[Evaluation of cerebral hemodynamics using arterial spin labeling perfusion MR imaging in a patient with cervical internal carotid artery vasospasm].

57-year-old woman with sequelae of cerebral infarction was admitted to our hospital because her left-sided hemiparesis was worsened. The right internal carotid artery (ICA) was not visualized by carotid duplex sonography and brain MRA. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion MR images showed reduced signals in the bilateral ICA territories at post labeling delay 1,525 ms.

Multiple Thrombectomies for Cerebral and Coronary Artery Occlusion in Trousseau Syndrome.

Objective: Trousseau syndrome (TS) is a condition of systemic thrombosis generally associated with an underlying malignancy. An ischemic stroke is a representative thrombotic event. Thrombectomy is a useful procedure for the treatment of cerebral large vessel occlusion, and anticoagulation therapy is the main preventive treatment for TS.

Left Atrial Size and Ischemic Events after Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack in Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: The present study aimed to clarify the association between left atrial (LA) size and ischemic events after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

Methods: Acute ischemic stroke or TIA patients with NVAF were enrolled. LA size was classified into normal LA size, mild LA enlargement (LAE), moderate LAE, and severe LAE.

Comparison of pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling perfusion MR images and time-of-flight MR angiography in the detection of periictal hyperperfusion.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including perfusion MRI with three-dimensional pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (ASL) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), are applied in the periictal (including ictal and postictal) detection of circulatory and metabolic consequences associated with epilepsy. Our previous report revealed that periictal hyperperfusion can firstly be detected on ASL, and cortical hyperintensity of cytotoxic edema secondarily obtained on DWI from an epileptically activated cortex. Although magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using three-dimensional time-of-flight is widely used to evaluate arterial circulation, few MRA studies have investigated the detection of periictal hyperperfusion.

Ischemic Stroke despite Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation.

Objective: It is not known whether patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) with ischemic stroke despite oral anticoagulant therapy are at increased risk for further recurrent strokes or how ongoing secondary prevention should be managed.

Methods: We conducted an individual patient data pooled analysis of 7 prospective cohort studies that recruited patients with AF and recent cerebral ischemia. We compared patients taking oral anticoagulants (vitamin K antagonists [VKA] or direct oral anticoagulants [DOAC]) prior to index event (OAC ) with those without prior oral anticoagulation (OAC ).

Subtraction of arterial spin-labeling magnetic resonance perfusion images acquired at dual post-labeling delay: Potential for evaluating cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome following carotid endarterectomy.

Arterial spin-labeling magnetic resonance perfusion imaging is a promising tool for the diagnosis of cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome after carotid endarterectomy. However, arterial spin-labeling with a single post-labeling delay has been reported to show a higher incidence of increased arterial spin-labeling signals in the bilateral hemisphere, probably due to a shortening of the arterial transit time or an arterial transit artifact caused by intravascular stagnant magnetically-labeled spin. To overcome these shortcomings, we used two post-labeling delay settings (1.

Prior Anticoagulation and Short- or Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation.

Background We aimed to clarify associations between prior anticoagulation and short- or long-term clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Methods and Results A total of 1189 ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who were hospitalized within 7 days after onset were analyzed. Of these, 813 patients (68.

Hemodynamic state of periictal hyperperfusion revealed by arterial spin-labeling perfusion MR images with dual postlabeling delay.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including perfusion MRI with arterial spin labeling (ASL) and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), are applied in the periictal detection of circulatory and metabolic consequences associated with epilepsy. Although previous report revealed that prolonged ictal hyperperfusion on ASL can be firstly detected and cortical hyperintensity of cytotoxic edema on DWI secondarily obtained from an epileptically activated cortex, the hemodynamic state of the periictal hyperperfusion has not been fully demonstrated.

Methods Study-1: We retrospectively analyzed the relationship between seizure manifestations and the development of periictal MRI findings, in Case 1 with symptomatic partial epilepsy, who underwent repeated periictal ASL/DWI examination for three epileptic ictuses (one examination for each ictus).

Two-Year Outcomes of Anticoagulation for Acute Ischemic Stroke With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation - SAMURAI-NVAF Study.

Background: We determined the 2-year long-term risk-benefit profile in patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) receiving warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) using a prospective, multicenter, observational registry in Japan.

Methods and results: NVAF patients within 7 days after onset of ischemic stroke/TIA were enrolled in 18 stroke centers. Outcome measures included ischemic and bleeding events and death in the 2-year follow-up period.

Outcome Prediction in Acute Stroke Patients by Continuous Glucose Monitoring.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between glucose parameters obtained by continuous glucose monitoring and clinical outcomes in acute stroke patients.

Methods And Results: Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage within 24 hours after onset were included. A continuous glucose monitoring device (iPro2) was attached for the initial 72 hours after emergent admission.

Associations between Pre-Admission Risk Scores and Two-Year Clinical Outcomes in Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation.

Background: We aimed to clarify associations between pre-admission risk scores (CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc, and HAS-BLED) and 2-year clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) using a prospective, multicenter, observational registry.

Methods: From 18 Japanese stroke centers, ischemic stroke or TIA patients with NVAF hospitalized within 7 days after onset were enrolled. Outcome measures were defined as death/disability (modified Rankin Scale score ≥3) at 2 years, 2-year mortality, and ischemic or hemorrhagic events within 2 years.

[Ruptured Dissecting Aneurysm of the Fenestrated Vertebral Artery:A Case Report].

Fenestration of a vertebral artery(VA)is a rare anomaly that has occasionally been associated with the formation of saccular aneurysms, whereas dissection of a limb of the fenestrated artery is an extremely rare occurrence. We report the case of a ruptured dissecting aneurysm of a fenestrated VA. A 56-year-old man presented with acute-onset headache followed by respiratory failure.

Prothrombin complex concentrate administration for bleeding associated with non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants: The SAMURAI-NVAF study.

Background: Antidotes appropriate for non-vitamin K antagonist (VKA) oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are not yet in widespread clinical use. Efficacy of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) in NOAC-associated bleeding remains unclarified.

Methods: Ten NOAC users (4 women, median 74years old) who developed major bleeding and received PCC were prospectively enrolled.

Optimal perioperative management of antithrombotic agents in patients with chronic subdural hematoma.

Objective: The use of antithrombotic agents such as anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents is widespread, and the opportunities to treat patients with chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) under antithrombotic therapy are growing. However, whether antithrombotic therapy contributes to postoperative complications and recurrences of CSDH and how these agents should be managed in the surgical treatment of CSDH remains unclear.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 150 consecutive patients with CSDH who underwent neurosurgical interventions at Kyushu Rosai Hospital from 2011 to 2015 and followed them for more than 3 months.

Higher Risk of Ischemic Events in Secondary Prevention for Patients With Persistent Than Those With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation.

Background And Purpose: The discrimination between paroxysmal and sustained (persistent or permanent) atrial fibrillation (AF) has not been considered in the approach to secondary stroke prevention. We aimed to assess the differences in clinical outcomes between mostly anticoagulated patients with sustained and paroxysmal AF who had previous ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack.

Methods: Using data from 1192 nonvalvular AF patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack who were registered in the SAMURAI-NVAF study (Stroke Management With Urgent Risk-Factor Assessment and Improvement-Nonvalvular AF; a prospective, multicenter, observational study), we divided patients into those with paroxysmal AF and those with sustained AF.

Three-month risk-benefit profile of anticoagulation after stroke with atrial fibrillation: The SAMURAI-Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF) study.

Aims: This study was performed to determine the short-term risk-benefit profiles of patients treated with oral anticoagulation for acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack using a multicenter, prospective registry.

Methods: A total of 1137 patients (645 men, 77 ± 10 years old) with acute ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack taking warfarin (662 patients) or non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (dabigatran in 205, rivaroxaban in 245, apixaban in 25 patients) for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation who completed a three-month follow-up survey were studied. Choice of anticoagulants was not randomized.

Optimal Peak Systolic Velocity Thresholds for Predicting Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis Greater than or Equal to 50%, 60%, 70%, and 80%.

Background: We aimed to determine the optimal peak systolic velocity (PSV) thresholds for predicting ≥50%, ≥60%, ≥70%, and ≥80% internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis.

Methods: Patients who underwent both carotid ultrasonography and cerebral angiography during hospitalization were consecutively and retrospectively enrolled. The degree of ICA stenosis was calculated using the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial method on cerebral angiography.

Impact of renal function deterioration on adverse events during anticoagulation therapy using non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Renal function is crucial for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) using non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC). The incidence of renal function deterioration during anticoagulation therapy and its impact of adverse events are unknown. In 807 consecutive NVAF patients treated with NOAC and with estimated creatinine clearance (eCCr) ≥ 50 ml/min (mean age 68 ± 11 years, mean CHADS2 score = 1.

Blood glucose levels during the initial 72 h and 3-month functional outcomes in acute intracerebral hemorrhage: the SAMURAI-ICH study.

Purpose: Prognostic values of blood glucose levels following admission remain unclear. We investigated associations between blood glucose levels during the initial 72 h and outcomes of acute ICH.

Methods: Participants comprised hyperacute ICH patients who received intravenous antihypertensive treatment.

Trends in oral anticoagulant choice for acute stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in Japan: the SAMURAI-NVAF study.

Background: Large clinical trials are lack of data on non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants for acute stroke patients.

Aim: To evaluate the choice of oral anticoagulants at acute hospital discharge in stroke patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and clarify the underlying characteristics potentially affecting that choice using the multicenter Stroke Acute Management with Urgent Risk-factor Assessment and Improvement-NVAF registry (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01581502).

Reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate affects outcomes 3 months after intracerebral hemorrhage: the stroke acute management with urgent risk-factor assessment and improvement-intracerebral hemorrhage study.

Background: The effect of renal dysfunction on intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains unclear. We investigated associations of renal dysfunction assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with clinical courses and outcomes in ICH patients.

Methods: From a prospective, multicenter, observational study, 203 patients who had supratentorial ICH within 3 hours of onset were included.

Blood pressure variability on antihypertensive therapy in acute intracerebral hemorrhage: the Stroke Acute Management with Urgent Risk-factor Assessment and Improvement-intracerebral hemorrhage study.

Background And Purpose: The associations between early blood pressure (BP) variability and clinical outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage after antihypertensive therapy, recently clarified by a post hoc analysis of Intensive Blood Pressure Reduction in Acute Cerebral Hemorrhage Trial 2 (INTERACT2), were confirmed using the Stroke Acute Management with Urgent Risk-factor Assessment and Improvement (SAMURAI)-intracerebral hemorrhage study cohort.

Methods: Patients with hyperacute (<3 hours from onset) intracerebral hemorrhage with initial systolic BP (SBP) >180 mm Hg were registered in a prospective, multicenter, observational study. All patients received antihypertensive therapy based on a predefined standardized protocol to lower and maintain SBP between 120 and 160 mm Hg using intravenous nicardipine.