Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Nov 2012
Case ReportsIntravenous thrombolysis in a stroke patient taking dabigatran.
We describe the use of intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV-rtPA) in a patient with concomitant dabigatran use. A 64-year-old man with a history of coronary artery disease, pacemaker placement, and atrial fibrillation developed acute right arm/face weakness and dysarthria. He was unable to list his home medications. ⋯ We report a case of an acute stroke patient taking dabigatran who received IV-rtPA. In the acute stroke setting, clinicians should be aware of the increasing use of dabigatran in patients with atrial fibrillation when considering IV-rtPA. Although aPTT does not provide a linear response to dabigatran therapy, the presence of a completely normal PTT may exclude therapeutic dabigatran anticoagulation.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Nov 2012
Multicenter StudyPredictors of cerebral venous thrombosis and arterial ischemic stroke in young Asian women.
The management and outcome of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) may be different from that of arterial ischemic stroke (AIS). Clinically differentiating the 2 diseases on clinical grounds may be difficult. The main objective of this study was to identify predictors differentiating CVT from AIS in a large cohort of young Asian women, based on risk factors and investigations. ⋯ There was no difference in outcome between patients with obstetric and nonobstetric CVT. Our data indicate that in young Asian women, predictors of CVT differ from those for AIS. These findings could be useful in the early identification and diagnosis of patients with CVT.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Nov 2012
Multicenter StudyComplications in acute stroke in India (CAST-I): a multicenter study.
The prognosis and final outcome in patients who sustain stroke are significantly affected by medical complications occurring during the acute phase of stroke. Only limited information is available from India and other developing countries regarding acute complications of stroke. This study examined the frequency of acute stroke and the factors associated with complications of stroke in India. ⋯ Our study shows high rates of complication in acute stroke. Limb weakness, stroke severity, length of hospital stay, and anemia were the factors associated with complications. Other complications, such as urinary tract infection, chest infection, bedsores, other pain, and depression, can lead to poor outcome.
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Cerebral fat embolism is an uncommon but serious complication of long-bone fracture. We report a young adult patient who sustained fat embolism after a femoral fracture. ⋯ His acute recovery was characterized by marked frontal dysfunction. A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation 4 months later revealed overall normal cognitive function, except for mild residual frontal dysfunction and weakness of verbal memory.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Nov 2012
Case ReportsIntravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke due to middle cerebral artery dissection.
Beneficial effect of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) in cerebral arterial dissection is controversial. We experienced a 45-year-old man with acute ischemic stroke due to middle cerebral artery dissection, who was treated with rtPA. Characteristic vascular findings indicating dissection became evident only in subsequent angiographic examinations. Our case indicates that serial angiographic examinations should be essential after acute thrombolytic therapy, especially in young patients who are at a high risk of cerebral arterial dissection.