THE IMPACT OF VASCULAR RISK FACTORS ON CEREBRAL AMYLOID ANGIOPATHY: A COHORT STUDY IN HEREDITARY CAA AND A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW IN SPORADIC CAA
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) has a remarkably variable disease course, even in monogenetic hereditary forms. Our aim was to investigate the prevalence of vascular risk factors and their effect on disease onset and course in Dutch-type hereditary (D-)CAA and sporadic CAA.
Prevalence of frailty in the TIA clinic and its associations with mortality
Introduction Frailty is a clinical syndrome of increased vulnerability to stressors. Frailty is associated with adverse outcomes after stroke, but frailty and transient ischaemic attack (TIA) are less well described. Methods Retrospective analysis of patients referred by the emergency department (ED) to TIA clinic (01/01/2016-12/03/2022), linked to hospital records for electronic follow-up. Only those with Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) recorded within two weeks of clinic were included. Prevalence of frailty was determined based on CFS score >4. Hazard ratios (HR) for mortality were determined through Cox proportional hazard regression, adjusted for prognostic factors. Where repeat CFS data were available, temporal change in frailty was recorded (~15 months). Results Of 1185 patients included, 53.5% (n=634) had frailty. Patients with frailty tended to be older (median age 81 vs 74 years, p<0.001) and female (53.9% vs 39.9% p<0.001). Of 335 diagnosed with TIA following review, 61.2% (n=205) were frail. Prevalence of frailty by clinic diagnosis was: TIA 61.2% (205/335); stroke 46.7% (128/274); other diagnoses 52.3% (301/575). In TIA patients and the whole cohort (WC), frailty (TIA:HR:2.69 [95%CI:1.23-5.87, p=0.013], WC:2.58 [95%CI:1.64-4.08, p<0.001]) and increasing age [HR:1.07 95%CI:1.04-1.12], were predictive of mortality. In stroke patients, only increasing age was predictive of death (HR:1.11 [95%CI:1.04-1.19, p=0.003]). Of 414 patients with repeat CFS, median interval 15 months, median change was +1 point (IQR:0-2). Conclusion Frailty is common in TIA and becomes more common following TIA. Strength of association of frailty with poor outcome was greater for TIA patients than for those with stroke. Routine assessment of frailty may be a useful addition to TIA services.
Economic and Efficient: Introducing the Bifurcation-Invisible Sign in Endovascular Thrombectomy for Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusions
Introduction Selecting thrombectomy techniques for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) significantly affects outcomes and costs. This study introduces the Bifurcation-Invisible (BI) sign identified on initial microcatheter angiogram in acute middle cerebral artery occlusions before endovascular thrombectomy. We aimed to evaluate whether this sign is associated with better angiographic outcomes using contact aspiration (CA) versus stent retriever (SR). Methods In this study, we reviewed 285 cases of acute M1-segment middle cerebral artery (M1-MCA) occlusions treated with stent retriever (SR) or contact aspiration (CA). Angiographic success was evaluated using modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) scores after the first attempt, clinical outcomes by 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, and procedural costs were analyzed. Categorical variables were analyzed using χ2 or Fisher's exact test, and continuous variables using Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Subgroup multivariate logistic analysis and interaction tests were conducted, with post-hoc analysis applying Bonferroni correction. Results BI-positive patients treated with CA had higher first-pass reperfusion rates (mTICI 2b-3: 64.0% vs. 41.3%, p = 0.005; Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.030) and 19.8% lower device costs (p < 0.05) than those treated with SR. BI-positive CA patients had higher first-pass reperfusion rates (mTICI 2b-3: 64.0% vs. 32.1%; p < 0.001; Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.002) and a 39.9% reduction in device costs (p < 0.05) than BI-negative patients. The interaction tests showed significant interactions between the presence of BI and contact aspiration for first-pass reperfusion rates (p = 0.007) and device costs (p ˂ 0.001). Conclusion The BI sign, a refined version of the BSO sign identified via microcatheter angiography, could guide the selection of contact aspiration, improving recanalization rates and reducing costs in MCA occlusions.
Race/Ethnic Differences in In-Hospital Mortality after Acute Ischemic Stroke
Stroke mortality has declined, with differential changes by race; stroke is now the 5th leading cause of death overall, but 2nd leading cause of death in Black individuals. Little is known about recent race/ethnic and sex trends in in-hospital mortality after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and whether system-level factors contribute to possible differences.
Exploring Perceived Gender Disparities in Latin America's Vascular Neurology Workforce: Insights from a Survey-Based Study
Limited research exists on women's challenges as specialized healthcare professionals in Latin America's stroke field. This survey-based study addresses the potential gender disparities in these professionals' work environments.
Utilising retinal phenotypes to predict cerebrovascular disease and detect related risk factors in multi-ethnic populations: a narrative review
Cerebrovascular diseases (CBVDs) are a major cause of mortality and disability, with significant ethnic variations suggesting specific risk factors. Early detection of these risk factors is critical, and retinal imaging offers a non-invasive method to achieve this.
Pre-Stroke Frailty Negatively Affects Leptomeningeal Collateral Flow in Proximal Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
The adequacy of blood flow from the leptomeningeal collaterals is considered one of the most important factors determining the rate of infarct progression and response to acute stroke treatments in the setting of large vessel occlusions. Several patient-related variables, including age, vascular risk factors, and laboratory parameters, have been proposed to explain the interindividual variability of collateral flow among stroke patients. This study aimed to assess how pre-stroke frailty, an aging-related syndrome characterized by a loss in the physiologic reserve of numerous body functions, affected the degree of leptomeningeal collateral flow in the setting of acute ischemic stroke.
Predictive Accuracy of Clinicians Estimates of Death and Recovery after Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Pre-Specified Analysis in INTERACT3 Study
Accurately predicting a patient's prognosis is an important component of decision-making in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We aimed to determine clinicians' ability to predict survival, functional recovery, and return to premorbid activities in patients with ICH.
Combined Selective Endovascular Brain Hypothermia with Edaravone Dexborneol versus Edaravone Dexborneol Alone for Endovascular Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke (SHE): Protocol for a Multicenter, Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study
Selective endovascular brain hypothermia has been proposed as a potential neuroprotective strategy; however, its effectiveness is still not well established. The primary objective of this trial is to investigate the efficacy and safety of selective endovascular brain hypothermia with edaravone dexborneol for endovascular treatment in acute ischemic stroke (AIS).
Evaluation of Physiological Variables Determining Time-to-Mortality after Stroke-Associated Pneumonia
Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) frequently complicates stroke and is associated with significant mortality. Clinicians often use physiological variables within the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) when diagnosing and prescribing antibiotics for SAP, but little is known of its association with mortality. We investigated the relationship of the NEWS 2 score and its components (respiratory rate, heart rate, temperature, oxygen requirement, oxygen saturation, and alertness level) prior to antibiotic initiation, with time-to-mortality in SAP.
Baseline Blood Pressure Was Associated with Hemispheric Cerebral Blood Flow in Acute Small Subcortical Infarcts
While increased baseline blood pressure (BP) is a prevalent comorbidity in the acute phase of ischemic stroke, the association between baseline BP and the state of hemispheric perfusion in patients with acute small subcortical infarcts (SSIs) has not been studied in detail. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between baseline BP and hemispheric cerebral blood flow (CBF) in acute SSIs.
Frailty and Early Mortality following Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Prognostication in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is vital for effective clinical decision-making but can be challenging. Frailty - the loss of physiological reserve to withstand stressor events - is a risk factor for poor outcomes after ischemic stroke, yet its role in ICH remains poorly understood. This study investigates whether frailty is independently associated with 28-day mortality following ICH.
Childhood Developmental Milestones and Risk of Adult Cerebrovascular Disease: The Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966
To the best of our knowledge, no previous studies have examined the relationship between childhood developmental milestones and risk of adulthood cerebrovascular disease (CeVD). We studied whether the risk of adult CeVD is associated with delayed attainment of motor and language milestones.
Uric acid levels and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: a Mendelian randomization study
The relationship between uric acid (UA) levels and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVD) is controversial. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to explore the causal effects of UA levels on CCVD.
Evaluating the Safety of Stent-Assisted Endovascular Treatment for Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysms in Older Adults: Emphasizing the Role of Antiplatelet Therapy
This study aimed to compare the outcomes and safety in patients aged ≥75 years and those aged <75 years who underwent stent-assisted endovascular treatment for unruptured cerebral aneurysms, specifically focusing on perioperative antiplatelet therapy (APT).
Impact of Sex and Gender in Stroke in South and Southeast Asia: A Rapid Scoping Review
South Asia and Southeast Asia account for more than 40% of the global stroke burden, with differences in stroke risk factors, mortality, and outcomes compared to high-income countries. Sociocultural norms compound the preexisting biological risk differences, resulting in a disproportionate burden of stroke in women in this region. This review summarizes the sex and gender differences across the stroke care continuum in South Asia and Southeast Asia over the past 20 years.
Impact of Pre-Stroke Frailty on Outcome Three Years after Acute Stroke: The Nor-COAST Study
We aimed to explore the predictive value of pre-stroke frailty index (FI) on functional dependency and mortality 3 years after stroke.
Dose-Dependent Effect of Current Smoking on Enlarged Perivascular Space Identified on Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Cerebral small-vessel disease (CSVD) is a common cause of cognitive decline and stroke. Several studies have shown that smoking is a risk factor for CSVD progression. However, the extent to which smoking exacerbates CSVD lesions remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to clarify the association between total smoking exposure and the severity of CSVD in healthy participants.
The Feasibility and Validity of Sarcopenia Assessment Using Standard of Care Stroke Imaging
Sarcopenia, an age-related syndrome defined by low muscularity, loss of muscle strength, and performance, is increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to disability following acute stroke. It is challenging to assess functionally in the acute post-stroke setting. Radiological assessment of skeletal musculature using standard of care CT neck imaging has recently been described. We sought to determine its feasibility and explore associations between CT-defined sarcopenia, validated frailty and functional indices and outcome at 18 months.
Epidemiology and Outcomes Associated with Cognitive Frailty and Reserve in a Stroke Population: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Cognitive frailty and the related concepts of cognitive reserve and imaging-based brain frailty are of increasing interest in older adult care. However, there is uncertainty regarding their importance within a stroke population. We aimed to establish the prevalence of cognitive frailty and reserve in stroke and determine impact on outcomes.
Asia Pacific Stroke Conference 2024 Combined Australian and New Zealand Stroke Organisation Conference