Perinatal Ischemic Stroke: a Five-Year Retrospective Study in a Level-III Maternity

Objective To study the incidence, clinical presentation, risk factors, imaging diagnosis, and clinical outcome of perinatal stroke. Methods Data was retrospectively collected from full-term newborns admitted to the neonatal unit of a level III maternity in Lisbon with cerebral stroke, from January 2007 to December 2011. Results There were 11 cases of stroke: nine were arterial ischemic stroke and two were cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. We estimated an incidence of arterial ischemic stroke of 1.6/5,000 births and of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis of 7.2/100,000 births. There were two cases of recurrent stroke. Eight patients presented with symptoms while the remaining three were asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed. The most frequently registered symptoms (8/11) were seizures; in that, generalized clonic (3/8) and focal clonic (5/8). Strokes were more commonly left-sided (9/11), and the most affected artery was the left middle cerebral artery (8/11). Transfontanelle ultrasound was positive in most of the patients (10/11), and stroke was confirmed by cerebral magnetic resonance in all patients. Electroencephalographic recordings were carried out in five patients and were abnormal in three (focal abnormalities n=2, burst-suppression pattern n=1). Eight patients had previously identified risk factors for neonatal stroke which included obstetric and neonatal causes. Ten patients were followed up at outpatients setting; four patients developed motor deficits and one presented with epilepsy. Conclusions Although a modest and heterogeneous sample, this study emphasizes the need for a high level of suspicion when it comes to neonatal stroke, primarily in the presence of risk factors. The prevalence of neurological sequelae in our series supports the need of long-term follow-up and early intervention strategies.

Successful Thrombolysis despite Having an Incidental Unruptured Cerebral Aneurysm

Purpose. To report a case of successful thrombolysis performed in a patient with an incidental unruptured intracranial aneurysm and review the literature. Case Report. Patient admitted for ischemic stroke due to left posterior cerebral artery occlusion, with an incidental right middle cerebral artery aneurysm, who underwent treatment with tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) resulting in clinical improvement without complications. Conclusion. The presence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms is considered as a contraindication to thrombolysis, due to a potentially higher hemorrhagic risk of aneurysm rupture. Patients, otherwise, eligible for thrombolysis are usually excluded from receiving this emergent treatment, despite its potential benefits. A reevaluation of the strict exclusion criteria for thrombolysis in acute stroke patients should be considered.

Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis in Children: Clinical Presentation and Extension, Localization and Recanalization of Thrombosis

Many important questions regarding pathophysiology and treatment of cerebral sinovenous thrombosis need clarification and may depend on further knowledge on the etiology, site, extension and recanalization of the thrombosis. We studied these variables in a cohort of children and adolescents from seven Portuguese Centers. We conclude from our results that the deep venous system and the superior longitudinal sinus are less frequently affected with thrombosis but have a greater potential for serious neurologic disease and for major sequelae. Non-recanalization, at least in the long term, is not an adverse prognostic factor. Extensive propagation of the thrombus from the initial site of origin seems to be common. The early identification of risk factors and their treatment coupled with an aggressive attitude towards diagnosis and treatment for thrombosis involving the deep venous system would be warranted.

Prevalência de Doença Carotídea na Patologia Cérebro-Vascular Isquémica. O Papel do Eco-Doppler

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerotic carotid disease represents approximately 20% of the causes of ischemic stroke. Effective treatment options, such as endovascular or surgical revascularization procedures, are available. Doppler Ultrasound (DUS) is a non-invasive, inexpensive, routine exam used to evaluate the presence of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. We retrospectively analysed the prevalence of severe atherosclerotic carotid disease in a population of patients with acute ischemic stroke/transitory ischemic attacks (TIAs), and the role of DUS in the detection of ICA stenosis and treatment decisions in these patients. METHODS: A total of 318 patients with ischemic stroke or TIAs was admitted to our stroke unit, and 260 patients were studied by DUS. ICA stenosis was evaluated by DUS according to peak systolic velocity. All DUS exams were performed by the same operator. ICA stenosis was further assessed in 43 patients by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) using NASCET criteria. RESULTS: Of the total 318 patients, 260 (82%) had DUS evaluation. Of the total 520 ICAs studied by DUS, degrees of ICA stenosis were: 0-29% n= 438 (84%); 30-49% n= 8 (2%); 50-69% n= 27 (5%); 70-89% n= 15 (3%); 90-99% n= 20 (4%); oclusão n= 14 (2%). Of the total 260 patients studied, 43 (16.5%) underwent DSA. Sensibility and specificity of DUS in the diagnosis of carotid stenosis over 70% were, respectively, 91% e 84%. Of the total 31 patients with significant carotid stenosis (70-99%), 23 (74%) underwent subsequent carotid revascularization procedures. DISCUSSION: DUS is an important screening test in our stroke unit, justifying its use as a routine exam for all patients with ischemic stroke/TIAs. Moreover, our results show the relevance of severe carotid disease in a population with acute ischemic stroke/TIAs (16.5%), with a total of 9% of patients being submitted to carotid revascularization procedures.

Trombose Venosa Cerebral. Trombólises Mecânica e Química

A trombose venosa cerebral é uma entidade ainda não completamente compreendida no que se refere à sua fisiopatologia, história natural e prognóstico. A abordagem terapêutica não é consensual, preconizando-se contudo o uso de anticoagulantes associados ou não à trombólise. Os autores reportam a repermeabilização com sucesso dos seios venosos durais após trombólise mecânica e quimica (rt-PA).

Reabilitação no Acidente Vascular Cerebral: do Hospital à Comunidade

The field of action for rehabilitation is that of making use of the patient's maximum functional capacity with the purpose of adapting to life in relation to the environment. Rehabilitation must commence immediately, although it may be in different forms from the acute phase to sequelae. It is considered appropriate to call the physiatrist as soon as the neurologic condition has stabilised. A list is made of the measures to be taken for rehabilitation in the acute phase and sequelae, and the composition of the rehabilitation team is described. In what concerns location, where to rehabilitate the patient? The group of ambulatory patients should have their rehabilitation as outpatients. Our experience with house calls is briefly described. The group of patients who cannot walk, those that present an eminently motor condition, with the possibility of being able to walk, should be with their families, with transport provided to health and rehabilitation centres. The second group, with the capacity of walking within a reasonable time, especially if with multiple associated problems such as impaired communication, should be hospitalised in a rehabilitation department. The third group consists of severely handicapped patients, for whom a solution must be found that provides life with a minimum of dignity in centres or homes. From among the measures to be introduced, we point out following: acquisition of transport for patients who must travel, as outpatients, to the department; providing family doctors with complete freedom to refer their patients to rehabilitation centres.

Aspectos Imagiológicos da Trombose Venosa Cerebral numa Mulher Grávida

A trombose venosa cerebral (TVC) é uma doença relativamente rara mas grave, potencialmente reversível com diagnóstico atempado e terapêutica médica adequada. A gravidez e o puerpério são um factor predisponente de TVC, que é responsável por 6% das causas de morte materna. As manifestações clínicas dependem da localização, extensão do trombo, bem como da rede de colaterais existente. Apresentamos o caso duma doente do sexo feminino, 33 anos, grávida de 13 semanas que recorreu ao serviço de urgência por quadro de cefaleias e cujo estudo por Ressonância Magnética revelou aspectos compatíveis com doença venosa oclusiva subtotal do seio longitudinal superior em fase aguda. A propósito deste caso discutimos as manifestações imagiológicas da trombose venosa dural na fase aguda.

Protecção Cerebral na Cirurgia do Arco Aórtico

In this paper the authors proceed to a revision of the three main methods employed for cerebral protection in aortic arch surgery, namely the deep hypothermia and total circulatory arrest, the retrograde cerebral perfusion and the selective anterograde cerebral perfusion. After a deep analysis on their advantages and disadvantages, they proposed the utilization of an association of methods (integrated approach) that has proved to be extremely well succeed in their clinical practice, specially in high-risks patients.

Acidente Vascular Cerebral Hemorrágico Associado ao Consumo de Cocaína

Os autores apresentam o caso clínico de um homem de 37 anos, fumador de cocaína, que foi admitido no serviço por acidente vascular cerebral hemorrágico. Faz-se a discussão dos diagnósticos diferenciais e uma referência aos tipos, formas de administração, metabolismo, características clínicas e toxicidade da cocaína.

A Angiografia no Diagnóstico da Patologia Vascular Cerebral. Indicações Actuais e Controvérsias

The role of cerebral angiography in the diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease is currently being questioned due to both the increasing availability of carotid sonography and the recent introduction of Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA). After a technical foreword about the different modalities available today in Cerebral Angiography, we discuss its present indications (Conventional or Digital subtraction by intra-arterial route), in patients with extra and intra cranial atherosclerotic cerebro vascular disease, subarachnoid hemorrhage and arterial aneurysms, in vascular malformations, particularly arterio-venous malformations (AVM's), in occlusive non-atherosclerotic non hypertensive arteriopathies and in occlusive venous pathology. Although it is possible that the future will show us the progressive replacement of the invasive technologies by MRA, at the present stage of Magnetic Resonance development there is still an important role, if not crucial, for catheter angiography in the diagnosis of most of the diseases producing stroke syndromes.

Perfil Hipertensivo dos Doentes com Doença Vascular Cerebral

A HTA é uma das situações de risco mais referenciada para o ocorrência de doença vascular cerebral. Estão documentados antecedentes de HTA em 25 a 40% dos doentes que sofreram AVC. Outros estudos apontam para uma frequência de 80% de HTA na altura do acidente. Por isso, é importante o conhecimento da história evolutiva da HTA, bem como a sua repercursão num doente com AVC. Os autores apresentam um estudo prospectivo de 470 doentes que sofreram um primeiro AVC ou AIT. Pretendem analisar o perfil hipertensivo desses doentes, relacioná-lo com o tipo de doença vascular cerebral, e caracterizar a evolução da HTA 6 meses após o acidente. Após a análise estatística dos resultados obtidos concluíram: - na população estudada a prevalência de HTA foi de 67,2%; - 68% dos doentes com antecedentes de HTA não tinham a HTA controlada na altura do acidente; - a duração média de HTA conhecida antes do AVC ou AIT foi de 104 meses; - a HTA foi de início mais precoce e de estádio mais grave nos doentes com AVC hemorrágico, comparativamente com os doentes que sofreram doença vascular isquémica; - seis meses após AVC/AIT, 65% dos doentes não tinham a HTA controlada.

Acute Bivalvular Left-Sided Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Endocarditis with Cardiac, Cerebral, Renal and Septic Complications

Infective endocarditis (IE) is now rare in developed countries, but its prevalence is higher in elderly patients with prosthetic valves, diabetes, renal impairment, or heart failure. An increase in health-care associated IE (HCAIE) has been observed due to invasive maneuvers (30% of cases). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Enterococcus are the most common agents in HCAIE, causing high mortality and morbidity. We review complications of IE and its therapy, based on a patient with acute bivalvular left-sided MRSA IE and a prosthetic aortic valve, aggravated by congestive heart failure, stroke, acute immune complex glomerulonephritis, Candida parapsilosis fungémia and death probably due to Serratia marcescens sepsis. The HCAIE was assumed to be related to three temporally associated in-hospital interventions considered as possible initial etiological mechanisms: overcrowding in the hospital environment,iv quinolone therapy and red blood cell transfusion. Later in the clinical course,C. parapsilosis and S. marcescens septicemia were considered to be possible secondary etiological mechanisms of HCAIE.

Factores Preditivos de Depressão Pós-Acidente Vascular Cerebral. Estudo Retrospectivo numa Unidade de Reabilitação

INTRODUÇÃO/OBJECTIVOS: O Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) pode limitar de forma importante a funcionalidade. As complicações psiquiátricas têm sido identificadas como factores determinantes na reabilitação pós-AVC, sendo a Depressão a complicação psiquiátrica mais frequente e a que está associada a pior prognóstico. Subsiste ainda incerteza quanto à sua etiologia e factores de risco. Na revisão sistemática mais recente, reconhecem-se como factores preditivos a gravidade do AVC, o grau de incapacidade do doente e o défice cognitivo. Questões metodológicas impediram a determinação de outros factores. Assim, urge definir novos factores que facilitem um diagnóstico atempado, que possa diminuir os efeitos negativos sobre o processo de reabilitação. Objectivos: determinação da incidência da Depressão de novo pós-AVC (DPA) e o estudo das variáveis descritas na literatura como possíveis factores preditivos de DPA: sexo, idade, tipo de AVC, lateralidade, território vascular e presença de afasia. Foi definido como endpoint secundário o estudo do tipo de afasia. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo longitudinal retrospectivo, envolvendo todos os doentes admitidos no internamento de um Serviço de MFR com o diagnóstico de AVC de novo, entre 1-1-2009 e 31-12-2009. Foram colhidos elementos demográficos e clínicos dos processos clínicos, num total de 74 doentes. Critérios de exclusão: ‘AVC prévio’, ‘Doença psiquiátrica com perturbação do humor prévia’ e ‘Medicação antidepressiva à data do AVC’. Para o tratamento estatístico usou-se o SPSS 11.5. RESULTADOS: A incidência da DPA observada foi de 44,6%. Dos possíveis factores preditivos testados, apenas a presença de afasia apresentou uma relação estatisticamente significativa com a depressão (p=0.02). Não se encontrou relação com o tipo de afasia. Os restantes factores preditivos testados não mostraram correlação estatística significativa. Parece existir uma relação entre o sexo masculino e a DPA (p=0.07), que não atingiu significância no tamanho da amostra conseguido (n). CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo estabelece a afasia como factor preditivo da DPA. A elevada incidência de DPA nesta população particular concorda com os estudos existentes, sendo necessário outro tipo de estudo que permita justificar o valor encontrado. São necessários mais estudos não só para aumentar o conhecimento dos factores de risco para a DPA, como para melhorar os resultados dos programas de reabilitação.

Feasibility of Focal Transcranial DC Polarization with Simultaneous EEG Recording: Preliminary Assessment in Healthy Subjects and Human Epilepsy

We aimed to investigate the feasibility of an experimental system for simultaneous transcranial DC stimulation(tDCS) and EEG recording in human epilepsy. We report tolerability of this system in a cross-over controlled trial with 15 healthy subjects and preliminary effects of its use, testing repeated tDCS sessions, in two patients with drug-refractory Continuous Spike-Wave Discharges During Slow Sleep (CSWS). Our system combining continuous recording of the EEG with tDCS allows detailed evaluation of the interictal activity during the entire process. Stimulation with 1 mA was well‐tolerated in both healthy volunteers and patients with refractory epilepsy. The large reduction in interictal epileptiform EEG discharges in the two subjects with epilepsy supports further investigation of tDCS using this combined method of stimulation and monitoring in epilepsy. Continuous monitoring of epileptic activity throughout tDCS improves safety and allows detailed evaluation of epileptic activity changes induced by tDCS in patients.

Epilepsy and Cerebral Palsy: Characteristics and Trends in Children Born in 1976 - 1998

Background: Although epilepsy is common in children with cerebral palsy (CP), no data exists on prevalence rates of CP and epilepsy. Aims: To describe epilepsy in children with CP, and to examine the association between epilepsy and neonatal characteristics, associated impairments and CP subtypes. Methods: Data on 9654 children with CP born between 1976 and 1998 and registered in 17 European registers belonging to the SCPE network (Surveillance of Cerebral Palsy in Europe)were analyzed. Results: A total of 3424 (35%) children had a history of epilepsy. Among them, seventy-two percent were on medication at time of registration. Epilepsy was more frequent in children with a dyskinetic or bilateral spastic type and with other associated impairments. The prevalence of CP with epilepsy was 0.69 (99% CI, 0.66e0.72) per 1000 live births and followed a quadratic trend with an increase from 1976 to 1983 and a decrease afterwards. Neonatal characteristics independently associated with epilepsy were the presence of a brain malformation or a syndrome, a term or moderately preterm birth compared with a very premature birth, and signs of perinatal distress including neonatal seizures, neonatal ventilation and admission to a neonatal care unit. Conclusions: The prevalence of CP with epilepsy followed a quadratic trend in 1976e1998 and mirrored that of the prevalence of CP during this period. The observed relationship between epilepsy and associated impairments was expected; however it requires longitudinal studies to be better understood.