Cerebrovascular diseases
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2011
Randomized Controlled TrialCilostazol improves outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage: a preliminary report.
Cerebral vasospasm (VS) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Reversal of VS by intra-arterial infusion of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-elevating agents has been reported; however, the preventive role in the development of VS is not fully understood. This study is designed to evaluate the possible efficacy of using cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 3 and a cAMP-elevating agent, in patients with SAH. ⋯ Cilostazol may improve outcomes after SAH, but further double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are required for a definitive conclusion.
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2011
Comparative StudyChanges in cerebral perfusion around the time of delayed cerebral ischemia in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients.
Because the pathogenesis of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is unclear, we studied cerebral perfusion at different time points around the occurrence of DCI. ⋯ Our findings suggest that DCI patients already have diffusely worse perfusion (absolute values) than no-DCI patients before focal worsening (increased asymmetry) occurs and becomes symptomatic. The partial recovery in the measured areas suggests that DCI can be partly reversible.
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2011
Score for the targeting of atrial fibrillation: a new approach to diagnosing paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
Detecting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) after ischaemic stroke is challenging. There are several methods to increase the detection rate of PAF, but it is first necessary to identify subgroups of patients at risk. In a previous study, we established a clinicoradiologic score that predicts atrial fibrillation (AF) in stroke patients. The purpose of the present study is to validate this score specifically for PAF patients. ⋯ Due to its reproducibility and predictive value, the STAF can be used by neurologists as part of a novel diagnostic strategy for occult AF.
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2011
Vasospasm in intracerebral hemorrhage with ventricular involvement: a prospective pilot transcranial Doppler sonography study.
Cerebral vasospasm (VSP) is a common complication after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), but has rarely been reported after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) without subarachnoidal bleeding. The underlying pathophysiological mechanism is mainly mediated by circulating heme products within the cerebrospinal fluid, and thus patients with ICH and ventricular involvement (IVH) may also be in danger of developing VSP. The incidence and role of VSP in IVH, however, have not been systematically studied. ⋯ Cerebral VSP with secondary infarction may occur in patients with spontaneous IVH, though far less frequently than in SAH; thus, systematic screening of all patients with IVH may not be warranted. However, serial TCD should be considered in patients with secondary clinical worsening or extensive IVH.
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Cerebrovascular diseases · Jan 2011
Rapid neurological recovery after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator in stroke: prognostic factors and outcome.
Treatment with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is associated with improved outcome in acute ischemic stroke. Of note, a proportion of patients demonstrate rapid and significant neurological recovery within 24 h. This has previously not been systematically studied. We aimed to examine its incidence, predictive factors and correlation with clinical outcomes. ⋯ Rapid neurological recovery defines a rapid responder population and was demonstrated in a quarter of patients treated with intravenous tPA. It strongly predicts a good clinical outcome.