and gastrin (621 pg/mL, normal 13-115) were elevated. Serum VIP (&amp;lt;50 pg/mL, normal &amp;lt;75) was normal. Further investigations showed prediabetes (FBS 112 mg/dL, HbA1c 5.7%) and normocytic, normochromic anemia. Screening for MEN1 was unremarkable. On the third day, she had progression of slurred speech and right-sided weakness. Cranial MRI revealed acute lacunar infarcts. As part of hypercoagulability workup, 2D-Echocardiogram showed depressed ejection fraction (20.9%), dilated LV with normal relative wall thickness, and global hypokinesia of the LV wall, confirming dilated cardiomyopathy. Carotid and Venous Duplex scans were normal. Anti-heart failure regimen was initiated. Due to her current neurologic, cardiac and metabolic conditions, she cannot proceed with surgery and chemotherapy. She was given octreotide injection 30 mg every 4 weeks for 3 doses. Post-treatment, repeat abdominal CT and 2D-Echocardiogram showed no significant change. In the meantime, she had improved appetite and no recurrence of vomiting nor diarrhea. She denies palpitations and can better tolerate walking and climbing stairs. Conclusion We reported a rare case of glucagonoma in a young female with documented constellation of symptoms and complications associated with the syndrome, prominently including dilated cardiomyopathy. It is therefore recommended that cardiovascular evaluation should be initiated at the time of glucagonoma diagnosis for timely and appropriate management. Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

LEFT ATRIAL SEPTAL POUCH IN A PATIENT WITH RECURRENT STROKE

LEFT ATRIAL SEPTAL POUCH IN A PATIENT WITH RECURRENT STROKE

P240 Candida nivariensis infection in South East Asia: series of case reports from Selayang Hospital, Malaysia and South East Asia Region

Poster session 2, September 22, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM Introduction Candida nivariensis, first described from Spain in 2005 is an emerging fungal pathogen. Malaysia has captured a total of 11 cases since its first reported here in 2014. Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam are among South East Asia countries that reported its occurrence too.ObjectivesThe occurrence and characteristics of Candida nivariensis in South East Asia are studied. We would like to highlight two cases from Selayang Hospital, Malaysia that occurred during pandemic COVID-19 in 2020 and 2022.Case DescriptionIn July 2020, a 60-year-old lady underlying poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, CKD stage V approaching ESRD, congestive cardiac failure, hypertension, and dyslipidemia was diagnosed as complicated MSSA bacteremia secondary to right gluteal carbuncle. Appropriate antibiotics were commenced. Aggressive source control including incision and drainage, cauterization of right gluteal carbuncle, and multiple wound debridement for the infected gluteal wound was performed. She underwent a trephine sigmoid loop colostomy. Tracheostomy was done following prolong ventilation. Anidulafungin as empirical fungal coverage was commenced in ICU as she further deteriorated. Candida nivariensis was isolated later from her blood culture.In February 2022, a 74-year-old man underlying Diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, ischemic heart disease with two vessels disease stented, post-Whipple's procedure due to necrotizing pancreatitis in 2014 complicated with chronic abdominal pain with hyperalgesia admitted to the ward for acute right lacunar infarct with failed swallowing test and neurogenic bladder. His general condition deteriorated with worsening of biochemical and septic parameters. His blood culture grew C. nivariensis following which anidulafungin was started. No distant seeding and no signs of endophthalmitis. He then required mechanical ventilatory support complicated with multiorgan failure, leading to ICU admission.MethodsFor both cases, yeast isolates were subcultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar and CHROMagar. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) with molecular testing was performed for confirmation of isolates. Phylogenetic tree among isolates from Malaysia was analyzed. Antifungal susceptibility test (AFST) to study the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) among treatment options was performed using the e-test method.ResultsWide use of MALDI-TOF MS with molecular testing increased the detection rate of the species. Isolation sites in Malaysia and South East Asia region include blood culture, peritoneal fluid, high vaginal swab, and oropharyngeal swab. Risk factors namely immunocompromised status, indwelling vascular catheter, abdominal surgeries, renal failure or on dialysis support, polymicrobial usage, and prolonged stay in ICU. AFST established susceptibility towards fluconazole, high MIC to itraconazole and low MIC against amphotericin B, anidulafungin and voriconazole for both patients who unfortunately succumbed to their illness.ConclusionDiagnosing C. nivariensis is challenging due to its closely related phylogenetic with C. glabrata, and C. bracarensis, thus molecular testing is vital. Inadequate antifungal coverage or delay of treatment could be detrimental to patient's outcome. Continuous epidemiological surveillance is crucial to address this potential invasive fungal pathogen and to observe emerging of drug resistance.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Associated With Endocarditis: A Case Years in the Making.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Associated With Endocarditis: A Case Years in the Making.

Abstract 157: Ischemic Strokes In Patients With Atrial Fibrillation On Oral Anticoagulant: The Neuro-AFib Study

Background: Ischemic stroke (IS) admissions in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) using either direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) or Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are commonly seen in stroke units but data on their prevalence and causes are scarce. Understanding the frequency/causes of failures of current FDA-approved preventive methods in patients with AF is important to reduce stroke risk and related death/disability. Methods: The Neuro-AFib study is a multicenter effort geared toward elucidating the causes and consequences of IS and hemorrhagic stroke in a contemporary AF cohort. Detailed clinical, laboratory and multimodal neuro- and cardiac imaging data from known AF patients consecutively admitted to 22 US academic stroke centers with an IS between 1/2018-12/2019 were used to compare characteristics of IS on vs off oral anticoagulants. Results: Out of 6443 IS patients with AF, 4898 (76%) had known AF prior to the acute stroke. Among these patients with known AF, 2204 (45%) were using oral anticoagulants [OAC= DOAC (59.3%) or VKA (40.7%)]. Patients who had IS on OAC were younger (76.8 + 11 vs 78 + 12, p=0.001), had higher mean CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores (4.17 + 1.5 vs 3.9 + 1.5, p&lt;0.0001), and more likely to have a past history of IS/TIA when compared to non-OAC group (35% vs 23%, p&lt;0.0001). In a multivariable logistic regression model, history of IS/TIA, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, heart failure, prosthetic heart valve, sleep apnea, permanent atrial fibrillation, left atrial dilation and ischemic arterial disease were all independently associated with IS on OAC (all p&lt;0.05). Imaging data were complete in 15% of the cohort and IS on OAC group had more acute lacunar infarcts, and extracranial and intracranial atherosclerotic disease causing 50% or more ipsilateral stenosis compared to patients with IS off OAC (all p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Based on a large multicenter contemporary cohort of IS patients with known AF, the numbers of patients who failed OACs (and especially DOACs) are high. These patients have severe vascular risk factor loads, concurrent etiologies, and they are more likely to have recurrent ischemic events. Further detailed data focused on imaging and IS mechanisms from this contemporary cohort will be ready to be presented during ISC 2022.