Neurogenic Stunned Myocardium in Severe Neurological Injury

Transesophageal echocardiography and intracerebral pressure (ICP) in neurocritical care patients - An observational study

PURPOSE

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) may cause an increase in intracerebral pressure (ICP). Data are currently lacking.

METHODS

Monocentric observational study. Continuous monitoring of ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) before, during, and after TEE. The first 10 patients were positioned in the left lateral position (left lateral tilt group = LLTG). Further patients were examined in the supine position (supine position group = SPG).

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients with a median age of 59 ± 20.1 years were included in the study. The median baseline ICP was 9 ± 4.3 mmHg in LLTG and 4 ± 5.1 mmHg in SPG. Only LLTG showed a significant increase in ICP from baseline to TEE (p = 0.013). When comparing both groups, a significantly longer procedure duration was found in the positioning group (LLTG = 14.5 min versus SPG = 9.5 min; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to investigate the effect of transesophageal echocardiography on ICP and CPP. Our data demonstrated a temporary increase in ICP during TEE probably caused by lateral positioning the patients. For patients at risk with critically elevated ICP values, TEE should only be performed in the supine position.

The Hidden Heart: Exploring Cardiac Damage Post-Stroke: A Narrative Review

Stroke-heart syndrome (SHS), a critical yet underrecognized condition, encompasses a range of cardiac complications that arise following an ischemic stroke. This narrative review explores the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and implications of SHS, focusing on the complex interplay between the brain and the heart. Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) triggers autonomic dysfunction, leading to a surge in catecholamines and subsequent myocardial injury. Our review highlights the five cardinal manifestations of SHS: elevated cardiac troponin (cTn) levels, acute myocardial infarction, left ventricular dysfunction, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Despite the significant impact of these complications on patient outcomes, there is a notable absence of specific guidelines for their management. Through a comprehensive literature search, we synthesized findings from recent studies to elucidate the mechanisms underlying SHS and identified gaps in the current understanding. Our findings underscore the importance of early detection and multidisciplinary management of cardiac complications post-stroke. Future research should focus on establishing evidence-based protocols to improve clinical outcomes for stroke patients with SHS. Addressing this unmet need will enhance the care of stroke survivors and reduce mortality rates associated with cardiac complications.

[Anaesthesiological Management of Traumatic Brain Injury]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the main cause of death in people < 45 years in industrial countries. Minimising secondary injury to the injured brain is the primary goal throughout the entire treatment. Anaesthesiologic procedures aim at the reconstitution of cerebral perfusion and homeostasis. Both TBI itself as well as accompanying injuries show effects on cardiac and pulmonary function. Time management plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe anaesthesiologic environment while minimizing unnecessary procedures. Furthermore, growing medical drug pre-treatment demands for further knowledge e.g., in antagonization of anticoagulation.

Case report: Naturally occurring neurogenic stunned myocardium in a dog secondary to status epilepticus

A 4-year-old male neutered Boston Terrier was presented with status epilepticus. He was diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy and hospitalized with supportive care. During hospitalization, the patient developed both supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias as well as focal left ventricular dyskinesis. Cardiac troponin I was significantly increased, which was supportive of myocardial damage. Neurogenic stunned myocardium was suspected, and the patient was treated and responded to esmolol. Follow-up echocardiography demonstrated the resolution of the ventricular dyskinesia. This report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment, management, and outcome of the first reported case of naturally occurring neurogenic stunned myocardium in a dog. Electrocardiogram monitoring, cardiac troponin I, and echocardiography should be considered in patients presenting with seizure activity, especially when exhibiting cluster seizures or in status epilepticus.

Transient Left Ventricular Dysfunction from Cardiomyopathies to Myocardial Viability: When and Why Cardiac Function Recovers

Transient left ventricular dysfunction (TLVD), a temporary condition marked by reversible impairment of ventricular function, remains an underdiagnosed yet significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in clinical practice. Unlike the well-explored atherosclerotic disease of the epicardial coronary arteries, the diverse etiologies of TLVD require greater attention for proper diagnosis and management. The spectrum of disorders associated with TLVD includes stress-induced cardiomyopathy, central nervous system injuries, histaminergic syndromes, various inflammatory diseases, pregnancy-related conditions, and genetically determined syndromes. Furthermore, myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) origins such as coronary artery spasm, coronary thromboembolism, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) may also manifest as TLVD, eventually showing recovery. This review highlights the range of ischemic and non-ischemic clinical situations that lead to TLVD, gathering conditions like Tako-Tsubo Syndrome (TTS), Kounis syndrome (KS), Myocarditis, Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), and Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC). Differentiation amongst these causes is crucial, as they involve distinct clinical, instrumental, and genetic predictors that bode different outcomes and recovery potential for left ventricular function. The purpose of this review is to improve everyday clinical approaches to treating these diseases by providing an extensive survey of conditions linked with TLVD and the elements impacting prognosis and outcomes.

A case report of successful rescue using veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: managing cerebral-cardiac syndrome

Introduction

The presence of cerebral-cardiac syndrome, wherein brain diseases coincide with heart dysfunction, significantly impacts patient prognosis. In severe instances, circulatory failure may ensue, posing a life-threatening scenario necessitating immediate life support measures, particularly effective circulatory support methods. The application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is extensively employed as a valuable modality for delivering circulatory and respiratory support in the care of individuals experiencing life-threatening circulatory and respiratory failure. This approach facilitates a critical temporal window for subsequent interventions. Consequently, ECMO has emerged as a potentially effective life support modality for patients experiencing severe circulatory failure in the context of cerebral-cardiac syndrome. However, the existing literature on this field of study remains limited.

Case description

In this paper, we present a case study of a patient experiencing a critical cerebral-cardiac syndrome. The individual successfully underwent veno-arterial-ECMO (VA-ECMO) therapy, and the patient not only survived, but also received rehabilitation treatment, demonstrating its efficacy as a life support intervention.

Conclusion

VA-ECMO could potentially serve as an efficacious life support modality for individuals experiencing severe circulatory failure attributable to cerebral-cardiac syndrome.

Neurogenic myocardial dysfunction post craniopharyngioma resection: A diagnostic dilemma

Endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of craniopharyngioma is a commonly used technique. Cerebral vasospasm may occur in nearly 10% of cases leading to adverse neurological outcomes. Cardiopulmonary dysfunction may be seen in patients with severe vasospasm. The literature describing the occurrence of neurogenic stunned myocardium following craniopharyngioma resection in pediatric patients is very sparse. Here, we describe such a case managed with a combination of milrinone (to relieve vasospasm and improve cardiac pump function), noradrenaline (to obtain target blood pressure), and vasopressin (to control urine output). This case report proposes the treatment plan of neurogenic stunned myocardium following vasospasm in pediatric patients.

From Neurocardiology to Stroke-Heart Syndrome

The Stroke-Heart syndrome is a major chapter in neurocardiology. Both brain-heart and stroke-heart correlations are based on neurophysiological studies that define and describe the relation between the central autonomic system and cardiac function and it will be presented in this narrative review. The Stroke-Heart syndrome groups the entire spectrum of cardiac changes - clinical, ECG, echocardiographic, biological, morphological - that occur in the first 30 days from the onset of stroke, especially in the first days. Their presence significantly marks the evolution and prognosis of stroke. The damage resulted from hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activation and high catecholamine release (adrenergic storm) targets mainly the myocyte and the microcirculation.The Takotsubo syndrome and Stunned myocardium are distinct forms of neurogenic myocardial ischemia - with changes in ECG, parietal motility, and biological markers - usually reversible although evolution towards cardiac dysfunction is also possible. The concept of Stroke-Heart syndrome and the brain-heart correlation brought new scientific information regarding stress cardiomyopathy or neurogenic myocardial injury.

Prevalence of myocardial injury in patients after acute ischaemic stroke according to standard criteria

This study examined the prevalence of acute and chronic myocardial injury according to standard criteria in patients after acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and its relation to stroke severity and short-term prognosis. Between August 2020 and August 2022, 217 consecutive patients with AIS were enrolled. Plasma levels of high-sensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) were measured in blood samples obtained at the time of admission and 24 and 48 h later. The patients were divided into three groups according to the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction: no injury, chronic injury, and acute injury. Twelve-lead ECGs were obtained at the time of admission, 24 and 48 h later, and on the day of hospital discharge. A standard echocardiographic examination was performed within the first 7 days of hospitalization in patients with suspected abnormalities of left ventricular function and regional wall motion. Demographic characteristics, clinical data, functional outcomes, and all-cause mortality were compared between the three groups. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at the time of admission and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 90 days following hospital discharge were used to assess stroke severity and outcome. Elevated hs-cTnI levels were measured in 59 patients (27.2%): 34 patients (15.7%) had acute myocardial injury and 25 patients (11.5%) had chronic myocardial injury within the acute phase after ischaemic stroke. An unfavourable outcome, evaluated based on the mRS at 90 days, was associated with both acute and chronic myocardial injury. Myocardial injury was also strongly associated with all-cause death, with the strongest association in patients with acute myocardial injury, at 30 days and at 90 days. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that all-cause mortality was significantly higher in patients with acute and chronic myocardial injury than in patients without myocardial injury (P < 0.001). Stroke severity, evaluated with the NIHSS, was also associated with acute and chronic myocardial injury. A comparison of the ECG findings between patients with and without myocardial injury showed a higher occurrence in the former of T-wave inversion, ST segment depression, and QTc prolongation. In echocardiographic analysis, a new abnormality in regional wall motion of the left ventricle was identified in six patients. Chronic and acute myocardial injury with hs-cTnI elevation after AIS are associated with stroke severity, unfavourable functional outcome, and short-term mortality.

Traumatic Brain Injury: Intraoperative Management and Intensive Care Unit Multimodality Monitoring

Traumatic brain injury is a devastating event associated with substantial morbidity. Pathophysiology involves the initial trauma, subsequent inflammatory response, and secondary insults, which worsen brain injury severity. Management entails cardiopulmonary stabilization and diagnostic imaging with targeted interventions, such as decompressive hemicraniectomy, intracranial monitors or drains, and pharmacological agents to reduce intracranial pressure. Anesthesia and intensive care requires control of multiple physiologic variables and evidence-based practices to reduce secondary brain injury. Advances in biomedical engineering have enhanced assessments of cerebral oxygenation, pressure, metabolism, blood flow, and autoregulation. Many centers employ multimodality neuromonitoring for targeted therapies with the hope to improve recovery.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy-related cardiac injury: Focus on cardiac cell death

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a kind of disease in which amyloid β (Aβ) and other amyloid protein deposits in the cerebral cortex and the small blood vessels of the brain, causing cerebrovascular and brain parenchymal damage. CAA patients are often accompanied by cardiac injury, involving Aβ, tau and transthyroxine amyloid (ATTR). Aβ is the main injury factor of CAA, which can accelerate the formation of coronary artery atherosclerosis, aortic valve osteogenesis calcification and cardiomyocytes basophilic degeneration. In the early stage of CAA (pre-stroke), the accompanying locus coeruleus (LC) amyloidosis, vasculitis and circulating Aβ will induce first hit to the heart. When the CAA progresses to an advanced stage and causes a cerebral hemorrhage, the hemorrhage leads to autonomic nervous function disturbance, catecholamine surges, and systemic inflammation reaction, which can deal the second hit to the heart. Based on the brain-heart axis, CAA and its associated cardiac injury can create a vicious cycle that accelerates the progression of each other.

The Heart Is at Risk: Understanding Stroke-Heart-Brain Interactions with Focus on Neurogenic Stress Cardiomyopathy-A Review

In recent years, it has been convincingly demonstrated that acute brain injury may cause severe cardiac complications-such as neurogenic stress cardiomyopathy (NSC), a specific form of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The pathophysiology of these brain-heart interactions is complex and involves sympathetic hyperactivity, activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, as well as immune and inflammatory pathways. There have been great strides in our understanding of the axis from the brain to the heart in patients with isolated acute brain injury and more specifically in patients with stroke. On the other hand, in patients with NSC, research has mainly focused on hemodynamic dysfunction due to arrhythmias, regional wall motion abnormality, or left ventricular hypokinesia that leads to impaired cerebral perfusion pressure. Comparatively little is known about the underlying secondary and delayed cerebral complications. The aim of the present review is to describe the stroke-heart-brain axis and highlight the main pathophysiological mechanisms leading to secondary and delayed cerebral injury in patients with concurrent hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke and NSC as well as to identify further areas of research that could potentially improve outcomes in this specific patient population.

The prognostic value of cardiac troponin T in different age groups of traumatic brain injury patients

BACKGROUND

The cardiac dysfunction has been confirmed as a common non-neurological complication and associated with increased mortality in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. As a biological marker of cardiac injury, the cardiac troponin T (TnT) has been verified correlated with the outcome of some non-traumatic brain injury patients. However, the prognostic value of TnT in TBI patients has not been clearly illustrated. We designed this study to explore the association between TnT and the outcome of TBI patients in different age subgroups.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with TBI in a prospective critical care database were eligible for this study. Univariate logistic regression analysis was firstly performed to explore the relationship between included variables and mortality. Then, the real effect of TnT on the outcome of different age subgroups was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting the confounding effects of other significant risk factors. Finally, we draw receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate the prognostic value of TnT in different age groups of TBI patients.

RESULTS

520 patients were included in this study with a mortality rate of 20.2%. There were 112 (21.5%) non-elderly patients (age < 65) and 408 (78.5%) elderly patients (age ≥ 65). Non-survivors had a higher percentage of previous acute myocardial infarction (p = 0.019) and pupil no-reaction (p = 0.028; p = 0.011) than survivors. Survivors had higher GCS (p < 0.001) and lower TnT than non-survivors (p < 0.001). TnT was significantly associated with mortality in non-elderly patients (p = 0.031) but not in overall patients (p = 0.143) and elderly patients (p = 0.456) in multivariate logistic regression analysis. The AUC (area under the ROC curve) value of TnT in overall, non-elderly and elderly patients was 0.644, 0.693 and 0.632, respectively. Combining TnT with GCS increased the sensitivity of predicting the poor outcome in both non-elderly and elderly TBI patients.

CONCLUSION

The prognostic value of TnT differed between elderly and non-elderly TBI patients. Level of TnT was associated with mortality of non-elderly TBI patients but not elderly patients. Combining the TnT with GCS could increase the sensitivity of prognosis evaluation.

Biomarkers Utility: At the Borderline between Cardiology and Neurology

Biomarkers are important diagnostic and prognostic tools as they provide results in a short time while still being an inexpensive, reproducible and accessible method. Their well-known benefits have placed them at the forefront of research in recent years, with new and innovative discoveries being implemented. Cardiovascular and neurological diseases often share common risk factors and pathological pathways which may play an important role in the use and interpretation of biomarkers' values. Among the biomarkers used extensively in clinical practice in cardiology, hs-TroponinT, CK-MB and NTproBNP have been shown to be strongly influenced by multiple neurological conditions. Newer ones such as galectin-3, lysophosphatidylcholine, copeptin, sST2, S100B, myeloperoxidase and GDF-15 have been extensively studied in recent years as alternatives with an increased sensitivity for cardiovascular diseases, but also with significant results in the field of neurology. Thus, given their low specificity, the values interpretation must be correlated with the clinical judgment and other available investigations.

Oxidative Stress in Takotsubo Syndrome-Is It Essential for an Acute Attack? Indirect Evidences Support Multisite Impact Including the Calcium Overload-Energy Failure Hypothesis

Indirect evidences in reviews and case reports on Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) support the fact that the existence of oxidative stress (OS) might be its common feature in the pre-acute stage. The sources of OS are exogenous (environmental factors including pharmacological and toxic influences) and endogenous, the combination of both may be present, and they are being discussed in detail. OS is associated with several pathological conditions representing TTS comorbidities and triggers. The dominant source of OS electrones are mitochondria. Our analysis of drug therapy related to acute TTS shows many interactions, e.g., cytostatics and glucocorticoids with mitochondrial cytochrome P450 and other enzymes important for OS. One of the most frequently discussed mechanisms in TTS is the effect of catecholamines on myocardium. Yet, their metabolic influence is neglected. OS is associated with the oxidation of catecholamines leading to the synthesis of their oxidized forms - aminochromes. Under pathological conditions, this pathway may dominate. There are evidences of interference between OS, catecholamine/aminochrome effects, their metabolism and antioxidant protection. The OS offensive may cause fast depletion of antioxidant protection including the homocystein-methionine system, whose activity decreases with age. The alteration of effector subcellular structures (mitochondria, sarco/endoplasmic reticulum) and subsequent changes in cellular energetics and calcium turnover may also occur and lead to the disruption of cellular function, including neurons and cardiomyocytes. On the organ level (nervous system and heart), neurocardiogenic stunning may occur. The effects of OS correspond to the effect of high doses of catecholamines in the experiment. Intensive OS might represent "conditio sine qua non" for this acute clinical condition. TTS might be significantly more complex pathology than currently perceived so far.

Hemodynamic management in brain dead donors

Donor management is the key in the complex donation process, since up to 20% of organs of brain death donors (DBD) are lost due to hemodynamic instability. This challenge is made more difficult due to the lack of strong recommendations on therapies for hemodynamic management in DBDs and more importantly to the epidemiologic changes in these donors who are becoming older and with more comorbidities (marginal donors). In the present manuscript we aimed at summarizing the available evidence on therapeutic strategies for hemodynamic management (focusing on vasoactive drugs) and monitoring (therapeutic goals). Evidence on management in elderly DBDs is also summarized. Donor management continues critical care but with different and specific therapeutic goals since the number of donor goals met is related to the number of organs retrieved and transplanted. Careful monitoring of selected parameters (possibly including serial echocardiography) is the clinical tool able to guarantee the achievement and maintaining of therapeutic goals. Despide worldwide differences, norepinephrine is the vasoactive of choice in most countries but, whenever higher doses (> 0.2 mcg/kg/min) are needed, a second vasoactive drug (vasopressin) is advisable. Hormonal therapy (desmopressin, corticosteroid and thyroid hormone) are suggested in all DBDs independently of hemodynamic instability. In the single patient, therapeutic regimen (imprimis vasoactive drugs) should be chosen also according to the potential organs retrievable (i.e. heart vs liver and kidneys).

CE: Hypertensive Emergencies: A Review

ABSTRACT

While acute blood pressure elevations are commonly seen in the ED, not all require emergency treatment. True hypertensive emergencies are characterized by a rapid elevation in blood pressure to a level above 180/120 mmHg and are associated with acute target organ damage, which requires immediate hospitalization for close hemodynamic monitoring and IV pharmacotherapy. Recognizing the clinical signs and symptoms of hypertensive emergency, which may vary widely depending on the target organ involved, is critical. High blood pressure levels that produce no signs or symptoms of target organ damage may be treated without hospitalization through an increase in or reestablishment of previously prescribed oral antihypertensive medication. However, all patients presenting with blood pressure this high should undergo evaluation to confirm or rule out impending target organ damage, which differentiates hypertensive emergency from other hypertensive crises and is vital in facilitating appropriate emergency treatment. Drug therapy for hypertensive emergency is influenced by end-organ involvement, pharmacokinetics, potential adverse drug effects, and patient comorbidities. Frequent nursing intervention and close monitoring are crucial to recuperation. Here, the authors define the spectrum of uncontrolled hypertension; discuss the importance of distinguishing hypertensive emergencies from hypertensive urgencies; and describe the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and management of hypertensive emergencies.

Neurogenic Stunned Myocardium: A Review

Neurogenic stunned myocardium is a form of stress cardiomyopathy. The disorder is sometimes referred to as atypical Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The pathophysiology of neurogenic stunned myocardium is hypothesized to involve significant overdrive of the sympathetic nervous system after a brain injury. Treatment options for a patient with a brain injury who has progressed to cardiogenic shock remain controversial, with no consistent guidelines. A patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage who progresses to cardiogenic shock with concurrent cerebral vasospasm presents a special treatment challenge. Neurogenic stunned myocardium is reversible; however, it must be recognized immediately to avoid or manage potential complications, such as cardiogenic shock and pulmonary edema. A multifaceted treatment approach is needed for the patient with cardiogenic shock and concurrent vasospasm.

Neurogenic Stunned Myocardium Following an Attempt to Pass a Drug Test

Ingestion of a large volume of free water or other hypotonic solution can cause acute hyponatremia, leading to multiorgan dysfunction. Individuals may attempt to generate a false-negative urine drug screen through increased free water consumption leading to acute hyponatremia requiring emergency medical care. We present the case of a 19-year-old male who presented to a community emergency department for altered mental status after an attempt to generate a false-negative urine drug screen. He ingested a large volume of free water and multiple detoxification solutions, causing acute hyponatremia with resultant cerebral edema and neurogenic stunned myocardium. He required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy with complete recovery of neurologic and cardiac function. Acute hyponatremia from excess free water consumption is a well-documented phenomenon that all emergency providers should be aware of. Prompt identification and management of acute hyponatremia are essential to prevent potentially severe, devastating sequelae, including cerebral edema and cardiopulmonary failure.In addition, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation may be considered in patients with cardiopulmonary failure in the setting of reversible cardiomyopathy, as evidenced in our case.

Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: Current Treatment

Management of takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is currently empirical and supportive, via extrapolation of therapeutic principles worked out for other cardiovascular pathologies. Although it has been emphasized that such non-specific therapies for TTS are consequent to its still elusive pathophysiology, one wonders whether it does not necessarily follow that the absence of knowledge of TTS' pathophysiological underpinnings should prevent us for searching, designing, or even finding, therapies efficacious for its management. Additionally, it is conceivable that therapy for TTS may be in response to pathophysiological/pathoanatomic/pathohistological consequences (e.g., "myocardial stunning/reperfusion injury"), common to both TTS and coronary artery disease, or other cardiovascular disorders). The present review outlines the whole range of management principles of TTS during its acute phase and at follow-up, including considerations pertaining to the recurrence of TTS, and commences with the idea that occasionally management of TTS should consist of mere observation along the "first do no harm" principle, while self-healing is under way. Finally, some new therapeutic hypotheses (i.e., large doses of insulin infusions in association with the employment of intravenous short- and ultrashort-acting β-blockers) are being entertained, based on previous extensive animal work and limited application in patients with neurogenic cardiomyopathy and TTS.

Insulin and takotsubo syndrome: plausible pathophysiologic, diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic roles

The pathophysiology of takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is elusive. Heightened adrenergic surge via the sympathetic nervous system (mainly by norepinephrine secretion) and/or elevated blood-borne catecholamines (mainly epinephrine, secreted by the adrenals) probably mediate TTS. Patients with TTS have a low prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), and it has been postulated that DM, via its associated neuropathy, prevents the emergence of TTS. Insulin, in animal experiments, has been shown to greatly attenuate the effects of NE on the cardiomyocytes; also, insulin in a limited clinical experience, has been found to improve heart function in patients with neurogenic stress-cardiomyopathy and TTS. Accordingly, it is postulated that high levels of insulin encountered in patients with type 2 DM are at the roots of the protective effect of DM for the emergence of TTS. Thus, a role of insulin in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of TTS appears to be plausible, and needs exploration.

Changes in Subendocardial Viability Ratio in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often associated with cardiac dysfunction, which is a consequence of the brain-heart cross talk. The subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) is an estimate of myocardial perfusion. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in the SEVR in patients with severe TBI without previous cardiac diseases. Methods: Adult patients treated for severe TBI with a Glasgow coma score <8 were studied. Pressure waveforms were obtained by a high-fidelity tonometer in the radial artery for SEVR calculation at five time points: immediately after admission to the intensive care unit and 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after admission. SEVRs and other clinically important parameters were analyzed in patients who survived and did not survive after 28 days of treatment, as well as in patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy (DC). Results: A total of 64 patients (16 females and 48 males) aged 18-64 years were included. Fifty patients survived and 14 died. DC was performed in 23 patients. SEVRs decreased 24 h after admission in nonsurvivors (p < 0.05) and after 48 h in survivors (p < 0.01) and its values were significantly lower in nonsurvivors than in survivors at 24, 72, and 96 h from admission (p < 0.05). The SEVR increased following DC (p < 0.05). Conclusions: A decreased SEVR is observed in TBI patients. Surgical decompression increases the SEVR, indicating improvement in coronary microvascular perfusion. The results of our study seem to confirm that brain injury affects myocardium function.

Serum neurofilament measurement improves clinical risk scores for outcome prediction after cardiac arrest: results of a prospective study

Background

A recent study found serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) levels to be strongly associated with poor neurological outcome in patients after cardiac arrest. Our aim was to confirm these findings in an independent validation study and to investigate whether NfL improves the prognostic value of two cardiac arrest-specific risk scores.

Methods

This prospective, single-center study included 164 consecutive adult after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients upon intensive care unit admission. We calculated two clinical risk scores (OHCA, CAHP) and measured NfL on admission within the first 24 h using the single molecule array NF-light^® assay. The primary endpoint was neurological outcome at hospital discharge assessed with the cerebral performance category (CPC) score.

Results

Poor neurological outcome (CPC > 3) was found in 60% (98/164) of patients, with 55% (91/164) dying within 30 days of hospitalization. Compared to patients with favorable outcome, NfL was 14-times higher in patients with poor neurological outcome (685 ± 1787 vs. 49 ± 111 pg/mL), with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.4 (95% CI 2.1 to 5.6, p < 0.001) and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82. Adding NfL to the clinical risk scores significantly improved discrimination of both the OHCA score (from AUC 0.82 to 0.89, p < 0.001) and CAHP score (from AUC 0.89 to 0.92, p < 0.05). Adding NfL to both scores also resulted in significant improvement in reclassification statistics with a Net Reclassification Index (NRI) of 0.58 (p < 0.001) for OHCA and 0.83 (p < 0.001) for CAHP.

Conclusions

Admission NfL was a strong outcome predictor and significantly improved two clinical risk scores regarding prognostication of neurological outcome in patients after cardiac arrest. When confirmed in future outcome studies, admission NfL should be considered as a standard laboratory measures in the evaluation of OHCA patients.

Stress cardiomyopathy misinterpreted as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in a patient with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a case report

Cardiac abnormalities are frequently reported in acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients. However, frank ST-elevation and myocardial dysfunction mimicking acute coronary syndrome is a rare occurrence. Systemic and local catecholamine release mediate myocardial injury and may explain raised troponin levels, concordant regional wall motion abnormalities and systolic dysfunction. These findings can pose a significant problem in the acute setting where "time-is-muscle" paradigm can rush clinicians towards a "rule-in" diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. We present the case of a 60-year-old male who arrived at a regional emergency department with loss of consciousness, chest pain and headache. His ECG showed ST-elevation in precordial leads with corresponding region wall motion abnormalities and dynamically elevated troponin levels which supported a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Percutaneous coronary intervention was attempted but found no hemodynamically significant lesions and the patient was managed conservatively with antithrombotic treatment. Further work-up for his headache led to the diagnosis of aneurysmal SAH and subsequent endovascular coiling. The patient was discharged with a good clinical outcome. We discuss the potential catastrophic consequences of interpreting neurologic myocardial stunning as STEMI. Use of potent antithrombotic therapies, like bridging thrombolysis, in this setting can lead to dismal consequences. Clinical history should still be carefully obtained in the acute setting in this era of sensitive biomarkers.