Acute brain infarction
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Summary
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These studies suggest that acute brain infarction is associated with various factors such as prior ischemic stroke, aggressive blood pressure lowering, and craniotomy, and can be detected and measured using advanced imaging techniques, while also being linked to severe outcomes like brain swelling and cognitive impairment.
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Acute Brain Infarction: Insights from Recent Research
Prevalence and Predictors of Acute Brain Infarction Post-Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Acute brain infarction is a notable complication following spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). A study utilizing diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) found that 22.9% of patients with spontaneous ICH exhibited acute brain infarcts. These infarcts were predominantly small, subcortical, and subclinical. Key predictors of DWI abnormalities included a history of ischemic stroke, significant mean arterial pressure (MAP) reduction, and craniotomy for ICH evacuation.
Remote Ischemic Perconditioning in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Remote ischemic perconditioning (RIP), a treatment involving cycles of blood flow restriction and reperfusion in the limbs, has been explored for its potential to reduce brain infarction volume in acute ischemic stroke patients. However, a clinical trial revealed that RIP did not significantly affect brain infarction volume growth within 24 hours post-symptom onset. Despite this, a slight improvement in clinical outcomes was observed, though not statistically significant.
Machine Learning in Early Infarction Detection
Early detection of infarcted brain tissue is crucial for the effective treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A machine learning (ML) approach has been developed to automatically detect and quantify infarction using non-contrast-enhanced CT scans. This method showed good agreement with diffusion-weighted MRI scans, suggesting its potential utility in clinical settings for early infarction detection.
Infarction Volume and Clinical Outcomes
The size of cerebral infarctions can significantly impact clinical outcomes. A study measuring infarction volumes via computed tomography (CT) found that the mean infarction volume decreased by 25% from 7-10 days to 3 months post-stroke. Infarction size correlated strongly with neurological examination scores, indicating that larger infarctions are associated with more severe clinical deficits.
Severe Brain Swelling and Mortality
Massive cerebral infarctions can lead to severe brain swelling, which is often fatal. A review of postmortem cases revealed that 78% of patients with severe brain swelling died within seven days of the infarction. The primary cause of death was transtentorial herniation and brain-stem edema or hemorrhage, underscoring the critical need for managing intracranial pressure in severe stroke cases.
Remote Cortical Thinning Post-Infarction
Acute ischemic infarcts can cause secondary degeneration in remote brain regions connected by fiber tracts. This phenomenon, known as remote cortical thinning, was observed in a study where cortical thickness and microstructural integrity of connecting fiber tracts were measured. The findings highlight the importance of considering secondary degeneration in post-stroke recovery and rehabilitation strategies.
Cerebral Infarction in Acute Anemia
Acute anemia, particularly following significant blood loss, can lead to cerebral infarction. A study of patients with acute anemia and cerebral infarction found that borderzone infarctions were common, likely due to reduced cerebral perfusion and oxygen-carrying capacity. This condition was exacerbated in patients with pre-existing intracranial stenosis.
Strategic Infarct Locations and Cognitive Impairment
Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is influenced by the location of brain infarcts. A large-scale analysis identified specific brain regions, such as the left frontotemporal lobes and thalamus, where infarcts are strongly predictive of PSCI. A location impact score derived from these findings can help predict PSCI risk, aiding in the management and rehabilitation of stroke patients.
Acute Infarction in Monocular Visual Loss
Patients experiencing monocular visual loss (MVL) of presumed ischemic origin may also have concurrent acute brain infarcts. This suggests that embolism to the retinal circulation could indicate a higher risk of embolism to the hemispheric circulation, necessitating thorough evaluation and monitoring in MVL patients.
Infarction Associated with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Cerebral infarction can occur as a complication of acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Although rare, early infarction associated with SAH is linked to severe outcomes, including higher mortality and disability rates. Factors such as global cerebral edema and coma at presentation are associated with this complication, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring and management in SAH patients.
Conclusion
Acute brain infarction presents various challenges and complications, influenced by factors such as prior medical history, treatment interventions, and infarct location. Advances in imaging techniques and machine learning offer promising tools for early detection and management. Understanding the predictors and consequences of acute brain infarction is crucial for improving patient outcomes and guiding effective treatment strategies.
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