Therapeutic efficacy of brain imaging in acute ischemic stroke patients

A comprehensive review for artificial intelligence on neuroimaging in rehabilitation of ischemic stroke

Stroke is the second leading cause of death worldwide, with ischemic stroke accounting for a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality among stroke patients. Ischemic stroke often causes disability and cognitive impairment in patients, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Therefore, how to predict the recovery of patients can provide support for clinical intervention in advance and improve the enthusiasm of patients for rehabilitation treatment. With the popularization of imaging technology, the diagnosis and treatment of ischemic stroke patients are often accompanied by a large number of imaging data. Through machine learning and Deep Learning, information from imaging data can be used more effectively. In this review, we discuss recent advances in neuroimaging, machine learning, and Deep Learning in the rehabilitation of ischemic stroke.

Emerging diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in post-stroke hemorrhagic transformation and brain edema

Stroke is a devastating condition that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The aftermath of a stroke, particularly hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and brain edema, can significantly impact the prognosis of patients. Early detection and effective management of these complications are crucial for improving outcomes in stroke patients. This review highlights the emerging diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets including claudin, occludin, zonula occluden, s100β, albumin, MMP-9, MMP-2, MMP-12, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, TGF-β, IL-10, IL-4, IL-13, MCP-1/CCL2, CXCL2, CXCL8, CXCL12, CCL5, CX3CL1, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, P-selectin, E-selectin, PECAM-1/CD31, JAMs, HMGB1, vWF, VEGF, ROS, NAC, and AQP4. The clinical significance and implications of these biomarkers were also discussed.

Molecular, Pathological, Clinical, and Therapeutic Aspects of Perihematomal Edema in Different Stages of Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating type of stroke worldwide. Neuronal destruction involved in the brain damage process caused by ICH includes a primary injury formed by the mass effect of the hematoma and a secondary injury induced by the degradation products of a blood clot. Additionally, factors in the coagulation cascade and complement activation process also contribute to secondary brain injury by promoting the disruption of the blood-brain barrier and neuronal cell degeneration by enhancing the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, etc. Although treatment options for direct damage are limited, various strategies have been proposed to treat secondary injury post-ICH. Perihematomal edema (PHE) is a potential surrogate marker for secondary injury and may contribute to poor outcomes after ICH. Therefore, it is essential to investigate the underlying pathological mechanism, evolution, and potential therapeutic strategies to treat PHE. Here, we review the pathophysiology and imaging characteristics of PHE at different stages after acute ICH. As illustrated in preclinical and clinical studies, we discussed the merits and limitations of varying PHE quantification protocols, including absolute PHE volume, relative PHE volume, and extension distance calculated with images and other techniques. Importantly, this review summarizes the factors that affect PHE by focusing on traditional variables, the cerebral venous drainage system, and the brain lymphatic drainage system. Finally, to facilitate translational research, we analyze why the relationship between PHE and the functional outcome of ICH is currently controversial. We also emphasize promising therapeutic approaches that modulate multiple targets to alleviate PHE and promote neurologic recovery after acute ICH.

The evaluation of intracranial pressure evaluation by optic nerve sheath diameter measurement on bedside ultrasonography after ischemic stroke

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to predict intracranial pressure(ICP)after cerebral ischemic stroke by measuring diameter of the optic nerve sheath(ONSD)with bedside ultrasonography(US). In order to see the ICP changes,it was planned to record delta ICP changes at the 3rd and 5th day follow-up of the patients METHOTS: Patients aged 18 years or older who were admitted to the emergency department(ED)with stroke symptoms for one year were included.Demographic data,time elapsed since the onset of symptoms,neurogical status assesment scales,ONSD values measured by US in three time periods(the day the patient was admitted to the ED,the 3rd and 5th days of hospitalization),MDCT findings when the patient was admitted,ONSD values in MDCT,whether they received tissue plasminogen activator(tPA)and whether they underwent decompression surgery were recorded.

RESULTS

The average age of the 82 patients was 67.5(range 33-89)years.Forty-two patients(51.2%)were male.On both the right and left sides,ONSD on the 3rd day was larger(>5 mm)than on first day(p < 0.05). ONSD on the 5th day was larger than on the first day(p > 0.05). All ONSD results measured using both US and MDCT showed a positive correlation between the same eye and contralateral eye measurements(p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

CT is the most critical radiological method for stroke patients.Transport to radyology unit in unstable patients carries risk and is not recommended.Optic nerve US can be used in the early diagnosis of ICP increase and provides early treatment.The ease of use and safety in unstable patients have increased its popularity.

CONCLUSION

We believe that measuring ONSD using US is an appropriate choice on ICP management in stroke patients.

Early signs of middle cerebral artery infarction on multidetector computed tomography: Review of 20 cases

OBJECTIVE

This study intended to assess the occurrence of early signs of middle cerebral artery (MCA) on multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in correlation with duration of the clinical features of stroke.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed the electronic records of 20 patients with MCA infarction. The detected signs studied according to the onset of the clinical features of stroke to the time of CT imaging.

RESULTS

Out of 20 patients with MCA infarction included in this study, the results revealed a significant relationship between the presence of insular ribbon sign and/or subtle hypodensity and hyperacute infarction (P < 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). Results revealed significant relationship between the occurrence of hypodense area, effacement of the cortical sulci, and compression of the ipsilateral lateral ventricle with acute infarction (6-72 h), (P = 0.006, 0.007, and 0.002) (odds ratio = 0.047, 0.050 and 0.028) and (95% confidence interval = 0.004-0.552, 0.004-0.597 and 0.002-0.367) respectively.

CONCLUSION

MDCT can detect nearly half of MCA infarctions in the first 6 h. Insular ribbon sign and subtle hypodensity were the most significant findings in the first 6 h of stroke. Hypodense area was a significant sign after 6 h. Diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease were the most common risk factors. Hemiparesis was the most common clinical finding in MCA infarction.

Predictors for Cerebral Edema in Acute Ischemic Stroke Treated With Intravenous Thrombolysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cerebral edema (CED) is a severe complication of acute ischemic stroke. There is uncertainty regarding the predictors for the development of CED after cerebral infarction. We aimed to determine which baseline clinical and radiological parameters predict development of CED in patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis.

METHODS

We used an image-based classification of CED with 3 degrees of severity (less severe CED 1 and most severe CED 3) on postintravenous thrombolysis imaging scans. We extracted data from 42 187 patients recorded in the SITS International Register (Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke) during 2002 to 2011. We did univariate comparisons of baseline data between patients with or without CED. We used backward logistic regression to select a set of predictors for each CED severity.

RESULTS

CED was detected in 9579/42 187 patients (22.7%: 12.5% CED 1, 4.9% CED 2, 5.3% CED 3). In patients with CED versus no CED, the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was higher (17 versus 10; P<0.001), signs of acute infarct was more common (27.9% versus 19.2%; P<0.001), hyperdense artery sign was more common (37.6% versus 14.6%; P<0.001), and blood glucose was higher (6.8 versus 6.4 mmol/L; P<0.001). Baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, hyperdense artery sign, blood glucose, impaired consciousness, and signs of acute infarct on imaging were independent predictors for all edema types.

CONCLUSIONS

The most important baseline predictors for early CED are National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, hyperdense artery sign, higher blood glucose, decreased level of consciousness, and signs of infarct at baseline. The findings can be used to improve selection and monitoring of patients for drug or surgical treatment.

Penumbra and re-canalization acute computed tomography in ischemic stroke evaluation: PRACTISE study protocol

Rationale Multimodal imaging, including computed tomography angiography and computed tomography perfusion imaging, yields additional information on intracranial vessels and brain perfusion and can differentiate between ischemic core and penumbra which may affect patient selection for intravenous thrombolysis. Hypothesis The use of multimodal imaging will increase the number of patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis and lead to better treatment outcomes. Sample size 400 patients. Methods and design PRACTISE is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial in which patients presenting within 4.5 h of symptom onset are randomized to either the current evidence-based imaging (NCCT alone) or additional multimodal computed tomography imaging (NCCT + computed tomography angiography + computed tomography perfusion). Clinical decisions on intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator are documented. Total imaging time in both arms and time to initiation of treatment delivery in those treated with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator, is recorded. Follow-up will include brain imaging at 24 h to document infarct size, the presence of edema and the presence of intra-cerebral hemorrhage. Clinical evaluations include NIHSS score at baseline, 24 h and day 7 ± 2, and mRS at day 90 to define functional outcomes. Study outcomes The primary outcome is the proportion of patients receiving intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Secondary end-points evaluate times to decision-making, comparison of different image processing software and clinical outcomes at three months. Discussion Multimodal computed tomography is a widely available tool for patient selection for revascularization therapy, but it is currently unknown whether the use of additional imaging in all stroke patients is beneficial. The study opened for recruitment in March 2015 and will provide data on the value of multimodal imaging in treatment decisions for acute stroke.

From preoperative evaluation to stroke center: Management of postoperative acute ischemic stroke

Perioperative acute ischaemic stroke is a rare complication with potentially catastrophic outcomes. It has been shown that paying attention to perioperative neurological deficits and acute ischaemic stroke prevention proves to be beneficial in avoiding these catastrophic outcomes and may lead to determining early therapeutic interventions. This article reviews the perioperative management (covering diagnosis and treatment), prevention (covering surgery postponement, management with anticoagulant/antiplatelet and the growing interest in statins and beta-blockers) and intraoperative recommendations (covering anaesthetic techniques, ventilation strategies, transfusion and blood pressure management) specifically for the general surgical population. A summary of current treatments is enlightened by recently described evidence for the effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy.