Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · May 2014
Atrial fibrillation and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation detection in patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Studies about continuous electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring in detection of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in Asian patients with acute ischemic stroke are very limited. We looked for the prevalence and associated factors of atrial fibrillation (AF) and PAF in Thai patients with acute ischemic stroke. ⋯ AF/PAF was one of the common causes of ischemic stroke in Thai patients. Most PAF was detected by continuous ECG monitoring. Snapshot 12-lead ECG and continuous ECG monitoring should be recommended in all patients with acute ischemic stroke.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · May 2014
Specific needs for telestroke networks for thrombolytic therapy in Japan.
The concept of telestroke networks has been proposed to overcome regional disparities in stroke treatment. Such networks do not yet operate in Japan. We aimed to determine the specific needs for telestroke networks and to estimate the effects on the number of thrombolytic therapies. ⋯ If 24/7 full telestroke support was introduced to the existing hospitals, 6.8-69.3 more patients could be treated by intravenous (IV) tPA annually. These numbers exceeded the estimated annual increases of .8-13.7 more patients if a drip-and-ship telestroke network was introduced into an underserved area outside the 60-minute-driving-time area. This study uncovered that many Japanese stroke hospitals, especially low-volume facilities located in rural areas, do not perform IV tPA therapy in 24/7 fashion and telestroke support to these hospitals may be highly effective compared with the drip-and-ship network in an underserved area.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · May 2014
Case ReportsEndovascular treatment for cerebral septic embolic stroke.
This case demonstrates an alternative approach to cerebral revascularization by performing both intravascular mechanical thrombectomy and local injection of thrombolytics that may reduce mortality, bleeding, and the diminished quality of life experienced by patients following an acute septic embolic stroke.
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J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis · May 2014
Case ReportsA rare cause of embolic stroke in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.
A 57-year-old male patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia presented with an acute right middle cerebral artery ischemic stroke. Investigations revealed a right middle cerebral artery M2 occlusion, hypoxemia, and a large pulmonary arteriovenous malformation and right lower limb deep venous thrombosis. Closure of the pulmonary arteriovenous malformation was successfully performed with an Amplatzer device. Catheter closure of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is a recognized treatment modality to prevent recurrent ischemic stroke and other embolic and hemorrhagic complications.
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An association between marijuana use and stroke has been previously reported. However, the health risks of newer synthetic cannabinoid compounds are less well known. We describe 2 cases that introduce a previously unreported association between synthetic cannabis use and ischemic stroke in young adults. ⋯ Both women were found to have acute, large-territory infarctions of the right middle cerebral artery. Our 2 cases had risk factors for ischemic stroke but were otherwise young and healthy and the onset of their deficits occurred within hours after first-time exposure to synthetic cannabis. Synthetic cannabis use is an important consideration in the investigation of stroke in young adults.