What You Always Wanted to Know about Endovascular Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke but Never Dared to Ask: A Comprehensive Review

Network Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Traditional Chinese Exercise on Stroke Patients

Background

Stroke is a common cerebrovascular disease characterized by a high incidence rate, significant disability, frequent recurrence, and elevated mortality. Exercise plays a crucial role in stroke rehabilitation, yet the relationship between traditional Chinese exercise and stroke recovery remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of various conventional Chinese exercises through a systematic network meta-analysis and identify the most effective interventions for improving the rehabilitation outcomes of stroke patients.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and the China Science and Technology Journal Database (up to July 2024) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating traditional Chinese exercises for stroke patients. Trials were included if they utilized at least one form of traditional Chinese exercise. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (ROB 2.0). Data analysis was performed using Stata 17.0 and the Mvmeta package, employing a random-effects model.

Results

A total of 43 studies involving 2083 stroke patients were included. These studies assessed outcomes including upper limb motor function, lower limb motor function, overall motor ability, walking ability, balance ability, self-care ability, cognitive function, depression, quality of life, and sleep quality. Baduanjin, originating in the Song Dynasty and consisting of eight movements based on traditional Chinese medicine theories,was the most effective in improving upper limb motor function, overall motor ability, walking ability, self-care ability, cognitive function, quality of life, and sleep quality. Taiji, a practice integrating Chinese philosophy, martial arts, and wellness concepts, was the most effective in enhancing lower limb motor function. Wuqinxi, inspired by the dynamic movements of animals such as the tiger, deer, bear, apes, and birds, showed the best results for balance improvement. Liuzijue, a traditional exercise combining specific sound production, breathing, and movement, was most effective in alleviating depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that Baduanjin may be the most effective intervention for stroke rehabilitation. However, further high-quality RCTs are required to confirm these results.

The PROSPERO registration

CRD42024566780, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42024566780.

High incidence of acute and subacute ischaemic foci on brain MRI in patients with a diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism and confirmed patent foramen ovale

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and potentially life-threatening diagnosis when a certain amount of thrombotic mass obstructs blood flow through the pulmonary circulation. The finding of acute and subacute ischaemic foci on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain in a group of patients with this diagnosis in whom we demonstrate the presence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) by transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is surprisingly high.

METHODS

A total of 129 patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (confirmed by computed tomography with contrast agent, CTA) who consented to further examination were examined by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) with contrast agent, underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the brain according to a specific protocol, and underwent a comprehensive baseline laboratory examination.

RESULTS

In our group of 129 patients, we found the presence of PFO in 36.4% (n=47) of them. A total of 5.4% (n=7) patients had asymptomatic acute and subacute ischaemic changes on brain MRI; 6 of them had concomitant PFO. The statistically significant correlation between troponin levels and the presence of pathological findings on MRI and the trend of a similar correlation for NT-proBNP values is also very interesting finding.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between the presence of PFO and the occurrence of symptomatic or asymptomatic findings on brain MRI is a well-known fact (the issue of paradoxical embolism) but the high frequency of acute and subacute lesions on brain MRI in the group of patients with a diagnosis of acute PE is surprising.

Challenges and Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Neuroradiology

PURPOSE

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in medical research and is garnering increased attention in the public consciousness. This represents a critical time period in which medical researchers, healthcare providers, insurers, regulatory agencies, and patients are all developing and shaping their beliefs and policies regarding the use of AI in the healthcare sector. The successful deployment of AI will require support from all these groups. This commentary proposes that widespread support for medical AI must be driven by clear and transparent scientific reporting, beginning at the earliest stages of scientific research.

METHODS

A review of relevant guidelines and literature describing how scientific reporting plays a central role at key stages in the life cycle of an AI software product was conducted. To contextualize this principle within a specific medical domain, we discuss the current state of predictive tissue outcome modeling in acute ischemic stroke and the unique challenges presented therein.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Translating AI methods from the research to the clinical domain is complicated by challenges related to model design and validation studies, medical product regulations, and healthcare providers' reservations regarding AI's efficacy and affordability. However, each of these limitations is also an opportunity for high-impact research that will help to accelerate the clinical adoption of state-of-the-art medical AI. In all cases, establishing and adhering to appropriate reporting standards is an important responsibility that is shared by all of the parties involved in the life cycle of a prospective AI software product.