Brainstem Infarction Research Articles

Post-stroke dysphagia: frequency, risk factors, and topographic representation: hospital-based study

BackgroundThe frequency of dysphagia varies considerably across literature. Post-stroke dysphagia is a common cause of increased morbidity and length of hospitalization. This study aimed to estimate the frequency, risk factors of dysphagia following first-ever ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and its neuroradiological correlation.MethodsTwo hundred fifty patients (180 ischemic and 70 hemorrhagic strokes) with first-ever stroke were recruited within 72 h of onset. Detailed history, neurological examination, and computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance were done for each patient. Severity of stroke was evaluated by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Swallowing function was assessed by water swallowing test (WST) and dysphagia outcome severity scale (DOSS).ResultsNinety-eight (39.2%) of all stroke patients had dysphagia, 57 (31.7%) of ischemic group, 41 (58.6%) of hemorrhagic group. The mean age of ischemic group with dysphagia was older than ages of non-dysphagic and older than hemorrhagic stroke with dysphagia group. The mean total NIHSS was higher in dysphagic group than non-dysphagic group in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Dysphagia in ischemic group was highly associated with diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), and atrial fibrillation (AF). Dysphagia was commonly associated with middle cerebral artery (MCA), brainstem, and capsular infarctions as well as with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) with ventricular extension. Stroke severity and lesion size were the main determinant of dysphagia severity.ConclusionsThe frequency of post-stroke dysphagia is consistent with other studies. Advanced age, DM, HTN, and AF were the main risk factors. MCA, brain stem, capsular infarctions, and ICH with ventricular extension were frequently associated with dysphagia. Stroke severity and lesion size were independent predictors of dysphagia severity.

Focal brainstem infarction in the adult rat.

Animal models are required to study the pathogenesis of brainstem ischemia and to develop new therapeutic approaches to promote functional recovery after ischemia in humans. Few models of brainstem ischemia are available, and they show great variability or cause early lethality. New, reliable animal models are therefore needed. By selectively ligating four points of the lower basilar artery, we developed a new focal basilar artery occlusion model that causes a localized brainstem ischemic lesion in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Analysis of ischemic lesion volume and neurological deficits over a period of 28 d showed that the rats present symptoms specific to this type of stroke while the ischemic lesion remains relatively unchanged over time. This procedure allows higher survival rates and extended observation periods compared with other models of brainstem ischemia. The procedure takes ~40 min, can be performed by researchers with basic surgical skills and does not require specialized surgical equipment. This protocol is highly reliable and will be useful to evaluate new therapeutic approaches to promote functional recovery in patients with brainstem ischemia.

Is Dimensionality Reduction Indispensable for Radiomics Analysis? Construction a New Radiomics Analysis Scheme Independent of Dimension Reduction

Background: Dimension reduction has always been considered indispensable to analysis. However, its non-substitutability may still cause major challenges. In this study, we tried to propose a new radiomics analysis scheme independent of dimension reduction, and evaluated its clinical application value by comparing it with the general analysis scheme dependent on dimension reduction. Methods: The non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) images of 274 acute brainstem infarction (ABI) were analyzed using radiomic features algorithm in Matlab R2013a, and two types of radiomic indicators were established (with global feature management and dimension reduction). Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the abilities of ABI detection. Multiple linear regression was used to investigate the correlations amongst clinical characteristics. And, the abilities to predict the prognosis of ABI were evaluated by the generalized linear model (GLM) and multivariate logistic regression. Findings: Both types of schemes could effectively detect ABI, and showed significant correlations amongst clinical characteristics, as well as predicted the prognosis of ABI. And, although the ABI detecting ability of the new sheme was slightly weaker than that of the general analysis scheme (AUC: 0.893 vs. 0.835), it presented a stronger performance in predicting prognosis (AUC: 0.864, OR = 0.917, p = 0.021 vs. AUC:0.806, OR = 0.972, p = 0.007). Interpretation: This study proved that the scheme of global feature management could be a powerful supplement to the radiomics methodology. Also, this study provided an unprecedented suggestion to effectively improve decision-support in ABI using radiomics. Funding Statement: This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (81871343, 81525014), Jiangsu Provincial Key Research and Development Plan (BE2018693), and Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (BK20181226). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the institutional review board of Jiangsu University (JSDXPROSPERO-20180898), and written informed consent was obtained from all patients, or their legal guardians.

Endovascular electrothrombosis: A promising alternative for basilar artery perforator aneurysm treatment.

Basilar artery perforator aneurysms (BAPAs) are rare. Traditional surgical clipping and endovascular coiling have proven to be challenging. We present three patients treated with endovascular electrothrombosis and describe the characteristics of this new approach. Three patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs). Cerebral angiography identified BAPAs. Endovascular electrothrombosis was performed after obtaining informed consent. We placed the microwire into the sac of the aneurysms through the microcatheter and connected its proximal tip to the Solitaire stent detachment system. Electrothrombosis was conducted using 1.0 mA current. Two aneurysms were successfully occluded without treatment-related complication. The third one failed and converted to endovascular coiling using a 1.3-F microcatheter. The patient suffered brainstem infarction and finally died of severe SAH. At follow-up, the two patients were neurologically intact and angiography showed total occlusion of both aneurysms. Endovascular electrothrombosis might be a potential alternative to traditional treatment for BAPAs. Close follow-up with caution should be mandatory. More research is needed to confirm its safety and efficacy.

Usefulness and Clinical Significance of Thin-slice Gapless Coronal Diffusion-weighted Imaging for Acute Brainstem Infarction Diagnosis

The lesions caused by brainstem infarction are usually small. Therefore, it is often difficult to diagnose them using axial diffusion-weighted imaging (axial DWI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of thin-slice gapless coronal DWI in acute brainstem infarction diagnosis by difference of elapsed time from the onset of cerebral infarction. Axial DWI and coronal DWI were performed in 90 patients (mean age: 70.0±12.5 years) with acute brainstem infarction. Patients were classified into four groups according to the elapsed time after the onset of brainstem infarction: <3 h (group A), 3-10 h (group B), 10-30 h (group C), and ≥30 h (group D). We compared axial DWI and coronal DWI in terms of visual evaluation score, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and contrast in the four groups. The visual evaluation scores were significantly higher using coronal DWI in groups A, B, and C than in group D. The ADC values in groups C and D were significantly higher in coronal DWI. The contrast in groups C and D was significantly higher in coronal DWI. Coronal DWI is especially useful for acute brainstem infarction diagnosis within 30 hours of its onset.

Brain stem infarction in a young patient associated with probable familial Mediterranean fever: A case report

Brain stem infarction in a young patient associated with probable familial Mediterranean fever: A case report

Vertebral artery occlusion associated with blunt traumatic cervical spine injury.

AimVertebral artery injury associated with blunt traumatic cervical spine injury sometimes causes severe cerebellar and brain stem infarction. No treatment guidelines for vertebral artery injury aimed at preventing stroke have been decided. We have conducted endovascular embolization in patients with up to Denver grade IV cerebrovascular injury complicated by unstable cervical spine injury before open reduction and fixation surgery. The purpose of this study was to validate the clinical course of vertebral artery injury and especially endovascular treatment for grade IV patients in our hospital.MethodsParticipants comprised of patients diagnosed as having traumatic cervical spine injury in our hospital between January 2015 and April 2018. Among these patients, we selected those with vertebral artery injury and retrospectively examined the background characteristics of the patients, details of treatment, and complications with or without stroke.ResultsTraumatic cervical spine injury was diagnosed in 89 patients. Among these patients, 15 (16.7%) showed a complicating vertebral artery injury. Mean age was 62.6 years, and almost 50% of the patients were injured in falls. Three types of cervical spine injury caused vertebral artery injury: subluxation, Jefferson fracture, and fracture involving the foramen transversarium. Vertebral artery injury was classified as grade IV in 12 patients, of whom nine required spinal surgery. All patients who needed spinal surgery underwent endovascular therapy before surgery, and none experienced a stroke.ConclusionEndovascular embolization of the vertebral artery occlusion in patients with unstable cervical spine injury before open reduction and fixation surgery can be a treatment option to prevent stroke.

Giant Fusiform and Dolichoectatic Aneurysms of the Basilar Trunk and Vertebrobasilar Junction-Clinicopathological and Surgical Outcome.

BACKGROUNDGiant fusiform and dolichoectatic aneurysms of the basilar trunk and vertebrobasilar junction (BTVBJ-GFDA) are extremely difficult to treat.OBJECTIVETo evaluate factors influencing survival and outcome of BTVBJ-GFDA by performing a retrospective multicenter cohort study.METHODSA total of 32 patients with BTVBJ-GFDA were included in this study. Clinicopathological characteristics, treatment measures, and outcomes were collected from medical records and imaging studies. Autopsy and histological findings of the aneurysm and adjacent brain tissue were also obtained in 9 cases.RESULTSA total of 11 patients did not undergo surgery, of whom 10 died; 3 from progressive brainstem compression, 4 from subarachnoid hemorrhage, 2 from brainstem infarction, and 1 from associated atherosclerotic disease. The remaining 21 patients underwent a surgical treatment, consisting of immediately proximal parent artery occlusion, remotely proximal parent artery occlusion, clip reconstruction, and distal bypass and achieved significantly longer overall survival compared with those who received conservative therapy (adjusted hazard ratio 1.508, 95% CI 1.058-2.148, P = .02). Histological examination of the aneurysms demonstrated staged clots, open lumen, and intrathrombotic channels with endothelial lining. The patients younger than 45 yr of age showed statistically longer survival than those equal and older than 45 yr (P = .03).CONCLUSIONSurgical intervention achieved greater survival than conservative management in BTVBJ-GFDA. Narrow ideal treatment window of the blood flow within the aneurysm to maintain sufficient but not excess supply should be targeted based on the hemodynamics of both the posterior communicating arteries and perforating vessel collaterals.

Endovascular Treatment of a Primary Extracranial Vertebral Artery Aneurysm Causing Ischemic Stroke

Extracranial vertebral artery aneurysms are a rare cause of embolic stroke; various surgical and endovascular treatment options are available. We report a 44-year-old man with a symptomatic proximal extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm of unclear etiology. The patient presented with brainstem infarction, and the diagnosis of primary extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm was made by computed tomography angiography (CTA). This patient's aneurysm was definitively treated using an endovascular approach with placement of a covered stent in the right proximal vertebral artery. Although aneurysms of this location are traditionally repaired with open aneurysmectomy, we show that endovascular treatment can be a safe and effective alternative approach. In the case reported here, primary extracranial vertebral artery aneurysm presenting with embolic stroke was successfully treated with a covered stent. Complete exclusion of the aneurysm from blood circulation is advisable to achieve full resolution of the embolic source.

STMO-02 Efficacy of preoperative embolization for hemangioblastoma

Introduction: Preoperative transarterial embolization (TAE) for hemangioblastoma carries a risk of cerebral infarction and hemorrhagic complications, and its safety and efficacy are controversial.Method: Twenty-two cases of hemangioblastoma (cerebellar: 18 cases, medulla oblongata: 3 cases, spinal cord: 1 case) treated via direct surgery in our hospital from 2007 to 2020 were enrolled.Results: Preoperative TAE was performed in 6 cases of cerebellar hemangioblastoma (1 bilateral case) and 1 case of spinal hemangioblastoma. The cerebellar hemangioblastoma feeders were only superior cerebellar artery (SCA) in 3 cases, SCA/anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA)/posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) in 2 cases, AICA/PICA in 1 case, and single drainer in 5 cases. Tumors were ≥30 mm in all cases (25 mm on 1 side in bilateral cases), and solid or nodular lesions were located on the upper surface of the cerebellum. Cerebellar edema was severe in five cases with hydrocephalus. TAE was performed under local anesthesia in all cases, using a coil alone in two cases and liquid or particle embolization material in five cases. The day before direct surgery, TAE was performed in four cases, one of which underwent emergency decompression due to severe cerebellar edema. Three cases were intentionally embolized on the day of direct surgery. The median blood loss during direct surgery was 100 ml. Although cerebral infarction was observed in all cases, there were no cases of brain stem infarction or hemorrhagic complications. The Modified Rankin Scale at discharge was 0 in 2 cases, 1 in 3 cases, 3 in 1 case, and 4 in 1 case.Discussion/Conclusion: Preoperative TAE for hemangioblastoma reduced the blood loss for direct surgery. Same-day TAE avoided neurological deficit due to cerebral infarction and cerebellar edema. To prevent severe infarction, guiding the microcatheter to the vicinity of the tumor bed is important.

小脳・脳幹梗塞後に重度球麻痺，中枢性低換気を呈した患者に対する包括的リハビリテーションの訓練経過 ～摂食嚥下リハビリテーションを中心に～

小脳・脳幹梗塞後に重度球麻痺，中枢性低換気を呈した患者に対する包括的リハビリテーションの訓練経過 ～摂食嚥下リハビリテーションを中心に～

Diagnostic benefit of high b-value computed diffusion-weighted imaging in acute brainstem infarction

Background and purposeDiffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) is a cornerstone in diagnostic of ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of high-b-value computed DWI (c-DWI) in comparison to standard DWI in patients with acute brainstem infarction. Materials and methods56 patients with acute brainstem infarction were retrospectively analysed by two readers. DWI was obtained with the b-values 0, 500 and 1000 s/mm² on either a 1.5 or 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. c-DWI was calculated with a monoexponential model with high b-values 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 s/mm². All c-DWI series with high-b-values were compared to the standard DWI sequence at b-value of 1000 s/mm² in terms of image artifacts, lesion extent and contrast. ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between 1.5 and 3 T MRI regarding the measured ischemic lesion size. There were no statistically significant differences between the ischemic lesion sizes on DWI at b-values of 1000 s/mm² and on c-DWI at higher b-values. Overall, the contrast between the lesion and the surrounding normal areas improved with increasing b-value on the isotropic DWIs: maximum at b = 5000, followed by that at b 2000 and b 1000 s/mm², in order. The best relation between artifacts and lesion contrast was identified for b 2000 s/mm². ConclusionHigh b-value DWI derived from c-DWI has a higher visibility for ischemic brainstem lesions compared to standard DWI without additional time cost. The b-2000 image is recommended to use in clinical routine, higher b-value images lead to more imaging artifacts, which might result in misdiagnosis.

Global multisensory reorganization after vestibular brain stem stroke.

ObjectivePatients with acute central vestibular syndrome suffer from vertigo, spontaneous nystagmus, postural instability with lateral falls, and tilts of visual vertical. Usually, these symptoms compensate within months. The mechanisms of compensation in vestibular infarcts are yet unclear. This study focused on structural changes in gray and white matter volume that accompany clinical compensation.MethodsWe studied patients with acute unilateral brain stem infarcts prospectively over 6 months. Structural changes were compared between the acute phase and follow‐up with a group of healthy controls using voxel‐based morphometry.ResultsRestitution of vestibular function following brain stem infarcts was accompanied by downstream structural changes in multisensory cortical areas. The changes depended on the location of the infarct along the vestibular pathways in patients with pathological tilts of the SVV and on the quality of the vestibular percept (rotatory vs graviceptive) in patients with pontomedullary infarcts. Patients with pontomedullary infarcts with vertigo or spontaneous nystagmus showed volumetric increases in vestibular parietal opercular multisensory and (retro‐) insular areas with right‐sided preference. Compensation of graviceptive deficits was accompanied by adaptive changes in multiple multisensory vestibular areas in both hemispheres in lower brain stem infarcts and by additional changes in the motor system in upper brain stem infarcts.InterpretationThis study demonstrates multisensory neuroplasticity in both hemispheres along with the clinical compensation of vestibular deficits following unilateral brain stem infarcts. The data further solidify the concept of a right‐hemispheric specialization for core vestibular processing. The identification of cortical structures involved in central compensation could serve as a platform to launch novel rehabilitative treatments such as transcranial stimulations.

Clinical Characteristics and Clinical Course of Body Lateropulsion in 47 Patients with Brainstem Infarctions

BackgroundIn patients with lower lateral medullary infarction (LMI) located under the vestibular nucleus, proprioceptive impairment due to dorsal spinocerebellar tract (DSCT) is considered a pathological condition for body lateropulsion. In patients with brainstem infarction located at or above the level of the vestibular nucleus, other pathways, such as the crossed vestibulothalamic tract (CVTT), are considered responsible. Research questionThe clinical course of body lateropulsion between each anatomical level of infarction remains unclear. Further, whether body lateropulsion refers to a static or a dynamic symptom also remains unclear. MethodsWe examined 47 patients who exhibited body lateropulsion and categorized them into four groups: lower LMI under the vestibular nucleus, LMI at the level of the vestibular nucleus, pontine infarction, and midbrain infarction. The patients’ time to acquire static upright standing position and gait in a straight line were statistically analyzed by a log-rank test using the Kaplan–Meier method. ResultsBody lateropulsion in the static upright position was less frequent in the lower LMI group than in the other groups. SignificanceLower LMI primarily affected body lateropulsion in gait. DSCT damage could affect ipsilateral hip joint or leg coordination, causing body lateropulsion in dynamic situation.

Predicting outcomes after acute reperfusion therapy for basilar artery occlusion.

Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) leads to high rates of morbidity and mortality, despite successful recanalization. The discordance between flow restoration and long-term functional status clouds clinical decision-making regarding further aggressive care. We sought to develop and validate a practical, prognostic tool for the prediction of 3-month favorable outcome after acute reperfusion therapy for BAO. This retrospective, multicenter, observational study was conducted at four high-volume stroke centers in the USA and Europe. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of favorable outcome (90-day modified Rankin scale scores 0-2) and derive a clinically applicable prognostic model (the Pittsburgh Outcomes after Stroke Thrombectomy-Vertebrobasilar (POST-VB) score). The POST-VB score was evaluated and internally validated with regard to calibration and discriminatory ability. External validity was assessed in patient cohorts at three separate centers. In the derivation cohort of 59 patients, independent predictors of favorable outcome included smaller brainstem infarct volume on post-procedure magnetic resonance imaging (P<0.01) and younger age (P=0.01). POST-VB score was calculated as: age+(10×brainstem infarct volume). POST-VB score demonstrated excellent discriminatory ability [area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC)=0.91] and adequate calibration (P=0.88) in the derivation cohort (Center A). It performed equally well across the three external validation cohorts (Center B, AUC=0.89; Center C, AUC=0.78; Center D, AUC=0.80). Overall, a POST-VB score<49 was associated with an 88% likelihood of favorable outcome, as compared to 4% with a score≥125. The POST-VB score effectively predicts 3-month functional outcome following acute reperfusion therapy for BAO and may aid in guiding post-procedural care.

Patient characteristics with negative diffusion-weighted imaging findings in acute lateral medullary infarction.

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows limited sensitivity in the acute-phase brainstem infarctions, including lateral medullary infarction (LMI), and the detailed characteristics of acute LMI patients with initially negative DWI-MRI findings have not been reported previously. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the differences in the backgrounds or symptoms of acute LMI patients with initially negative findings in standard axial DWI-MRI and those with positive findings. In this retrospective cohort study, we collected the data for 35 consecutive acute LMI patients who were hospitalized in our hospital from January 2011 to December 2018. Initial standard axial DWI-MRI was assessed, and the patients were divided into positive and negative groups. The characteristics of the two groups were compared, and the usefulness of additional thin-slice coronal DWI-MRI was also investigated. Nine (26%) acute LMI patients were initially negative on standard axial DWI-MRI. The patients were independently associated with smoking history (78% vs. 23%, p = 0.021) and headache (78% vs. 31%, p = 0.046). Thin-slice coronal DWI-MRI showed positive findings in 50% of the patients with negative findings in standard axial DWI-MRI. All four patients with negative findings in both standard axial and thin-slice coronal DWI-MRI had smoking history and headache. Smoking history and headache were associated with initial negative results in standard axial DWI-MRI in acute LMI. Additional thin-slice coronal DWI-MRI was sometimes useful in detecting acute LMI. Follow-up MRI is important for patients showing negative findings in initial DWI-MRI.

Association of pretreatment pontine infarction with extremely poor outcome after endovascular thrombectomy in acute basilar artery occlusion

BackgroundThe association between pretreatment brain stem infarction and thrombectomy outcomes remains to be elucidated in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO). We aimed to assess the association between pretreatment...

Transcirculation Approach for Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Multicenter Study and Review of the Literature

Background: Transcirculation approaches, which consist of primary catheterization of a target artery from the contralateral side or opposite cerebral circulation, provide alternate endovascular routes when anterograde interventions are not feasible. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) through a transcirculation route.Methods: Six centers provided retrospective data on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who underwent MT via transcirculation approaches. Demographics and technical details of the endovascular intervention were collected. Recanalization rates, peri-procedural complications and clinical/angiographic outcomes immediately after the procedure and at last available follow-up were assessed. A review of the literature reporting on AIS patients whom underwent transcirculation MT was also performed.Results: Our multicenter study included 14 AIS patients treated through transcirculation routes. Mean age was 57.8 ± 11.9 years, and 10 (71.4%) were men. Mean NIHSS at admission was 18.4 (range 8–27). TICI 2b-3 recanalization was achieved in 10/14 (71.4%) patients. Three patients died after intervention: one due to late recanalization, one due to acute in-stent thrombosis, and one due to a procedure-related thromboembolic brainstem infarct. Of 11 surviving patients with follow-up available (mean 9.7 months), mRS 0–2 was achieved in 6 (54.5%) cases. Our review of the literature pooled a total of 37 transcirculation MT cases. Most common occlusions were tandem lesions (ICA + MCA = 64.9%) and BA + bilateral VA (18.9%). ACOM and PCOM were crossed in 18 (48.6%) cases each; one patient required a combined ACOM-PCOM approach. Primary recanalization technique included intra-arterial (IA) thrombolytics alone in 10 (27%), angioplasty ± stenting in 6 (16.2%), stent-retriever in 8 (21.6%), contact aspiration in 6, and combined (MT ± IA-thrombolytics) in 6 cases. Twenty-eight (75.7%) AIS patients achieved successful TIMI 2-3/TICI 2b-3 recanalization. After a mean follow-up of 6.7 months, 23/31 (74.2%) patients achieved a favorable functional outcome.Conclusions: Transcirculation approaches may be used to access the target lesion when the parent artery cannot be crossed through conventional antegrade routes. These techniques are feasible but should be reserved as a bailout maneuver when anterograde MT is not possible. Newer endovascular devices have improved neurological and angiographic outcomes in transcirculation cases.

Absence of Ischemic Injury after Sacrificing the Superior Petrosal Vein during Microvascular Decompression.

Sacrificing the superior petrosal vein (SPV) is controversial during a microvascular decompression (MVD). There have been multiple reports of complications including life-threatening brainstem infarction and cerebellar edema. To analyze the potential for vascular complications when the SPV is sacrificed during an MVD. Retrospective chart review was performed to identify all MVDs for trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm from 2007 to 2018 at 1 institution. Cases with≥1 mo of follow-up were included and SPV sacrifice was noted. The primary outcome was complications related to SPV sacrifice including sinus thrombosis, cerebellar edema, and midbrain or pontine infarction. Imaging was used to confirm all potential vascular complications noted in medical records. Fisher's exact test and unpaired t-tests were used to compare between groups. A total of 732 MVD cases were identified and 592 met inclusion criteria with an average follow-up of 11.8±16.4 mo and a male-to-female ratio of 1:2.2. The SPV was sacrificed in 217 cases and retained in 375 cases. No SPV-related vascular complications were found in this study. Two unrelated cases of vascular complications were identified and both were in the nonsacrificed group. One case involved cerebellar bleeding while the other was an ipsilateral transverse sinus thrombosis that was present preoperatively. In MVDs, there is no difference in the rate of vascular complications when the SPV is sacrificed compared to preserved. To best visualize a cranial nerve and optimize safe decompression, surgeons should feel free to sacrifice the SPV.

Relation of infarction location and volume to vertigo in vertebrobasilar stroke.

ObjectiveVertigo is a common presentation of vertebrobasilar stroke. Anecdotal reports have shown that vertigo occurs more often in multiple than in single brainstem or cerebellar infarctions. We examined the relation between the location and volume of infarction and vertigo in patients with vertebrobasilar stroke.MethodsConsecutive patients with vertebrobasilar stroke were prospectively recruited. The infarction location and volume were assessed in the diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsFifty‐nine patients were included, 32 (54.2%) with vertigo and 27 (45.8%) without vertigo. The infarction volume did not correlate with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission (Spearman ρ = .077, p = .56) but correlated with modified Rankin Scale (ρ = .37, p = .004) on discharge. In the vertigo group, the proportion of men was lower (53.1% vs. 77.8%, p = .049), fewer patients had focal neurological deficits (65.6% vs. 96.3%, p = .004), patients tended to present later (median [IQR] was 7.5 [4–46] vs. 4 [2–12] hours, p = .052), numerically fewer patients received intravenous thrombolysis (15.6% vs. 37%, p = .06), and the total infarction volume was larger (5.6 vs. 0.42 cm3, p = .008) than in nonvertigo group. In multivariate logistic regression, infarction location either in the cerebellum or in the dorsal brainstem (odds ratio [OR] 16.97, 95% CI 3.1–92.95, p = .001) and a total infarction volume of >0.48 cm3 (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.05–18.58, p = .043) were related to vertigo. In another multivariate logistic regression, after adjusting for age, sex, intravenous thrombolysis, serum level of white blood cells, and atrial fibrillation, vertigo independently predicted a total infarction volume of >0.48 cm3 (OR 5.75, 95% CI 1.43–23.08, p = .01).ConclusionInfarction location in the cerebellum and/or dorsal brainstem is an independent predictor of vertigo. Furthermore, larger infarction volume in these structures is associated with vertigo. A considerable proportion of patients with vascular vertigo present without focal neurological deficits posing a diagnostic challenge. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale is not sensitive for vertebrobasilar stroke.