Good Neurological Recovery Research Articles

Factors associated with neurological outcomes in patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and severe acidaemia: retrospective analysis of a nation-wide registry

Background and objectiveAcidaemia is common among individuals who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). While severe acidaemia is a strong predictor of unfavourable outcomes, a subset of patients exhibits dramatic recovery. Despite these conflicting outcomes, little is known about the factors associated with neurological outcomes in those who experience OHCA with severe acidaemia. MethodsThis retrospective analysis used data from a Japanese multicentre nationwide database, the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine OHCA Registry. The analysis included data from adult patients with OHCA for whom blood pH data were available upon arrival to hospital. The primary outcome was 30-day survival with favourable neurological outcomes, defined as a Glasgow-Pittsburgh cerebral performance category score of 1 or 2. Patients were categorised with severe acidaemia if their blood pH was ≤ 6.8. Factors associated with favourable outcomes were investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis. ResultsData from 49,044 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 16,620 exhibited severe acidaemia with a median pH of 6.70 (interquartile range [IQR] 6.61–6.76], and 0.5% (86/16,620) experienced a neurologically favourable outcome. After adjustment for important prognostic factors, witnessed status exhibited a strong association with favourable neurological outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.46 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.64–15.8]), while initial blood pH exhibited no significant association (aOR 0.90 with every 0.1 unit increase [95% CI 0.71–1.14]). ConclusionAlthough the number is small, a notable number of patients with severe acidaemia exhibited good neurological recovery. Witness status was critical for the prognosis of these patients.

Individualized decision making in on-scene resuscitation time for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest using reinforcement learning

On-scene resuscitation time is associated with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes. We developed and validated reinforcement learning models for individualized on-scene resuscitation times, leveraging nationwide Korean data. Adult OHCA patients with a medical cause of arrest were included (N = 73,905). The optimal policy was derived from conservative Q-learning to maximize survival. The on-scene return of spontaneous circulation hazard rates estimated from the Random Survival Forest were used as intermediate rewards to handle sparse rewards, while patients’ historical survival was reflected in the terminal rewards. The optimal policy increased the survival to hospital discharge rate from 9.6% to 12.5% (95% CI: 12.2–12.8) and the good neurological recovery rate from 5.4% to 7.5% (95% CI: 7.3–7.7). The recommended maximum on-scene resuscitation times for patients demonstrated a bimodal distribution, varying with patient, emergency medical services, and OHCA characteristics. Our survival analysis-based approach generates explainable rewards, reducing subjectivity in reinforcement learning.

Application of the "Klotski Technique" in Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament With En Bloc Type Dura Ossification.

The anterior controllable antedisplacement and fusion (ACAF) technique is a new procedure for the treatment of cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) that requires management of the disc adjacent to the ossification. This study describes a novel technique to reduce the number of fixed segments, namely, the "Klotski technique." The efficacy of ACAF using the Klotski technique was compared with that of anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) in the treatment of OPLL with en bloc type dural ossification (DO). The clinical data of 25 patients with severe OPLL and en bloc type DO who were treated by the ACAF Klotski technique or ACCF at our hospital from January 2020 to January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. In the Klotski technique, the number of segments fused within the OPLL is limited. The antedisplacement space was designed according to the shape of the vertebrae-OPLL-DO complex (VODC). Then, the entire VODC was antedisplaced as in Klotski. Neurological function and image examination were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively. Complications associated with surgery were recorded. Patients were followed up for 24-36 months. There were 11 patients who were treated with ACAF and 14 patients who were treated with ACCF. At 2 weeks after surgery, the incidence of neurological deterioration was 21.4% (3 of 14) in the ACCF group and 9.1% (1 of 11) in the ACAF group. The incidence of intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage (CFL) was 35.7% (5 of 14) in the ACCF group and 9.1% (1 of 11) in the ACAF group. The postoperative follow-up JOA scores of the patients in both groups were significantly better than their preoperative JOA scores (p<0.05). The Klotski technique for ACAF is a good option for the treatment of patients with en bloc type OPLL-DO, as it limits the number of fused segments, has a low incidence of CFL and neurologic deficits and is associated with good neurological recovery.

Assessment of long-term psychosocial outcomes in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis – the SAPIENCE study protocol

BackgroundN-methyl-D-aspartate-receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is a rare neurological autoimmune disease with severe neuropsychiatric symptoms during the acute phase. Despite good functional neurological recovery, most patients continue to experience cognitive, psychiatric, psychological, and social impairments years after the acute phase. However, the precise nature and evolving patterns over time of these long-term consequences remain unclear, and their implications for the well-being and quality of life of predominantly young patients have yet to be thoroughly examined.MethodsSAPIENCE is a European multi-center (n = 3) prospective observational cohort study studying the long-term cognitive, psychiatric, psychological, and social outcome in patients with NMDAR encephalitis. The study consists of three interconnected levels. Level 1 comprises a qualitative interview and focus groups with patients and their caregivers. Level 2 consists of a condensed form of the interview, standardized questionnaires, and a detailed neuropsychological examination of patients. Level 3 involves an online survey that will be open to patients world-wide and explores patient-reported outcomes (PROMs), and patient-reported experiences (PREMs) in association with clinical and cognitive outcomes. Levels 1 to 3 will progressively contribute developing of structured interviews, survey questions, and treatment guidelines by informing one another.DiscussionSAPIENCE is an in-depth study of the long-term effects of NMDAR encephalitis and bridges the gap between standardized assessments and individual patient experiences, intending to improve patient care and to increase awareness of the psychosocial long-term consequences of the disease. Through collaboration of experts in clinical neurology and social and health psychology across Europe, SAPIENCE aims to create online assessment tools and formulate guidelines for patient-centered post-acute care that will help enhance the quality of life for patients and caregivers.

Multi-Modal Assessment of Cerebral Hemodynamics in Resuscitated Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients: A Case-Series.

We assessed the feasibility of concurrent monitoring of cerebral hemodynamics in adult, comatose out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients admitted to the National University Heart Centre Singapore from October 2021 to August 2023. Patients underwent continuous near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring in the first 72 h after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and 30-min transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) monitoring at least once. With constant mechanical ventilatory settings and continuous electrocardiographic, pulse oximeter and end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring, blood pressure was manipulated via vasopressors and cerebral autoregulation assessed by measuring changes in regional cerebral oxygenation (NIRS) and cerebral blood flow velocities (TCD) in response to changes in mean arterial pressure. The primary outcome was neurological recovery at hospital discharge. Amongst the first 16 patients (median age 61, 94% males), we observed four unique patterns: preserved cerebral autoregulation, loss of cerebral autoregulation, cardio-cerebral asynchrony and cerebral circulatory arrest. Patients with preserved cerebral autoregulation had lower levels of neuro-injury biomarkers (neurofilaments light and heavy) and the majority (86%) were discharged with good neurological recovery. Multi-modal assessment of cerebral hemodynamics after OHCA is feasible and derived patterns correlated with neurological outcomes. The between- and within-patient heterogeneity in cerebral hemodynamics calls for more research on individualized treatment strategies.

Influence of Cooling duration on Efficacy in Cardiac Arrest Patients (ICECAP): study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, adaptive allocation clinical trial to identify the optimal duration of induced hypothermia for neuroprotection in comatose, adult survivors of after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

BackgroundCardiac arrest is a common and devastating emergency of both the heart and brain. More than 380,000 patients suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually in the USA. Induced cooling of comatose patients markedly improved neurological and functional outcomes in pivotal randomized clinical trials, but the optimal duration of therapeutic hypothermia has not yet been established.MethodsThis study is a multi-center randomized, response-adaptive, duration (dose) finding, comparative effectiveness clinical trial with blinded outcome assessment. We investigate two populations of adult comatose survivors of cardiac arrest to ascertain the shortest duration of cooling that provides the maximum treatment effect. The design is based on a statistical model of response as defined by the primary endpoint, a weighted 90-day mRS (modified Rankin Scale, a measure of neurologic disability), across the treatment arms. Subjects will initially be equally randomized between 12, 24, and 48 h of therapeutic cooling. After the first 200 subjects have been randomized, additional treatment arms between 12 and 48 h will be opened and patients will be allocated, within each initial cardiac rhythm type (shockable or non-shockable), by response adaptive randomization. As the trial continues, shorter and longer duration arms may be opened. A maximum sample size of 1800 subjects is proposed. Secondary objectives are to characterize: the overall safety and adverse events associated with duration of cooling, the effect on neuropsychological outcomes, and the effect on patient-reported quality of life measures.DiscussionIn vitro and in vivo studies have shown the neuroprotective effects of therapeutic hypothermia for cardiac arrest. We hypothesize that longer durations of cooling may improve either the proportion of patients that attain a good neurological recovery or may result in better recovery among the proportion already categorized as having a good outcome. If the treatment effect of cooling is increasing across duration, for at least some set of durations, then this provides evidence of the efficacy of cooling itself versus normothermia, even in the absence of a normothermia control arm, confirming previous RCTs for OHCA survivors of shockable rhythms and provides the first prospective controlled evidence of efficacy in those without initial shockable rhythms.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04217551. Registered on 30 December 2019.

Influence of Cooling duration on Efficacy in Cardiac Arrest Patients (ICECAP): study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, adaptive allocation clinical trial to identify the optimal duration of induced hypothermia for neuroprotection in comatose, adult survivors of after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest is a common and devastating emergency of both the heart and brain. More than 380,000 patients suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrest annually in the United States. Induced cooling of comatose patients markedly improved neurological and functional outcomes in pivotal randomized clinical trials, but the optimal duration of therapeutic hypothermia has not yet been established. This study is a multi-center randomized, response-adaptive, duration (dose) finding, comparative effectiveness clinical trial with blinded outcome assessment. We investigate two populations of adult comatose survivors of cardiac arrest to ascertain the shortest duration of cooling that provides the maximum treatment effect. The design is based on a statistical model of response as defined by the primary endpoint, a weighted 90-day mRS (modified Rankin Scale, a measure of neurologic disability), across the treatment arms. Subjects will initially be equally randomized between 12, 24, and 48 hours of therapeutic cooling. After the first 200 subjects have been randomized, additional treatment arms between 12 and 48 hours will be opened and patients will be allocated, within each initial cardiac rhythm type (shockable or non-shockable), by response adaptive randomization. As the trial continues, shorter and longer duration arms may be opened. A maximum sample size of 1800 subjects is proposed. Secondary objectives are to characterize: the overall safety and adverse events associated with duration of cooling, the effect on neuropsychological outcomes, and the effect on patient reported quality of life measures. In-vitro and in-vivo studies have shown the neuroprotective effects of therapeutic hypothermia for cardiac arrest. We hypothesize that longer durations of cooling may improve either the proportion of patients that attain a good neurological recovery or may result in better recovery among the proportion already categorized as having a good outcome. If the treatment effect of cooling is increasing across duration, for at least some set of durations, then this provides evidence of the efficacy of cooling itself versus normothermia, even in the absence of a normothermia control arm, confirming previous RCTs for OHCA survivors of shockable rhythms and provides the first prospective controlled evidence of efficacy in those without initial shockable rhythms. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04217551, 2019-12-30).

Feasibility of standby ECMO with preset femoral vascular sheaths for high-risk transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Objective Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) can provide temporary circulatory and respiratory support allowing hemodynamic stabilization during high-risk transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). However, the optimal timing of VA-ECMO use in high-risk TAVR remains controversial. We aimed to report our experience using a novel standby ECMO strategy during high-risk TAVR. Methods We retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients who received high-risk TAVR with standby ECMO between March 1,2023 and March 1,2024 at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital. Small, 5F or 6F sheaths were placed in ipsilateral femoral vein and artery before TAVR procedures. The primary outcome of this study was survival to hospital discharge with good neurological recovery defined as cerebral performance category (CPC) 1-2. Results A total of 24 patients undergoing high-risk TAVR with standby ECMO were included. Six (25.0%) of the 24 patients with standby ECMO suffered from cardiogenic shock or cardiac arrest and required emergency VA-ECMO institution. The median (IQR) cannulation time was 8 (6–11) minutes, and the median (IQR) ECMO duration was 35 (24–48) hours. All of the 24 patients underwent successful TAVR procedures and survival to hospital discharge with CPC1-2. Conclusions Standby ECMO with preset femoral vascular sheaths was feasible and effective for refractory cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest during high-risk TAVR.

A Rare Instance of Spinal Cord Cavernous Malformation With Adjacent Intramedullary Microhemorrhage.

The natural history of spinal cord cavernous malformation (SCM) may be characterized by recurrent episodes of hemorrhage resulting in a range of neurologic deficits, most of which are microhemorrhage and subsequent gliosis that can lead to progressive myelopathy. Macrohemorrhage with acute onset of symptoms is extremely rare and leads to irreversible neurologic deficits. In this article, we present an unusual case of ruptured cavernous malformation (CM) in the cervical spinal cord with large extralesional hemorrhage. The patient underwent an operation of posterior longitudinal myelotomy and had a good neurologic recovery. A histologic examination revealed the typical features of cavernous angioma.

Patterns and management outcomes of intracranial extra-axial hematomas in low-resource setup: a 6-month prospective observational study at Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia

IntroductionIntracranial hematoma is the collection of blood in various intracranial spaces. Knowledge of patterns, origins, causes and outcomes of ICH conditions is important for decision-making for urgent surgical interventions such as craniotomy and hematoma evacuations. No prior study was conducted in our setup. Hence, this study aimed to assess the patterns and management outcomes of intracranial hematomas in low-resource setting and tailored our management approach at Jimma University Medical center.MethodsAn institution-based prospective observational study was conducted at Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia, for six consecutive months from June to December 2020. Different data sources and interview methods were used and analyzed using SPSS version 24. A bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was conducted to determine the association between the variables.ResultsA total of 91 eligible patients were recruited during the study period, with a mean age of 34 years. The majority of patients were males [73 (80.2%)] and more common in reproductive age groups (62.6%), from rural areas (50.5%). About 93.4% of patients reported a history of trauma, and road traffic accidents & fighting account for 63.8% of the trauma cases. Sixty-five percent of patients arrive in the hospital within 24 h. Upon presentation, there were loss of consciousness (48.4%), convulsion (11%), aspiration (9.9%) and increased ICP (12%). The majority (49.5%) of the patients had a mild head injury. The focal neurologic deficits were hemiparesis (29.7%) and hemiplegia (5.5%). Acute epidural hematoma (68.1%) was a common finding, followed by sub-acute subdural hematoma. Of the total study participants, 11% had died. All the surviving patients were accessed at 30 days after discharge and re-assessed, 66 patients had good neurologic recovery (62 upper and 4 lower good recovery), 11 patients had moderate disability (7 lower and 4 upper-moderate disabilities), two patients had a severe disability, and two patients (among those with severe disability) had died.ConclusionTrauma was invariably the cause of intracranial hematoma, and patients with low GCS, papillary abnormalities, aspiration and increased ICP had an increased risk of dying from their illness. It is good to formulate policies to enhance injury prevention and bring about health-oriented behavioral change.

Prothrombin Complex Concentrate vs Conservative Management in ICH Associated With Direct Oral Anticoagulants.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) associated with direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) use carries extremely high morbidity and mortality. The clinical effectiveness of hemostatic therapy is unclear. To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of DOAC-associated ICH treated with prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) vs conservative management. In this population-based, propensity score-weighted retrospective cohort study, patients who developed DOAC-associated ICH from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021, in Hong Kong were identified. The outcomes of patients who received 25 to 50 IU/kg PCC with those who received no hemostatic agents were compared. Data were analyzed from May 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. The primary outcome was modified Rankin scale of 0 to 3 or returning to baseline functional status at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were mortality at 90 days, in-hospital mortality, and hematoma expansion. Weighted logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association of PCC with study outcomes. In unweighted logistic regression models, factors associated with good neurological outcome and hematoma expansion in DOAC-associated ICH were identified. A total of 232 patients with DOAC-associated ICH, with a mean (SD) age of 77.2 (9.3) years and 101 (44%) female patients, were included. Among these, 116 (50%) received conservative treatment and 102 (44%) received PCC. Overall, 74 patients (31%) patients had good neurological recovery and 92 (39%) died within 90 days. Median (IQR) baseline hematoma volume was 21.7 mL (3.6-66.1 mL). Compared with conservative management, PCC was not associated with improved neurological recovery (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.33-1.16; P = .14), mortality at 90 days (aOR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.70-1.53; P = .88), in-hospital mortality (aOR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.69-1.79; P = .66), or reduced hematoma expansion (aOR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.38-2.31; P = .90). Higher baseline hematoma volume, lower Glasgow coma scale, and intraventricular hemorrhage were associated with lower odds of good neurological outcome but not hematoma expansion. In this cohort study, Chinese patients with DOAC-associated ICH had large baseline hematoma volumes and high rates of mortality and functional disability. PCC treatment was not associated with improved functional outcome, hematoma expansion, or mortality. Further studies on novel hemostatic agents as well as neurosurgical and adjunctive medical therapies are needed to identify the best management algorithm for DOAC-associated ICH.

Comparison of anterior and posterior approach in the treatment of acute and chronic cervical spinal cord injury: ameta-analysis.

A cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI) is a traumatic catastrophe that often leads to neurological dysfunction. The optimal surgical procedure for the treatment of CSCI remains debatable. The aim of this meta-analysis is to compare the neurological outcomes, complications, and clinical factors between anterior and posterior approach in CSCI treatment. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane library from their inceptions to october 2023. Preoperative and postoperative Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores, and calculated recovery rates (RRs) were compared between the two strategies, and differences in complication rates, operation time, intraoperative blood loss and length of stay were also analyzed. A total of five studies containing 613 patients were included, with 320 patients undergoing the anterior approach and 293 patients undergoing the posterior approach. Four of the studies included were retrospective cohort studies of high quality as assessed by the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Additionally, there was one randomized controlled trial evaluated with the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Although both anterior and posterior approaches effectively facilitate spinal decompression and promote good neurological recovery, there was no significant difference in the incidences of neurological dysfunction and complications or other clinical features between the two approaches. There is no evidence thus far supports one approach over the other. Large-scale randomized controlled studies are warranted to further distinguish these two methods. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, PROSPERO [CRD42023438831].

Surgical strategies in the management of aggressive spinal haemangiomas: Retrospective case series with literature review and a practical treatment algorithm

PurposeWe studied the clinico-radiological features and treatment outcomes of patients with aggressive spinal haemangiomas. MethodsWe undertook a retrospective review of 24 patients with aggressive spinal haemangiomas managed at our centre from 2004 to 2016. The cohort was divided into two groups. Group1 included patients managed from 2004 to 2009 while Group 2 was those treated between 2010 and 2016. Clinicoradiological features and treatment outcomes were studied. ResultsBack pain (24/24) and myelopathy (18/24) were the most common presenting complaints. Over 80% (20/24) of patients, had involvement of the thoracic spine and more than 50% (13/24) had severe spasticity, being Nurick grade 4&5 at presentation. The various treatment modalities used were laminectomy with or without instrumented posterior fusion (10/24), corpectomy with instrumented fusion (10/24) and alcohol injection alone (4/24). Patients who were treated with surgery had significant clinical improvement at follow-up in both groups. Patients who underwent alcohol injection did not have any improvement in symptoms at follow-up. There was a change in our strategy in the later part of the series from a two staged anterior and posterior approach to a single staged posterior-only approach to address vertebral body disease with preoperative angioembolization. ConclusionHaemangiomas are benign lesions with locally aggressive behavior in some cases. Results of conservative approaches such as alcohol injection in management of these lesions are discouraging. Aggressive surgical decompression combined with preoperative adjuncts such as angioembolization with or without stabilization reduces intra operative blood loss and results in good neurological recovery even in patients with severe myelopathy.

STEMI patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: should we cool?

Abstract Introduction Patients who have been successfully resuscitated after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) due to ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have a high risk of death and poor neurological outcome. Application of therapeutic hypothermia (TTM) is recommended in addition to the reperfusion strategies in patients who remain comatose after resuscitation. However, data analysis in STEMI patients successfully resuscitated after OHCA who remain comatose are inconsistent and still a subject of discussion. Objective The aim of this research was to examine the impact of TTM on in-hospital survival and neurological outcome in comatose STEMI patients after OHCA. Methods The study was conducted as a retrospective observational analysis of data taken from a hospital OHCA registry. The examined sample consisted of 141 patients hospitalized from January 2007 to December 2021 due to STEMI complicated by OHCA and who remained comatose upon admission. Inclusion criteria for analysis were STEMI of any localisation and unresponsiveness on admission defined as Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) ≤ 8. Favorable neurological outcome was defined as Cerebral Performance Category Score (CPC) ≤ 2. Results Our research included 141 comatose survivors of OHCA due to STEMI, among whom 91 (64.5%) were men, and TTM was applied in 82 (58.2%) patients. Witnessed cardiac arrest (48.7% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.027), duration of resuscitation ≤ 20 minutes (66.1% vs. 28.4%, p &amp;lt; 0.0005), initial shockable rhythm (55.2% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.001) and performed urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (56.2% vs. 23.1%, p &amp;lt; 0.0005) had a statistically significant influence on in-hospital survival, while good neurological recovery was influenced only by the duration of resuscitation ≤ 20 minutes (69.2% vs. 36.7%, p = 0.008). TTM was applied more often when the resuscitation lasted ≤ 20 minutes (51.2% vs. 29.3%, p = 0.015), with an initial shockable rhythm (85.4% vs. 14.6%, p &amp;lt; 0.0005) and when urgent PCI was performed (82.9% vs. 35.6%, p &amp;lt; 0.0005). TTM had a statistically significant effect on in-hospital survival (58.5% vs. 23.7%, p &amp;lt; 0.0005), while it had no effect on favorable neurological outcome (54.7% vs. 56.3%, p = 1.000). Conclusion In our examined group of STEMI patients successfully resuscitated after OHCA who remained comatose at admission, TTM significantly improved in-hospital survival, but had no effect on favorable neurological outcome.

Abstract 19084: The Deadly Squeeze - Coronary Vasospasm Complicated by Myocardial Infarction and Cardiac Arrest

Introduction: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) typically results from atherosclerotic plaque rupture. However, about 6% of ST elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) patients have no obstructive disease. We present a case of STEMI, diagnosed with coronary vasospasm. Hypothesis: Methods: A 54-year-old female with alcohol abuse, smoking and uncontrolled hypertension presented after an out of hospital ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest. EKG showed anterolateral ST elevation (STE). Left heart catheterization (LHC) showed moderate to severe multi-vessel disease without a definitive culprit lesion. STE resolved. Heart team approach for revascularization was contemplated. Echocardiogram showed systolic dysfunction with ejection fraction (EF) of 25%. Patient had another cardiac arrest and EKG showed recurrent anterolateral STE. Repeat LHC showed severe vasospasm of Left anterior descending (LAD) artery and diagonal branch, which improved with intracoronary (IC) nitroglycerin. Vasospasm was attributed to smoking and catecholamine excess from alcohol withdrawal. She was started on intravenous nitroglycerin and amlodipine. Her hospital course was complicated by high degree AV block requiring temporary pacer. She was eventually extubated with good neurological recovery and recovered systolic function (EF 60%). She was counselled on smoking and alcohol cessation and discharged home on isosorbide dinitrate and Amlodipine with planned surgical revascularization. Results: Coronary vasospasm (CVS) can occur both in normal and diseased coronaries. Risk factors include smoking, alcohol use and withdrawal, cocaine, mental stress, etc. Vasospasm may present as Prinzmetal’s angina, myocardial infarction, AV block, or fatal arrhythmias. IC nitroglycerine during LHC aids in diagnosis of CVS in setting of ACS. IVUS (Intravascular ultrasound) may help diagnose presence or absence of concomitant atherosclerotic disease. Provocative testing with IC ergonovine and acetylcholine may be considered in non-ACS setting. Conclusions: This case emphasizes the need to have a high index of suspicion for vasospasm to prevent associated complications and establish an accurate diagnosis and guide proper management of this potentially fatal disease.

Telephone-based evaluation of cognitive impairment and mood disorders in cardiac arrest survivors with good neurologic outcomes: a retrospective cohort study

This study determined the occurrence of cognitive impairment and mood disorders in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors with good neurologic outcomes. We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center study with a total of 97 patients. We evaluated cognitive dysfunction via the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Alzheimer’s disease-8 mood disorders via the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. We measured quality of life with the European Quality of Life 5-Dimension 5-Levels questionnaire. Cognitive impairment and mood disorders were common among patients with good neurologic recovery. There were 23 patients who experienced cognitive impairments (23.7%) and 28 who suffered from mood disorders (28.9%). Age (adjusted OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.12), mood disorders (adjusted OR 22.80, 95% CI 4.84–107.49) and hospital length of stay (adjusted OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.02–1.09) were independent risk factors for cognitive impairment. The occurrence of cognitive impairments (adjusted OR 9.94, 95% CI 2.83–35.97) and non-cardiac causes of cardiac arrest (adjusted OR 11.51, 95% CI 3.15–42.15) were risk factors for mood disorders. Quality of life was significantly lower in the OHCA survivors with each disorder than the healthy individuals. Routine screening and intervention are needed for OHCA survivors.

Predicting neurologic recovery after severe acute brain injury using resting-state networks.

There is a lack of reliable tools used to predict functional recovery in unresponsive patients following a severe brain injury. The objective of the study is to evaluate the prognostic utility of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging for predicting good neurologic recovery in unresponsive patients with severe brain injury in the intensive-care unit. Each patient underwent a 5.5-min resting-state scan and ten resting-state networks were extracted via independent component analysis. The Glasgow Outcome Scale was used to classify patients into good and poor outcome groups. The Nearest Centroid classifier used each patient's ten resting-state network values to predict best neurologic outcome within 6months post-injury. Of the 25 patients enrolled (mean age = 43.68, range = [19-69]; GCS ≤ 9; 6 females), 10 had good and 15 had poor outcome. The classifier correctly and confidently predicted 8/10 patients with good and 12/15 patients with poor outcome (mean = 0.793, CI = [0.700, 0.886], Z = 2.843, p = 0.002). The prediction performance was largely determined by three visual (medial: Z = 3.11, p = 0.002; occipital pole: Z = 2.44, p = 0.015; lateral: Z = 2.85, p = 0.004) and the left frontoparietal network (Z = 2.179, p = 0.029). Our approach correctly identified good functional outcome with higher sensitivity (80%) than traditional prognostic measures. By revealing preserved networks in the absence of discernible behavioral signs, functional connectivity may aid in the prognostic process and affect the outcome of discussions surrounding withdrawal of life-sustaining measures.

Radical decompression without fusion for L5 radiculopathy due to foraminal stenosis.

The highest incidence of lumbar foraminal stenosis (LFS) occurs in the L5-S1 segment and its anatomical features differ from those of other segments. Few previous reports have exhaustively assessed surgical outcomes after decompression surgery, limiting the materials to patients with LFS at the L5-S1 segment. We aimed to prospectively investigate instability and neurological improvement following our novel surgical technique for LFS at L5-S1, named "radical decompression" of the nerve root. Patients with foraminal stenosis at L5-S1 who underwent surgery using our technique were prospectively evaluated two years postoperatively. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and the JOA Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire (JOABPEQ) were evaluated preoperatively and two years postoperatively. The following radiological parameters at L5-S1 were measured: lateral translation, sagittal translation, the difference in sagittal translation (DST) between flexion and extension, disc wedging angle, lordotic angle, the difference in lordotic angle (DLA) between flexion and extension, and disc height. Pre- and postoperative data were compared using paired t-tests. In addition, the patients were classified into a disc group (Group D) and a non-disc group (Group ND) according to whether a discectomy was performed intraoperatively. Changes in each parameter before and after surgery were compared between the groups. Twenty-eight patients were included in this analysis. The JOA scores improved in all patients. The mean preoperative and two-year postoperative JOA scores were 14.5±3.2 (range, 8-21) and 24.3±3.3 (range, 18-29), respectively (P<0.01). All JOABPEQ categories improved two years postoperatively (P<0.05). None of the patients underwent revision surgery. No significant changes were observed in any of the radiological parameters. No significant differences in the changes in each parameter before and after surgery were found between groups D and ND. Our surgical technique resulted in good neurological recovery and was associated with a low risk of postoperative segmental instability, regardless of additional discectomy.

Clinicoradiological evaluation and outcome assessment of single-stage posterior correction of atlantoaxial dislocation

Background: Atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) refers to loss of stability between atlas and axis vertebrae, resulting in loss of normal articulation. It may be due to congenital, traumatic, or inflammatory reasons. Various techniques of atlantoaxial fixation have been described and used in patients over the years, but each has its own merits and demerits. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study clinicoradiological evaluation and outcome assessment of single-stage posterior correction of AAD. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study done in the Department of Neurosurgery, JA group of hospitals, Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior, from July 2021 to July 2022. The study was conducted on 20 randomly selected patients whose presentation and imaging showed indication for surgery. Results: C1 lateral mass C2 pars screw fixation had one Frankel grade improvement in 6 months in 96% patient with a fusion rate of 100% and the patient also has modified Japanese orthopedic association score improvement of 15.25±0.98. Conclusion: This study reviewed single-stage posterior correction of AAD using C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screw and rod fixation; it enables the stabilization of atlantoaxial motion and preserves motion at occipito-atlantal level with high fusion rates, good neurological recovery, and minimal complications.

Association between post-cardiac arrest treatments and clinical outcomes according to scene time interval in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: Retrospective cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrevious studies have reported that Post-Cardiac arrest (PCA) treatments including targeted temperature management (TTM), coronary reperfusion therapy (CRT), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are time-sensitive; however, there are no reports of the clinical outcomes of PCA treatment according to the scene time interval (STI). Our study aimed to investigated the clinical outcomes of PCA treatment according to the STI. MethodsWe used a Korean nationwide OHCA cohort database from January 2017 to December 2020. The inclusion criteria were all adult OHCA patients with a presumed cardiac etiology, bystander-witnessed arrest, and prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The outcomes were survival to discharge and good neurological recovery. The main exposure of interest was PCA treatment. We compared the outcomes using multivariable logistic regression, and interaction terms were included in the final model to assess whether the STI modified the effect of PCA treatment on clinical outcomes of OHCA. ResultsTTM and CRT were associated with high survival to discharge and good neurological recovery. In the interaction analysis, ECMO had an interaction effect with the STI on a good CPC among patients with OHCA [short STI (0 to 11 min) (1.16 (0.77—1.75)), middle STI (12 to 15 min) (0.66 (0.41—1.06)), and long STI (16 to 30 min) (0.59 (0.40—0.88)) (p for interaction <0.05)]. ConclusionIn adult bystander-witnessed patients with OHCA with prehospital ROSC, an STI of >16 min was a risk factor for poor neurological outcome in those patients who underwent ECMO.