Management of massive hemispheric cerebral infarct: is there a ray of hope?

Rapid, label-free detection of cerebral ischemia in rats using hyperspectral imaging

BACKGROUND

Stroke is the third most common cause of disability and the second most common cause of death worldwide. Ischemia, one of the two broad categories of stroke, is characterized by a lack of sufficient amounts of blood in order to supply an adequate amount of oxygen and nutrients. It is important to assess the part of the brain that becomes ischemic and necrotic during neurosurgery or experiments in real time. However, there is currently no effective means to achieve this goal.

NEW METHOD

We proposed a method based on hyperspectral imaging (HSI) for the real-time detection of a varied range of ischemic brain tissues in vivo or ex vivo and assessed the practical utility of a model of ischemic stroke in rats.

RESULTS

The results showed that hyperspectral images processed with a ratio of spectral reflectance at 545 and 560 nm (R545/R560) could identify early brain ischemia and accurately show regions of ischemia.

COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS

We verified the area imaged by HSI using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining methods. This technique could precisely image the ischemic part of the brain in vivo and ex vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the practical utility of HSI for the real-time detection of cerebral ischemia in rats. By providing rapid assessment of brain tissue perfusion, HSI may help doctors recognize ischemic regions quickly and precisely during surgery as well as have great utility in the experimental process.

Brain Edema After Ischaemic Stroke

Objectives:

To determine the incidence of brain edema after ischaemic stroke and its impact on the outcome of patients in the acute phase of ischaemic stroke.

Patients and Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed 114 patients. Ischaemic stroke and brain edema are verified by computed tomography. The severity of stroke was determined by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Laboratory findings were made during the first four days of hospitalization, and complications were verified by clinical examination and additional tests.

Results:

In 9 (7.9%) patients developed brain edema. Pneumonia was the most common complication (12.3%). Brain edema had a higher incidence in women, patients with hypertension and elevated serum creatinine values, and patients who are suffering from diabetes. There was no significant correlation between brain edema and survival in patients after acute ischaemic stroke. Patients with brain edema had a significantly higher degree of neurological deficit as at admission, and at discharge (p = 0.04, p = 0.004).

Conclusion:

The cerebral edema is common after acute ischaemic stroke and no effect on survival in the acute phase. The existence of brain edema in acute ischaemic stroke significantly influence the degree of neurological deficit.

Acute supratentorial ischemic stroke: when surgery is mandatory

Acute occlusion of middle cerebral artery (MCA) leads to severe brain swelling and to a malignant, often fatal syndrome. The authors summarize the current knowledge about such a condition and review the main surgical issues involved. Decompressive hemicraniectomy keeps being a valid option in accurately selected patients.

Respiratory muscle assessment in predicting extubation outcome in patients with stroke

BACKGROUND

Patients with cerebral infarction often present impaired consciousness and unsatisfactory extubation. We aimed to assess the respiratory mechanics components that might be associated with the success of extubation in stroke patients.

METHODS

Twenty consecutive patients with stroke who needed mechanical ventilation support were enrolled. The maximal inspiratory pressure, gastric and the esophageal pressure (Pdi/Pdimax), minute volume, respiratory rate, static compliance, airway resistance, rapid and superficial respiration index (RSRI), inspiratory time/total respiratory cycle (Ti/Ttot), and PaO(2)/FiO(2) were measured.

RESULTS

The group who presented success to the extubation process presented 12.5±2.2=days in mechanical ventilation and the group who failed presented 13.1±2=days. The mean Ti/Ttot and Pdi/Pdimax for the failure group was 0.4±0.08 (0.36-0.44) and 0.5±0.7 (0.43-0.56), respectively. The Ti/Ttot ratio was 0.37±0.05 (0.34-0.41; p=0.0008) and the Pdi/Pdimax was 0.25±0.05 for the success group (0.21-0.28; p<0.0001). A correlation was found between Pdi/Pdimax ratio and the RSRI (r=0.55; p=0.009) and PaO(2)/FiO(2) (r=-0.59; p=0.005). Patients who presented a high RSRI (OR, 3.66; p=0.004) and Pdi (OR, 7.3; p=0.002), and low PaO(2)/FIO(2) (OR, 4.09; p=0.007), Pdi/Pdimax (OR, 4.12; p=0.002) and RAW (OR, 3.0; p=0.02) developed mechanical ventilation extubation failure.

CONCLUSION

Muscular fatigue index is an important predicting variable to the extubation process in prolonged mechanical ventilation of stroke patients.

WITHDRAWN: Respiratory Muscle Assessment in Predicting Extubation Outcome in Patients With Stroke

The Publisher regrets that this article is an accidental duplication of an article that has already been published, doi:10.1016/j.arbr.2012.06.007. The duplicate article has therefore been withdrawn.

Surgical decompression for cerebral oedema in acute ischaemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Large cerebral infarction has a high case fatality. Despite the use of conventional medical treatments such as hyperventilation, mannitol, diuretics, corticosteroids and barbiturates, the outcome of this condition remains poor. Decompressive surgery to relieve intracranial pressure is performed in some cases, although evidence of any clinical benefits has not been available until recently. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2002.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the effects of decompressive surgery in patients with massive acute ischaemic stroke complicated with cerebral oedema, and to judge whether decompressive surgery is effective in improving survival or survival free of severe disability.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group's Trials Register (last searched October 2010), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 7), MEDLINE (1966 to October 2010), EMBASE (1980 to October 2010) and Science Citation Index (October 2010). We also searched the reference lists of all relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled studies of decompressive surgery plus medical treatment versus medical treatment alone in patients with clinically and radiologically confirmed cerebral infarcts complicated with cerebral oedema.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

One author assessed the titles and retrieved the relevant studies. The same author extracted data, with discussion among all authors for clarification. Outcomes were death at the end of follow-up, death or disability defined as the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) > 3 at the end of follow-up, death or severe disability defined as mRS > 4 at 12 months and disability defined as mRS 4 or 5 at 12 months. The results are given using the Peto odds ratio (Peto OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

MAIN RESULTS

We included three trials in this review, involving 134 patients who were 60 years of age or younger. The time window for the intervention was 30 hours from stroke onset in two studies and 96 hours in one study. All trials were stopped early. Surgical decompression reduced the risk of death at the end of follow-up (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.37) and the risk of death or disability defined as mRS > 4 at 12 months (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.51). Death or disability defined as mRS > 3 at the end of follow-up was no different between the treatment arms (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.15).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Surgical decompression lowers the risk of death and death or severe disability defined as mRS > 4 in selected patients 60 years of age or younger with a massive hemispheric infarction and oedema. Optimum criteria for patient selection and for timing of decompressive surgery are yet to be defined. Since survival may be at the expense of substantial disability, surgery should be the treatment of choice only when it can be assumed, based on their preferences, that it is in the best interest of patients. Since all the trials were stopped early, an overestimation of the effect size cannot be excluded.

The role of surgery in ischemic stroke: decompressive surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review gives an integrated view on the current status of decompressive surgery in space-occupying hemispheric brain infarction with a focus on new developments based on the available data of recent clinical trials, also including preliminary data from randomized trials reported at international stroke conferences in 2006.

RECENT FINDINGS

The treatment of ischemic brain infarction with life-threatening space-occupying edema is, because of a lack of prospective studies, one of the major controversial issues within neurocritical care medicine today. Only a few years ago, massive cerebral infarctions were regarded an untreatable disease with fatal outcome. The introduction of decompressive surgery (hemicraniectomy) has completely changed this point of view. Most of the reports, however, are retrospective with low numbers of patients. There are only few prospective trials that suggest a substantial benefit of decompressive surgery to significantly reduce mortality as compared to maximal conservative treatment alone. The control groups in these studies, however, consist of patients with higher age and higher rates of co-morbidities. Also, in most studies information on long-term outcome is insufficient. In 2006 long expected preliminary data from randomized trials of hemicraniectomy have been reported at international stroke conferences. They yield very positive results.

SUMMARY

Decompressive surgery appears to be a promising treatment option for patients with space-occupying hemispheric brain infarction.

Clinical review: Therapy for refractory intracranial hypertension in ischaemic stroke

The treatment of patients with large hemispheric ischaemic stroke accompanied by massive space-occupying oedema represents one of the major unsolved problems in neurocritical care medicine. Despite maximum intensive care, the prognosis of these patients is poor, with case fatality rates as high as 80%. Therefore, the term 'malignant brain infarction' was coined. Because conservative treatment strategies to limit brain tissue shift almost consistently fail, these massive infarctions often are regarded as an untreatable disease. The introduction of decompressive surgery (hemicraniectomy) has completely changed this point of view, suggesting that mortality rates may be reduced to approximately 20%. However, critics have always argued that the reduction in mortality may be outweighed by an accompanying increase in severe disability. Due to the lack of conclusive evidence of efficacy from randomised trials, controversy over the benefit of these treatment strategies remained, leading to large regional differences in the application of this procedure. Meanwhile, data from randomised trials confirm the results of former observational studies, demonstrating that hemicraniectomy not only significantly reduces mortality but also significantly improves clinical outcome without increasing the number of completely dependent patients. Hypothermia is another promising treatment option but still needs evidence of efficacy from randomised controlled trials before it may be recommended for clinical routine use. This review gives the reader an integrated view of the current status of treatment options in massive hemispheric brain infarction, based on the available data of clinical trials, including the most recent data from randomised trials published in 2007.

Neurologic and non-neurologic predictors of mortality in ischemic stroke patients admitted to the intensive care unit

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Patients with severe strokes may have different associated medical comorbidities from those with mild strokes. This study evaluated the neurologic and non-neurologic medical predictors of mortality in patients with severe cerebral infarction in the acute stage.

METHODS

Patients admitted to a neurologic intensive care unit (ICU) due to cerebral infarction were included. Neurologic and non-neurologic predictors for in-unit mortality were determined by logistic regression analyses. Two models using (A) neurologic factors and (B) combined neurologic and non-neurologic factors as mortality predictors were developed. The performance of the models in predicting overall, neurologic and non-neurologic mortalities was compared by areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUC) of the derived regressive equations.

RESULTS

Of 231 patients with cerebral infarction admitted to the ICU, 34 (14.7%) died during ICU stay. Conscious state and acute physiologic abnormalities were significant predictors of mortality. The length of ICU stay in patients with non-neurologic mortality was longer than in those with neurologic mortality (p = 0.044). The AUC of Model B was larger than that of Model A in predicting overall (0.768 +/- 0.045 vs. 0.863 +/- 0.033, p = 0.005) and non-neurologic mortalities (0.570 +/- 0.073 vs. 0.707 +/- 0.074, p = 0.009), while there was no difference in predicting death from neurologic causes (0.858 +/- 0.044 vs. 0.880 +/- 0.032, p = 0.217).

CONCLUSION

Impaired consciousness and acute physiologic abnormalities are independent predictors of mortality for severe ischemic stroke during the acute stage. Neurologic factors predict early mortality from intrinsic cerebral dysfunction, while non-neurologic factors, especially the associated physiologic abnormalities, predict late mortality from medical complications.

Hemicraniectomy after middle cerebral artery infarction with life-threatening Edema trial (HAMLET). Protocol for a randomised controlled trial of decompressive surgery in space-occupying hemispheric infarction

Background

Patients with a hemispheric infarct and massive space-occupying brain oedema have a poor prognosis. Despite maximal conservative treatment, the case fatality rate may be as high as 80%, and most survivors are left severely disabled. Non-randomised studies suggest that decompressive surgery reduces mortality substantially and improves functional outcome of survivors. This study is designed to compare the efficacy of decompressive surgery to improve functional outcome with that of conservative treatment in patients with space-occupying supratentorial infarction

Methods

The study design is that of a multi-centre, randomised clinical trial, which will include 112 patients aged between 18 and 60 years with a large hemispheric infarct with space-occupying oedema that leads to a decrease in consciousness. Patients will be randomised to receive either decompressive surgery in combination with medical treatment or best medical treatment alone. Randomisation will be stratified for the intended mode of conservative treatment (intensive care or stroke unit care). The primary outcome measure will be functional outcome, as determined by the score on the modified Rankin Scale, at one year.

Osmotic therapy: fact and fiction

This review examines the available data on the use of osmotic agents in patients with head injury and ischemic stroke, summarizes the physiological effects of osmotic agents, and presents the leading hypotheses regarding the mechanism by which they reduce ICP. Finally, it addresses the validity of the following commonly held beliefs: mannitol accumulates in injured brain; mannitol shrinks only normal brain and can increase midline shift; osmolality can be used to monitor mannitol administration; mannitol should be not be administered if osmolality is >320 mOsm; and hypertonic saline is equally effective as mannitol.

Management of acute ischemic stroke

The treatment of acute ischemic stroke has evolved from observation and the passage of time dictating outcome to an approach that emphasizes time from ictus, rapid response, and a dedicated treatment team. We review the treatment of acute ischemic stroke from the prehospital setting, to the emergency department, to the inpatient hospital setting. We discuss the importance of prehospital assessment and treatment, including the use of elements of the neurologic examination, recognition of symptoms that can mimic those of acute ischemic stroke, and rapid transport of patients who are potential candidates for thrombolytic therapy to hospitals with that capability. Coordinated management of acute ischemic stroke in the emergency department is critical as well, beginning with non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the brain. The advantages of a multidisciplinary dedicated stroke team are discussed, as are thrombolytic therapy and other inpatient treatment options. Finally, we cover evolving management strategies, treatments, and tools that could improve patient outcomes.

Delayed complete bilateral ptosis associated with massive infarction of the right hemisphere

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the phenomenon of complete bilateral ptosis associated with massive infarction of the right cerebral hemisphere, particularly with respect to its time course and relationship to herniation syndromes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In May through July 2002, consecutive patients admitted to the neurology/neurosurgery intensive care unit at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, with massive infarction of the right cerebral hemisphere, and later, complete bilateral ptosis, underwent serial neurologic examinations and neuroimaging.

RESULTS

Six patients with massive infarction of the right cerebral hemisphere developed complete bilateral ptosis. All had normal eyelid opening at initial examination and later developed ptosis, which clearly preceded signs of herniation. Three patients died after herniation syndromes developed. In the 3 survivors, improvement in ptosis closely followed resolution of midbrain distortion seen on computed tomographic scans.

CONCLUSION

The precise anatomical explanation for complete bilateral ptosis is unclear, but upper brainstem involvement seems most likely. Complete bilateral ptosis is a valuable clinical sign in patients with a massive hemispheric infarction that precedes herniation and could provide an opportunity for early intervention.

Treatment of space-occupying cerebral infarction

OBJECTIVE

Patients with a hemispheric infarct accompanied by massive edema have a poor prognosis; the case fatality rate may be as high as 80%, and most survivors are left severely disabled. Various treatment strategies have been proposed to limit brain tissue shifts and to reduce intracranial pressure, but their use is controversial. We performed a systematic search of the literature to review the evidence of efficacy of these therapeutic modalities.

DATA SOURCES

Literature searches were carried out on MEDLINE and PubMed.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were included if they were published in English between 1966 and February 2002 and addressed the effect of osmotherapy, hyperventilation, barbiturates, steroids, hypothermia, or decompressive surgery in supratentorial infarction with edema in animals or humans.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Animal studies of medical treatment strategies in focal cerebral ischemia produced conflicting results. If any, experimental support for these strategies is derived from studies with animal models of moderately severe focal ischemia instead of severe space-occupying infarction. None of the treatment options have improved outcome in randomized clinical trials. Two large nonrandomized studies of decompressive surgery yielded promising results in terms of reduction of mortality and improvement of functional outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no treatment modality of proven efficacy for patients with space-occupying hemispheric infarction. Decompressive surgery might be the most promising therapeutic option. For decisive answers, randomized, controlled clinical trials are needed.

Management of large hemispheric strokes in the neurological intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

Patients with large hemispheric strokes frequently develop neurologic deterioration secondary to cerebral edema. Despite supportive care in the intensive care unit and traditional forms of therapy for cerebral edema, they have a high morbidity and mortality. New forms of therapy are being investigated to improve outcome in these patients.

REVIEW SUMMARY

This article begins with a discussion of the clinical and radiologic features of large hemispheric strokes. The role of increased intracranial pressure in neurologic deterioration and the predictors of outcome in these patients are reviewed. The various therapeutic options for management of cerebral edema in these patients, including the role of osmotic therapy, hypothermia, and hemicraniectomy, are explored.

CONCLUSIONS

Neurologic deterioration in patients with large hemispheric strokes necessitates admission to the intensive care unit for management of the airway, blood pressure, and cerebral edema. New promising therapies, such as hemicraniectomy and hypothermia, need to be further evaluated to define their role in the management of these patients.

Surgical decompression for cerebral oedema in acute ischaemic stroke

BACKGROUND

The high mortality that follows a large cerebral infarction is in part due to brain oedema. Oedema causes mass-effect with raised intracranial pressure and herniation. Medical therapies are used to reduce intracranial pressure but outcome is poor in spite of treatment. Decompressive surgical techniques that attempt to relieve high intracranial pressure due to oedema have been described, but their efficacy in reducing case fatality and disability is uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

To compare medical therapy plus decompressive surgery with medical therapy alone on the outcomes death and 'death or dependency' in patients with an acute ischaemic stroke complicated by clinical and radiologically confirmed cerebral oedema.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (4 October 2001). In addition, we searched the following electronic databases: the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Cochrane Library, issue 3, 2001), MEDLINE (1966 - April 2002), EMBASE (1980 - April 2002), and SCISEARCH (to April 2002). We also searched the reference lists of all relevant articles retrieved and contacted individual investigators and experts in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled studies comparing the outcome of treatment with decompressive surgical intervention with treatment not involving surgery. We aimed to include only those studies with low or moderate risk of bias.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Titles retrieved by searching were assessed for relevance by one author. Data were extracted independently by two authors with discussion to resolve differences. Relevant sub-group analyses were planned and we planned to calculate Peto odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

MAIN RESULTS

Over 9000 citations were retrieved and inspected for relevance. We identified no randomised-controlled trials to include in a meta-analysis. Five observational studies reporting comparative data were found along with a number of small series and single case reports. Two ongoing randomised-controlled trials were identified.

REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS

There is no evidence from randomised-controlled trials to support the use of decompressive surgery for the treatment of cerebral oedema in acute ischaemic stroke. Evidence from randomised-controlled trials is needed to accurately assess the effect of decompressive surgery.

Acetaminophen for altering body temperature in acute stroke: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Mild alterations in temperature have prominent effects on ischemic cell injury and stroke outcome. Elevated core body temperature (CBT), even if mild, may exacerbate neuronal injury and worsen outcome, whereas hypothermia is potentially neuroprotective. The antipyretic effects of acetaminophen were hypothesized to reduce CBT.

METHODS

This was a randomized, controlled clinical trial at 2 university hospitals. Patients were included if they had stroke within 24 hours of onset of symptoms, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score > or =5, initial CBT <3 8.5 degrees C, and white blood cell count < 12 600 cells/mm(3); they were excluded if they had signs of infection, severe medical illness, or contraindication to acetaminophen. CBT was measured every 30 minutes. Patients were randomized to receive acetaminophen 650 mg or placebo every 4 hours for 24 hours. The primary outcome measure was mean CBT during the 24-hour study period; the secondary outcome measure was the change in NIHSS.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients were randomized. Baseline CBT was the same: 36.96 degrees C for acetaminophen versus 36.95 degrees C for placebo (P=0.96). During the study period, CBT tended to be lower in the acetaminophen group (37.13 degrees C versus 37.35 degrees C), a difference of 0.22 degrees C (95% CI, -0.08 degrees C to 0.51 degrees C; P=0.14). Patients given acetaminophen tended to be more often hypothermic <36.5 degrees C (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 0.83 to 14.2; P=0.09) and less often hyperthermic >37.5 degrees C (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.19 to 1.44; P=0.22). The change in NIHSS scores from baseline to 48 hours did not differ between the groups (P=0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

Early administration of acetaminophen (3900 mg/d) to afebrile patients with acute stroke may result in a small reduction in CBT. Acetaminophen may also modestly promote hypothermia <36.5 degrees C or prevent hyperthermia >37.5 degrees C. These effects are unlikely to have robust clinical impact, and alternative or additional methods are needed to achieve effective thermoregulation in stroke patients.

Contemporary Approaches to the Management of Neurosurgical Complications of Infective Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis can often involve the nervous system, resulting in stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, infectious aneurysm formation, cerebral abscess, and spinal epidural infection. Many of these problems require neurosurgical attention. Modern advances in neuro- surgical critical care, computerization, instrumentation, and radiologic imaging have affected the treatments available to patients with neurosurgical manifestations of infective endocarditis. This paper is a brief overview of the contemporary management of neurosurgical complications of infective endocarditis.