A case of simultaneous acute cardio-cerebral infarction in a woman with essential thrombocythemia

Cardio-cerebral infarction: a narrative review of pathophysiology, treatment challenges, and prognostic implications

Cardio-cerebral infarction (CCI) is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by the simultaneous or sequential occurrence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Despite its complex pathogenesis and more severe prognosis compared to isolated AMI or AIS, no consensus has been established regarding its definition, classification, epidemiology, treatment protocols, or prognostic management. Current research is largely confined to case reports or small case series, and there are no unified diagnostic or treatment guidelines, nor any expert consensus. Consequently, clinicians often rely on single-disease guidelines for AMI or AIS, or personal experience, when managing CCI cases. This approach complicates treatment decisions and may result in missed opportunities for optimal interventions, thereby adversely affecting long-term patient outcomes. This narrative review aimed to systematically summarize the definition, classification, epidemiological features, pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies, and prognostic aspects of CCI while thoroughly examining the progress and limitations of existing studies to guide future research and clinical practice. By offering a detailed analysis of reperfusion strategies, antiplatelet therapy, and anticoagulation in CCI patients, this review highlights the safety and efficacy differences among current treatments and explores methods for optimizing individualized management to improve clinical outcomes. Furthermore, this article aimed to enhance clinicians' understanding of CCI, provide evidence-based recommendations for patient care, and outline directions for future research. Ultimately, by refining diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, we aimed to reduce CCI-related mortality and improve long-term prognoses for affected patients.

Acute myocardial infarction and polycythemia rubra vera: The double effect of treatment with hydroxyurea

We report a case of acute myocardial infarction in a patient with polycythemia rubra vera, who has been treated with hydroxyurea. The patient presented with chest pain extending to both arms accompanied by nausea and sweating. Hemoglobin was 18.1 mg/dL, hematocrit 53.2%, white blood cells 9600/mm³, and platelets 745,000/mm³. The levels of specific cardiac injury markers were increased, troponin I increased to 110 ng/mL and creatine kinase-MB to 361 U/l, respectively. Electrocardiography showed sinus rhythm with ST-segment elevation in leads V2-6, D1, and aVL as well as ST depression in D2, D3 and aVF. Echocardiography demonstrated hypokinesis of the interventricular septum and lateral wall with mildly reduced left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction (EF≈45%). Coronary angiography revealed proximal-LAD subtotal occlusion and 80% mid-LAD stenosis with distal-LAD vasospasm. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed with a drug-eluting stent in mid- and proximal-LAD. Hypercoagulable state of polycythemia rubra vera may be complicated with acute myocardial infarction, in addition to the vasospastic effect and endothelium lesions of hydroxyurea regardless its favorable effect as a standard therapy.

Concurrent Cardio-Cerebral Infarction - A Case Report and Literature Review

Concurrent cardio-cerebral infarction (CCI) describes the simultaneous occurrence of an acute myocardial infarction and an acute ischemic stroke. It is a rare phenomenon, and no consensus yet exists on how to best treat it. CCI patients present with variable clinical scenarios and complications which makes the establishment of a treatment guideline difficult. We present here a case of a 67-year-old male with concurrent acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction and acute ischemic stroke due to right middle cerebral artery occlusion who was successfully treated with Tenecteplase and mechanical thrombectomy. A literature review was also conducted in search of potential reasonable management strategies of CCI.

Simultaneous cardio-cerebral infarction: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTION

Cardio-cerebral infarction (CCI), which involves the simultaneous occurrence of acute ischaemic stroke and acute myocardial infarction, has a reported incidence of 0.0009%. Treatment of CCI presents a dilemma to physicians as both conditions are time critical. Despite the need for standardized treatment protocols, published data are sparse.

AIM

We aimed to summarize the reported cardio-cerebral infarction cases in the literature.

DESIGN

Meta-analysis.

METHODS

Four databases, Pubmed, Embase, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched until 25 August 2020. A title and abstract sieve, full-text review and extraction of data were conducted independently by three authors.

RESULTS

A total of 44 cases of CCI were identified from 37 case reports and series; 15 patients (34.1%) were treated using percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent, 8 patients (18.2%) were treated with a PCI without stent, 10 patients (22.7%) were treated via a cerebral vessel thrombectomy and 8 patients (18.2%) were treated via a thrombectomy of a coronary vessel. For medications, 20 patients (45.5%) were treated with thrombolytics, 10 patients (22.7%) were treated with anticoagulants, 8 patients (18.2%) were treated with antiplatelets and 11 patients (25.0%) were treated with anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Of 44 patients, 10 patients died, and 9 of those were due to cardiac causes. Among the 44 patients, days to death was observed to be a median of 2.0 days (interquartile range (IQR): 1.5, 4.0). The modified Rankin Score was measured in nine patients, with a median score of 2.0 (IQR: 1.0, 2.5) being reported.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

The condition of CCI has substantial morbidity and mortality, and further studies are needed to examine the optimal diagnostic and treatment strategies of these patients.

Essential thrombocythemia with CALR mutation and recurrent stroke: two case reports and literature review

Cerebrovascular events, especially ischemic stroke, are common complications of essential thrombocythemia (ET). Compared to JAK2V617 F mutation, CALR mutation is considered as a lower risk factor of thrombosis in ET. Until now stroke in ET with CALR mutation has rarely been reported. We retrospectively investigated patients diagnosed with stroke and ET in Xijing hospital of Air Force Medical University, from 2015 to 2021. Clinical characteristics (including medical history, physical and auxiliary examination and prognosis) were recorded and associated literature was reviewed. Among the 19 patients diagnosed with both stroke and ET we retrieved, two cases were positive for CALR mutation. In case 1, a 71-year-old man developed the first ischemic event under the treatment of anagrelide, followed by a hemorrhagic stroke after receiving aspirin and clopidogrel for 4 months. Ischemic stroke reccurred and the neurological function deteriorated progressively. In case 2, a 44-year-old man presented with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy due to serious myocardial infarction and subsequent brain imaging indicated three times of ischemic stroke events. The patient gradually got improved through cytoreductive and antiplatelet therapy and rehabilitation. Literature review showed that cerebrovascular event is the most serious neurological complication of ET and may be the presenting symptom. Most of reported cases with ET accompanied by stroke were positive for JAK2 V617 F mutation, but with rare CALR mutation. ET with CALR mutation can cause both hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Identification of such rare causes of stroke is of great importance to provide precise and individualized prevention and therapy.

Successive development of ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke in a patient with essential thrombocythemia: a case report

Patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) can experience hemorrhagic or ischemic vascular events. The prevention of these complications is challenging, and the overall risk of vascular events caused by ET is often overlooked. A 34-year-old man was admitted for a 10-day history of weakness and numbness in his right limbs. He had been diagnosed with ET in 2008 but had stopped receiving treatment half a year before admission. Physical examination showed a superficial sense of disturbance in the right limbs and decreased muscle strength in the right upper and lower limbs (4/5). His platelet count (459 × 109/L) was elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging showed acute watershed infarction, and he was treated successfully. However, he was readmitted for headache and left limb weakness 14 months later. A head computed tomography scan revealed spontaneous subdural hemorrhage. He underwent subdural hematoma removal and decompressive craniectomy. Surgery and pathological investigation revealed no venous sinus thrombosis or vascular malformation. His condition improved, and he exhibited a stable condition 1 year after discharge. Successive development of ischemic stroke and spontaneous subdural hemorrhage is rare in a patient with ET. This case suggests that ET is not only a risk factor for stroke but can also cause highly heterogeneous strokes.