Stroke; a journal of cerebral circulation
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We previously reported on the high prevalence of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) in community-dwelling people aged 60 years and older. Moreover, we found that their spatial distribution likely reflects differences in underlying etiology. We have since almost quadrupled the number of participants in our study and expanded it to include persons of 45 years and older. We examined the prevalence and determinants of microbleeds in this larger and younger cohort from the general population. ⋯ Findings in this larger population are in line with our previous results and, more importantly, extend these to a younger age group. CMBs are already present at middle age, and prevalence rises strongly with increasing age. We confirmed that determinants of the presence of cerebral microbleeds differ according to their location in the brain.
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Acute rates of recanalization after intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in proximal vessel occlusion have been estimated sparingly, typically using transcranial Doppler (TCD). We aimed to study acute recanalization rates of IV rt-PA in CT angiogram-proven proximal (internal carotid artery [ICA], M1 middle cerebral artery [MCA], M2-MCA, and basilar artery) occlusions and their effects on outcome. ⋯ A low rate of acute recanalization was observed with IV rt-PA in proximal vessel occlusions identified by baseline CT angiogram. Recanalization was the strongest predictor of good outcome.
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An effective stroke code system that can expedite rapid thrombolytic treatment requires effective notification/communication and an organized team approach. We developed a stroke code program based on the computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system and investigated whether implementation of this CPOE-based program is useful for reducing the time from arrival at emergency departments (ED) to evaluation steps and the initiation of thrombolytic treatment in various hospital settings. ⋯ The CPOE-based stroke code could be successfully implemented to reduce in-hospital time delay in thrombolytic therapy in various hospital settings. CPOE may be used as an efficient tool to facilitate in-hospital notification/communication and an organized team approach.
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Early diagnosis of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is critical but difficult. We analyzed diagnostic threshold values of CT perfusion for use in detection of DCI in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. ⋯ Thresholds for absolute MTT values and between-hemisphere MTT differences on CT perfusion can distinguish between patients with delayed cerebral ischemia and clinically stable patients.