International journal of stroke : official journal of the International Stroke Society
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Atrial fibrillation impairs left atrial appendage function and the thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage is a major cause of cardioembolic stroke. ⋯ Left atrial appendage volumetric analysis by real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography is a promising method for detecting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in acute cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack.
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In stroke patients, collateral flow can rapidly be assessed on computed tomography angiography (CTA). ⋯ Patients with proximal arterial occlusions within the anterior circulation and poor baseline collaterals have a poor early functional outcome and high rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after systemic thrombolysis. Since similar findings have also been reported after endovascular therapy, strategies to improve collateral blood flow should be assessed in this patient population.
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TeleStroke has become an increasing means to overcome shortage of stroke expertise in underserved areas. This rapidly growing field has triggered a large amount of publications in recent years. We aimed to analyze recent advances in the field of telemedicine for acute stroke, with main focus on prehospital management, Stroke Unit treatment and network implementations in developing countries. ⋯ Only one network was described to have been implemented in a developing/emerging nation. TeleStroke is a growing field expanding its focus to a broader spectrum of stroke care. It still seems to be underused, particularly in developing countries.
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Risk factors for aneurysmal sub-arachnoid haemorrhage can be divided into environmental and inherited factors; the latter being presumed more important in young patients. We explored in young sub-arachnoid haemorrhage patients whether risk-factor profiles influence clinical and radiological characteristics of aneurysms and sub-arachnoid haemorrhage. ⋯ Young sub-arachnoid haemorrhage patients without atherogenic risk factors are rare. Clinical and radiological characteristics vary between sub-arachnoid haemorrhage patients with different risk-factor profiles. This clinical heterogeneity should be taken into account in future genetic and other etiological studies.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
THrombolysis for Acute Wake-up and unclear-onset Strokes with alteplase at 0·6 mg/kg (THAWS) Trial.
Because of lack of information regarding timing of stroke, patients who suffer stroke during sleep are generally ineligible for intravenous thrombolysis, although many of these patients could potentially recover with this treatment. Magnetic resonance image findings with positive diffusion-weighted imaging and no marked parenchymal hyperintensity on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (negative pattern) can identify acute ischemic stroke patients within 4·5 h from symptom onset. ⋯ This trial may help determine if low-dose alteplase at 0·6 mg/kg should be recommended as a routine clinical strategy for ischemic stroke patients with unclear-onset time.