Neuroimaging clinics of North America
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2018
ReviewClinical Distinction of Cerebral Ischemia and Triaging of Patients in the Emergency Department: Mimics, Wake-ups, Late Strokes, and Chameleons.
Non-stroke conditions may present in ways suggestive of ischemic stroke (ie, stroke mimic). Alternatively, the clinical presentation of ischemic stroke can vary considerably and may appear similar to another condition (ie, stroke chameleon). Common and uncommon mimics and chameleons are presented with discussion of key considerations to improve diagnostic accuracy.
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Given the need for early restoration of blood flow and preservation of partially damaged brain cells after ischemic stroke, the noninterventional treatment of stroke relies heavily on the speedy recognition and classification of the clinical syndrome. Initiation of systemic thrombolysis with careful observation of contraindications within the 3.0 (4.5)-hour time window is the approved therapy of choice. Management of hemorrhagic complications and resumption of oral anticoagulation if indicated are also discussed in this article.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2018
ReviewReperfusion Changes After Stroke and Practical Approaches for Neuroprotection.
Reperfusion is the first line of care in a growing number of eligible acute ischemic stroke patients. Early reperfusion with thrombolytic drugs and endovascular mechanical devices is associated with improved outcome and lower mortality rates compared with natural history. ⋯ In this article, the functional and structural changes and underlying molecular mechanisms of ischemia and reperfusion are reviewed. The pathways that lead to reperfusion injury and novel neuroprotective strategies with endogenous properties are discussed.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2018
ReviewOligemia, Penumbra, Infarction: Understanding Hypoperfusion with Neuroimaging.
Despite recent progress in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke with multiple trials demonstrating improved clinical outcome associated with endovascular thrombectomy up to 24 hours after onset, there is potential opportunity for optimal patient selection and treatment algorithm to further improve treatment outcome. Current limitation is in part caused by inconsistency of imaging protocols and imaging-based definitions of oligemia, penumbra, and infarction core within the various hypoperfusion states. To truly maximize the impact of imaging in acute ischemic stroke, imaging definitions of hypoperfusion states need to be more consistent and validated to correctly reflect different severities of ischemic injury.
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Neuroimaging Clin. N. Am. · Nov 2018
ReviewHealth Care Organization for the Management of Stroke: The French Perspective.
Stroke, a major burden to society, can now be treated in increasingly larger numbers of patients. Intravenous thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy are both now standard of care with class I, level of evidence A. ⋯ France is a developed country with a centralized national health care system accessible for all citizens. This article discusses current challenges in the implementation of the delivery of stroke care and some solutions that are being evaluated by the medical community.