Cerebrovascular diseases
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2013
Post-traumatic stress disorder in patients 3 years after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.
Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) from a ruptured intracranial aneurysm accounts for approximately 5% of all strokes. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in the early phase after recovery from aneurysmal SAH. The aim of our study was to examine the prevalence of PTSD 3 years after SAH, its predictors, and relationship with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients living independently in the community. ⋯ Even 3 years after SAH, 1 out of 4 patients had PTSD, which was associated with reduced HRQoL. Passive coping style was the most important predictor. There is a need to organize SAH care with more attention to and treatment of PTSD. Strategies shown to reduce PTSD in other conditions should be tested for effectiveness in SAH patients.
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2013
Progression of brain lesions in relation to hyperperfusion from subacute to chronic stages after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage: a multiparametric MRI study.
The pathogenesis of delayed cerebral injury after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is largely unresolved. In particular, the progression and interplay of tissue and perfusion changes, which can significantly affect the outcome, remain unclear. Only a few studies have assessed pathophysiological developments between subacute and chronic time points after SAH, which may be ideally studied with noninvasive methods in standardized animal models. Therefore, our objective was to characterize the pattern and correlation of brain perfusion and lesion status with serial multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from subacute to chronical after experimental SAH in rats. ⋯ Our imaging findings indicate that SAH-induced brain injury at later stages is associated with progressive changes in tissue perfusion and that chronic hyperperfusion may contribute or point to delayed cerebral damage. Furthermore, multiparametric MRI may significantly aid in diagnosing the brain's status after SAH.
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2013
Predictors of outcome after mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion in patients aged ≥80 years.
There is uncertainty about the role of endovascular recanalization procedures for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke in patients aged ≥80 years. Therefore, careful patient selection is mandatory. Our aim was to find valid predictors of clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy (mTE) based on the sparse information available in the emergency setting. ⋯ ASPECTS and NIHSS were independent predictors of a favorable outcome in patients aged ≥80 years after mTE for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and may support decision making with regard to the treatment modality. Since the chances of gaining functional independence are limited, careful consideration of each individual case is mandatory. Further studies comparing endovascular and standard treatment in octogenarians are warranted.
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2013
Sublingual microvascular glycocalyx dimensions in lacunar stroke patients.
Cerebral small vessel disease is thought to result from endothelial dysfunction. The glycocalyx, lining the endothelium, is a major determinant of endothelial function. The glycocalyx is partially accessible to flowing red blood cells at its luminal side, called the perfused boundary region (PBR). Glycocalyx damage results in increased PBR, which can be measured in the sublingual microvasculature. We tested whether PBR is increased in patients with cerebral small vessel disease, i.e. lacunar stroke patients, and further distinguished patients with presence of white matter lesions as a sign of extensive cerebral small vessel disease. ⋯ White matter lesions are associated with an increase in the red blood cell permeable part of the sublingual microvascular glycocalyx in lacunar stroke patients. This implicates compromised glycocalyx barrier properties, which is consistent with impaired endothelial function in lacunar stroke patients with white matter lesions.
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2013
Continuous magnetic resonance perfusion imaging acquisition during systemic thrombolysis in acute stroke.
Early recanalization and increase in collateral blood supply are powerful predictors of favourable outcome in acute ischaemic stroke. The factors contributing to the heterogeneous response to intravenous thrombolysis therapy in individual patients, however, are not fully understood. The on-going single-centre 'MR perfusion imaging during thrombolysis' study uses repetitive arterial spin labelling (ASL) measurements to characterize the haemodynamic processes in acute stroke during therapy. The first milestone was to develop an appropriate infrastructure for thrombolysis in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner without time delay and ensuring optimal patient safety and care. ⋯ Fast and safe medical care in patients during systemic thrombolysis in the MRI scanner is feasible. Despite the process of obtaining informed consent, with a dedicated and experienced stroke team the door-to-needle time can be kept in a range recommended by current guidelines. Continuous real-time information about the dynamics of cerebral perfusion from ASL perfusion in acute stroke patients undergoing thrombolysis may provide additional information for the understanding of the events following acute arterial obstruction and its course.