Occurrence Of Neurological Events Research Articles

Cerebral Ischemic Events Ipsilateral to Carotid Artery Stenosis. The Carotid Asymptomatic Stenosis (CARAS) Observational Study: First Year Preliminary Results

To report the characteristics of the prospective observational cohort study "Carotid Asymptomatic Stenosis (CARAS)", including patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis under medical treatment and their first year of follow-up, in order to estimate the risk of cerebral ischemic events. This is a prospective observational cohort study of CARAS>60% (Nascet criteria) patients, identified in a single duplex-ultrasonography (DUS) vascular laboratory (trail registration N: NCT04825080). Patient's enrollment started in January 2019 and ended in March 2020 with the follow-up conclusion scheduled in December 2025. The aimed sample size was calculated at 300 patients for a 5-year follow-up. The primary outcome were the incidence of ipsilateral neurologic ischemic events (stokes and transient ischemic attacks [TIA]), plaque progression rate, and survival. The follow-up was scheduled at six-month intervals for clinical visit and annually for DUS examination. a total of 307 patients completed the first follow-up year. The mean age was 81±4 years, 55% were male. Contralateral stenosis >60% was present in 90 (29%) patients. Antiplatelet therapy and statins adherence was 80% and 88%, respectively. During the first year, 3 ispilateral strokes (1%) and 4 TIAs (1.3%) occurred, for a total of 2.3% ipsilateral ischemic events. During the first year, 43 (14%) plaques had a stenosis progression, which was correlated with the occurrence of neurological events (9.3% vs. 1.1%, P=.001, OR: 8.9; 95%CI: 1.9-41); 6 deaths (2%) occurred in the same period. the preliminary one-year results of this prospective study suggest that the overall rate of any ipsilateral ischemic event, and specifically ipsilateral strokes, correlates with plaque progression.

Simultaneous Stenting for Symptomatic Tandem Extracranial and Intracranial Posterior Circulation Stenoses: Long-Term Outcomes and Procedural Experience.

Few studies have reported on simultaneous endovascular stenting for tandem posterior circulation (PC) stenoses and its long-term outcomes. Thus, our aim was to investigate the safety and efficacy of simultaneous stenting in patients with symptomatic tandem extra- and intracranial PC stenoses. From September 2014 to June 2018, 16 such patients with symptomatic stenoses who underwent simultaneous stent placement were analyzed. The primary outcome was occurrence of any stroke, TIA, or death within 30 days after the procedure. The secondary outcomes were technical success, clinical success, and the occurrence of in-stent restenosis ≥50% during follow-up. Technical success was defined as stent coverage of all tandem lesions and residual stenosis <30%. Clinical success was determined based on any occurrence of neurological events or death within 3 months after the procedure. All stents (19 intracranial and 14 extracranial) were placed with a technical success rate of 100%. One patient experienced a pontine ischemic stroke 2 days after the procedure and had recovered well at discharge. One patient experienced a minor complication of groin hematoma. The clinical success rate was 93.75% (15/16). During a median follow-up of 36.0 ± 11.0 months, two patients developed ISR ≥50% at the 1-year follow-up. None of the patients experienced stroke, TIA, or death after discharge during follow-up. Simultaneous stenting for symptomatic tandem extra- and intracranial PC stenoses is safe and feasible. Its impact on long-term stroke prevention is promising, and further study of a larger patient population is needed.

Stroke rate after thoracic endovascular aortic repair using de-airing of stentgrafts with high-volume of saline solution.

Background: Our aim was to determine the rate of ischemic stroke following thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) after reducing gas volume released during stentgraft deployment by de-airing of thoracic stentgrafts with high-volume of 0.9% heparinized saline solution. Patients and methods: A single center retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients undergoing TEVAR from 2014 to 2019 was performed. All thoracic stentgrafts were flushed with 120ml 0.9% heparinized saline solution before implantation, according to our institutional protocol. Endpoints were in-hospital rates of ischemic stroke and spinal cord ischemia (SCI), and all-cause mortality. Results: One hundred and fifty-four patients (mean age: 66.8±13.6years, 64.9% males) were treated with TEVAR during the study period. Indications for treatment were thoracic aortic aneurysms (n=75, 48.7%), acute type B aortic dissections (n=46, 29.9%), aortic arch aneurysms and penetrating aortic ulcers (n=28, 18.2%), and blunt traumatic aortic injuries (n=5, 3.2%). Timing of procedure was urgent in 75 patients (48.7%). Proximal landing zone were zone 0-1-2 (n=75, 48.7%), zone 3 (n=66, 42.9%) and zone 4 (n=13, 8.4%). Supra-aortic vessels were revascularized with custom-made fenestrated stentgrafts in 9 patients (5.8%), using chimney technique in 4 patients (2.6%), and with debranching procedures in 19 patients (12.3%). Left subclavian artery was covered without revascularization in 46 patients (29.9%). In-hospital stroke occurred in two patients (1.3%) and SCI in another two patients (1.3%). In-hospital mortality rate was 0.6%. No further in-hospital events were noted. Conclusions: De-airing of stentgrafts with high-volume of 0.9% heparinized saline solution seems to be safe and can be used as an adjunct to keep occurrence of neurological events after TEVAR as low as possible.

A Very Long-term Longitudinal Study on the Evolution and Clinical Outcomes of Persistent Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defect After Cryoballoon Ablation

BackgroundPersistent iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) is a common but poorly characterized complication after cryoballoon (CB) pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) procedures. We therefore investigate its prevalence, evolution, risk factors, and clinical outcomes in a prospective longitudinal study. MethodsA total of 108 patients (41 women, mean age 57 ± 11.3) underwent CB PVI for AF. Serial transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed 9 months and then annually until 6 years after the procedure to study the characteristics of persistent iASD. ResultsPersistent iASD occurred in 33 (30.6%) patients 9 months after CB PVI. Spontaneous closure of iASD was found in 6 (22.2%) and 3 (15.8%) patients 2 and 3 years after the procedures, respectively. No spontaneous closure was observed on 4, 5, and 6-year TEE follow-up. The projected long-term persistence rate of iASD after CB PVI was therefore 20% (30.6% × 0.778 × 0.842). Using multivariate logistic regression, a higher number of cryoapplications (≥ 2 minutes) was the only independent predictor of persistent iASD 9 months after CB PVI (odds ratio [OR] 1.207; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.033-1.411, P = 0.018). Two (1.9%) patients with significantly larger iASD size than the others (long diameter 12.6 ± 0.8 vs 3.7 ± 1.5 mm, P < 0.001; short diameter 10.9 ± 0.2 vs 3 ± 1.1 mm, P < 0.001) required percutaneous closure because of exertional dyspnea and right ventricular enlargement. Over 129.7 patient-years follow-up, during which iASD persisted, there was no occurrence of neurologic events. ConclusionsApproximately one fifth of patients undergoing CB PVI will have permanently persistent iASD. Patients with defect sizes of greater than 10 mm may need percutaneous closure due to significant left-to-right shunting.

Better Short-Term Outcome by Using Sutureless Valves: A Propensity-Matched Score Analysis

Sutureless aortic valve prostheses have the potential of shortening ischemic time. However, whether shorter operative times may also result in improved patient outcomes and have an effect on hospital costs remains to be established. From March 2010 to April 2013, 566 patients underwent aortic valve replacement with bioprostheses; of these, 166 received a sutureless valve, and 400 received a stented valve. Redo and associated procedures were included. A propensity-score analysis was used to create two groups (sutureless and stented) with 82 matched pairs with comparable preoperative characteristics. Hospital outcome, follow-up, and health care resource consumption were compared. There were 3 hospital deaths in the stented group and 2 in the sutureless group (p=0.65). Aortic cross-clamp, cardiopulmonary bypass, and operation times were significantly shorter in the sutureless group (p<0.001). Patients in the sutureless group required blood transfusion less frequently (1.2±1.3 vs 2.5±3.7 units, p=0.005), with a similar need for reexploration for bleeding (2 vs 5, p=0.221). The sutureless group had a shorter intensive care unit stay (2.0±1.2 vs 2.8±1.3 days, p<0.001), hospital stay (10.9±2.7 vs 12.4±4.4 days, p=0.001) and intubation time (9.5±4.6 vs 16.6±6.4 hours, p<0.001), and a lower incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (p=0.015), pleura effusions (p=0.024), and respiratory insufficiency (p=0.016). Pacemaker implantation and occurrence of neurologic events were similar between groups (p>0.05). A lower rate of postoperative complications resulted in reduced resource consumption in the sutureless group for diagnostics (€2,153 vs €1,387), operating room (€5,879 vs €5,527), and hospital stay (€9,873 vs €6,584), with a total cost saving of approximately 25% (€17,905 vs €13,498). A shorter procedural time in the sutureless group is associated with better clinical outcomes and reduced hospital costs.

Improvement in cardioplegic perfusion technique in single aortic clamping - initial results.

Introduction The most common method used for myocardial protection is administering cardioplegic solution in the coronary circulation. Nevertheless, protection may be achieved by intermittent perfusion of the coronary system with patient's own blood. The intermittent perfusion may be performed by multiple sequences of clamping and opening of the aortic clamp or due single clamping and accessory cannulation of the aortic root as in the improved technique proposed in this study, reperfusion without the need for multiple clamping of the aorta. Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome and the occurrence of neurological events in in-hospital patients submitted to myocardial revascularization surgery with the "improved technique" of intermittent perfusion of the aortic root with single clamping. Methods This is a prospective, cross-sectional, observational study that describes a myocardial management technique that consists of intermittent perfusion of the aortic root with single clamping in which 50 patients (mean age 58.5±7.19 years old) have been submitted to the myocardial revasculrization surgery under the proposed technique. Clinical and laboratory variables, pre- and post-surgery, have been assessed. Results The mean peak level of post-surgery CKMB was 51.64±27.10 U/L in the second post-surgery and of troponin I was 3.35±4.39 ng/ml in the fourth post-surgery, within normal limits. No deaths have occurred and one patient presented mild neurological disorder. Hemodynamic monitoring has not indicated any changes. Conclusion The myocardial revascularization surgery by perfusion with the improved technique with intermittent aortic root with single clamping proved to be safe, enabling satisfactory clinical results.

The use of covered stents for the endovascular treatment of extracranial internal carotid artery stenosis: a prospective study with a 5-year follow-up

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of the use of covered stents for the treatment of extracranial carotid artery stenosis caused by highly embologenic plaques, and to study the long-term outcome of patients receiving such covered stents. Between 2002 and 2007, 46 patients (63% symptomatic, 78.3% male, 67 +/- 8.6 years old) with internal carotid artery stenosis caused by embologenic plaques or restenosis were treated with self-expanding covered stents (Symbiot, Boston Scientific). Pre-dilatation or protecting devices were not used. Post-dilatation was applied in every patient. Each patient was followed long-term. The outcome measures were the occurrence of neurological events, and the development of in-stent restenosis, as detected by clinical examination and duplex ultrasound. The technical success rate of stenting was 100%. There were no neurological complications in the peri-procedural period. The mean follow-up period was 34.3 +/- 27.7 months (the rate of patients lost to follow-up was 15.2%) during which no stroke or stroke-related deaths occurred. Restenosis was detected in 3 patients (6.5%). Covered stents provide efficient peri- and post-procedural protection against neurological complications due to embolisation from high-risk plaques during carotid artery stenting. Restenosis of covered stents appears to be infrequent during long-term follow-up.

Nervous system involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren syndrome and scleroderma.

The purpose of this study was to determine, whether there are any differences in the occurrence of nervous system involvement in different systemic rheumatic diseases. The further aim of the present study was to identify and distinguish primary involvement of the nervous system by these diseases and involvement that may be secondary to confounding factors. The patient population consisted of 122 patients with a connective tissue disease (42 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 48 with Sjögren's syndrome and 32 with scleroderma). The methods included neurological examination and standard electrophysiological tests. At least one neurological defect was diagnosed in 69% of SLE patients, in 71% of Sjögren's syndrome patients and in 66% of scleroderma patients. Secondary factors might have contributed to the pathogenesis of neurological symptoms and signs in up to 25-34% of events. No significant differences were noted in the occurrence of neurological events in patients with SLE, Sjögren's syndrome and scleroderma. The necessity to differentiate between neurological phenomena directly attributed to the systemic rheumatic disease and those which are totally unrelated or secondary events resulting indirectly from involvement of other organ systems is emphasized.

Finding out if “The ‘me’ will shut down”: Successful cognitive-behavioural therapy of seizure-related panic symptoms following subarachnoid haemorrhage: A single case report

Successful cognitive and behavioural therapies for anxiety disorders in separate cases of acquired brain injury and seizure disorder have been reported although evidence of efficacy is limited. This paper describes the presentation and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) of seizure-related panic symptoms in the context of subarachnoid haemorrhage and cavernoma. Multidisciplinary clinical assessment was conducted and 12 sessions of CBT according to the model of Clark (1986) were delivered. Outcome was measured in terms of goal attainment, belief ratings of target cognitions and completion of standardised questionnaire measures pre and post-treatment. Process was measured through client's ratings of anxiety-related beliefs through treatment. The client attained all goals, eliminated avoidance and other unhelpful coping behaviour, and rated reduced levels of anxiety on a standardised measure. Changes in identified target cognitions were also evident. It is concluded that a cognitive-behavioural approach may be helpful in understanding and treating anxiety disorders where symptom presentation is complicated by neurological problems. Further investigation of the relationship between development of anxiety disorders, occurrence of neurological events, and processes of CBT following acquired brain injury is suggested.

Cerebral cavernous malformations: natural history and prognosis after clinical deterioration with or without hemorrhage.

Despite recent studies of the natural history of cavernous malformations, there remains significant uncertainty concerning hemorrhage rates and the importance of lesion location. Controversy arises over varying definitions of "hemorrhage." What is ultimately important to the patient is the occurrence of a neurological event, which may or may not be associated with radiologically documented hemorrhage, as well as the chance of recovery after such an event. The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of occurrence and sequelae of neurological events in 173 patients referred to our vascular malformation clinic with cavernous malformations. All patient data were entered into a database. The mean age at presentation for the 173 patients was 37.5 years. The lesion location was deep (brainstem, cerebellar nuclei, thalamus, or basal ganglia) in 64 patients (37%) and superficial in 109 (63%). Thirty-one patients (18%) had multiple lesions. Disease presentation was due to seizures in 62 patients (36%), hemorrhage in 44 (25%), focal neurological deficit without documented hemorrhage in 35 (20%), headache alone in 11 (6%), and incidental findings in 21 patients (12%). The results obtained in the 110 patients eligible for follow-up review were used to derive information on the rates of hemorrhage and neurological events. An interval event (neurological deterioration) required both symptoms and signs. The total mean follow-up period was 46 months, the majority (65%) of which was prospective. There were 18 interval events in 427 patient-years of follow-up review, for an overall annual event rate of 4.2%. Location was the most important factor for predicting interval event occurrence, with significantly higher rates for deeply located (10.6%/year) compared with superficially located lesions (0%/year) (p = 0.0001). Of patients suffering a neurological event, only 37% had complete resolution of their deficits. This largely prospective study indicates that deep cavernous malformations carry a worse prognosis than superficial lesions with respect to annual rates of neurological deterioration. The alarming rate of adverse clinical events occurring in patients with deep lesions is punctuated by the fact that less than one-half of them recover fully during long-term follow-up review.