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Smith J, Margalit D, Golledge J, Nastasi D, Nohria A, McDowell L. Carotid Artery Stenosis and Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Treated With Radiation Therapy: A Critical Review. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 119:1437-1454. [PMID: 38583496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2024.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature on carotid artery stenosis (CAS) and ischemic stroke (IS) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with radiation therapy (RT) to guide assessment, screening, and management strategies. Patients treated with RT for HNC are at an elevated risk of developing CAS, with published meta-analyses demonstrating that CAS >50% occurs in approximately 25% of patients. Previous research suggests a 10-year cumulative incidence of stroke between 5.7% and 12.5%. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction tools such as Qstroke, QRISK-2, and Framingham risk score perform poorly for predicting IS for patients with HNC who received RT. Duplex ultrasound is the most common imaging modality to assess CAS, but controversy remains as to the utility of screening asymptomatic individuals. Only 3 of the 5 major HNC survivorship guidelines acknowledge RT as a risk factor for CAS or IS, while only 1 makes a specific recommendation on screening for CAS (American Head and Neck Society). Within the general population, only 1 CVD guideline discusses RT as a risk factor for CAS (Society for Vascular Surgery). Clinicians involved in the care of patients with HNC treated with RT should be aware of the increased risk of CAS and IS and the challenges in risk prediction. Although there is a lack of evidence to make firm recommendations, HNC survivorship recommendations should ensure HNC survivors and primary care providers are informed of these risks and the importance of assessment and management of CVD risk factors. Future studies are required to refine risk prediction models in patients with HNC and to determine those most likely to benefit from targeted screening and initiation of early preventative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Smith
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Danielle Margalit
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jonathan Golledge
- Queensland Research Centre for Peripheral Vascular Disease, College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia; The Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Australia; The Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, Townsville, Australia
| | - Domenico Nastasi
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Anju Nohria
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Adult Survivorship Program, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lachlan McDowell
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
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Yip PL, Zheng H, Cheo T, Tan TH, Lee SF, Leong YH, Wong LC, Tey J, Ho F, Soon YY. Stroke Risk in Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2354947. [PMID: 38349657 PMCID: PMC10865145 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.54947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Survivors of head and neck cancers (HNC) have increased risk of stroke. A comprehensive report using standardized methods is warranted to characterize the risk and to inform on survivorship strategy. Objective To determine the stroke risk in subpopulations of survivors of HNC in Singapore. Design, Setting, and Participants This national, registry-based, cross-sectional study aimed to estimate stroke risk in subgroups of the HNC population between January 2005 and December 2020. Participants were identified from the Singapore Cancer Registry, the Singapore Stroke Registry, and the Registry of Birth and Deaths using relevant International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM) codes. HNC subgroups were defined based on patient demographic, disease, and treatment factors. Data were analyzed from September 2022 to September 2023. Exposure Diagnosis of HNC. Main Outcomes and Measures Both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke were studied. The age-standardized incidence rate ratio (SIRR) and age-standardized incidence rate difference (SIRD) were reported. The Singapore general population (approximately 4 million) served as the reference group for these estimations. Results A total of 9803 survivors of HNC (median [IQR] age at diagnosis, 58 [49-68] years; 7166 [73.1%] male) were identified. The most common HNC subsites were nasopharynx (4680 individuals [47.7%]), larynx (1228 individuals [12.5%]), and tongue (1059 individuals [10.8%]). A total of 337 individuals (3.4%) developed stroke over a median (IQR) follow-up of 42.5 (15.0-94.5) months. The overall SIRR was 2.46 (95% CI, 2.21-2.74), and the overall SIRD was 4.11 (95% CI, 3.37-4.85) strokes per 1000 person-years (PY). The cumulative incidence of stroke was 3% at 5 years and 7% at 10 years after HNC diagnosis. The SIRR was highest among individuals diagnosed at younger than 40 years (SIRR, 30.55 [95% CI, 16.24-52.35]). All population subsets defined by age, sex, race and ethnicity, HNC subsites (except tongue), stage, histology, and treatment modalities had increased risk of stroke compared with the general population. The SIRR and SIRD were significantly higher among individuals who had a primary radiation treatment approach (SIRR, 3.01 [95% CI, 2.64-3.43]; SIRD, 5.12 [95% CI, 4.18-6.29] strokes per 1000 PY) compared with a primary surgery approach (SIRR, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.31-2.05]; SIRD, 1.84 [95% CI, 0.923.67] strokes per 1000 PY). Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional study of survivors of HNC, elevated stroke risks were observed across different age, subsites, and treatment modalities, underscoring the importance of early screening and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Lam Yip
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huili Zheng
- Clinical Research Unit, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Timothy Cheo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Teng Hwee Tan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shing Fung Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yiat Horng Leong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lea Choung Wong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeremy Tey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Francis Ho
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Yang Soon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
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Pruijssen JT, Wilbers J, Meijer FJA, Pegge SAH, Loonen JJ, de Korte CL, Kaanders JHAM, Hansen HHG. Assessing radiation-induced carotid vasculopathy using ultrasound after unilateral irradiation: a cross-sectional study. Radiat Oncol 2022; 17:130. [PMID: 35871069 PMCID: PMC9308928 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-022-02101-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increased head and neck cancer (HNC) survival requires attention to long-term treatment sequelae. Irradiated HNC survivors have a higher ischemic stroke risk. However, the pathophysiology of radiation-induced vasculopathy is unclear. Arterial stiffness could be a biomarker. This study examined alterations in intima-media thickness (IMT) and stiffness-related parameters, shear wave (SWV) and pulse wave velocity (PWV), in irradiated compared to control carotids in unilateral irradiated patients. Methods Twenty-six patients, median 40.5 years, 5–15 years after unilateral irradiation for head and neck neoplasms underwent a bilateral carotid ultrasound using an Aixplorer system with SL18-5 and SL10-2 probes. IMT, SWV, and PWV were assessed in the proximal, mid, and distal common (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA). Plaques were characterized with magnetic resonance imaging. Measurements were compared between irradiated and control sides, and radiation dose effects were explored. Results CCA-IMT was higher in irradiated than control carotids (0.54 [0.50–0.61] vs. 0.50 [0.44–0.54] mm, p = 0.001). For stiffness, only anterior mid-CCA and posterior ICA SWV were significantly higher in the irradiated side. A radiation dose–effect was only (weakly) apparent for PWV (R2: end-systolic = 0.067, begin-systolic = 0.155). Ultrasound measurements had good–excellent intra- and interobserver reproducibility. Plaques had similar characteristics but were more diffuse in the irradiated side. Conclusions Increased CCA-IMT and SWV in some segments were seen in irradiated carotids. These alterations, even in young patients, mark the need for surveillance of radiation-induced vasculopathy. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04257968).
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Yang EH, Marmagkiolis K, Balanescu DV, Hakeem A, Donisan T, Finch W, Virmani R, Herrman J, Cilingiroglu M, Grines CL, Toutouzas K, Iliescu C. Radiation-Induced Vascular Disease-A State-of-the-Art Review. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:652761. [PMID: 33860001 PMCID: PMC8042773 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.652761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the 1990s, there has been a steady increase in the number of cancer survivors to an estimated 17 million in 2019 in the US alone. Radiation therapy today is applied to a variety of malignancies and over 50% of cancer patients. The effects of ionizing radiation on cardiac structure and function, so-called radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD), have been extensively studied. We review the available published data on the mechanisms and manifestations of RIHD, with a focus on vascular disease, as well as proposed strategies for its prevention, screening, diagnosis, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric H Yang
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Dinu V Balanescu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Abdul Hakeem
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases & Hypertension, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Teodora Donisan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - William Finch
- Cardio-Oncology Program, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Renu Virmani
- CVPath Institute, Gaithersburg, MD, United States
| | - Joerg Herrman
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Mehmet Cilingiroglu
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.,University of Hawaii John Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Cindy L Grines
- Cardiovascular Institute, Northside Hospital, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Cezar Iliescu
- Department of Cardiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Valentin ML, Barco S, Studer G, Clemens R, Kreuzpointner R, Sebastian T, Thalhammer C, Kucher N. Prevalence of carotid plaque stenosis after head and neck radiotherapy – an observational study of 156 survivors. VASA 2020; 49:467-473. [DOI: 10.1024/0301-1526/a000896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Summary: Background: Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) represents a well-known predisposing factor for asymptomatic carotid artery lesions and acute cerebrovascular accidents. Our aim is to provide contemporary estimates on the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of carotid artery lesions in HNC survivors. Patients and methods: We prospectively included HNC patients who underwent radiotherapy and were free from the disease at the time of duplex ultrasound evaluation. Patients were re-contacted telephonically and those who agreed to participate were invited for an ambulatory visit when the investigators collected clinical information and performed duplex ultrasound examination based on a predefined protocol. Results: A total of 156 patients were included and underwent duplex ultrasound examination after a mean of 65.2 months from the last session of radiotherapy. A total of 36 patients (23.1%) had normal carotid arteries; mild, non-stenotic lesions were observed in 49.4% (n = 77) of patients; severe stenotic plaques were found in 27.5% (n = 43) of patients. One patient found with an asymptomatic occlusion of the left ICA. The prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors and high radiation dose increased proportionally with plaque severity. Low echogenicity plaque was found in 59 (37.8%) patients on the right side and 57 (36.5%) on the left side; long segment plaque in 49 (31.4%) patients on the right side and in 47 (30.1%) on the left side; an atypical location of the lesions in 42 (26.9%) patients on the right side and in 48 (30.8%) on the left side. Conclusions: The prevalence of occlusion and severe stenosis after radiotherapy for HNC was very low in our study population. Low echogenicity plaque, long segment plaque, and an atypical location were common findings. Classic cardiovascular risk factors appear to have had a causative role: a routine screening of radiotherapy-treated patients might be necessary only in patients with concomitant cardiovascular risk factors or exposed to high-dose neck radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefano Barco
- Clinic of Angiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gabriela Studer
- Radiation Oncology, Cantonal Hospital Lucerne, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Robert Clemens
- Department of Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Baden, Baden, Switzerland
| | | | - Tim Sebastian
- Clinic of Angiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Nils Kucher
- Clinic of Angiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Simonetto C, Mayinger M, Ahmed T, Borm K, Kundrát P, Pigorsch S, Kaiser JC, Combs SE. Longitudinal atherosclerotic changes after radio(chemo)therapy of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Radiat Oncol 2020; 15:102. [PMID: 32381045 PMCID: PMC7206771 DOI: 10.1186/s13014-020-01541-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Radiotherapy treatment of head and neck cancer affects local arteries and increases the risk of stroke. This study aimed at a closer characterization of this damage and its development in time with a longitudinal study set up. Methods Male patients treated between 2011 and 2016 for hypopharyngeal carcinoma were identified from the in-house clinical data base. They were included into the study if besides the planning CT at least one additional CT image was available from follow-up (13 patients) or at least two MRI scans (16 patients of which 2 were already included). All patients received radiotherapy, and chemotherapy was administered to 16 patients. The time from the beginning of radiotherapy to the last available image ranged from 2 months to 4.5 years. For six segments of the carotid arteries, the number and volume of atherosclerotic plaques were determined from the CT scans, and the intima media thickness from the MRI scans. Information on comorbid cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes mellitus was retrieved from medical records. Results Total plaque volume rose from 0.25 cm3 before to 0.33 cm3 after therapy but this was not significant (p = 0.26). The mean number of plaques increased from 5.7 to 8.1 (p = 0.002), and the intima media thickened from 1.17 mm to 1.35 mm (p = 0.002). However, the mean intima media thickness practically did not change in patients with comorbid diabetes mellitus (p-value for homogeneity: 0.03). For patients without diabetes mellitus, dynamics of both plaque number and intima media thickness, was consistent with an increase until about one year after therapy and no further progression thereafter. Conclusion Our study confirmed the thickening of artery walls and the increase in the number of plaques. Results imply that definitive radiation damage to the artery walls can be determined not earlier than about one year after radiotherapy and there is no substantial deterioration thereafter. Reasons for the absence of an observable intima media thickening in patients with diabetes are unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristoforo Simonetto
- Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Michael Mayinger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thamer Ahmed
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Kai Borm
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Pavel Kundrát
- Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Steffi Pigorsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), Partnerstandort München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jan Christian Kaiser
- Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie E Combs
- Helmholtz Zentrum München GmbH, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, D-85764, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.,Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), Partnerstandort München, Munich, Germany
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Grau C, Høyer M, Poulsen PR, Muren LP, Korreman SS, Tanderup K, Lindegaard JC, Alsner J, Overgaard J. Rethink radiotherapy - BIGART 2017. Acta Oncol 2017; 56:1341-1352. [PMID: 29148908 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2017.1371326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cai Grau
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Morten Høyer
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Ludvig Paul Muren
- Department of Medical Physics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Kari Tanderup
- Department of Medical Physics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Jan Alsner
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens Overgaard
- Department of Experimental Clinical Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Wang J, Yue D, Chen X, Wei Z, Lu W, Wu D. Common carotid artery dissection caused by radiotherapy: A case report. Mol Clin Oncol 2016; 5:475-477. [PMID: 27699045 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2016.990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, a case of acute cerebral infarction with radiation-induced carotid artery dissection is reported. Carotid artery dissection is generally asymptomatic at the early stages. Due to the non-specific clinical manifestations of carotid artery dissection, a detailed inquiry of the past history of a patient has a critical role in making a diagnosis of radiation-induced common carotid artery dissection. Onset of acute ischemic stroke is the predominant manifestation, and for patients with a history of head-and-neck radiotherapy, dissection should be considered. The condition may progress rapidly, and result in a poor prognosis. Therefore, a correct early diagnosis and initiation of appropriate therapy may lead to rapid recovery, and influence the overall prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Yue
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, P.R. China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, P.R. China
| | - Zhenyu Wei
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, P.R. China
| | - Wenmei Lu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, P.R. China
| | - Danhong Wu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, P.R. China
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