Extensive Infarction Research Articles

Clinical significance of 12-lead electrocardiogram QRS scores on admission in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract Background A QRS scoring system by 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) is a quick and simple method to evaluate degree and extension of myocardial infarction. Previous studies have shown that high QRS scores (≥5) at hospitalization (before reperfusion) related to impaired myocardial reperfusion during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and subsequent poor prognosis in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (Figure 1). However, the pathogenesis and associated factors with high QRS scores remain poorly defined. Therefore, this study aimed to explore clinical and lesion characteristics associated with QRS scores at hospitalization in patients with STEMI. Methods This retrospective observational study enrolled 138 broad anterior-wall STEMI patients who underwent PCI in the proximal left anterior descending artery and achieved reperfusion within 3 hours of onset. Patients were divided by QRS scores at hospitalization into low (<5: n=97) and high (≥5: n=41) QRS-scores, and clinical and lesion characteristics were compared between the 2 groups. Lesion characteristics were evaluated by intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). Results Despite early phase of STEMI, QRS scores at hospitalization varied (3 [2-5] points). Clinical characteristics, including onset-to-door time (66 [41-101] min vs. 55 [42-76] min) and onset-to-reperfusion time (112 [88-145] min vs. 106 [81-120] min), were comparable between patients with low and high QRS-scores. In contrast, significantly higher percentages of lipid plaques, plaque rupture and large thrombus were seen at the culprit lesion sites in patients with high versus low QRS scores (Figure 2). As a result, patients with high QRS scores had higher incidence of no-reflow phenomenon during PCI (36.6% vs. 12.6%, p<0.05) and larger infarct size assessed by peak CK values (5333 [3307-7443] IU/l vs. 1941 [759-3559], p<0.05) compared with those with low QRS-scores. Conclusions High QRS scores at hospitalization were associated with vulnerable lesion characteristics, as well as impaired coronary reperfusion and large infarct size. Although the exact mechanisms of the associations require future studies, QRS scores may help risk stratification before reperfusion and prognostic prediction after reperfusion.Figure 1.Figure 2.

CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF PRIMARY PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION USING DES VS BMS In ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME PATIENTS WITH LEFT ANTERIOR DESCENDING ARTERY INVOLVEMENT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with left anterior descending (LAD) artery involvement often leads to more extensive myocardial infarction. Choosing between drug-eluting stents (DES) and bare-metal stents (BMS) for revascularisation in these patients is a topic of clinical relevance. While drug-eluting stents are the gold standard, bare-metal stents remain an essential option for patients with specific considerations such as an inability to complete the recommended duration of DAPT, advanced age, concomitant oral anticoagulation, cancer, affordability issues, increased bleeding risk, and planned noncardiac surgery within the next year. Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of ACS patients with LAD involvement treated with either DES or BMS during primary PCI.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023, at a tertiary care center. A total of 200 ACS patients with LAD involvement who underwent primary PCI were included. Patients were grouped based on the type of stent used (DES or BMS). Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, procedural details, and outcomes were collected. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), and target lesion revascularisation (TLR), were assessed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyse outcomes. Results: MACE occurred in 48 patients (24%) during the one-year follow-up. Patients treated with DES experienced significantly fewer events (p < 0.001) compared to those receiving BMS. Diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease were independent predictors of adverse outcomes (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively).Conclusion: Primary PCI using DES in ACS patients with LAD involvement is associated with better clinical outcomes compared to BMS, particularly in high-risk populations. These findings suggest that DES should be the preferred stent type for this patient group to reduce adverse events and improve long-term survival.

Prevalence of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and ALMS1 Variant in Sphynx Cats in New Zealand.

Recently, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in Sphynx cats has been associated with a variant in the gene encoding Alström syndrome protein 1 (ALMS1). The primary aims of this study were to describe the prevalence of HCM in Sphynx cats in New Zealand, and to assess the association between HCM and the ALMS1 variant in this population. In this prospective study, 55 apparently healthy Sphynx cats from registered Sphynx breeders and pet owners in New Zealand were screened by a cardiologist. A total of 42 of these cats had a repeat cardiac examination after median 1.8 years (range: 1.6-2.2). The frequency of the ALMS1 variant was 70.9% (11 homozygous and 28 heterozygous). At the median age of 5.8 years (range: 2.4-13.1), the prevalence of HCM was 40% (20 out of 55 cats). Three cats with HCM died during the study with congestive heart failure. All three cats had focal but extensive myocardial ischemia or infarction at necropsy. The ALMS1 variant was not associated with the HCM diagnosis. In summary, HCM was common in the studied cohort, suggesting Sphynx cats are predisposed to this disease. While the ALMS1 variant was also frequently detected, it was not associated with HCM in this population.

Sex differences in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction

Introduction: Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction constitutes a health problem in the world and in Cuba, with differences according to sex in clinical and laboratory findings, complications and therapeutic response. Objective: to identify sex differences in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods: quantitative, cross-sectional, retrospective study of 155 patients, 97 men and 58 women, from the Coronary Intensive Care Unit of the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, from January 2020-December 2021. The following variables were explored: general, admission, hospitalization and complications. Results: the following were statistically significant: men developed infarction earlier than women (65±13 vs 71±11.9); of the known coronary risk factors, arterial hypertension predominated (61.3%); smoking prevailed in men (53%) and 54% of the patients with an anterior-extensive topographic location died (80% in men and 100% in women). In addition, there was a predominance of Killip-Kimball IV classification (15.5%), right coronary artery as the responsible vessel (29.9%), heart failure as a complication (26.8%) and death (15.5%) in men. However, in women, the anterior descending coronary artery prevailed as the vessel responsible for the lesion (34.4%). Conclusions: there are differences between men and women in age, risk factors and clinical manifestations of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Women were more likely to present extensive anterior myocardial infarction, a topography that had a greater incidence of mortality as a complication

Two Cases of Acute Myocarditis with Suspected Acute Myocardial Infarction

Case 1: The patient is a 19-year-old male who was admitted to the hospital with a cough for three days and chest pain for a day, aggravated for two hours. Electrocardiogram showed 1. Sinus tachycardia 2. First-degree atrioventricular block 3. ST-T changes, not excluding acute extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction. Case 2: The patient was a 47-year-old woman admitted to the hospital with a fever for three days. Electrocardiogram showed: 1. Sinus tachycardia, 2. Complete block of the right bundle branch, 3. ST-T changes, not excluding acute extensive anterior myocardial infarction. The study of these two cases strengthened the departmental staff’s knowledge of ECG in acute myocarditis and provided a rapid and accurate ECG diagnosis in the clinic.

Extensive cortical infarctions post-acute meningoencephalitis: A case report with literature review

Extensive cortical infarctions post-acute meningoencephalitis: A case report with literature review

Endovascular intervention using combined percutaneous access in a patient with recurrence of critical ischemia after repeated bypass operations on arteries of the lower extremities (clinical case)

Unsatisfactory long-term results of shunting operations on the arteries of the lower extremities are most often caused by a stenotic process followed by thrombosis in the anastomotic zone, especially in combination with the progression of the underlying disease and the spread of obstructive atherosclerotic lesions on the inflow and outflow arteries. A clinical case of endovascular treatment of a patient with peripheral arterial disease is presented, who previously underwent 3 reconstructive bypass operations on the arteries of the lower extremities within 15 months before hospitalization, but again sought medical help due to the recurrence of critical ischemia of the left lower extremity. Considering the high risk of repeated open surgery due to the patient’s comorbidity (diabetes mellitus and extensive Q-myocardial infarction, suffered after the first bypass surgery), as well as gross scar changes after previous vascular operations, it was decided to perform endovascular intervention using a non-standard combined percutaneous approach. Iliac artery stenosis and post-thrombotic occlusion of the popliteal artery in the area of the distal anastomosis of the femoral-popliteal bypass graft on the left side were detected on the preoperative MSCT with intravenous contrast enhancement. Because of the gross postoperative scars, we could not use standard percutaneous approaches through any of the femoral arteries. Access through the arteries of the upper limbs also did not ensure the operation on all affected segments due to the long distance to the intervention zone and absence of instruments of the required length. Therefore, in order to maximally solve the tasks of the operation, we simultaneously used an antegrade left transaxillary access and a transpedal retrograde access through the left foot artery. Thus, the patient underwent simultaneous balloon angioplasty of stenoses of the common and external iliac arteries on the left side by transaxillary access, as well as balloon angioplasty and implantation of a coronary drug-eluting stent in the popliteal artery in the area of the distal anastomosis of the femoral-popliteal bypass graft by retrograde transpedal access on the left. As a result, the magistral arterial blood flow of the limb and the function of the shunt were completely restored with a good angiographic and clinical result.The applied methods of endovascular treatment have shown high efficiency and can be recommended as an alternative to traditional vascular surgery.

Case Report: Callosal disconnection syndrome manifesting as mixed frontal-callosal-posterior alien hand syndrome following extensive corpus callosum infarct

Alien hand syndrome (AHS) is a rare neurological phenomenon first described by Van Vleuten over a century ago. The most widely recognized variants in literature are frontal, callosal, and posterior AHS. AHS due to the corpus callosum lesion can occur alone or as part of callosal disconnection syndrome (CDS). This report presents a unique CDS case manifesting clinical features from all three AHS variants, resulting from an extensive corpus callosum infarct. Our patient exhibited various clinical features from the three AHS variants, which include grasping, groping, and difficulty releasing objects from the hand (anterior); intermanual conflict (callosal); arm levitation, mild hemiparesis, and hemisensory loss (posterior). Additionally, the extensive disruption of the corpus callosal fibers produced neurological manifestations of CDS, such as cognitive impairment, ideomotor and constructional apraxia, behavioral disorder, and transcortical motor aphasia. We employed a range of rehabilitation interventions, such as mirror box therapy, limb restraint strategy, verbal cue training, cognitive behavioral therapy, bimanual hand training, speech and language therapy, and pharmacological treatment with clonazepam. The patient showed almost complete resolution of CDS and AHS features by nine months post-stroke Our case report highlights distinctive clinical variations of AHS and the challenging correlation between clinical manifestations and neuroanatomical substrates. Future studies are necessary to explore the intricate neural connections and the precise function of the corpus callosum. This can be achieved by combining comprehensive neuropsychological testing with diffusion tensor tractography studies. It is also essential to develop a validated tool to standardize AHS assessment. Finally, the scarcity of evidence in rehabilitation interventions necessitates further studies to address the wide knowledge gap in AHS and CDS management.

Left Atrial Strain for Prediction of Left Ventricular Reverse Remodeling After ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking.

The study aimed to investigate the potential utility of left atrial (LA) strain by using cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking (CMR-FT) to predict left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) following ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients with a first STEMI treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention were consecutively enrolled in the prospective study and underwent CMR scans at 5 days and 4 months. LA global longitudinal strain (reservoir strain [εs], conduit strain [εe], booster strain [εa]) and corresponding strain rate were assessed by CMR-FT using cine images. LVRR was defined as a reduction in the LV end-systolic volume index of >10% from baseline to follow-up. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the predictors of LVRR. Of 90 patients analyzed, patients with LVRR (n=35, 39%) showed higher values of LA strain and strain rate and less extensive infarct size (IS) compared with patients without LVRR (n=55, 61%) at initial and second CMR. The LVRR group demonstrated significant improvements in LV and LA cardiac function over time, especially the obvious increase in LA strain and strain rate. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, εs and εe, together with IS, were independent predictors of LVRR. The combination of εs and IS could optimally predict the LVRR with the highest area under the curve of 0.743. Post-STEMI patients with LVRR presented better recovery from cardiac function and LA deformation compared with patients without LVRR. Assessment of εs and εe by using CMR-FT after STEMI enabled prediction of LVRR.

PERCUTANEOUS MITRAL PLICATION FOR WEANING BY VA–ECMO IN PATIENT WITH OBSTRUCTIVE SAM ASSOCIATED WITH PRECLINICAL PHENOTYPE OF HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY AND STEMI COMPLICATED BY CARDIOGENIC SHOCK

Abstract A 53–year–old man with a history of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy with a preclinical phenotype, classified at low risk of sudden cardiac death (HCM–SCD risk score 2.98%), and cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the absence of a shockable rhythm. The patient underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation for more than 30 minutes before the diagnosis of complete atrioventricular block, masked by concomitant atrial stand–still, resolved after transcutaneous pacing. After temporary trans–venous cardiac pacing was obtained, the electrocardiogram revealed signs of an extensive anterolateral occlusive infarction (OMI), treated with primary angioplasty during percutaneous ventricular support (Impella CP). The ICU course was characterized by several ineffective attempts to wean from mechanical assistance to the circulation finally made possible by correction of outflow obstruction from mitral SAM, achieved by percutaneous mitral plication with MitraClip system. This case, in addition to suggesting an alternative strategy of weaning from mechanical assistance to the circulation in patients with a similar hemodynamic profile (SCAI D stage cardiogenic shock by dual mechanism: pump dysfunction and outflow obstruction), offers important insights into the management of OCHA in the absence of a shockable rhythm.

Impact of ischemic stroke topography on early clinical outcome of basilar artery occlusion: a retrospective study

ObjectivesBasilar artery occlusion (BAO) may be etiologically attributed to embolism or in situ thrombosis due to basilar stenosis (BS). Patients with BAO due to BS (BAOS) are known to have worse outcomes than patients with embolic occlusions (BAOE). BAOS occurs more proximally in the basilar artery (BA) than BAOE. We hypothesize that differing brain stem infarct patterns contribute to outcome differences between these stroke etiologies.MethodsThis retrospective study includes 199 consecutive patients with BAO who received endovascular treatment at a single center. Final infarction in brain parenchyma dependent on the posterior circulation was graded semiquantitatively on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Associations to underlying stenosis and angiographic and clinical outcome variables were tested. The primary endpoint was early good clinical outcome (EGCO, mRS score ≤ 3 at discharge).ResultsInfarct extension of the medulla oblongata (OR = 0.25; 95% CI = 0.07–0.86; p = 0.03), the inferior pons (OR = 0.328; 95% CI = 0.17–0.63; p = 0.001), the superior pons (OR = 0.57; 95% CI = 0.33–0.99; p = 0.046), and the occipital lobes (OR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.26–0.80; p = 0.006) negatively predicted EGCO. Infarct extension for other posterior-circulation-dependent brain regions was not independently associated with unfavorable early outcomes. Patients with BAOS had more proximal occlusions and greater infarct volumes in the inferior brain stem. Successful reperfusion (mTICI 2b-3) occurred more often in patients with BAOE than in BAOS (BAOE: 131 (96.3%); BAOS: 47 (83.9%), p = 0.005).ConclusionUnfavorable early outcomes in patients with BAOS may be explained by a higher likelihood of inferior brain stem infarcts and lower rates of reperfusion success.Clinical relevance statementBasilar artery occlusion due to underlying stenosis is associated with a poorer prognosis than that caused by embolism; these results suggest that aggressive endovascular therapy, usually involving the placement of a permanent stent, may be warranted in these patients.Key PointsInferior brain stem and occipital infarcts are prognostically unfavorable in basilar artery occlusion.Basilar artery occlusion due to stenosis occurs more proximally and is associated with worse outcomes.Differentiating etiologies of basilar artery occlusion may influence how aggressively treated the occlusion is.

Polyarteritis Nodosa Confined to the Kidneys in a Patient with Proteinuria and Mild Renal Impairment

Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis predominantly involving medium- or small-sized arteries, typically of the kidneys and other internal organs. Given the rarity of PAN and the variable clinical presentation, diagnosis is challenging and, to date, no definitive diagnostic marker has been identified. A patient diagnosed with immunoglobulin A nephropathy was observed to exhibit deterioration in renal function. To determine whether new structural abnormalities had developed, computed tomography scans of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder were obtained. Both kidneys exhibited multiple cortical defects, and a renal angiogram was performed to determine the cause. Angiography revealed partial obliteration of the left distal renal artery branches and multifocal extensive infarctions in both kidneys, and the patient was diagnosed with renal-limited PAN. Following steroid monotherapy, an improvement in renal function was observed. We believe that this case report may be helpful to physicians who assess and treat patients with suspected renal-limited PAN.

Unusual Presentation of Acute Coronary Syndrome in a 22-Year-Old Male with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Case Report

This case report documents the clinical journey of a 22-year-old male who was initially diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and later, at the age of 11, with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). The patient manifested atypical symptoms, primarily marked by sudden and intense chest pain accompanied by sweating, leading to a collapse during his emergency room visit. Medical evaluation revealed an extensive myocardial infarction affecting the anterior wall. The patient underwent a successful percutaneous coronary intervention targeting the left anterior descending artery. This case underscores the rare incidence of acute coronary syndrome in young patients with a history of JIA.

Sonographic Placental Aspects in Fetal Growth Restriction

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a complication diagnosed in about 10% of pregnancies and is associated with significant perinatal mortality and morbidity. Both the diagnosis and the correct management of cases of intrauterine growth restriction remain a challenge of modern obstetrics. A normal placental development is essential for a proper intrauterine physical and neurological growth of the fetus throughout pregnancy. Various pathophysiological situations may reflect in abnormal placental development linked with severe pregnancy disorders. In this paper we aim to exemplify sonographic aspects in various placental pathology associated with FGR along with the recommended management. Placental insufficiency is the most common risk factor for FGR and it cannot be directly measured and objectified, remaining a diagnostic of exclusion. The risk for perinatal adverse outcomes in placenta accreta spectrum cases is increased trough the pathological implantation especially in depth. In pregnancies complicated with placental insufficiency, secondary macroscopic lesions can be noted, as parabasal and intervillous thrombosis, hematomas, extensive fibrin deposits and infarcts areas. Even if, over time, multiple studies have targeted methods of preventing intrauterine growth restriction through actions on the mother, the effectiveness of no treatment has been demonstrated.

Complications in Acute Myocardial Infarction: Navigating Challenges in Diagnosis and Management

In recent decades, significant advancements in pharmacological, catheter-based, and surgical reperfusion technologies have markedly improved outcomes for individuals undergoing acute myocardial infarction. Despite these remarkable progressions, a segment of patients, particularly those with extensive infarctions or delays in revascularization, remains vulnerable to the onset of mechanical complications associated with myocardial infarction. These complications, spanning mechanical, electrical, ischemic, inflammatory, and thromboembolic events, pose substantial risks of morbidity, mortality, and increased utilization of hospital resources. The management of patients experiencing these complications is intricate, necessitating collaborative efforts among various specialties. Timely identification, accurate diagnosis, hemodynamic stabilization, and decision-making support are crucial for guiding patients and their families in choosing between definitive treatments or palliative care. This review underscores the critical importance of promptly identifying and initiating therapy to reduce prolonged periods of cardiogenic shock and the potential for fatality. By presenting key clinical and diagnostic insights, this review aims to further improve early diagnosis and offer an updated perspective on current management strategies for the diverse range of complications associated with acute myocardial infarction.

Asymptomatic Intestinal Ischemia Secondary to Thrombosis of the Spleno-Mesenteric Portal Axis: Usefulness of Laparoscopic Approach for Diagnosis and Therapeutical Decisions—Case Report and Review of the Literature

Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis (MVT) is a rare but often lethal form of ischemia. The diagnosis may be difficult for the clinician due to its mild symptoms with a great discrepancy between the pain suffered by the patients and the clinical observation. The non-specificity of the laboratory tests and the challenge in computed tomography (CT) scan in distinguishing when an ischemia is occurring lead to the risk of an unrecognized diagnosis, especially considering that an early onset of treatment is largely fundamental for better outcomes. Also, the choice between the surgical approach and the anticoagulation may be a pitfall for the clinicians. The treatment choice requires a multidisciplinary approach. Emergency exploration by laparoscopy allows clinicians to reach the correct diagnosis and the real-time assessment of the intestinal infarction extension, playing a double diagnostic and therapeutic role in those doubtful and tricky cases. Here, a 77-year-old male with a completely asymptomatic bowel ischemia secondary to a Mesenteric Venous Thrombosis was submitted to a laparoscopic approach.

Right ventricular infarction: epidemiological, clinical, and angiographic characteristics and the outcomes through the experience of a Moroccan cardiology department

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of cardiovascular mortality, which is the leading cause of death in the world. Our objective in this study was to evaluate the epidemiological, clinical, and angiographic features of right ventricular infarction (RVI), as well as its complications and its therapeutic approaches. Patients and methods: It is a single-centered retrospective descriptive study conducted over a period of 2 years from November 2018 to October 2020. The authors included 82 patients with RVI hospitalized in the cardiovascular ICU during the initial phase of acute coronary syndrome with persistent ST segment elevation. Patients who were diagnosed with RVI at electrocardiogram and echocardiography were recruited. Results: The authors included 500 patients hospitalized for STEMI, 82 had MI extended to the RV, reflecting a rate of 16.4%. The mean age in our study was 64±12.3 years. Dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension were the most common cardiovascular risk factors among these patients. RVI co-existed with inferior MI in 62.2 of cases and in 37.8% of anterior MI, while isolated RVI was seen in only one patient. Transthoracic echocardiography showed right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction in 24.39% of cases, while RV dilatation was seen in only 10.9% of patients. Therapeutic approach was based essentially on revascularization with thrombolysis and coronary angiography +/- PCI. The percentage of mortality was 2.4%. Conclusion: RVI is relatively rare and is mostly related to an extension of an inferior MI. Early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and appropriate are the keys to improve prognosis, and reduce complications.

Abstract TP148: The Hemispheric-Aspects Scale: An Expanded Scan Assessment System Appropriate for ICA Occlusions

Background: Distinctive aspects of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) include severe presenting deficits, extensive infarct volumes, frequent poor functional outcome, and mortality. Decision-making for thrombectomy, hemicraniectomy, and palliative care depends crucially upon infarct extent but the most widely used current image rating scale, ASPECTS, assesses only 10 regions confined to the MCA field. Methods: We developed the hemispheric-ASPECTS (H-ASPECTS) rating scale that assesses the entire extent of the ICA-supplied brain. The 16-point H-ASPECTS score adds to original MC-ASPECTS (10 regions), assessments of 3 ACA regions, 2 supratentorial PCA regions (thalamus, occipital - potentially fetal ICA-supplied), and 1 anterior choroidal artery region (Figure). We rated initial and 24h CT/MR in consecutive AIS-ICAO patients. Results: Among the AIS-ICAO patients (n=17), age was 68.5 (±15.8), 52.9% female, NIHSS median 20 (IQR 14-22). Occlusion locations were: carotid T 47%; cervical 47%; isolated intracranial ICA 6%. Treatment included EVT ± IV lysis in 59% and hemicraniectomy in 6%. Time from last known well to 1st imaging was 9.6h and 2nd imaging 35h. On 1st imaging H-ASPECTS scores were median 12 (IQR 11-14); on 2nd imaging 10 (IQR 6.5-12.5). Involvement of regions outside MCA, detected by the H-ASPECTS, occurred in 47% of patients, including ACA in 35%, PCA in 12%, and AChA in 6%. Second image H-ASPECTS correlated strongly with discharge mRS, r=0.66 (p=0.007). Conclusions: H-ASPECTS expands the scope of AIS imaging scores, captured abnormalities outside the MCA field in 47% of patients with ICAO, and correlated well with discharge disability level outcome. The additional information H-ASPECTS provides may enhance decision-making in ICAO patients with large ischemic cores, including for endovascular thrombectomy and hemicraniectomy.

Blunt chest trauma-induced myocardial infarction: a case of sudden death by homicide

BackgroundBlunt cardiac injuries, which are typically the result of blunt chest trauma, are not particularly significant clinically. It is vital never to underestimate blunt chest injuries, especially when they occur in the anterior thoracic area. Blunt trauma to the chest is one of the rarest causative factors of myocardial infarction (MI). Blunt cardiac injury encompasses different medical emergency conditions such as gradual damage to the myocardium leading to myocardial ischemia, injuries to the great vessels of the heart, pericardial tamponade, septum or wall ruptures, pump failure, conduction abnormalities, and atrial and ventricular fibrillations. The most common cause of blunt chest trauma is a road traffic accident (RTA), followed by a sports injury. Mostly blunt trauma chest injuries occur below the age group of 45 years.Case presentationA 45-year-old male with a history of physical assault was brought to the emergency department by his neighbor. He was allegedly kicked by his relative over the chest during an altercation sustained blunt-force trauma to the chest and collapsed immediately. On admission, he was given cardiopulmonary resuscitation and declared dead. On autopsy, there were no signs suggestive of external injury or any shoeprints/footprints on the chest. On histopathological examination, a diffuse area of discoloration consistent with an extensive myocardial infarction was noted. Old healed infarcts were seen in the free wall of the left ventricle, left posterior papillary muscle, and left apex. The coronaries showed atheromatous plaque with lumen narrowing and focal calcification.ConclusionsIt is the task of the forensic pathologist to ascertain and record evidence as to whether the myocardial infarction was caused by the alleged blunt trauma to the chest during the autopsy. This is important as it will determine the type of prosecution the accused is likely to be charged with and the extent of the punishment that he will likely receive under the Indian Penal Code.

Craniectomía descompresiva en infarto de arteria cerebral media bilateral asociado a COVID-19. Reporte de caso

The new severe acute respiratory syndrome due to coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes COVID-19 disease, was detected for the first time in December 2019. Where it has been seen that there is a prothrombotic state with involvement of the Central Nervous, with involvement of large vessels such as the middle cerebral artery, is due to mechanisms induced by the infection itself, hypercoagulable state and endothelial damage. Neurological manifestations in COVID-19 are found in 36% of patients. Case description: This is a 36-year-old male patient with fever, cough and general malaise. A COVID test was performed, which came out positive. His condition was getting worse adding photophobia, right hemiparesis and deviation of the corner of the mouth to the left, which is why he went to the doctor, arriving 8 hours after the onset of the clinical picture, where a simple skull tomography was performed, showing extensive infarction of the left middle cerebral artery with malignant cerebral edema. He was transferred to emergency surgical management where a left decompressive craniectomy was performed. After this, mechanical respiratory assistance with intubation and anti-cerebral edema measures were maintained, achieving ventilatory progression; however, a tracheostomy and gastrostomy were performed due to poor predictors of extubation. He was kept under post-surgical observation, leaving him with 3/5 right hemiparesis, without any other deficit, therefore, he was discharged home. Discussion: The case presented was managed with decompressive craniectomy, resulting in an improvement in survival, as reported in the literature where it is recommended that such management should be performed early. Conclusions: This report reveals that patients with COVID-19 present in young men in the fourth and fifth decade of life, without comorbidities, that recieved early treatment with decompressive hemicraniectomy, improved their life prognosis, consistent with the cases presented in the literature. Keywords: COVID-19; brain infarction; decompressive craniectomy; hypercoagulability.