Prognostic value of intracranial pressure monitoring for the management of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage following minimally invasive surgery

BACKGROUND:The incidence of hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage(HICH)has been increasing during the recent years in low-and middle-income countries.With high mortality and morbidity rates,it brings huge burden to the families.It lacks evidence regarding the application of intracranial pressure(ICP)monitoring in HICH.In the current study,the authors aimed to evaluate whether ICP monitoring could make any difference on the prognosis of HICH patients after minimally invasive surgery.METHODS:A retrospective review of 116 HICH patients admitted to the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine,between 2014 and 2016,was performed.The effects of ICP monitoring on 6-month mortality and favorable outcomes were evaluated by univariate and logistic regression analysis.RESULTS:ICP monitors were inserted into 50 patients.Patients with ICP monitoring had a significantly better outcome(P<0.05).The average in-hospital duration in patients with ICP monitoring was shorter than that in the patients without ICP monitoring(16.68 days vs.20.47 days,P<0.05).Mortality rates between ICP monitoring and no ICP monitoring did not differ significantly(16.0%vs.15.1%,P=0.901).On univariate analysis,age,Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS)on admission and presence of ICP monitor were independent predictors of 6-month favorable outcomes.CONCLUSION:ICP monitoring is associated with a better 6-month functional outcome compared with no ICP monitoring.Future study is still needed to confirm our results and elucidate which subgroup of HICH patients will benefit most from the minimally invasive surgical intervention and ICP monitoring.

Effect of minimally invasive intracranial hematoma drainage on inflammatory factors, serum ferritin and serum P substance in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage

Objective:To study the effect of minimally invasive intracranial hematoma drainage on inflammatory factors, serum ferritin and serum P substance in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.Methods:92 cases of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage patients in our hospital were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups: minimally invasive group (51 cases) and routine group (41 cases). Minimally invasive intracranial hematoma drainage was performed on the minimally invasive group. Bone flap decompression or small bone window craniotomy were used in the routine group. Tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), high sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP) and serum protein (SF), serum substance P (SP) in the 2 groups were detected before treatment and 2 weeks after treatment.Results: The comparison of TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP, SP, and SF in the two groups before treatment was not statistically significant (P>0.05). TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP and SF in both groups after treatment significantly decreased, compared with that before treatment (P<0.01,P<0.05). TNF-α, IL-6, and SF in minimally invasive group decreased more significantly than that in routine group (P<0.01);The comparison of SP in the two groups after treatment significantly increased compared with that before treatment (P<0.01,P<0.05). SP in minimally invasive group increased more significantly than that in routine group (P<0.05).Conclusions:Compared with bone flap decompression or small bone window craniotomy, minimally invasive intracranial hematoma drainage can inhibit inflammatory reaction, reduce the degree of nerve damage and alleviate clinical symptoms more effectively.

TCD value for evaluating the intracranial hypertension and nerve injury in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage

Objective: To evaluate the assessment of intracranial hypertension and nerve injury in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage by transcranial Doppler (TCD). Methods: The patients who were hospitalized for hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage between August 2014 and February 2017 were selected as the cerebral hemorrhage group and healthy subjects who received physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group;TCD was used to determine the PI of affected-side and unaffected-side middle cerebral artery in cerebral hemorrhage group and lumbar puncture was done to measure intracranial pressure. The serum was collected from the two groups to detect the levels of inflammatory cytokines and nerve injury markers. Results: PI level in affected-side middle cerebral artery of cerebral hemorrhage group was significantly higher than that in the unaffected-side and positively correlated with intracranial pressure level;serum IL-1β, TNF-α, ICAM-1, MMP9, YKL-40, Asp, Glu, NPY, NSE and GFAP levels of cerebral hemorrhage group were significantly higher than those of control group, and serum IL-1β, TNF-α, ICAM-1, MMP9, YKL-40, Asp, Glu, NPY, NSE and GFAP levels of cerebral hemorrhage group of patients with high PI level were significantly higher than those of cerebral hemorrhage group of patients with low PI level. Conclusion: TCD parameters can evaluate the degree of intracranial pressure increase and nerve injury in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.

Therapeutic effect of minimally invasive intracranial hematoma evacuation in the treatment of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage and TCD evaluation

Objective:To explore the therapeutic effect of minimally invasive intracranial hematoma evacuation in the treatment of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage and the value of dynamic TCD monitoring in predicting the neurological function recovery.Methods: A total of 70 patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage who were admitted in our hospital were included in the study and divided into the minimally invasive group and conservative group with 35 cases in each group according to different treatment protocols. The patients in the two groups were given drug conservative treatments. On this basis, the patients in the minimally invasive group were given urokinase in combined with minimally invasive hematoma puncture with YL-1 type needle. TCD was performed before treatment, 1 d, 5 d, 10 d, and 21 d after treatment. The hematoma and edema volume was calculated. NIHSS was used to evaluate the neurological function recovery.Results: Vs, Vd, and Vm after treatment in the minimally invasive group were significantly elevated, while PI was significantly reduced. Vs, Vd, and Vm after treatment in the conservative group were reduced first and elevated later, while PI was elevated first and reduced later, and reached the lowest/peak 10d after treatment. Vs, Vd, and Vm 5 d, 10 d, and 21 d after treatment in the minimally invasive group were significantly higher than those in the conservative group, while PI was significantly lower than that in the conservative group. The hematoma and edema volume after treatment in the two groups was significantly reduced. The hematoma and edema volume at each timing point was significantly lower than that in the conservative group. NIHSS score after treatment in the minimally invasive group was significantly reduced. NIHSS score in the conservative group was elevated first and reduced later, reached the peak 10d after treatment, and at each timing point was higher than that in the minimally invasive group.Conclusions:The early minimally invasive operation can significantly improve the hematoma adjacent blood flow volume in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage, and contribute to the neurological function recovery. TCD not only can be applied in the dynamic monitoring of cerebral blood flow volume in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage, but also has a certain value in evaluating the prognosis of neurological function.

Effect of urokinase in combined with minimally invasive intracranial hematoma evacuation on serum ferritin, serum P substance, inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial function in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage

Objective: To investigate the effects of minimally invasive evacuation of intracranial hematoma on serum SP, SF, vascular endothelial function and inflammatory factors of patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods: According to random data table method, a total of 120 patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage from September 2016 to May 2017 were divided into observation group and the control group, 60 cases in each group. The control group was treated with conventional treatment;on the basis of conventional treatment, the observation group underwent minimally invasive evacuation of intracranial hematoma. The levels of serum SF, SP, vascular endothelial function and inflammatory factors changes were compared between the two groups before and after the treatment. Results: Before treatment, the levels of serum SP, SF, NO, ET-1, hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α in the two groups were not statistically significant. The levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, SF, ET-1 after treatment in two groups were significantly lower than those in the same group before treatment, and the observation group levels were significantly lower than those in the control group;the levels of SP, NO in the two groups after treatment were significantly higher than before treatment, and the observation group was higher than that the control group with significant difference. Conclusion: The minimally invasive intracranial hematoma evacuation for patients with HICH can effectively improve the levels of SP, SF, inflammatory factors and vascular endothelial function, which is helpful to relieve cerebral edema and lower intracranial pressure, and improve the quality of treatment.

Advancements and challenges in neuroimaging for the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms:Addressing false positive diagnoses and emerging techniques

Despite advancements in neuroimaging,false positive diagnoses of intracranial aneurysms remain a significant concern.This article examines the causes,prevalence,and implications of such false-positive diagnoses.We discuss how conditions like arterial occlusion with vascular stump formation and infundibular widening can mimic aneurysms,particularly in the anterior circulation.The article compares various imaging modalities,including computer tomography angiogram,magnetic resonance imaging/angiography,and digital subtraction angiogram,highlighting their strengths and limitations.We emphasize the im-portance of accurate differentiation to avoid unnecessary surgical interventions.The potential of emerging technologies,such as high-resolution vessel wall ima-ging and deep neural networks for automated detection,is explored as promising avenues for improving diagnostic accuracy.This manuscript underscores the need for continued research and clinical vigilance in the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysms.

Relationship between longitudinal changes in lipid composition and ischemic stroke among hypertensive patients

BACKGROUND Dyslipidemia was strongly linked to stroke,however the relationship between dyslipidemia and its components and ischemic stroke remained unexplained.AIM To investigate the link between longitudinal changes in lipid profiles and dyslipidemia and ischemic stroke in a hypertensive population.METHODS Between 2013 and 2014,6094 hypertension individuals were included in this,and ischemic stroke cases were documented to the end of 2018.Longitudinal changes of lipid were stratified into four groups:(1)Normal was transformed into normal group;(2)Abnormal was transformed into normal group;(3)Normal was transformed into abnormal group;and(4)Abnormal was transformed into abnormal group.To examine the link between longitudinal changes in dyslipidemia along with its components and the risk of ischemic stroke,we utilized multivariate Cox proportional hazards models with hazard ratio(HR)and 95%CI.RESULTS The average age of the participants was 62.32 years±13.00 years,with 329 women making up 54.0%of the sample.Over the course of a mean follow-up of 4.8 years,143 ischemic strokes happened.When normal was transformed into normal group was used as a reference,after full adjustments,the HR for dyslipidemia and ischemic stroke among abnormal was transformed into normal group,normal was transformed into abnormal group and abnormal was transformed into abnormal Wei CC et al.Dyslipidemia changed and ischemic stroke WJCC https://www.wjgnet.com 2 February 6,2025 Volume 13 Issue 4 group were 1.089(95%CI:0.598-1.982;P=0.779),2.369(95%CI:1.424-3.941;P<0.001)and 1.448(95%CI:1.002-2.298;P=0.047)(P for trend was 0.233),respectively.CONCLUSION In individuals with hypertension,longitudinal shifts from normal to abnormal in dyslipidemia-particularly in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-were significantly associated with the risk of ischemic stroke.

Optimizing clinical decision-making for ruptured intracranial aneurysms:Current applications and future directions of computed tomography angiography

Ruptured intracranial aneurysms(RIAs)are a leading cause of subarachnoid haemorrhage(SAH)and are associated with a poor prognosis and high mortality rate.Computed tomography angiography(CTA)is the preferred imaging moda-lity for the diagnosis of RIAs,as it is considered to be a fast,economical,and less invasive method.In this letter,regarding an original study presented by Elmo-kadem et al,we present our insights and discuss how CTA can better assist in clinical decision-making for patients with RIAs complicated by SAH.

Intracranial arterial stenosis in young adults:risk factors,diagnosis and treatment

Intracranial artery stenosis(ICAS)in youth is an under-explored condition.ICAS is one of the leading causes of stroke in young people worldwide and confers a higher risk of stroke recurrence,leading to a poor prognosis for individuals and a great burden to society.The etiology and risk factors of ICAS in youth differ from those of older patients,thus resulting in a difference in the progression and prognosis of the disease.Even though the diagnosis of ICAS is lumen-based,it is sometimes difficult to identify in young patients based on imaging alone.Notably,novel vessel wall imaging techniques play an important role in determining the cause of stenosis and screening patients at high risk of recurrence.Moreover,pharmacologic regimens and risk factor control goals for ICAS in young adults are largely consistent with those in older patients.Thus,considering the poor prognosis,there is an urgent need for high-quality studies in the young ICAS population to analyze the high-quality observational data collected.

Early antiplatelet therapy used for acute ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage

In this editorial we comment on the article published by Zhang et al in the recent issue of World Journal of Clinical Cases.We evaluate their claims on the benefit of use of Aspirin in the early management of patients with ischemic stroke.We also comment on their contention of using aspirin in the early management of patients with intracranial hemorrhage,a practice not seen in modern medicine.Large clinical trials such as the International Stroke Trial and the Chinese Acute Stroke Trial have shown the benefit of Aspirin use within 48 h of patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.The findings were corroborated in the open-label trial performed by Zhang et al in a smaller sample group of 25 patients where they showed improvement in functional scores at 90 days without an increase in adverse events.As such,this intervention is also recommended by the American Heart Association stroke guidelines from 2021.With regard to Intracranial hemorrhage,traditional practice has been to discontinue or avoid antiplatelet therapy in these patient groups.However,no studies have been done to evaluate this management strategy that is more borne out of the mechanism behind Aspirin’s effect on the coagulation pathway.Zhang et al evaluate the benefits of Aspirin on patients with low-volume intracranial hemorrhage,i.e.,less than 30 mL on computed tomo-graphy imaging,and show no increase in mortality.The caveat of this finding is that all outcomes were pooled into one group for results,and the number of patients was low.While more studies with larger patient groups are required,the data from Zhang et al suggests that patients with small-volume intracranial hemorrhages may benefit from Aspirin administration in the acute phase of management.

Knowledge domain and emerging trends in the rupture risk of intracranial aneurysms research from 2004 to 2023

BACKGROUND Intracranial aneurysms(IAs)pose significant health risks,attributable to their potential for sudden rupture,which can result in severe outcomes such as stroke and death.Despite extensive research,the variability of aneurysm behavior,with some remaining stable for years while others rupture unexpectedly,remains poorly understood.AIM To employ bibliometric analysis to map the research landscape concerning risk factors associated with IAs rupture.METHODS A systematic literature review of publications from 2004 to 2023 was conducted,analyzing 3804 documents from the Web of Science Core Collection database,with a focus on full-text articles and reviews in English.The analysis encompassed citation and co-citation networks,keyword bursts,and temporal trends to delineate the evolution of research themes and collaboration patterns.Advanced software tools,CiteSpace and VOSviewer,were utilized for comprehensive data visualization and trend analysis.RESULTS Analysis uncovered a total of 3804 publications on IA rupture risk factors between 2006 and 2023.Research interest surged after 2013,peaking in 2023.The United States led with 28.97%of publications,garnering 37706 citations.Notable United States-China collaborations were observed.Capital Medical University produced 184 publications,while Utrecht University boasted a citation average of 69.62 per publication.“World Neurosurgery”published the most papers,contrasting with“Stroke”,the most cited journal.The PHASES score from“Lancet Neurology”emerged as a vital rupture risk prediction tool.Early research favored endovascular therapy,transitioning to magnetic resonance imaging and flow diverters.CONCLUSION This study assesses global IA research trends and highlights crucial gaps,guiding future investigations to improve preventive and therapeutic approaches.

Cerebral arterial blood flow,attention,and executive and cognitive functions in depressed patients after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND Intracerebral hemorrhage mainly occurs in middle-aged and elderly patients with hypertension,and surgery is currently the main treatment for hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage,but the bleeding caused by surgery will cause damage to the patient's nerve cells,resulting in cognitive and motor dysfunction,resulting in a decline in the patient's quality of life.AIM To investigate associations between cerebral arterial blood flow and executive and cognitive functions in depressed patients after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage.METHODS Eighty-nine patients with depression after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage who were admitted to our hospital between January 2019 and July 2021 were selected as the observation group,while 100 patients without depression who had acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage were selected as the control group.The attention span of the patients was assessed using the Paddle Pin Test while executive function was assessed using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test(WCST)and cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale(MoCA).The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD-24)was used to evaluate the severity of depression of involved patients.Cerebral arterial blood flow was measured in both groups.RESULTS The MoCA score,net scores I,II,III,IV,and the total net score of the scratch test in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Concurrently,the total number of responses,number of incorrect responses,number of persistent errors,and number of completed responses of the first classification in the WCST test were significantly higher in the observation group than those in the control group(P<0.05).Blood flow in the basilar artery,left middle cerebral artery,right middle cerebral artery,left anterior cerebral artery,and right anterior cerebral artery was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).The basilar artery,left middle cerebral artery,right middle cerebral artery,left anterior cerebral artery,and right anterior cerebral artery were positively correlated with the net and total net scores of each part of the Paddle Pin test and the MoCA score(P<0.05),and negatively correlated with each part of the WCST test(P<0.05).In the observation group,the post-treatment improvement was more prominent in the Paddle Pin test,WCST test,HAMD-24 score,and MoCA score compared with those in the pre-treatment period(P<0.05).Blood flow in the basilar artery,left middle cerebral artery,right middle cerebral artery,left anterior cerebral artery,and right anterior cerebral artery significantly improved in the observation group after treatment(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Impaired attention,and executive and cognitive functions are correlated with cerebral artery blood flow in patients with depression after acute hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage and warrant further study.

Intracranial hypertension as the primary symptom of malignant melanoma:A case report

BACKGROUND The etiological diagnosis of intracranial hypertension is quite complicated but important in clinical practice.Some common causes are craniocerebral injury,intracranial space-occupying lesion,subarachnoid hemorrhage,and hydrocephalus.When a patient presents with intracranial hypertension,the common causes are to be considered first so that other causes would be dismissed.With the morbidity lower than 9%,neuromelanin is very rare.Common symp-toms include nerve damage symptoms,epilepsy,psychiatric symptoms,and cognitive disorders.CASE SUMMARY We present a patient with melanoma which manifested with isolated intracranial hypertension without any other neurological signs.A 22-year-old male had repeated nausea and vomiting for 2 mo with Babinski sign(+)on both sides,nuchal rigidity,and subarachnoid hemorrhage.He had been diagnosed with melanoma and was given surgery and whole-brain radiation.Ultimately,the patient died 2 mo later.CONCLUSION Malignant melanoma should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of intracranial hypertension.

Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Is Associated with Depression Regardless of Weight: A Controlled Study

Research Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a common disease among obese women during their childbearing years, and it could be associated with depression. It is unclear whether obesity contributes also to depression among these patients. Research Objective: To evaluate patients with IIH for the existence of depression using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) questionnaire score, compared to age- and BMI-matched healthy control group. Methods: Controlled IIH patients were prospectively recruited from the neuro-ophthalmology clinic at Tzafon Medical Center, Poria. Following consent, patients were interviewed and answered the HAM-D questionnaire. A healthy age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched participants from the same population (control group), were also recruited and interviewed by the same investigator answering the same questionnaire. Demographics and BMI were documented in both groups. HAM-D score of >10 is significantly associated with depression. Results: Thirty-two and 28 from the patients and control group, respectively, had completed the study. Mean age was 28.6 ± 7.51 and 32.467 ± 8.22 years of both patient and control groups, respectively (P = 0.07). Mean BMI was 32.8 ± 6.87 and 32.1 ± 3.78 respectively (P = 0.621). The IIH group’s mean HAM-D scores was 11.62 ± 8.2 as compared to 3.179 ± 2.407 in the control group (P = 0.000). The most significant differences included the questionnaire items of insomnia initial, work and activities, somatic general and somatic symptoms general. Conclusion: IIH patients had significantly higher HAM-D scores compared to the control group. This score seems to be irrelevant to the weight of the patient. Psychological support in addition to the conventional treatment of IIH, is needed to improve the quality of life of these patients.

Piezo1 as a potential player in intracranial hemorrhage:From perspectives on biomechanics and hematoma metabolism

Intracranial hemorrhage(ICH)causes numerous neurological deficits and deaths worldwide each year,leaving a significant health burden on the public.The pathophysiology of ICH is complicated and involves both primary and secondary injuries.Hematoma,as the primary pathology of ICH,undergoes metabolism and triggers biochemical and biomechanical alterations in the brain,leading to the secondary injury.Past endeavors mainly aimed at biochemical-initiated mechanisms for causing secondary injury,which have made limited progress in recent years,although ICH itself is also highly biomechanics-related.The discovery of the mechanically-activated cation channel Piezo1 provides a new avenue to further explore the mechanisms underlying the secondary injury.The current article reviews the structure and gating mechanisms of Piezo1,its roles in the physiology/pathophysiology of neurons,astrocytes,microglia,and bone-marrow-derived macrophages,and especially its roles in erythrocytic turnover and iron metabolism,revealing a potential interplay between the biomechanics and biochemistry of hematoma in ICH.Collectively,these advances provide deeper insights into the secondary injury of ICH and lay the foundations for future research.

Underlying anti-hypertensive mechanism of the Mizuhopecten yessoensis derived peptide NCW in spontaneously hypertensive rats via widely targeted kidney metabolomics

The angiotensin-converting enzyme(ACE)inhibitory peptide NCW derived from Mizuhopecten yessoensis has been demonstrated to have significant in vivo anti-hypertensive effects,however,its anti-hypertensive mechanism is still not fully clarified.This study established a UPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS-based widely targeted kidney metabolomics approach to explore the changes of kidney metabolic profiles and to clarify the antihypertensive mechanism of peptide NCW in spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHRs).Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that the kidney metabolic profiles were clearly separated between the SHR-NCW and SHRUntreated groups.A total of 85 metabolites were differentially regulated,and 16 metabolites were identified as potential kidney biomarkers,e.g.,3-hydroxybutyrate,malonic acid,deoxycytidine,and L-aspartic acid.The peptide NCW might regulate kidney metabolic disorder of SHRs to alleviate hypertension by suppressing inflammation and improving nitric oxide production under the regulation of linoleic acid metabolism,folate related pathways,synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies,pyrimidine metabolism,β-alanine metabolism,and retinal metabolism.

Drug-coated balloon angioplasty for the treatment of intracranial arterial stenosis in a young stroke patient:A case report

BACKGROUND Intracranial arterial narrowing is a significant factor leading to brief episodes of reduced blood flow to the brain,known as transient ischemic attacks,or fullblown strokes.While atherosclerosis is commonly associated with intracranial arterial narrowing,it is frequently of a non-atherosclerotic nature in younger patients.CASE SUMMARY Here,we present the case of a young stroke patient with narrowing of the middle cerebral artery(MCA),characterized as non-atherosclerotic lesions,who experienced an ischemic stroke despite receiving standard drug therapy.The patient underwent digital subtraction angiography(DSA)to assess the entire network of blood vessels in the brain,revealing significant narrowing(approximately 80%)in the M1 segment of the right MCA.Subsequently,the patient underwent Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty to treat the stenosis in the right MCA's M1 segment.Follow-up DSA confirmed the resolution of stenosis in this segment.Although the remaining branches showed satisfactory blood flow,the vessel wall exhibited irregularities.A review of DSA conducted six months later showed no evident stenosis in the right MCA,with a smooth vessel wall.CONCLUSION The use of drug-coated balloon angioplasty demonstrated favorable outcomes in repairing and reshaping the blood vessel wall in young patients.Therefore,it may be considered a promising treatment option for similar cases.

Investigating the relationship between intracranial atherosclerotic plaque remodelling and diabetes using high-resolution vessel wall imaging

BACKGROUND Intracranial atherosclerosis,a leading cause of stroke,involves arterial plaque formation.This study explores the link between plaque remodelling patterns and diabetes using high-resolution vessel wall imaging(HR-VWI).AIM To investigate the factors of intracranial atherosclerotic remodelling patterns and the relationship between intracranial atherosclerotic remodelling and diabetes mellitus using HR-VWI.METHODS Ninety-four patients diagnosed with middle cerebral artery or basilar artery INTRODUCTION Intracranial atherosclerotic disease is one of the main causes of ischaemic stroke in the world,accounting for approx-imately 10%of transient ischaemic attacks and 30%-50%of ischaemic strokes[1].It is the most common factor among Asian people[2].The adaptive changes in the structure and function of blood vessels that can adapt to changes in the internal and external environment are called vascular remodelling,which is a common and important pathological mechanism in atherosclerotic diseases,and the remodelling mode of atherosclerotic plaques is closely related to the occurrence of stroke.Positive remodelling(PR)is an outwards compensatory remodelling where the arterial wall grows outwards in an attempt to maintain a constant lumen diameter.For a long time,it was believed that the degree of stenosis can accurately reflect the risk of ischaemic stroke[3-5].Previous studies have revealed that lesions without significant luminal stenosis can also lead to acute events[6,7],as summarized in a recent meta-analysis study in which approximately 50%of acute/subacute ischaemic events were due to this type of lesion[6].Research[8,9]has pointed out that the PR of plaques is more dangerous and more likely to cause acute ischaemic stroke.Previous studies[10-13]have found that there are specific vascular remodelling phenomena in the coronary and carotid arteries of diabetic patients.However,due to the deep location and small lumen of intracranial arteries and limitations of imaging techniques,the relationship between intracranial arterial remodelling and diabetes is still unclear.In recent years,with the development of magnetic resonance technology and the emergence of high-resolution(HR)vascular wall imaging,a clear and multidimensional display of the intracranial vascular wall has been achieved.Therefore,in this study,HR wall imaging(HR-VWI)was used to display the remodelling characteristics of bilateral middle cerebral arteries and basilar arteries and to explore the factors of intracranial vascular remodelling and its relationship with diabetes.

Relationship between intracranial pressure and neurocognitive function among older adults after radical resection of rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Older patients are prone to postoperative cognitive decline after laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery,which may be associated with increased intraoperative intracranial pressure(ICP).This study investigated the correlation between intra-operative ICP changes,as indicated by measurements of the optic nerve sheath diameter(ONSD)using ultrasonography,and subsequent cognitive function to provide better patient care.AIM To evaluate changes in ICP and associated postoperative neurocognition in older adults after laparoscopic radical resection for rectal cancer.METHODS We included 140 patients who visited the Mianyang Central Hospital for malig-nant rectal tumors,measured their ONSDs before surgery and 30 and 60 minutes after the Trendelenburg position during surgery,and evaluated the patients’cog-nitive function 1 day before surgery and 1,4,and 7 days after surgery.The Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)and confusion assessment method(CAM)scores of the patients with different ONSDs were compared at different times after surgery.RESULTS In patients with an ONSD greater than 5.00 mm(group A1),the MMSE scores at 1 day and 4 days after surgery were significantly lower than those of patients with an ONSD less than or equal to 4.00 mm(group A2)(P<0.05).The CAM scores of group A1 were significantly higher than those of group A2(P<0.05).The MMSE scores of group A1 on days 1 and 4 after surgery were significantly lower than those 1 day before and 7 days after surgery(P<0.05),while the CAM scores 1 day and 4 days after surgery were significantly higher than those 1 day before and 7 days after surgery.CONCLUSION Decline in cognitive function among older adults after the procedure may be related to intracranial hypertension during surgery.

Spectra of intracranial diseases in Chinese military pilots(cadets)unqualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft

BACKGROUND With very high mortality and disability rates,cerebrovascular diseases and intracranial tumors severely threaten the health and fighting strength of flying personnel,requiring great concern and intensive screening in clinic,early warning in an early and accurate manner and early intervention of diseases possibly resulting in inflight incapacitation are key emphases of aeromedical support in clinic.AIM To probe into the spectra of intracranial diseases,flight factors and medical imaging characteristics of military pilots(cadets)in the physical examination for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft,thus rendering theoretical references for clinical aeromedical support of pilots.METHODS A total of 554 military pilots(cadets)undergoing physical examination for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft from December 2020 to April 2024 in a military medical center were enrolled in this study.Then,a retrospective study was carried out on intracranial disease spectra and head magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)data of 36 pilots(cadets)who were unqualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft.Besides,a descriptive statistical analysis was conducted on the clinical data,age,fighter type and head MRI data of such pilots(cadets).RESULTS Abnormal head images were found in 36 out of 554 pilots(cadets)participating in the physical examination for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft,including arachnoid cyst in 17(3.1%)military pilots(cadets),suspected very small aneurysm in 11(2.0%),cavernous hemangioma in 4(0.7%),vascular malformation in 2(0.4%),and pituitary tumor in 3(0.5%,one of which developed cavernous hemangioma simultaneously).Among the 17 pilots(cadets)with arachnoid cyst,4 were identified as unqualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft because the marginal brain tissues were compressed by the cyst>6 cm in length and diameter.The 11 pilots(cadets)with suspected very small aneurysms identified by 3.0T MRI consisted of 6 diagnosed with conus arteriosus by digital subtraction angiography and qualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft,and 5 identified as very small intracranial aneurysms with diameter<3 mm and unqualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft.No symptoms and signs were observed in the 4 military pilots(cadets)with cavernous hemangioma,and the results of MRI revealed bleeding.The 1 of the 4 had the lesion located in pons and developed Rathke cyst in pituitary gland at the same time,and unqualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft.The 2 of the 4 were unqualified for flying,and 2 transferred to air combat service division.The 2 pilots(cadets)with vascular malformation were identified as unqualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft.Among the 3 pilots(cadets)with pituitary tumor,one pilot cadet was identified as unqualified for flying since the tumor compressed the optic chiasma,one had cavernous hemangioma in pons in the meantime and transferred to air combat service division,and one was diagnosed with nonfunctional microadenoma and qualified for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft.CONCLUSION High-resolution head MRI examination is of great significance for screening and detecting cerebrovascular diseases and intracranial tumors in military flying personnel,and attention should be paid to its clinical application to physical examination for transfer to pilot modified high performance aircraft.