Asymptomatic Infarction Research Articles

Acute Asymptomatic Vasculitic Infarct in Patients with Meningitis

Acute Asymptomatic Vasculitic Infarct in Patients with Meningitis

Splenic artery embolization in the treatment of blunt splenic injury: single level 1 trauma center experience.

To describe the experience of a single level 1 trauma center in the management of blunt splenic injuries (BSI). This is a retrospective study with Institutional Review Board approval. The medical records of 450 patients with BSI treated between January 2016 and December 2022 were reviewed. Seventy-two patients were treated with splenic artery embolization (SAE), met the study criteria, and were eligible for data analysis. Spleen injuries were graded in accordance with the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Organ Injury Scale. Univariate data analysis was performed, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The splenic salvage rate was 90.3% (n = 65/72). Baseline demographics were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). Distal embolization with Gelfoam® had similar rates of splenic salvage to proximal embolization with coils (90% vs. 94.1%, P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of splenic infarction between distal embolization with Gelfoam® (20%, 4/20) and proximal embolization with coils (17.6%, 3/17) (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in procedure length (68 vs. 75.8 min) or splenic salvage rate (88.5% vs. 92.1%) between proximal and distal embolization (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in procedure length (69.1 vs. 73.6 min) or splenic salvage rate (93.1% vs. 86.4%) between Gelfoam® and coil embolization (P > 0.05). Combined proximal and distal embolization was associated with a higher rate of splenic abscess formation (25%, 2/8) when compared with proximal (0%, 0/26) or distal (0%, 0/38) embolization alone (P = 0.0003). The rate of asymptomatic and symptomatic splenic infarction was significantly higher in patients embolized at combined proximal and distal locations (P = 0.04, P = 0.01). The endovascular management of BSI is safe and effective. The overall splenic salvage rate was 90.3%. Distal embolization with Gelfoam® was not associated with higher rates of splenic infarction when compared with proximal embolization with coils. Combined proximal and distal embolization was associated with a higher incidence of splenic infarction and splenic abscess formation. Distal splenic embolization with Gelfoam® is safe and may be beneficial in the setting of blunt splenic trauma.

Incidence and Characteristics of Cerebral Infarction After Microsurgical Clipping of Unruptured Anterior Circulation Cerebral Aneurysms: Diffusion-Weighted Imaging-Based Analysis of 600 Patients.

Postclipping cerebral infarction (PCI) remains a major concern after treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). However, studies of microsurgical clipping based on diffusion-weighted imaging are limited. We aimed to present the incidence, risk factors, and types of PCI and its radiological and clinical characteristics. This was a retrospective single-center study in which patients were scheduled to undergo microsurgical clipping for anterior circulation UIAs. The overall incidence and risk factors were calculated. Based on the operation and relevant artery, we categorized PCI on diffusion-weighted imaging into 4 types and presented their radiological and clinical characteristics. We reviewed the radiological and clinical data of 605 patients. The overall incidence of PCI was 16.7% (101/605), of which asymptomatic infarction was 14.9% (90/605) and symptomatic infarction was 1.8% (11/605). Hypertension (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.258; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.330-3.833), temporary clipping (aOR, 1.690; 95% CI: 1.034-2.760), multiple aneurysm locations (aOR, 1.832; 95% CI: 1.084-3.095), and aneurysm dome size (aOR, 1.094; 95% CI: 1.006-1.190) were independent risk factors for PCI. Type II (perianeurysmal perforator) infarction was the most common type of PCI (48.6%) and the most common cause of symptomatic infarction (72.7%). Types II and III (distal embolic) infarctions correlated with atherosclerotic changes in the aneurysm wall and temporary clipping (62.4% and 70.6%, respectively). The type IV (unrelated) infarction group had a higher incidence of systemic atherosclerosis (55%). Microsurgical clipping is a safe and viable option for the treatment of anterior circulation UIAs. However, modification of the surgical technique, preoperative radiological assessment, and patient selection are required to reduce the incidence of PCI.

Acute Asymptomatic Vasculitic Infarct in Patients with Meningitis

Acute Asymptomatic Vasculitic Infarct in Patients with Meningitis

Transarterial Embolization of Renal Arteriovenous Malformations: Treatment Outcomes According to Angiographic Classification

PurposeTo assess the different adjunctive catheter techniques required to achieve complete occlusion of renal arteriovenous malformations (rAVMs) of different angioarchitectural types. Materials and MethodsOverall, data on 18 patients with rAVM (Type 1, n = 7; Type 2, n = 2; Type 3, n = 9; mean age, 53.8 years) who underwent 25 procedures between 2011 and 2022 were reviewed. The clinical presentations, endovascular techniques, arteriovenous malformation (AVM) occlusion rate, adverse events (including the incidence of renal infarction), and clinical symptoms and outcomes (including recurrence/increase of AVM) were analyzed according to the Cho-Do angioarchitectural classification. Posttreatment renal infarction was classified as no infarction, small infarction (<12.5%), medium infarction (12.5%–25%), and large infarction (>25%) using contrast-enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. ResultsHematuria and heart failure were presenting symptoms in 10 and 2 patients, respectively. The embolic materials used were as follows: Type 1 rAVM, coils alone or with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (nBCA); Type 2 rAVM, nBCA alone or with coils; and Type 3 rAVMs, nBCA alone. Fourteen patients underwent adjunctive catheter techniques, including flow control with a balloon catheter and multiple microcatheter placement, alone or in combination. Immediate postprocedural angiography revealed complete occlusion in 15 patients (83%) and marked regression of rAVM in 3 (17%). Small asymptomatic renal infarctions were observed in 6 patients with Type 3 rAVMs without any decrease in renal function. No major adverse events were observed. All symptomatic patients experienced symptom resolution. Recurrence/increase of rAVM was not observed during the mean 32-month follow-up period (range, 2–120 months). ConclusionsTransarterial embolization using adjunctive catheter techniques according to angioarchitectural types can be an effective treatment for rAVMs.

Abstract 103: Acute Onset Rhythmic Tremor In Acute Frontal Cortical Infarction: A Case Report

Introduction Acute ischemic stroke varies in presentation, and it is crucial to quickly identify patients presenting with stroke for timely intervention. Secondary movement disorders occurring after a delayed period following ischemic stroke have been well‐documented, though rare. Holmes tremor specifically has been described as a delayed result of ischemic infarction involving subcortical structures such as mollaret triangle, thalamus, and basal ganglia. However, it is novel for frontal cortical infarcts to present with acute‐onset contralateral limb tremor, especially as an isolated symptom. Our case suggests a “secondary insult” involving the frontal cortex can disinhibit the motor pathway that leads to tremor in preexisting midbrain and thalamic lesions. We present a 67‐year‐old male with acute onset, constant, rhythmic tremor in the setting of acute ischemic frontal cortical infarction. Methods n/a, case report Results A 67‐year‐old male with medical history of pineal gland cyst status‐post shunt placement and hypertension who presented for evaluation of acute onset right upper extremity rhythmic tremor that started 24 hours prior. He did not have any associated weakness, numbness, vision changes, nausea, or vomiting. He had never had this tremor before. Neurologic examination was significant for a 4.0 Hz rhythmic resting tremor that was present throughout exam and was non‐distractible. This tremor remained consistent even with kinetic movements and postures. Electroencephalogram (EEG) was performed STAT during this tremor and was not based in seizure. Non‐contrast head computerized tomography (CT) was negative for any acute hemorrhage or intracranial pathology. CT angiogram head and neck showed left internal carotid artery (ICA) long segment tapered occlusion from the proximal cervical ICA to the distal petrous segment, likely dissection of undetermined chronicity. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Brain with and without contrast was significant for acute punctate foci involving the precentral cortex of the left frontal lobe consistent with acute ischemic infarction. Encephalomalacia was also present involving the bilateral posterior thalami and left midbrain chronic ischemic infarctions. This suggests the tremor was caused by disinhibition of the motor pathway from the ischemic insult to the frontal cortex, as he had pre‐existing asymptomatic ischemic insult to the typical structures known to cause this tremor. He was outside of the Tenecteplase window and was given a load of Aspirin followed by aspirin 81 mg daily. He was trialed on propranolol for treatment of symptomatic tremor however this was discontinued before discharge as it was ineffective and patient preferred to hold off on other treatments. He is now awaiting outpatient Neurology follow up. Conclusion This case suggests that acute onset Holmes tremor can be the sole presenting sign in acute ischemic frontal cortical infarction. The pre‐existing asymptomatic infarctions in the midbrain and thalamus also support that a “second hit” located in the frontal cortex can disinhibit the motor pathway between the cortex and rubral tract. This is important as Holmes tremor is more commonly known to be from a mechanism of damage to the red nucleus or thalamic structures in a delayed manner, typically at least two weeks after stroke. This knowledge will help identify rare strokes in a timely manner.

A multidisciplinary approach to posterior quadrant disconnective epilepsy surgery in pediatric patients

PurposeExtensive lesions of the posterior quadrant are a relevant cause of pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy. Early surgery is the best treatment in these cases, but conventional multilobar resections carry a significant risk in pediatric patients. Despite temporo-parieto-occipital (TPO) disconnection being the preferable technique due to the preservation of motor function, studies reporting long-term longitudinal outcomes are still limited. This study aims to analyze seizures and developmental outcomes after TPO disconnection. MethodsA prospective analysis was carried out on 12 children who underwent TPO disconnection. ResultsTPO disconnection was performed in 12 pediatric patients aged between 14 months and 18 years (median 6.29 years). The average age of seizure onset was 0.97 ± 1.22 years. Causes of TPO included perinatal ischemia in 4 patients and malformation of cortical development (MCD) in 8 patients. The presenting seizure types were focal motor impaired awareness seizures in 7 children and generalized in 5. The affected hemisphere was the right in 9 patients and the left in 3. In half of the patients, the temporal approach was performed through T1, and in the other 50%, it was performed through T2. After neuropsychological examination, 2 children improved, 7 remained stable, 2 patients presented stagnation and 1 declined. Regarding postoperative complications, nonresorptive hydrocephalus and an asymptomatic caudate nucleus infarct were observed. After a median follow-up of 2 years, 9 patients were in Engel’s Class I seizure outcome. ConclusionTPO disconnection is a safe and effective motor-sparing epilepsy surgery for children with refractory seizures located in the posterior quadrant that prevents further cognitive deterioration.

Frequency and Pattern of MRI Diffusion Restrictions after Diagnostic Catheter Neuroangiography.

(1) Background: We investigated the frequency, location, and lesion size of diffusion restrictions (DR) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of asymptomatic patients after diagnostic angiography and assessed risk factors for their occurrence. (2) Methods: We analyzed diffusion-weighted images (DWI) of 344 patients undergoing diagnostic angiographies in a neuroradiologic center. Only asymptomatic patients who received a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination within seven days after the angiography were included. (3) Results: Asymptomatic infarcts on DWI were identified in 17% of the cases after diagnostic angiography. In these 59 patients, a total of 167 lesions were noted. The diameter of the lesions was 1-5 mm in 128 lesions, and 5-10 mm in 39 cases. Dot-shaped diffusion restrictions were found most frequently (n = 163, 97.6%). None of the patients had neurological deficits during or after angiography. Significant correlations were found between the occurrence of lesions and patient age (p < 0.001), history of atherosclerosis (p = 0.014), cerebral infarction (p = 0.026), or coronary heart disease/heart attack (p = 0.027); and the amount of contrast medium used (p = 0.047) and fluoroscopy time (p = 0.033). (4) Conclusions: With an incidence of 17%, we observed a comparatively high risk for asymptomatic cerebral ischemia after diagnostic neuroangiography. Further measures to reduce the risk of silent embolic infarcts and improve the safety of neuroangiography are warranted.

The role of coronary computed tomography angiography in pregnancy-associated myocardial infarction

Pregnancy-associated coronary artery dissection is one of the critical causes of myocardial infarction in young females. The challenges in the diagnosis and follow-up of pregnancy-associated myocardial infarction prompted us to highlight the potential role of coronary computed angiography in managing this life-threatening medical condition. We describe a case of a 29-year-old female with sudden onset chest discomfort one-week postpartum. She presented to the hospital with an ST-elevation myocardial infarction and was urgently taken to the cath lab for PCI and stent placement. Thirteen months later, with intermittent chest discomfort, an coronary computed tomography was done, demonstrating evidence of SCAD and aneurysm formation in the left main coronary artery and left circumflex coronary artery. Repeat cardiac catheterization confirmed the same diagnosis. Given her refractory chest discomfort and the chance of aneurysm rupture decision was made to proceed with a three-vessel CABG. At 3-month and 1-year followup visits, the patient is doing well and remains pain-free. In this case presentation, we aim to highlight the potential role of Coronary Computed tomography angiography in the diagnosis and follow-up of pregnancy-associated spontaneous coronary artery dissection, given the high accuracy and non invasiveness of this diagnostic modality in the context of the high prevalence of spontaneous coronary artery dissection in symptomatic or asymptomatic pregnancy-associated myocardial infarction.

197 A Multidisciplinary Approach to Posterior Quadrant Disconnective Epilepsy Surgery in Pediatric Patients

INTRODUCTION: Extensive lesions of the posterior quadrant are a relevant cause of pediatric drug-resistant epilepsy. Early surgery is the best treatment in these cases but conventional multilobar resections carry a significant risk in pediatric patients. Despite temporo-parieto-occipital (TPO) disconnection being the preferable technique due to the preservation of motor function, studies reporting long-term longitudinal outcomes are still limited. METHODS: A prospective analysis was carried out on 12 children who underwent TPO disconnection. (Image 1 and 2) RESULTS: TPO disconnection was performed in 12 pediatric patients aged between 14 months and 18 years (median 6.29 years). The average age of seizure onset was 0.97±1.22 years. Causes of TPO included perinatal ischemia in 4 and malformation of cortical development (MCD) in 8. The presenting seizure types were focal motor impaired awareness seizures in 7 children and generalized in 5. The affected hemisphere was the right one in 9 patients and the left in 3. In half of the patients the temporal approach was performed through T1 and in the other 50% through T2. After neuropsychological examination, 2 children improved, 7 remained stable, 2 patients presented stagnation and 1 declined. Regarding postoperative complications, a non-resorptive hydrocephalus and an asymptomatic caudate nucleus infarct were observed. After a median follow-up of 2 years, 9 patients were in Engel’s Class I seizure outcome. CONCLUSIONS: TPO disconnection is a safe and effective motor-sparing epilepsy surgery for children with refractory seizures located in the posterior quadrant, which prevents further cognitive deterioration.

Chronic expanding pituitary hematoma with calcification resulting from pituitary adenoma: illustrative case.

Pituitary apoplexy (PA) is characterized by sudden headache, vomiting, visual dysfunction, anterior lobe dysfunction, and endocrine disorder due to bleeding or infarction from a pituitary adenoma. PA occurs in approximately 0.6-10% of pituitary adenomas, more commonly in men aged 50-60 years, and more frequently in nonfunctioning and prolactin-producing pituitary adenomas. Further, asymptomatic hemorrhagic infarction is found in approximately 25% of PA. A pituitary tumor with asymptomatic hemorrhage was detected on head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Thereafter, the patient underwent head MRI every 6 months. After 2 years, the tumor was enlarged and visual dysfunction was noticed. The patient underwent endoscopic transnasal pituitary tumor resection and was diagnosed with a chronic expanding pituitary hematoma with calcification. The histopathological findings were very similar to those of chronic encapsulated expanding hematoma (CEEH). CEEH associated with pituitary adenomas gradually increases in size, causing visual dysfunction and pituitary dysfunction. In case of calcification, total removal is difficult due to adhesions. In this case, calcification developed within 2 years. A pituitary CEEH, even when showing calcification, should be operated on, as visual function can be fully recovered.

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.

PS-B07-7: MACHINE LEARNING CLASSIFICATION OF CORONARY HEART SYNDROME BASED ON ELECTROCARDIOGRAM IMAGE USING CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK ALGORITHM

Background and Aim: Electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most important examination models used to diagnose various abnormal heart rhythms. An EKG records the electrical activity of the heart through wires and electrodes that are attached to the skin of the arms, legs, and chest wall. Early examination of heart defects can improve quality of life through appropriate treatment. One of the abnormalities in the heart is coronary heart disease. CHD is a heart disease that is mainly caused by the narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis or spasm or a combination of both. In this study, a system was designed to classify coronary heart disease from the results of ECG images. Methods: The study consisted of several stages, starting with the collection of ECG image data for cardiac abnormalities which were used for training images and testing images. The next step is pre-processing using a grayscale process to show the intensity value. Furthermore, at the segmentation stage, a thresholding process is used which aims to divide the image into two parts, namely between the object and the background by forming a binary image. The next stage is the process of taking feature values from the segmentation results using Invariant Moment. The final stage is classification using the Convolutional Neural Network. The data used in this study are images obtained from Beecardia physiobank. There are four classifications of images processed in this system, namely Normal, Asymptomatic, Angina Pectoris, and Acute Myocardial Infarction. The amount of data used is 126 where the image is divided into two, namely, 101 training data and 25 testing data. Results: The Convolutional Neural Network method is able to classify coronary heart disease from the results of ECG images very well. The results of the classification process for coronary heart disease from the results of ECG images are able to achieve an accuracy of 92%. Conclusion: The classification system can perform its performance well, as evidenced by the percentage obtained, including a height exceeding 90%. Suggestions for the future, more training data can be used so that at the time of testing, the test data can get higher accuracy.

A Mobile Thrombus of the Thoracic Aorta.

A mobile thrombus of the thoracic aorta is a rare entity, which might have serious clinical manifestations, including arterial emboli. Due to its low incidence, there is no consensus regarding the most adequate management of mobile thoracic aorta thrombus. The current case describes a patient with Polycythemia Vera and myeloproliferative neoplasm, who presented with mobile thrombus of the thoracic aorta, manifested by blue toe syndrome and asymptomatic splenic infarct. She was treated conservatively with anti-coagulation and Iloprost alongside the patient's permanent treatment of Aspirin, Hydrea and Atorvastatin. Under this treatment, the thrombus resolved completely, and the blue toes improved, except for one.

Safety of early posterior fusion surgery without endovascular embolization for asymptomatic vertebral artery occlusion associated with cervical spine trauma.

Vertebral artery occlusion (VAO) is an increasingly recognized complication of cervical spine trauma. However, the management strategy of VAO remains heavily debated. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the safety of early fusion surgery for traumatic VAO. This study included a total of 241 patients (average age 64.7years; 201 men) who underwent early surgical treatment for acute cervical spine injury between 2012 and 2019. The incidence of VAO, cerebral infarction rates, the recanalization rates, and cerebral thromboembolism after recanalization were retrospectively analyzed. VAO occurred in 22 patients (9.1%). Of the 22 patients with VAO, radiographic cerebral infarction was detected in 4 patients (21.1%) at initial evaluation, including 1 symptomatic medullar infarction (4.5%) and 3 asymptomatic cerebrum infarctions. A patient who experienced right medullar infarction showed no progression of the neurologic damage. Follow-up imaging revealed that the VAOs of 9 patients (40.9%) were recanalized, and the recanalization did not correlate with clinical adverse outcomes. The arteries of the remaining 13 (59.1%) patients remained occluded and clinically silent until the final follow-up (mean final follow-up 33.0months). Despite the lack of a concurrent control group with preoperative antiplatelet therapy or endovascular embolization for VAO, our results showed low symptomatic stroke rate (4.5%), high recanalization rate (40.9%), and low mortality rate (0%). Therefore, we believe that the indication for early stabilization surgery as management strategy of asymptomatic VAO might be one of the safe and effective treatment options for prevention of symptomatic cerebral infarction.

MACHINE LEARNING CLASSIFICATION OF CORONARY HEART SYNDROME BASED ON ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG) IMAGE USING CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK (CNN) ALGORITHM

Objective: Electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the most important examination models used to diagnose various abnormal heart rhythms. Early examination of heart defects can improve quality of life through appropriate treatment. One of the abnormalities in the heart is coronary heart disease. CHD is a heart disease that is mainly caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis or spasm or a combination of both. In this study, a system was designed to classify coronary heart disease from the results of ECG images. Design and method: The study consisted of several stages, starting with the collection of ECG image data for cardiac abnormalities which were used for training images and testing images. The next step is pre-processing using a grayscale process to show the intensity value. Furthermore, at the segmentation stage, a thresholding process is used which aims to divide the image into two parts, namely between the object and the background by forming a binary image. The next stage is the process of taking feature values from the segmentation results using Invariant Moment. The final stage is classification using the Convolutional Neural Network. The data used in this study are images obtained from Beecardia - physiobank. There are four classifications of images processed in this system, namely Normal, Asymptomatic, Angina Pectoris, and Acute Myocardial Infarction. The amount of data used is 126 where the image is divided into two, namely, 101 training data and 25 testing data. Results: The Convolutional Neural Network method is able to classify coronary heart disease from the results of ECG images very well. The results of the classification process for coronary heart disease from the results of ECG images are able to achieve an accuracy of 92%. Conclusions: The classification system can perform its performance well, as evidenced by the percentage obtained, including a height exceeding 90%. Suggestions for the future, more training data can be used so that at the time of testing, the test data can get higher accuracy.

Incidental findings on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in adults: a review of imaging spectrum, clinical significance, and management.

Utilization of brain MRI has dramatically increased in recent decades due to rapid advancement in imaging technology and improving accessibility. As a result, radiologists increasingly encounter findings incidentally discovered on brain MRIs which are performed for unrelated indications. Some of these findings are clinically significant, necessitating further investigation or treatment and resulting in increased costs to healthcare systems as well as increased patient anxiety. Moreover, management of these incidental findings poses a significant challenge for referring physicians. Therefore, it is important for interpreting radiologists to know the prevalence, clinical consequences, and appropriate management of these findings. There is a wide spectrum of incidental findings on brain MRI such as asymptomatic brain infarct, age-related white matter changes, microhemorrhages, intracranial tumors, intracranial cystic lesions, and anatomic variants. This article provides a narrative review of important incidental findings encountered on brain MRI in adults with a focus on prevalence, clinical implications, and recommendations on management of these findings based on current available data.

Clinical impact of cerebral infarction in patients with non-small cell lung cancer.

Lung cancer patients have a high risk of cerebral infarction, but the clinical significance of cerebral infarction in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the incidence, prognostic impact, and risk factors of cerebral infarction in patients with NSCLC. We retrospectively examined 710 consecutive patients with advanced or post-operative recurrent NSCLC treated between January 2010 and July 2020 at Kumamoto University Hospital. Cerebral infarction was diagnosed according to the detection of high-intensity lesions on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging regardless of the presence of neurological symptoms during the entire course from 3months before NSCLC diagnosis. The prognostic impact and risk factors of cerebral infarction were evaluated based on propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Cerebral infarction occurred in 36 patients (5%). Of them, 21 (58%) and 15 (42%) patients developed asymptomatic and symptomatic cerebral infarction, respectively. PSM analysis for survival showed that cerebral infarction was an independent prognostic factor (hazards ratio: 2.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24-4.85, P = 0.010). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, D-dimer (odds ratio [OR]: 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.14, P < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (OR: 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.19, P = 0.023) levels were independent risk factors. Cerebral infarction occurred in 5% of NSCLC patients, and asymptomatic cerebral infarction was more frequent. Cerebral infarction was a negative prognostic factor and was associated with hyper-coagulation and inflammation. The high frequency of asymptomatic cerebral infarction and its risk in NSCLC patients with these conditions should be recognized.

A case of idiopathic intracardiac and pulmonary arterial thrombosis successfully treated with surgical thrombectomy

AbstractWe report an asymptomatic case of idiopathic multiple thromboses that progressively worsened despite dabigatran administration. An 81‐year‐old Japanese man was admitted for orbital apex syndrome. He had a history of sustained atrial fibrillation and was taking dabigatran. Dabigatran was temporarily changed to heparin in preparation for the biopsy. However, it was resumed after the biopsy had been taken. The patient was diagnosed with an asymptomatic recurrent cerebral infarction and thrombosis of the pulmonary artery and left atrium. Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia was the suspected cause for idiopathic thrombosis, but the diagnosis was not confirmed serologically. Left atrial appendectomy and anticoagulant therapy with argatroban resulted in improvement. It is important to evaluate the D‐dimer levels and investigate the development of thrombi after heparin administration.

Drug-Coated Balloon for the Treatment of Nonacute Symptomatic Intracranial Carotid Artery Terminus Occlusion: Initial Experience and Follow-Up Outcome.

BackgroundStudies on the recanalization for occlusion of the internal carotid artery terminus are scattered. Recently, drug-coated balloon (DCB) has been increasingly applied in the intracranial artery occlusion and achieved encouraging results. However, there seems no convincing data for the nonacute symptomatic internal carotid artery terminus occlusion (sICATO).ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility and effectiveness (safety) of DCB for patients with nonacute sICATO refractory to medical therapy.ApproachThis study included 30 patients with nonacute sICATO treated with DCBs and/or remedial stenting. The rate of successful recanalization, periprocedural complications, and clinical and vascular imaging follow-up outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsDrug-coated balloon (DCB) dilatation of nonacute sICATO gives a 100% rate of successful recanalization, with a low complication rate (10.00%), good clinical outcomes (86.20%), low restenosis/reocclusion rate (3.45%), and one asymptomatic ipsilateral infarction (3.45%).ConclusionDrug-coated balloon dilation seems to be the promising treatment option for nonacute sICATO considering its safety and feasibility.