Simultaneous cardio-cerebral infarction: a meta-analysis

Development and validation of a nomogram for predicting the risk of poor prognosis in patients with cerebral infarction

Objective

To identify factors related to poor prognosis in patients with cerebral infarction (CI) and to construct and validate a personalized prediction model based on these factors.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical and follow-up data of 857 patients with CI who were diagnosed in the neurology department of a tertiary A hospital in Anhui Province, China from April 2020 to March 2022. Based on follow-up data and the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score one year after discharge, patients were divided into a good prognosis group (793 cases, mRS ≤2) and a poor prognosis group (64 cases, mRS >2). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors, which were then used to establish a nomogram model. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC, AUC), and the calibration curve was used to evaluate the calibration of the nomogram.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in the distribution of eight variables between the groups, including post-discharge use of biguanide hypoglycemic drugs, insulin, systolic blood pressure, exercise status, alcohol consumption, smoking status, age, and gender (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that gender, smoking after discharge, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and oral administration of biguanide hypoglycemic drugs are independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with CI (P < 0.05). The personalized poor prognosis nomogram constructed based on these five predictive factors showed good discriminative ability and predictive stability, with AUCs of 0.768 (95 % CI: 0.712-0.825) and 0.775 (95 % CI: 0.725-0.836) before and after internal validation, respectively. The calibration curve confirmed the accuracy and consistency of the nomogram (P = 0.956).

Conclusion

Female gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, and post-discharge use of biguanide hypoglycemic drugs are independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with CI. The constructed nomogram shows good predictive efficiency for post-discharge prognosis and can help in clinical decision-making.

Effect of high-quality nursing on neurological function psychological moods quality of life of elderly patients with stroke

Objectives

The primary objective of the present investigation was to meticulously examine the efficacy of high-quality nursing care (HQN) on neurological restoration, amelioration of adverse psychological states, and augmentation of quality of life in geriatric patients diagnosed with acute cerebral infarction (ACI).

Methods

A cohort of 240 patients, afflicted by ACI and admitted to our healthcare institution between February 2020 and March 2023, were incorporated into this longitudinal prospective analysis. Employing a random number table methodology, the patient cohort was bifurcated into a control group (n = 120) receiving conventional care and an observation group (n = 120) receiving HQN. Comparisons were conducted between the two cohorts concerning neurological functionality [as quantified by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scales (NIHSS) and Barthel Index (BI) scores], psychological wellbeing [utilizing the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores], overall quality of life [assessed via the Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 (GQOLI-74) scores], and self-perceived burden [evaluated through the Self-Perceived Burden Scale (SPBS)]. Further assessments included patient satisfaction and incidence of complications, both in the pre- and post-interventional phases.

Results

Post-intervention, the observation group demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the control group, as evidenced by diminished NIHSS and SPBS scores and elevated BI metrics. Moreover, SAS and SDS scores in both groups manifested a decline post-intervention; however, the decrement was statistically more pronounced in the observation group (P < 0.05). Similarly, all dimensions of GQOLI-74 showed an upward trend in both cohorts, yet the increase was significantly more substantial in the observation group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the observation group exhibited a reduced frequency of complications coupled with heightened levels of nursing satisfaction.

Conclusion

The implementation of HQN in the geriatric population afflicted by ACI markedly enhances neurological recuperation, attenuates adverse psychological states, and ameliorates overall quality of life. The intervention is also associated with a diminution in complication rates and an increase in nursing satisfaction, thereby substantiating its clinical utility.

Concurrent Cardio-Cerebral Infarctions in COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Published Case Reports/Series

Twelve CCI patients were studied with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. The majority of these patients were males (83.3%) with a median age of 55 years from three geographical locations, constituting the Middle East (7), Spain (3), and the USA (1). In 6 patients, IgG/IgM was positive for COVID-19, 4 with high pretest probability and 2 with positive RT-PCR. Type 2 DM, hyperlipidemia, and smoking were the primary risk factors. Right-sided neurological impairments and verbal impairment were the most common symptoms. Our analysis found 8 (66%) synchronous occurrences. In 58.3% of cases, neuroimaging showed left Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) infarct and 33.3% right. Carotid artery thrombosis (16.6%), tandem occlusion (8.3%), and carotid stenosis (1%) were also reported in imaging. Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and anticoagulants were conservative therapies (10). Two AMI patients had aspiration thrombectomy, while three AIS patients had intravenous thrombolysis/tissue plasminogen activator (IVT-tPA), 2 had mechanical thrombectomy (MT), and 1 had decompressive craniotomy. Five had COVID-19-positive chest X-rays, whereas 4 were normal. four of 8 STEMI and 3 NSTEMI/UA patients complained chest pain. LV, ICA, and pulmonary embolism were further complications (2). Upon discharge, 7 patients (70%) had residual deficits while 1 patient unfortunately died.

The Simultaneous Occurrence of Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, Acute Ischemic Stroke, and Pulmonary Embolism

Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), acute ischemic stroke (AIS), and acute pulmonary embolism (PE) are life-threatening conditions, each posing a high risk of morbidity and mortality. When all three of these acute conditions occur simultaneously, the overall prognosis for the patient becomes considerably worse. We report a case of a 70-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department (ED) with a triad of acute STEMI, AIS, and PE as a consequence of atherosclerotic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and a prolonged transatlantic flight. The diagnoses were promptly confirmed through emergent coronary and cerebral angiography, along with a computerized tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA). The patient underwent a combination of medical therapy and endovascular thrombectomy. However, she later developed a subarachnoid hemorrhage and eventually progressed to brain death.

Hyperacute synchronous cardiocerebral infarction in a patient with new-onset atrial fibrillation: a case of myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries

Hyperacute synchronous cardiocerebral infarction (CCI) is an extremely rare condition with an incidence of 0.009%. In the acute stage of ischemic stroke, there is a high prevalence of ECG abnormalities. Prolonged QTc, atrial fibrillation (AF) and ECG changes indicative of ischemic heart disease, such as Q waves, ST depression, and T wave inversion, were the most prevalent changes. There are three types of simultaneous CCI: cardiac conditions that cause cerebral infarction, cerebral infarction caused by cardiac conditions, and (c) dysregulation of the brain-heart axis or cerebral infarction causing myocardial infarction. Herein, we present a case of hyperacute synchronous CCI in an elderly patient with new-onset AF and myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA).

Cardio-Cerebral Infarction in a Patient with Deep Coma: A Diagnostic Challenge

The patient was a 69-year-old man who called an ambulance due to dyspnea. When emergency medical technicians found him, he had collapsed into deep coma in front of his house. On arrival, he remained in a deep coma with severe hypoxia. He underwent tracheal intubation. An electrocardiogram showed ST elevation. Chest roentgen showed bilateral butterfly shadow. Cardiac ultrasound revealed diffuse hypokinesis. Head computed tomography (CT) showed early cerebral ischemic signs that had been initially overlooked. Urgent transcutaneous coronary angiography showed obstruction of the right coronary artery that was treated successfully. However, the next day, he was still in coma and demonstrated anisocoria. Repeated head CT showed diffuse cerebral infarction. He died on the 5th day. We herein report a rare case of cardio-cerebral infarction with a fatal outcome. Patients with acute myocardial infarction and a coma state should be evaluated for cerebral perfusion or occlusion of major cerebral vessels by enhanced CT or an aortogram if percutaneous coronary intervention is performed.

Endovascular therapy for cardiocerebral infarction associated with atrial fibrillation: A case report and literature review

Background:

Cardiocerebral infarction (CCI) is a rare entity that refers to the simultaneous occurrence of acute myocardial infarction and acute ischemic stroke. The management of CCI patients remains unclear.

Case Description:

An 86-year-old woman with a medical history of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation presented with a sudden onset of consciousness disturbance and right hemiplegia. Computed tomography of the head revealed no intracranial hemorrhage but the left hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign, associated with ST-segment elevation in II, III, and aVF noted on a routine 12-lead electrocardiogram at admission. The patient was immediately brought to the catheterization laboratory and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed first, followed by mechanical thrombectomy, resulting in successful revascularization of the both diseases.

Conclusion:

Although the treatment strategy of CCI may depend on the condition of coronary and cerebral ischemia, it may be appropriate to prioritize coronary angiography and PCI if not acute ischemic stroke is critical.

Which one to do first?: a case report of simultaneous acute ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction

Background: Although there are common risk factors for acute ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction, simultaneous onset of both diseases is uncommon. Here, we present a case of acute cerebral infarction with concurrent fatal myocardial infarction. Case Report: A 54-year-old man presented with left hemiparesis, gaze preponderance to the right side, and visual and tactile extinction. Computed tomography angiography showed occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery. ST-elevation myocardial infarction was suspected on electrocardiography. After the injection of intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, thrombectomy was attempted first, and the coronary angiogram was planned after recanalization of the cerebral artery. However, thrombectomy was discontinued because of cardiac arrest. Despite extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and emergency percutaneous coronary intervention, the patient died of multiorgan failure.Conclusion: Double primary acute ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction are rare but may be fatal due to the narrow therapeutic time window for both diseases. Careful consideration of the urgency of cardiac status is essential.