Guillain–Barré syndrome associated with leptomeningeal enhancement following SARS-CoV-2 infection

INTRODUCTION: Patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) typically present with respiratory symptoms, but little is known about the disease''s potential neurological complications.We report a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) following a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, in association with leptomeningeal enhancement. CASE PRESENTATION: A 56-year-old woman presented with recent unsteadiness and paraesthesia in both hands. Fifteen days earlier, she complained of fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Her chest X-ray showed a lobar consolidation and PCR was positive for SARS-CoV-2; she was admitted due to mild COVID-19 pneumonia.In the first 48 hours of hospitalisation, she started to experience lumbar pain and weakness of the proximal lower extremities, progressing to bilateral facial nerve palsy, oropharyngeal weakness and severe proximal tetraparesis with cervical flexion 2/5 on the MRC scale. Full spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a brainstem and cervical leptomeningeal enhancement. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) revealed albumin-cytological dissociation. Microbiological studies on CSF, including SARS-CoV-2, were negative. Nerve conduction studies were consistent with demyelinating neuropathy. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, with significant neurological improvement noted over the next 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: Leptomeningeal enhancement is an atypical feature in GBS, but could be a marker of its association with SARS-CoV-2 infection

Impacto en los tiempos puerta-aguja de un conjunto de medidas para optimizar la atención hospitalaria del código ictus

Introducción: El tiempo sigue siendo una variable determinante para los tratamientos de reper-fusión del ictus isquémico agudo. A pesar de las recomendaciones de las guías clínicas, soloalrededor de la tercera parte de los pacientes con ictus isquémico agudo son fibrinolizadosen = 60 min. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir nuestra experiencia implementando unprotocolo específico de atención del ictus isquémico agudo y evaluar su impacto en nuestrostiempos puerta-aguja. Métodos: A finales del 2015, se implantaron gradualmente unas medidas dise ~nadas para acortarlos tiempos de actuación y optimizar la atención del ictus isquémico agudo incluyendo unaguardia específica de Neurovascular. Se compararon los tiempos de actuación antes (2013-2015)y después (2017-2019) de la introducción de este protocolo. Resultados: Se incluyó a 182 pacientes antes y 249 después de la intervención. Cuando todas lasmedidas fueron introducidas, la mediana global de tiempo puerta-aguja fue de 45 min (previa74 min, 39% menos, p < 0, 001) con un 73, 5% de pacientes tratados en = 60 min (47% más quepreintervención, p < 0, 001). El tiempo global al tratamiento (inicio síntoma-aguja) se redujo en20 min de mediana (p < 0, 001). Conclusiones: Las medidas asociadas en nuestro protocolo han conseguido una disminución deltiempo puerta-aguja de forma significativa y sostenida, aunque todavía nos queda margen demejora, la dinámica establecida de control de resultados y mejora continua hará posible seguiravanzando en este sentido. Introduction: Time continues to be a fundamental variable in reperfusion treatments for acute ischaemic stroke. Despite the recommendations made in clinical guidelines, only around one-third of these patients receive fibrinolysis within 60 minutes. In this study, we describe our experience with the implementation of a specific protocol for patients with acute ischaemic stroke and evaluate its impact on door-to-needle times in our hospital. Methods: Measures were gradually implemented in late 2015 to shorten stroke management times and optimise the care provided to patients with acute ischaemic stroke; these measures included the creation of a specific on-call neurovascular care team. We compare stroke management times before (2013-2015) and after (2017-2019) the introduction of the protocol. Results: The study includes 182 patients attended before implementation of the protocol and 249 attended after. Once all measures were in effect, the overall median door-to-needle time was 45 minutes (vs 74 minutes before, a 39% reduction; P<.001), with 73.5% of patients treated within 60 minutes (a 47% increase; P<.001). Median overall time to treatment (onset-to-needle time) was reduced by 20 minutes (P<.001). Conclusions: The measures included in our protocol achieved a significant, sustained reduction in door-to-needle times, although there remains room for improvement. The mechanisms established for monitoring outcomes and for continuous improvement will enable further advances in this regard

Tratamiento endovascular del ictus isquémico vertebrobasilar en Aragón: características clínicas, radiológicas, tiempos de atención y pronóstico a los 3 meses

Introducción: Los ictus de circulación posterior suponen el 15-20% del total de los ictus isquémicos, pero asocian en más del 60% de los casos mal pronóstico funcional y vital. Por sus características clínicas y radiológicas, su diagnóstico y manejo son más complejos que los de los ictus de circulación anterior. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es analizar a los pacientes con ictus del sistema vertebrobasilar tratados con trombectomía mecánica en nuestra comunidad y definir sus características. Método: Análisis retrospectivo-descriptivo de los pacientes con ictus del sistema vertebrobasilar tratados mediante trombectomía mecánica en nuestro centro (hospital de referencia para la enfermedad cerebrovascular urgente en Aragón). Se definen características basales, factores de riesgo, signos y síntomas de presentación, escalas radiológicas, variables del procedimiento, tiempos de atención y pronóstico funcional a los 3 meses. Resultados: Se incluyó a 37 pacientes (39,5% mujeres) con una edad media de 68,34 ± 14,1 años. La primera causa etiológica fue la cardioembólica (42,1%), seguida de la aterotrombótica (28,9%). La localización más frecuente de la obstrucción fue el top de la basilar (55,3%). Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron somnolencia (76,3%), déficit motor (71,1%) y náuseas (55,3%). Se logró reperfusión exitosa (mTICIx ≥ 2b) en el 81,1% de pacientes. El pronóstico funcional a 90 días fue desfavorable (mRS < 3) en el 59% de los casos. Conclusiones: Los ictus de circulación posterior se asocian a una importante morbimortalidad. Su presentación clínica subaguda y larvada dilata los tiempos de atención y dificulta una identificación precoz. La trombectomía mecánica es un procedimiento seguro y eficaz, si bien son necesarios más estudios que esclarezcan la selección de pacientes. Introduction: Posterior circulation stroke accounts for 15%-20% of ischaemic strokes, but is associated with poor functional and vital prognosis in over 60% of cases. Due to its clinical and radiological peculiarities, diagnosis and management are more complex than in anterior circulation stroke. This study analyses and characterises patients with vertebrobasilar strokes treated with mechanical thrombectomy in our region. Methods: We conducted a descriptive, retrospective analysis of patients with vertebrobasilar stroke and treated with mechanical thrombectomy at our centre, a reference centre for cerebrovascular emergencies for the region of Aragon. We recorded baseline characteristics, risk factors, signs and symptoms at onset, radiological assessment scale scores, procedure-related variables, management times, and functional prognosis at 3 months. Results: We selected 37 patients (39.5% women; mean age [standard deviation], 68.34 [14.1] years). Cardioembolic stroke (42.1%) was the most common aetiology, followed by atherothrombosis (28.9%). The top of the basilar artery was the most common site of obstruction (55.3%). The most frequent clinical features were somnolence (76.3%), motor deficits (71.1%), and nausea (55.3%). Successful reperfusion (mTICI ≥ 2b) was achieved in 81.1% of patients. Functional outcome at 90 days was poor (mRS < 3) in 59% of patients. Conclusions: Posterior circulation stroke is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Its subacute, nonspecific clinical course prolongs management times and hinders early detection. Mechanical thrombectomy is a safe and effective procedure, although further studies are needed to establish the optimal patient profile

Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism combination pattern of the Klotho gene with non-cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an elevated risk of all-cause mortality, with cardiovascular death being extensively investigated. However, non-cardiovascular mortality represents the biggest percentage, showing an evident increase in recent years. Klotho is a gene highly expressed in the kidney, with a clear influence on lifespan. Low levels of Klotho have been linked to CKD progression and adverse outcomes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the Klotho gene have been associated with several diseases, but studies investigating the association of Klotho SNPs with noncardiovascular death in CKD populations are lacking. The main aim of this study was to assess whether 11 Klotho SNPs were associated with non-cardiovascular death in a subpopulation of the National Observatory of Atherosclerosis in Nephrology (NEFRONA) study (n ¼ 2185 CKD patients). After 48 months of follow-up, 62 cardiovascular deaths and 108 non-cardiovascular deaths were recorded. We identified a high non-cardiovascular death risk combination of SNPs corresponding to individuals carrying the most frequent allele (G) at rs562020, the rare allele (C) at rs2283368 and homozygotes for the rare allele (G) at rs2320762 (rs562020 GG/AG þ rs2283368 CC/CT þ rs2320762 GG). Among the patients with the three SNPs genotyped (n ¼ 1016), 75 (7.4%) showed this combination. Furthermore, 95 (9.3%) patients showed a low-risk combination carrying all the opposite genotypes (rs562020 AA þ rs2283368 TT þ rs2320762 GT/TT). All the other combinations [n ¼ 846 (83.3%)] were considered as normal risk. Using competing risk regression analysis, we confirmed that the proposed combinations are independently associated with a higher fhazard ratio [HR] 3.28 [confidence interval (CI) 1.51-7.12]g and lower [HR 6 × 10- (95% CI 3.3 × 10--1.1 × 10-)] risk of suffering a non-cardiovascular death in the CKD population of the NEFRONA cohort compared with patients with the normal-risk combination. Determination of three SNPs of the Klotho gene could help in the prediction of non-cardiovascular death in CKD

Association of Candidate Gene Polymorphisms With Chronic Kidney Disease: Results of a Case-Control Analysis in the Nefrona Cohort

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major risk factor for end-stage renal disease, cardiovascular disease and premature death. Despite classical clinical risk factors for CKD and some genetic risk factors have been identified, the residual risk observed in prediction models is still high. Therefore, new risk factors need to be identified in order to better predict the risk of CKD in the population. Here, we analyzed the genetic association of 79 SNPs of proteins associated with mineral metabolism disturbances with CKD in a cohort that includes 2, 445 CKD cases and 559 controls. Genotyping was performed with matrix assisted laser desorption ionizationtime of flight mass spectrometry. We used logistic regression models considering different genetic inheritance models to assess the association of the SNPs with the prevalence of CKD, adjusting for known risk factors. Eight SNPs (rs1126616, rs35068180, rs2238135, rs1800247, rs385564, rs4236, rs2248359, and rs1564858) were associated with CKD even after adjusting by sex, age and race. A model containing five of these SNPs (rs1126616, rs35068180, rs1800247, rs4236, and rs2248359), diabetes and hypertension showed better performance than models considering only clinical risk factors, significantly increasing the area under the curve of the model without polymorphisms. Furthermore, one of the SNPs (the rs2248359) showed an interaction with hypertension, being the risk genotype affecting only hypertensive patients. We conclude that 5 SNPs related to proteins implicated in mineral metabolism disturbances (Osteopontin, osteocalcin, matrix gla protein, matrix metalloprotease 3 and 24 hydroxylase) are associated to an increased risk of suffering CKD

Impact of a series of measures for optimisation hospital code stroke care on door-to-needle times

Introduction: Time continues to be a fundamental variable in reperfusion treatments for acute ischaemic stroke. Despite the recommendations made in clinical guidelines, only around one-third of these patients receive fibrinolysis within 60 minutes. In this study, we describe our experience with the implementation of a specific protocol for patients with acute ischaemic stroke and evaluate its impact on door-to-needle times in our hospital. Methods: Measures were gradually implemented in late 2015 to shorten stroke management times and optimise the care provided to patients with acute ischaemic stroke; these measures included the creation of a specific on-call neurovascular care team. We compare stroke management times before (2013-2015) and after (2017-2019) the introduction of the protocol. Results: The study includes 182 patients attended before implementation of the protocol and 249 attended after. Once all measures were in effect, the overall median door-to-needle time was 45 minutes (vs 74 minutes before, a 39% reduction; P<.001), with 73.5% of patients treated within 60 minutes (a 47% increase; P<.001). Median overall time to treatment (onset-to-needle time) was reduced by 20 minutes (P<.001). Conclusions: The measures included in our protocol achieved a significant, sustained reduction in door-to-needle times, although there remains room for improvement. The mechanisms established for monitoring outcomes and for continuous improvement will enable further advances in this regard. Resumen: Introducción: El tiempo sigue siendo una variable determinante para los tratamientos de reperfusión del ictus isquémico agudo. A pesar de las recomendaciones de las guías clínicas, solo alrededor de la tercera parte de los pacientes con ictus isquémico agudo son fibrinolizados en ≤ 60 min. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir nuestra experiencia implementando un protocolo específico de atención del ictus isquémico agudo y evaluar su impacto en nuestros tiempos puerta-aguja. Métodos: A finales del 2015, se implantaron gradualmente unas medidas diseñadas para acortar los tiempos de actuación y optimizar la atención del ictus isquémico agudo incluyendo una guardia específica de Neurovascular. Se compararon los tiempos de actuación antes (2013-2015) y después (2017-2019) de la introducción de este protocolo. Resultados: Se incluyó a 182 pacientes antes y 249 después de la intervención. Cuando todas las medidas fueron introducidas, la mediana global de tiempo puerta-aguja fue de 45 min (previa 74 min, 39% menos, p < 0,001) con un 73,5% de pacientes tratados en ≤ 60 min (47% más que preintervención, p < 0,001). El tiempo global al tratamiento (inicio síntoma-aguja) se redujo en 20 min de mediana (p < 0,001). Conclusiones: Las medidas asociadas en nuestro protocolo han conseguido una disminución del tiempo puerta-aguja de forma significativa y sostenida, aunque todavía nos queda margen de mejora, la dinámica establecida de control de resultados y mejora continua hará posible seguir avanzando en este sentido

Pseudooclusión carotídea: un concepto a tener en cuenta en el ictus agudo

Sr. Editor: Se define como pseudooclusión (PO) de carótida interna (ACI) cervical al artefacto asociado-al-flujo, en una angio-TC o angiografía por sustracción digital (ASD), que nos dala apariencia de una oclusión carotídea completa a nivel extracraneal, cuando en realidad este segmento arterial se encuentra permeable y la oclusión está a nivel intracraneal..

Management of cerebral venous thrombosis in Spain : MOTIVATE descriptive study Manejo de la trombosis venosa cerebral en España: estudio descriptivo MOTIVATE

Introduction: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon cause of stroke that mainly affects young adults. Early, accurate diagnosis can reduce the rate and severity of complications. Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical characteristics, management, and treatment of CVT in different centres in Spain. Methods: We conducted a multicentre, retrospective, descriptive study of patients hospitalised due to CVT between 2008 and 2017 at 11 Spanish centres. Results: We included 256 patients, with a mean age (SD) of 49.8 (18.7) years; 51% of patients were women. The most frequent symptoms were headache (73%), focal deficits (50%), epileptic seizures (33%), and encephalopathy (21%). The most frequent localisations were the superior sagittal sinus (12.5%), the transverse sinus (10.9%), and 2 or more sinuses or veins (66.4%). Thrombophilia was the most frequent known aetiology (24%), and was most commonly associated with the prothrombin G20210A mutation (19%). Forty-six percent of patients were treated with antithrombotics for 3-6 months, 21% for one year, and 22.6% required indefinite anticoagulation. Endovascular therapy was performed in 5% of cases, and 33% required neurosurgery. Regarding outcomes, 75% of patients were independent at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score ≤ 2), with papilloedema (P =.03), focal deficits (P =.001), and encephalopathy (P 3). The in-hospital mortality rate was 4.3%, with a 3-month mortality rate of 6.3%. Conclusion: The diverse risk factors and variable presentation of CVT represent a challenge in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. To improve prognosis and reduce mortality, it is essential to establish management protocols for this entity