Sonographic Monitoring of Midline Shift Predicts Outcome after Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and the evolution of subsequent perihemorrhagic edema lead to midline shift (MLS), which can be assessed by transcranial duplex sonography (TDS). In this observational study, we monitored MLS with TDS in patients with supratentorial ICH up to day 14 after the ictus, and then correlated MLS with the outcome 6 months after hospital discharge. Methods: Sixty-eight patients with spontaneous ICH (volume 1 20 cm 3 ) were admitted during a 1-year period between April 2009 and April 2010. Sixty-one patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were eligible for analysis. TDS to measure MLS was performed upon admission and then subsequently, using serial examinations in 24-hour intervals up to day 14. Statistical tests were used to determine cut-off values for functional outcome and mortality after 6 months. Results: The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score upon admission was 21 and the mean hematoma volume was 52 cm 3 . NIHSS score, functional outcome, hematoma volume and MLS were correlated in the examined patient cohort. ICH score upon admission, hematoma volume and the extent of MLS on days 1–14 were predictive of functional outcome and death. Values of MLS showed two peaks, the first between day 2 and day 5 and the second between day 12 and day 14, indicating that edema progresses not only during the acute but also during the subacute phase. Depending on the time point, an MLS of 4.5–7.5 mm or greater indicated an impending failure of conservative therapy. An MLS of 12 mm or greater at any time indicated mortality with a sensitivity of 69%, a specificity of 100% and positive and negative predictive values of 100 and 74%, respectively. Conclusions: MLS seems to be a crucial factor for outcome after ICH. Apart from the hematoma volume itself, edema adds to the intracranial pressure. To monitor MLS in early patient management after ICH, TDS is a useful noninvasive bedside alternative, avoiding increased radiation exposure and repeated transportation of critically ill patients. Cut-off values may help to reliably predict functional outcome and treatment failure in patients undergoing maximal neurointensive therapy

Increased Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Patients After Transient Ischemic Attack

Background and Purpose— A transient ischemic attack (TIA) involves temporary neurological symptoms but leaves a patient symptom-free. Patients are faced with an increased risk for future stroke, and the manifestation of the TIA itself might be experienced as traumatizing. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after TIA and its relation to patients’ psychosocial outcome. Methods— Patients with TIA were prospectively studied, and 3 months after the diagnosis, PTSD, anxiety, depression, quality of life, coping strategies, and medical knowledge were assessed via self-rating instruments. Results— Of 211 patients with TIA, data of 108 patients were complete and only those are reported. Thirty-two (29.6%) patients were classified as having PTSD. This rate is 10× as high as in the general German population. Patients with TIA with PTSD were more likely to show signs of anxiety and depression. PTSD was associated with the use of maladaptive coping strategies, subjectively rated high stroke risk, as well as with younger age. Finally, PTSD and anxiety were associated with decreased mental quality of life. Conclusions— The experience of TIA increases the risk for PTSD and associated anxiety, depression, and reduced mental quality of life. Because a maladaptive coping style and a subjectively overestimated stroke risk seem to play a crucial role in this adverse progression, the training of adaptive coping strategies and cautious briefing about the realistic stroke risk associated with TIA might be a promising approach. Despite the great loss of patients to follow-up, the results indicate that PTSD after TIA requires increased attention. </jats:sec

Antibody-Mediated Status Epilepticus: A Retrospective Multicenter Survey

Background: In recent years, an increasing number of autoantibodies (AB) have been detected in the CSF and serum of patients with new onset epilepsy. Some of these patients develop convulsive or nonconvulsive status epilepticus (ABSE), necessitating intensive medical care and administration of multiple antiepileptic and immunomodulatory treatments of uncertain effectiveness. Objectives: In this retrospective multicenter survey we aimed to determine the spectrum of gravity, the duration and the prognosis of the disorder. In addition, we sought to identify the antibodies associated with this condition, as well as determine whether there is a most effective treatment regime. Methods: 12 European Neurology University Clinics, with extensive experience in the treatment of SE patients, were sent a detailed questionnaire regarding symptoms and treatment of AB-SE patients. Seven centers responded positively, providing a total of 13 patients above the age of 16. Results: AB-SE affects mainly women (12/13, 92%) with a variable age at onset (17– 69 years, median: 25 years). The duration of the disease is also variable (10 days to 12 years, median: 2 months). Only the 3 oldest patients died (55–69 years). Most patients were diagnosed with anti NMDAR encephalitis (8/13) and had oligoclonal bands in the CSF (9/13). No specific treatment regimen (antiepileptic, immunomodulatory) was found to be clearly superior. Most of the surviving 10 patients (77%) recovered completely or nearly so within 2 years of index poststatus. Conclusion: AB-SE is a severe but potentially reversible condition. Long duration does not seem to imply fatal outcome; however, age older than 50 years at time of onset appears to be a risk factor for death. There was no evidence for an optimal antiepileptic or immunomodulatory treatment. A prospective multicenter study is warranted in order to stratify the optimal treatment algorithm, determine clear risk factors of unfavorable outcome and long-term prognosis