Contralesional Brain Activity in Acute Ischemic Stroke

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 85-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruud C. Van Kaam ◽  
Michel J.A.M. van Putten ◽  
Sarah E. Vermeer ◽  
Jeannette Hofmeijer

Background: The noninjured, contralateral hemisphere is increasingly acknowledged in the process of recovery from acute ischemic stroke. We estimated the value of conventional electroencephalography (EEG) recordings for identifying contralateral hemisphere involvement in relation to functional recovery. Methods: We analyzed 2-min epochs from 21 electrode EEG registrations of 18 patients with acute hemispheric ischemic stroke and compared with 18 age-matched controls. Outcome was dichotomized as good (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] 0–2) or poor (mRS 3–5 or death) at 3 months. Effects of the infarct on the ipsi-and contralateral hemispheres were analyzed by the delta/alpha ratio (DAR) and 2 measures of functional connectivity (magnitude squared coherence [MSC] and weighted phase lag index [WPLI]). Results: DAR was higher in patients than in controls, both in the ipsilateral and in the contralateral hemisphere (median 4.5 ± 6.7 ipsilateral and 2.4 ± 2.0 contralateral vs. 0.5 ± 0.5 in the control group, p < 0.001), indicating robust EEG changes in both lesioned and non-lesioned hemisphere. MSC and WPLI in the alpha and beta frequency bands were lower in patients than in controls in both hemispheres, indicating clear disturbances of functional connectivity (p < 0.05). In the poor outcome group, contralateral MSC and WPLI were lower than in the good outcome group, although these differences did not reach statistical significance. Conclusions: Short conventional EEG measurements show robust changes of brain activity and functional connectivity in both ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Changes of remote functional connectivity tend to interact with functional recovery. Future studies should estimate predictive values for individual patients and interactions with plasticity enhancing treatments.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabella Stuckart ◽  
Timo Siepmann ◽  
Christian Hartmann ◽  
Lars-Peder Pallesen ◽  
Annahita Sedghi ◽  
...  

Background: Neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects have been postulated for selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). We hypothesized that sertraline, which is characterized by less severe adverse effects and more stable pharmacokinetics than classic SSRI, is associated with improved functional recovery in acute ischemic stroke patients with motor deficits.Methods: Prospective observational study of consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients who received sertraline for clinically suspected post-stroke depression (PSD) or at high risk for PSD. Eligibility comprised acute motor deficit caused by ischemic stroke (≥2 points on NIHSS motor items) and functional independence pre-stroke (mRS ≤1). Decision to initiate treatment with SSRI during hospital stay was at the discretion of the treating stroke physician. Patients not receiving sertraline served as control group. Favorable functional recovery defined as mRS ≤2 was prospectively assessed at 3 months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to explore the effects of sertraline on 3-months functional recovery. Secondary outcomes were frequency of any and incident PSD (defined by BDI ≥10) at 3 months.Results: During the study period (03/2017–12/2018), 114 patients were assigned to sertraline (n = 72, 62.6%) or control group (n = 42, 37.4%). At study entry, patients in sertraline group were more severely neurologically affected than patients in the control group (NIHSS: 8 [IQR, 5–11] vs. 5 [IQR, 4–7]; p = 0.002). Also, motor NIHSS scores were more pronounced in sertraline than in control group (4 [IQR 2–7] vs. 2 [IQR 2–4], p = 0.001). After adjusting for age and baseline NIHSS, multivariable regression analysis revealed a significant association between sertraline intake and favorable functional outcome at 3 months (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.02–9.41; p = 0.045). There was no difference between both groups regarding the frequency of any depression at 3 months (26/53 [49.1%] vs. 14/28 [50.0%] patients, p = 0.643, BDI ≥10). However, fewer incident depressions were observed in sertraline group patients compared to patients in control group (0/53 [0%] vs. 5/28 [17.9%] patients, p = 0.004).Conclusions: In this non-randomized comparison, early treatment with sertraline tended to favor functional recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke. While exploratory in nature, this hypothesis needs further investigation in a clinical trial.


2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 249-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min-Kyun Oh ◽  
Kyung Jae Yoon ◽  
Yong-Taek Lee ◽  
Seoung Wan Chae ◽  
Hye Young Choi ◽  
...  

Objective To evaluate the effects of zolpidem on functional recovery in a rat model of acute ischemic stroke. Methods Following ischemic stroke procedures, 42 rats (six in each group) were randomly assigned to receive zolpidem (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 or 4.0 mg/kg) or normal saline administer intraperitoneally once daily for two weeks. Motor behavioural index (MBI) scores, radial 8-arm maze (RAM) test times and brain MRI scans were obtained 24 hours (Day 1) and two weeks (Day 14) post-procedure. Immunohistochemistry was performed on Day 14. Results By comparison with the normal saline group, the 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg zolpidem groups showed statistically significant improvements in MBI scores and increased numbers of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) stained cells over the two week dosing period. By contrast, the 4.0 mg/kg zolpidem group had statistically significantly impaired MBI scores compared with the control group. No differences among groups were found in RAM times or infarction volumes. Conclusions This study in a rat model showed that 0.5–1.0 mg/kg of zolpidem had beneficial effects on behavioural recovery by enhancing neural plasticity without causing any memory impairment in acute ischemic stroke.


2021 ◽  
pp. 0271678X2110249
Author(s):  
Giorgio FM Cattaneo ◽  
Andrea M Herrmann ◽  
Sebastian A Eiden ◽  
Manuela Wieser ◽  
Elias Kellner ◽  
...  

Selective therapeutic hypothermia (TH) showed promising preclinical results as a neuroprotective strategy in acute ischemic stroke. We aimed to assess safety and feasibility of an intracarotid cooling catheter conceived for fast and selective brain cooling during endovascular thrombectomy in an ovine stroke model. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO, 3 h) was performed in 20 sheep. In the hypothermia group (n = 10), selective TH was initiated 20 minutes before recanalization, and was maintained for another 3 h. In the normothermia control group (n = 10), a standard 8 French catheter was used instead. Primary endpoints were intranasal cooling performance (feasibility) plus vessel patency assessed by digital subtraction angiography and carotid artery wall integrity (histopathology, both safety). Secondary endpoints were neurological outcome and infarct volumes. Computed tomography perfusion demonstrated MCA territory hypoperfusion during MCAO in both groups. Intranasal temperature decreased by 1.1 °C/3.1 °C after 10/60 minutes in the TH group and 0.3 °C/0.4 °C in the normothermia group (p < 0.001). Carotid artery and branching vessel patency as well as carotid wall integrity was indifferent between groups. Infarct volumes (p = 0.74) and neurological outcome (p = 0.82) were similar in both groups. Selective TH was feasible and safe. However, a larger number of subjects might be required to demonstrate efficacy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (7) ◽  
pp. 2278-2291
Author(s):  
Anna K. Bonkhoff ◽  
Markus D. Schirmer ◽  
Martin Bretzner ◽  
Mark Etherton ◽  
Kathleen Donahue ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
pp. 028418512098177
Author(s):  
Yu Lin ◽  
Nannan Kang ◽  
Jianghe Kang ◽  
Shaomao Lv ◽  
Jinan Wang

Background Color-coded multiphase computed tomography angiography (mCTA) can provide time-variant blood flow information of collateral circulation for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Purpose To compare the predictive values of color-coded mCTA, conventional mCTA, and CT perfusion (CTP) for the clinical outcomes of patients with AIS. Material and Methods Consecutive patients with anterior circulation AIS were retrospectively reviewed at our center. Baseline collateral scores of color-coded mCTA and conventional mCTA were assessed by a 6-point scale. The reliabilities between junior and senior observers were assessed by weighted Kappa coefficients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and multivariate logistic regression model were applied to evaluate the predictive capabilities of color-coded mCTA and conventional mCTA scores, and CTP parameters (hypoperfusion and infarct core volume) for a favorable outcome of AIS. Results A total of 138 patients (including 70 cases of good outcomes) were included in our study. Patients with favorable prognoses were correlated with better collateral circulations on both color-coded and conventional mCTA, and smaller hypoperfusion and infarct core volume (all P < 0.05) on CTP. ROC curves revealed no significant difference between the predictive capability of color-coded and conventional mCTA ( P = 0.427). The predictive value of CTP parameters tended to be inferior to that of color-coded mCTA score (all P < 0.001). Both junior and senior observers had consistently excellent performances (κ = 0.89) when analyzing color-coded mCTA maps. Conclusion Color-coded mCTA provides prognostic information of patients with AIS equivalent to or better than that of conventional mCTA and CTP. Junior radiologists can reach high diagnostic accuracy when interpreting color-coded mCTA images.


2021 ◽  
pp. 251660852110112
Author(s):  
Kiran Buddharaju ◽  
Mahendra Javali ◽  
Anish Mehta ◽  
R Srinivasa ◽  
Purushottam Acharya

Background: Stroke is a major cause of neurological disability, which can be often predicted with serological markers. Glial-derived S100β protein is a potential biomarker for cerebral ischemia and may be helpful in predicting the severity, outcome, and recovery of stroke. Aim: This study aimed to study the role of S100β glial protein as a serological marker in predicting the severity of acute ischemic stroke (AIS), outcome, and functional recovery after 1 month. Methods: A hospital-based prospective case control study included 43 consecutive patients, >18 years old, who were admitted with acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) territory infarcts within 72 h of onset of neurological deficits. Control group comprised of 43 age-matched asymptomatic volunteers. Independent t-test and chi square test were used to compare the means and evaluate the association between protein level and various parameters. P ≤ .05 was statistically significant. Results: S100β protein level in AIS patients was significantly higher compared to controls ( P < .05). Elevated serum S100β protein level was found to be associated with larger infarct volumes, higher National Institute Health Stroke Scale scores, and higher modified Rankin Scale scores at admission ( P < .05). Patients with higher S100β protein levels at admission had poor recovery at 1 month compared to patients having normal S100β protein levels. Conclusion: S100β protein levels at admission after an acute MCA territory infarct may be used as a reliable serological tool in predicting the severity, outcome, and functional recovery in stroke.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 46-58
Author(s):  
João Paulo Branco ◽  
Filipa Rocha ◽  
João Sargento-Freitas ◽  
Gustavo C. Santo ◽  
António Freire ◽  
...  

The objective of this study is to assess the impact of recanalization (spontaneous and therapeutic) on upper limb functioning and general patient functioning after stroke. This is a prospective, observational study of patients hospitalized due to acute ischemic stroke in the territory of the middle cerebral artery (n = 98). Patients completed a comprehensive rehabilitation program and were followed-up for 24 weeks. The impact of recanalization on patient functioning was evaluated using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Stroke Upper Limb Capacity Scale (SULCS). General and upper limb functioning improved markedly in the first three weeks after stroke. Age, gender, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at admission were associated with general and upper limb functioning at 12 weeks. Successful recanalization was associated with better functioning. Among patients who underwent therapeutic recanalization, NIHSS scores ≥16.5 indicate lower general functioning at 12 weeks (sensibility = 72.4%; specificity = 78.6%) and NIHSS scores ≥13.5 indicate no hand functioning at 12 weeks (sensibility = 83.8%; specificity = 76.5%). Recanalization, either spontaneous or therapeutic, has a positive impact on patient functioning after acute ischemic stroke. Functional recovery occurs mostly within the first 12 weeks after stroke, with greater functional gains among patients with successful recanalization. Higher NIHSS scores at admission are associated with worse functional recovery.


Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Takuya Kanamaru ◽  
Satoshi Suda ◽  
Junya Aoki ◽  
Kentaro Suzuki ◽  
Yuki Sakamoto ◽  
...  

Background: It is reported that pre-stroke cognitive impairment is associated with poor functional outcome after stroke associated with small vessel disease. However, it is not clear that pre-stroke cognitive impairment is associated with poor outcome in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Method: We enrolled 127 consecutive patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke from December 2016 to November 2018. Pre-stroke cognitive function was evaluated using the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). We retrospectively compared poor outcome (a score of 3 to 6 on the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days) group (n=75) with good outcome (a score of 0, 1, or 2 on the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days) group (n=52) and examined that IQCODE could be the predictor of PO. Result: IQCODE was significantly higher in poor outcome group than in good outcome group (89 vs. 82, P=0.0012). Moreover, age (77.2 years old vs. 71.6 years old, P= 0.0009), the percentage of female (42.7% vs. 17.3%, P= 0.0021), complication of hypertension (HT, 68.0% vs. 44.2%, P=0.0076), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission (20 vs. 11, P<0.0001), the percentage of postoperative intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH, 33.3% vs. 15.4%, P=0.0233) were higher in poor outcome group than in good outcome group, too. However, there was no significant difference between poor outcome and good outcome groups in occlusion site (P= 0.1229), DWI-ASPECTS (P= 0.2839), the duration from onset to recanalization (P=0.4871) and other risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that IQCODE, HT and NIHSS at admission were associated with poor outcome (P= 0.0128, P=0.0061 and P<0.0001, respectively). Conclusion: Cognitive impairment could be associated with poor outcome in patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Ni ◽  
Huisheng Chen ◽  
Guofang Chen ◽  
Yong Ji ◽  
Fei Yi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Thrombolytic therapy improves disability and survival rates; however, to be effective, it must be given within 4.5 hours of onset. Moreover, thrombolytic therapy is frequently contraindicated. Therefore, alternative therapeutic options are required. In China, cinepazide maleate injection has been shown to improve the cerebral collateral circulation and further reduce disability in stroke patients; however, very few studies investigating this therapy have been conducted to date. Therefore, this study aimed to further confirm the efficacy and safety of cinepazide maleate injection in patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods: Patients with acute ischemic stroke were administered an intravenous infusion of 320 mg cinepazide maleate or placebo once daily for 14 days. All patients were also administered basic therapy (citicoline sodium). The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with a modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤2 on day 90. Secondary efficacy endpoints included Barthel Index ≥95. Safety was evaluated by recording all adverse events (AEs), monitoring laboratory parameters and vital signs, and electrocardiogram.Results: In total, 937 patients with an acute ischemic stroke were included, with a mean (standard deviation, SD) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 8.8 (2.4) and a mean (SD) stroke onset of 30.9 (11.4) hours prior. Following treatment for 90 days, the proportion of patients with an mRS score ≤2 was significantly higher in the cinepazide maleate group than in the control group (60.9% vs. 50.1%; p=0.0004). Moreover, the proportion of patients with a Barthel Index of ≥95 on day 90 was also significantly higher in the cinepazide maleate group than in the control group (53.4% vs. 46.7%; p=0.0230). There were no statistically significant differences in safety parameters between the cinepazide maleate and control groups.Conclusions: The results of this study show that cinepazide maleate injection is superior to placebo in improving neurological function and activities of daily living, reducing disability, and promoting functional recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Cinepazide maleate injection was safe and well tolerated with no unexpected AEs reported.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry CTR20160292 and ChiCTR1900023827. Retrospectively registered June 13, 2019.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung-Won Choi ◽  
In Woo Ryoo ◽  
Jun Yeong Hong ◽  
Kyung-Yul Lee ◽  
Hyo Suk Nam ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Sex hormones may be associated with a higher incidence of ischemic stroke or stroke-related events. In observational studies, lower testosterone concentrations are associated with infirmity, vascular disease, and adverse cardiovascular risk factors. Currently, female sexual hormones are considered neuroprotective agents. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of sex hormones and the ratio of estradiol/testosterone (E/T) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2016, 146 male patients with AIS and 152 age- and sex-matched control subjects were included in this study. Sex hormones, including estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone, were evaluated in the AIS patient and control groups. We analyzed the clinical and physiological levels of sex hormones and hormone ratios in these patients.Results: The E/T ratio was significantly elevated among patients in the stroke group compared to those in the control group (P = 0.001). Categorization of data into tertiles revealed that patients with the highest E/T ratio were more likely to have AIS [odds ratio (OR) 3.084; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.616-5.886; P < 0.001) compared with those in the first tertile. The E/T ratio was also an independent unfavorable outcome predictor with an adjusted OR of 1.167 (95% CI: 1.053-1.294; P = 0.003).Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that increased estradiol and reduced testosterone levels are associated with AIS in men.


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