Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Dec 2020
Comparative StudyThe impact of COVID-19 on acute ischemic stroke admissions: Analysis from a community-based tertiary care center.
To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admissions and outcomes in patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke. ⋯ We observed a reduction of hospital admissions in acute ischemic strokes and some delay in reperfusion therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prospective studies and a larger dataset analysis are warranted.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Dec 2020
Comparative StudyEfficient Multimodal MRI Evaluation for Endovascular Thrombectomy of Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion.
MRI and CT modalities are both current standard-of-care options for initial imaging in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion (AIS-LVO). MR provides greater lesion conspicuity and spatial resolution, but few series have demonstrated multimodal MR may be performed efficiently. ⋯ AIS-LVO patients can be evaluated by multimodal MR imaging with care speeds faster than national recommendations for door-to-needle and door-to-puncture times. With its more sensitive lesion identification and spatial resolution, MRI remains a highly viable primary imaging strategy in acute ischemic stroke patients, though further workflow efficiency improvements are desirable.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Dec 2020
Comparative StudyImpact of COVID-19 on Stroke Caseload in a Major Hyperacute Stroke Unit.
Northwick Park Hospital in London, United Kingdom (UK) is one of the busiest stroke units in the country and is located in one of the areas most heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the first half of 2020. Admissions to the stroke unit and changes during the peak of COVID-19 were reviewed. Compared with the previous year, mean 96 patients were admitted with suspected stroke during April and May 2020 compared with mean 116 per month in non-COVID periods, ratio 0.82, P = 0.01. ⋯ Numbers of patients thrombolysed and of patients referred for thrombectomy decreased dramatically during this time. Mechanisms by which the COVID-19 pandemic and the March lockdown may have affected admissions to the unit are discussed. Reduced admissions to the stroke unit allowed it to contribute its resources to the care of patients with COVID-19 during the peak of admissions.
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Carotid web is a radiographic entity located in the posterior aspect of the origin of the internal carotid arteries, considered to be a pathologic equivalent to intimal fibromuscular dysplasia, and has been implicated in acute ischemic strokes. The mechanism underlying its development is unknown and it remains unclear if this lesion is congenital or acquired. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of carotid webs in a pediatric population with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). ⋯ This study failed to find evidence that carotid webs are congenital. More studies are needed for a better understanding of carotid web origin, natural evolution, and the potential implications for treatment.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · Dec 2020
Multicenter StudyStroke Care Trends During COVID-19 Pandemic in Zanjan Province, Iran. From the CASCADE Initiative: Statistical Analysis Plan and Preliminary Results.
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted global healthcare systems and this may affect stroke care and outcomes. This study examines the changes in stroke epidemiology and care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zanjan Province, Iran. ⋯ In Zanjan, Iran, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted stroke outcomes and altered the delivery of stroke care. Observed lower admission rates for milder stroke may possibly be due to fear of exposure related to COVID-19. The decrease in patients treated with thrombolysis and the increased disability at discharge may indicate changes in the delivery of stroke care and increased pressure on existing stroke acute and subacute services. The results of this research will contribute to a similar analysis of the larger CASCADE dataset in order to confirm findings at a global scale and improve measures to ensure the best quality of care for stroke patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.