Fewer COVID-19-associated strokes and reduced severity during the second COVID-19 wave: The Madrid Stroke Network.

Background And Purpose: The experience gained during the first COVID-19 wave could have mitigated the negative impact on stroke care in the following waves. Our aims were to analyze the characteristics and outcomes of patients with stroke admitted during the second COVID-19 wave and to evaluate the differences in the stroke care provision compared with the first wave.

Methods: This retrospective multicenter cohort study included consecutive stroke patients admitted to any of the seven hospitals with stroke units (SUs) and endovascular treatment facilities in the Madrid Health Region.

MRI predicts intracranial hemorrhage in patients who receive long-term oral anticoagulation.

Objective: We tested the hypothesis that the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with cardioembolic ischemic stroke who are treated with oral anticoagulants (OAs) can be predicted by evaluating surrogate markers of hemorrhagic-prone cerebral angiopathies using a baseline MRI.

Methods: Patients were participants in a multicenter and prospective observational study. They were older than 64 years, had a recent cardioembolic ischemic stroke, and were new users of OAs.

Acute Stroke as First Manifestation of Cerebral Aspergillosis.

Objectives: To describe the neurological manifestations of invasive aspergillosis presenting with a focal neurological deficit compatible with an acute stroke.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective analysis of a clinical series of patients between 2011 and 2017 with invasive aspergillosis and neurological symptoms compatible with an acute brain stroke. Clinical and epidemiological data, microbiological results, radiological findings, treatment, and course were recorded.

Statins do not increase Markers of Cerebral Angiopathies in patients with Cardioembolic Stroke.

We investigated whether pre-treatment with statins is associated with surrogate markers of amyloid and hypertensive angiopathies in patients who need to start long-term oral anticoagulation therapy. A prospective multicenter study of patients naive for oral anticoagulants, who had an acute cardioembolic stroke. MRI was performed at admission to evaluate microbleeds, leukoaraiosis and superficial siderosis.

Secondary prevention in non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients: a practical approach with edoxaban.

Patients with atrial fibrillation and prior stroke or transient ischemic attack exhibit a very high risk of recurrence. Secondary prevention with oral anticoagulants is mandatory. Overall, clinical guidelines recommend the use of target-specific oral anticoagulants over vitamin K antagonists for secondary prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.

[Urgent stroke care in hospitals with a stroke unit. Quick Project].

Introduction: A stroke is a time-dependent medical emergency. Swiftness in its recognition and in the care received by the patients plays a key role in the prognosis.

Aims: To analyse the medical intervention times, to evaluate possible areas where improvements can be made and to examine the allocation of resources in the centres.

Stroke in Commercial Flights.

Background And Purpose: Stroke on board aircraft has been reported in retrospective case series, mainly focusing on economy class stroke syndrome. Data on the actual incidence, pathogenesis, and prognosis of stroke in commercial flights are lacking.

Methods: A prospective registry was designed to include all consecutive patients referred from an international airport (40 million passengers a year) to our hospital with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and onset of symptoms during a flight or immediately after landing.

[Current management of antithrombotic treatment in patients with non valvular atrial fibrillation and prior history of stroke or transient ischemic attack].

Atrial fibrillation is the most frequent arrhythmia seen in clinical practice and is one of the most important risk factors for suffering a stroke. Strokes associated to atrial fibrillation are more severe, present higher mortality and disability rates, and there is a greater risk of recurrence. Consequently, both primary and secondary prevention of stroke associated to atrial fibrillation by means of suitable antithrombotic treatment is clearly essential in order to lower this risk.

Acute ischemic stroke in a 12-year-old successfully treated with mechanical thrombectomy.

We report the case of a healthy 12-year-old girl with an acute ischemic stroke successfully treated with mechanical thrombectomy. The child was referred to our hospital 6 hours after sudden onset of severe headache and left hemiparesis. Cerebral angiography findings were consistent with right distal internal carotid artery occlusion in addition to ipsilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion.

Encephalitis and GABAB receptor antibodies: novel findings in a new case series of 20 patients.

Objective: To report the clinical features of 20 newly diagnosed patients with GABAB receptor (GABABR) antibodies and determine the frequency of associated tumors and concurrent neuronal autoantibodies.

Methods: Clinical data were retrospectively obtained and evaluated. Serum and CSF samples were examined for additional antibodies using methods previously reported.

[Decompressive craniectomy in malignant middle cerebral artery infarction. Experience after the implementation of a response protocol].

Introduction: Descompressive craniectomy (DC) for treatment of malignant infarction of the middle cerebral artery (MIMCA) reduces mortality and increases the probability of favourable outcome.

Aim: To present the experience in daily practice after implantation of a clinical protocol of DC.

Patients And Methods: Prospective register of patients with MIMCA treated with DC.