Osmotic Shifts, Cerebral Edema, and Neurologic Deterioration in Severe Hepatic Encephalopathy.

Objectives: We sought to determine the effect of acute electrolyte and osmolar shifts on brain volume and neurologic function in patients with liver failure and severe hepatic encephalopathy.

Design: Retrospective analysis of brain CT scans and clinical data.

Setting: Tertiary care hospital ICUs.

Advances in the Detection and Monitoring of Atrial Fibrillation for Patients with Cryptogenic Ischemic Stroke.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant etiologic cause of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) that leads to disabling deficits as well as significant morbidity and mortality in this population. Approximately 25 % of AIS is considered to be cryptogenic with no etiology ascertained at the time of the index event. Recent advances from the EMBRACE and CRYSTAL-AF trial have improved detection and treatment of AF and subsequently lead to changes in guidelines.