The relationship between progressive motor deficits and lesion location in patients with single infarction in the lenticulostriate artery territory

Lesion Indexes Predict Early Neurologic Deterioration in Lenticulostriate Single Small Subcortical Infarction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Early neurologic deterioration (END) often occurs during hospitalization in single small subcortical infarction (SSSI). The objective was to identify imaging predictors of END.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SSSIs in the lenticulostriate artery within 72 hours of stroke onset from January 2015 to June 2021 were consecutively enrolled. The posteriority and laterality indexes were assessed on the second section from the top of the corona radiata section showing the lateral ventricle on DWI. A multivariate logistic analysis was used to explore the predictors of END.

RESULTS

A total of 402 patients were included in this study, among whom 93 (23.1%) experienced END. The optimal cutoff points of the posteriority and laterality indexes for predicting END were given by a receiver operating characteristic curve. A multivariate logistic analysis showed that the posteriority index of ≥0.669 (OR: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.41-4.56; P = .002) and the laterality index of ≥0.950 (OR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.03-4.00; P = .042) were independently associated with the risk of END. Accordingly, the SSSIs were further divided into 4 types: anterior lateral type (AL-type), anterior medial type (AM-type), posterior lateral type (PL-type), and posterior medial type (PM-type). After the multivariate analysis, in comparison with the AL-type, the AM-type (OR: 3.26; 95% CI: 1.10-9.65), PL-type (OR: 4.68; 95% CI: 1.41-15.56), and PM-type (OR: 6.77; 95% CI: 2.53-18.04) carried significantly elevated risks of END. The PM-type was associated with the highest risk of END.

CONCLUSIONS

The PM-type was found to be associated with the highest risk of END.

MRI-guided thrombolysis for lenticulostriate artery stroke within 12 h of symptom onset

Stroke thrombolysis treatment is generally administered within 4.5 h, but a greater time window may be permitted depending upon the ischemic penumbra on neuroimaging. This observational cohort study investigated the outcomes of thrombolysis given within 12 h after symptom onset of lenticulostriate artery stroke. The population comprised 160 patients. Thrombolysis was administered via tissue plasminogen activator, alteplase (TPA). Thrombolysis was indicated by a mismatch between diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), that is, an acute ischemic lesion on DWI without a corresponding lesion on T2WI. Demographics and medical history were compared with the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score, to reflect outcome. Patients with a favorable clinical outcome (mRS 0–1) had significantly lower hypertension, baseline NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and admission systolic/diastolic blood pressure compared with patients with mRS 2–6. Lower admission systolic blood pressure and NIHSS score were significantly associated with favorable outcome. In patients either with IV-TPA within 4.5 h, or between 4.5 and 12 h, lower admission systolic blood pressure and/or NIHSS score similarly independently predict favorable outcome. However, in all groups, the onset-to-treatment time did not significantly influence the outcomes. We conclude that in our cohort higher admission systolic blood pressure and higher baseline NIHSS and not time were associated with poor outcome in patients with magnetic resonance-guided thrombolysis within 12 h of isolated lenticulostriate artery stroke, therefore loosening the traditionally perceived dependency of outcome on time.

Scattered cerebral infarction in the corona radiata predicts worse outcomes

OBJECTIVES

Intracranial branch atheromatous disease often results in progressive motor deficits in the lenticulostriate arteries (LSA). In some patients with LSA infarction, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed single lesions at the LSA origin from the middle cerebral artery spreading in a scattered manner toward the distal area. This study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of such cases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective study comprising 1,840 consecutive patients admitted to the Ina Central Hospital, Japan. Two neurologists selected patients with LSA infarctions on the basis of MRI data. Patients with a single mass of infarct lesion from the origin were classified as the single group, whereas patients with infarct lesions as a single mass at LSA origin but divided and independent as the infarct area extended distally were classified as the scattered group. We compared the clinical characteristics and outcomes in these groups.

RESULTS

The single and scattered groups included 119 and 35 patients, respectively. We defined worsening as an increase of one point or more on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale. Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients in the scattered group showed significantly more worsening after hospitalization compared with those in the single group (48.6% vs. 28.6%; p < .05). Moreover, this can easily lead to increased disease severity (p < .016). In a multivariate analysis, group (odds ratio, 2.5 [95% CI, 1.11-5.74], p < .03) was an independent predictor of symptom worsening.

CONCLUSIONS

Scattered infarction in the corona radiata is an aggravating factor leading to worse outcomes.

Prediction of Symptoms on Admission with Early Neurological Deterioration in Single Small Subcortical Infarct

BACKGROUND

Early neurological deterioration (END) often occurs during hospitalization in single small subcortical infarct (SSSI). While, symptoms on admission were rarely reported about its performance on predicting the risk of END.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to explore the relationship between symptoms on admission and END in SSSI.

METHODS

Patients with SSSI in the lenticulostriate artery (LSA) territory presenting within 72 hours of stroke onset were screened prospectively. Clinical characteristics, including symptoms on admission, laboratory tests and imaging findings, were collected. Based on the body regions involved including spherical face (SF), upper limb (UL) or lower limb (LL), symptoms on admission were classified into single spherical face (sSF) and any involvement of limbs (AL). END was defined as ≥2 points increase in total National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score or ≥ 1 point increase in motor score within 72 hours after admission. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze factors associated with END.

RESULTS

Out of 5,832 ischemic stroke patients in the database, 394 patients were finally enrolled in analysis. 65 patients (16.5%) developed END. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that symptoms with LL (OR 2.337, 95% CI 1.041-5.246), UL (OR 2.936, 95% CI 1.349-6.390) were both associated with END, while the involvement of SF (OR 0.447, 95% CI 0.249-0.804) showed the opposite result. Further analysis found that symptoms with AL (OR 3.958, 95% CI 1.355-11.565) showed a higher risk of END compared to sSF after adjustment.

CONCLUSION

Our results discovered that symptoms with AL carried a higher risk of END than those involving sSF in SSSI.

The value of diffusion weighted imaging in predicting the clinical progression of perforator artery cerebral infarction

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Diffusion weighted imaging helps the diagnosticist assess the status of the patient with cerebral infarction;

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Apparent diffusion coefficient is sensitive to cellular edema of early cerebral infarction;

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Treatment of cerebral infarction is more individualized;

Objectives

To investigate the value of diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in predicting the clinical progression of perforator artery cerebral infarction.

Methods

The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of patients with perforator artery cerebral infarction hospitalized in our hospital from October 2015 to February 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Then we compared the differences of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, maximal size, location of cerebral infarction, clinical data and treatment plan between the two groups.

Results

A total of 81 patients with perforating artery cerebral infarction were included, with 33 patients in the progressive cerebral infarction (PCI) group and 48 patients in the non-progressive cerebral infarction (NPCI) group. The ADC value in the progressive group was lower than that in the non-progressive group (P < 0.001), and ADC value was an independent factor influencing the clinical progression (OR = 0.974, 95 %CI = 0.960–0.989, P = 0.001); The average area of cerebral infarction in the progressive group was larger than that in the non-progressive group (P = 0.004). There was no difference between the two groups (P > 0.05) in terms of clinical data and treatment plan.

Conclusions

The ADC value and maximal size of infarction were correlated with the clinical Progression. ADC value was an independent factor influencing the clinical progression of perforating artery cerebral infarction, which could be used for the prediction of clinical progress and provide guidance for the development of individualized treatment.

Utility of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for the Progression of Neurological Symptoms in Lenticulostriate Artery Territory Infarction

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS) in determining the progression of neurological symptoms resulting in acute ischemic stroke in patients with lenticulostriate artery (LSA) infarction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

1HMRS was performed within 72 h after neurological symptom onset. Voxel of interest was placed in tissue that included the pyramidal tract and identified diffusion weighted echo planar spin-echo sequence (DWI) coronal images. Infarct volume in DWI was calculated using the ABC/2 method. 1HMRS data (tNAA, tCr, Glx, tCho, and Ins) were analyzed using LCModel. Progressive neurological symptoms were defined as an increase of 1 or more in the NIHSS score. Patients who underwent 1HMRS after progressive neurological symptoms were excluded.

RESULTS

In total, 77 patients were enrolled. Of these, 19 patients had progressive neurological symptoms. The patients with progressive neurological symptoms were significantly more likely to be female and had higher tCho/tCr values, higher rates of axial slices ≥ 3 slices on DWI, higher infarct volume on DWI, higher maximum diameter of infarction of axial slice on DWI, and higher SBP on admission compared to those without. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that higher tCho/tCr values were independently associated with progressive neurological symptoms after adjusting for age, sex, and initial DWI infarct volume (tCho/tCr per 0.01 increase, OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.03-1.52, P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased tCho/tCr score were associated with progressive neurological symptoms in patients with LSA ischemic stroke. Quantitative evaluation of 1HMRS parameters may be useful for predicting the progression of neurological symptoms.

Clinical Outcomes and Medical Costs of Hydration Therapy with Hydroxyethyl Starch (130/0.4) or Acute Single Infarction

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of hydration with or without Hydroxyethyl Starch (HES) 130/0.4 on neurological outcomes and medical costs during hospitalisation in patients with a single infarction (SI) in the posterior lenticulostriate artery (LSA) territory.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective, single-centre, non-blinded cohort study, SI in the posterior LSA was defined as an ischaemic lesion with a high-signal intensity area ≥20 mm. All patients received basic stroke care within 48 h of symptom onset between April 2015 and January 2019. Patients were divided into the following two groups by clinician's preference: 1) those administered HES 130/0.4 and 2) those receiving other infusion fluid. The relationships between hospital costs and hydration therapy type were examined.

RESULTS

Eighteen (31%) of 58 patients received HES 130/0.4. The HES group had a significantly lower total cost than the control group (3.6 vs. 6.4 million yen, p=0.006). Moreover, the HES group had a significantly shorter hospital stay duration (79.5 vs. 141.0 days) and lower National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score on day 7. Multivariate analysis found that HES 130/0.4 administration was an independent factor associated with high costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydration therapy with HES 130/0.4 significantly decreased the total costs and hospitalisation duration of patients with SI in the posterior LSA territory.

[Cerebral deep vascular architectures and subcortical infarcts]

The lenticulostriate arteries (LSA) supply the lateral half of the head of the caudate nucleus, entire putamen, anterior limb, genu and the superior part of the internal capsule (IC) and a part of the corona radiata. The LSA consists with medial, intermediate and lateral branches. The medial branches perfuse the lateral segment of the globus pallidus, the head of the caudate nucleus and the anterior limb of the IC. The intermediate branches supply the anterior half of the LSA territory, while the lateral branches supply the posterior half. The anterior cerebral artery (ACA) perforators, predominantly Heubner's artery, perfuse the inferomedial part of the caudate head, the anteromedial part of putamen, the anterior part of the lateral segment of the globus pallidus and anterior limb of the internal capsule. Such territories can be represented by the anterior and ventral basal ganglions. The anterior choroidal artery (AChA) gives off three main groups of branches including the lateral branches that supply the medial temporal lobe, the medial branches that supply the cerebral peduncle and the superior branches that supply the internal capsule and the basal ganglia. The superior branches are further discriminated into proximal branches that supply the anterior one third of the posterior limb of internal capsule (PLIC) and the medial segment of the globus pallidus and distal branches that supply the posterior two-third of PLIC, retro-lenticular part of the internal capsule and the lateral thalamic nuclei. The superficial penetrating arteries, i.e. medullary arteries, arise from the cortical branches of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and supply the deep white matter. Infarcts caused by the medullary artery occlusion are located in the centrum-semiovale and half of them were caused by embolic mechanism. The centrum-semiovale corresponds to cortical border-zone (BZ) while the corona radiate corresponds to internal BZ.

Cerebral Perforating Artery Disease : Characteristics on High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging

PURPOSE

Our aims were to evaluate the feasibility of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) for displaying the cerebral perforating arteries in normal subjects and to discuss the value of HR-MRI for detecting the causes of infarctions in the territory of the lenticulostriate artery (LSA).

METHODS

Included in this study were 31 healthy subjects and 28 patients who had infarctions in the territory supplied by the LSA. The T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), T2WI, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and HR-MRI, including 3‑dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (3D-TOF-MRA) and 3D fast spin-echo T1WI (namely CUBE T1 in GE Healthcare), were applied on a 3-Tesla scanner. The numbers and route of the perforating arteries on both sides were independently confirmed on HR-MRI by two physicians. The Wilcoxon test was used to compare the differences.

RESULTS

The numbers of perforating arteries in healthy subjects observed on 3D-TOF-MRA were as follows: numbers of the bilateral recurrent artery of Heubner (RAH) ranged from 0-3 (median 1), numbers of the left LSA ranged from 0-7 (median 3), numbers of the right LSA ranged from 0-5 (median 3), numbers of the bilateral anterior choroidal artery ranged from 1-2 (median 1) and the numbers of the bilateral thalamoperforating artery ranged from 1-2 (median 1). In the patients with lenticulostriate infarctions, the numbers of LSAs on the affected side were lower than on the opposite and ipsilateral sides in the healthy subjects. The results were statistically significant. An abnormality of the RAH may lead to a centrum semiovale infarct pattern, whereas an abnormality of the LSA is associated with a corona radiata infarct pattern.

CONCLUSION

The use of HR 3D-TOF-MRA and CUBE T1 had unique advantages in displaying the tiny perforating arteries in vivo. Moreover, effective recognition of the associated cerebral perforating artery and infarct patterns may enhance our understanding of the mechanism of stroke in patients with lenticulostriate infarctions.