BACKGROUND: The prospective study assessed infarct growth rate (IGR) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO) after recanalization in early time window. Early IGR (EIGR) and late IGR (LIGR) were correlated with imaging and clinical data; we searched for outcome predictors. METHODS: We included 71 consecutive patients. Subjects underwent computed tomography perfusion (CTP) for ischemic core volume assessment at 99.0 minutes (median) from stroke onset, recanalization was performed at 78.0 minutes (median) from CTP. Final infarct volume (FIV) was measured on 24±2 hours imaging follow-up. EIGR was calculated as the core volume/time between stroke onset and CTP; LIGR was calculated as FIV/time between CTP and imaging follow-up. Twenty-two subjects were assessed as poor outcome, 49 as good outcome. Group differences were tested by Mann-Whitney test and χ2 test. Bayesian logistic regression models were used to predict clinical outcome, Pearson correlations for the log-transformed predictors. RESULTS: Subjects with poor outcome were older, median age 78.0 [interquartile range (IQR): 71.8, 83.8] versus 68.0 (IQR: 57.0, 73.0) years; 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.00 to 16.00; P<0.001. Their stroke severity scale was higher, median 19.0 (IQR: 16.0, 20.0) versus 15.5 (IQR: 10.8, 18.0); 95% CI: 1.00 to 6.00; P<0.001. They had higher EIGR, median 23.9 (IQR: 6.4, 104.0) versus 6.7 (IQR: 1.7, 13.0) mL/h; 95% CI: 3.26 to 53.68; P=0.002; and larger core, median 52.5 (IQR: 13.1, 148.5) versus 10.0 (IQR: 1.4, 20.0) mL; 95% CI: 11.00 to 81.00; P<0.001. In subjects with poor outcome, infarct growth continued after thrombectomy with LIGR 2.0 (IQR: 1.2, 9.7) versus 0.3 (IQR: 0.0, 0.7) mL/h; 95% CI: 1.10 to 6.10; P<0.001; resulting in larger FIV, median 186.5 (IQR: 49.3, 280.8) versus 18.5 (IQR: 8.0, 34.0) mL; 95% CI: 55.30 to 214.00; P<0.001. Strong correlations among predictors were found e.g., core and EIGR (r=0.942), LIGR and FIV (r=0.779), core and FIV (r=0.761). Clinical outcome was best predicted using data from later measurements as FIV and LIGR. CONCLUSIONS: Data from later measurements were more predictive, there was no major benefit to use growth over volume data.

• Klíčová slova
• Computed tomography perfusion (CTP), core, infarction, progressors,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Intermediate-high risk acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains associated with substantial mortality despite anticoagulation therapy. AIMS: The aim of this randomised pilot study was to compare catheter-directed thrombolysis to standard anticoagulation therapy. METHODS: Intermediate-high risk acute PE patients were admitted to a tertiary care centre (November 2019 to April 2021) and randomised in a 1:1 ratio to catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) or standard anticoagulation. Two catheters were used for the infusion of alteplase (1 mg/hr/catheter; total dose 20 mg) in the CDT group. The primary efficacy endpoint targeted improvement of right ventricular (RV) function, a decrease in pulmonary pressure, and a reduction of thrombus burden. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were included (12 in the CDT group and 11 in the standard care group). The primary efficacy endpoint was achieved more frequently in the CDT group than in the standard care group (7 of 12 patients vs 1 of 11 patients, p=0.0004). An RV/left ventricular ratio reduction ≥25% (evident on computed tomography angiography) was achieved in 7 of 12 patients in the CDT group vs 2 of 11 patients in the standard care group (p=0.03). A systolic pulmonary artery pressure decrease of ≥30% or normotension at 24 hrs after randomisation was present in 10 of 12 patients in the CDT group vs 2 of 11 patients in the standard care group (p=0.001). There was no intracranial or life-threatening bleeding (type 5 or 3c bleeding, according to the Bleeding Academic Research Consortium classification). CONCLUSIONS: CDT for intermediate-high risk acute PE appears to be safe and effective. Further research is warranted to assess clinical endpoints.

• MeSH
• akutní nemoc MeSH
• antikoagulancia terapeutické užití   MeSH
• fibrinolytika terapeutické užití   MeSH
• katétry MeSH
• krvácení chemicky indukované   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• pilotní projekty MeSH
• plicní embolie * terapie   MeSH
• tkáňový aktivátor plazminogenu * terapeutické užití   MeSH
• trombolytická terapie metody   MeSH
• výsledek terapie MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• randomizované kontrolované studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antikoagulancia MeSH
• fibrinolytika MeSH
• tkáňový aktivátor plazminogenu * MeSH

CT perfusion (CTP) is used for the evaluation of brain tissue viability in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We studied the accuracy of three different syngo.via software (SW) settings for acute ischemic core estimation in predicting the final infarct volume (FIV). The ischemic core was defined as follows: Setting A: an area with cerebral blood flow (CBF) < 30% compared to the contralateral healthy hemisphere. Setting B: CBF < 20% compared to contralateral hemisphere. Setting C: area of cerebral blood volume (CBV) < 1.2 mL/100 mL. We studied 47 AIS patients (aged 68 ± 11.2 years) with large vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation, treated in the early time window (up to 6 h), who underwent technically successful endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). FIV was measured on MRI performed 24 ± 2 h after EVT. In general, all three settings correlated with each other; however, the absolute agreement between acute ischemic core volume on CTP and FIV on MRI was poor; intraclass correlation for all three settings was between 0.64 and 0.69, root mean square error of the individual observations was between 58.9 and 66.0. Our results suggest that using CTP syngo.via SW for prediction of FIV in AIS patients in the early time window is not appropriate.

• Klíčová slova
• endovascular thrombectomy, magnetic resonance imaging, penumbra, stroke imaging, syngo.via,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The absolute majority of strokes in high-income countries, roughly 91%, are of ischemic origin. This review is focused on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO) in the anterior circulation, which is considered the most devastating subtype of AIS. Moreover, stroke survivors impose substantial direct and indirect costs of care as well as costs due to productivity loss. We review of diagnostic possibilities of individual imaging methods such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and discuss their pros and cons in the imaging of AIS. The goals of non-invasive imaging in AIS are as follows: (a) to rule out intracranial hemorrhage and to quickly exclude hemorrhagic stroke and contraindications for intravenous thrombolysis; (b) to identify potential LVO and its localization and to quickly provide guidance for endovascular treatment; (c) to assess/estimate the volume or size of the ischemic core. We suggest fast diagnostic management, which is able to quickly satisfy the above-mentioned diagnostic goals in AIS with LVO.

• Klíčová slova
• CT, MRI, large vessel occlusion, thrombectomy,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

We herein present a case study of a patient with heart failure with a preserved ejection fraction and severe symptoms who underwent interatrial shunt device implantation and follow-up at a tertiary care heart failure clinic. The interatrial shunt device implantation was successful. No adverse events occurred, and the device prevented hospitalization for heart failure during long-term follow-up.

• Klíčová slova
• Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, adverse outcomes, case report, hospitalization for heart failure, interatrial shunt device, long-term follow-up,
• MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• následné studie MeSH
• srdeční katetrizace MeSH
• srdeční selhání * chirurgie   MeSH
• srdeční síně * chirurgie   MeSH
• tepový objem MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) is vital for safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We aimed to determine the accuracy of fully automated CT analysis of aortic root anatomy before TAVI by Philips HeartNavigator software. This prospective, academic, single-centre study enrolled 128 consecutive patients with native aortic valve stenosis considered for TAVI. Automated HeartNavigator software was compared to the standard manual CT analysis by experienced operators using FluoroCT software. The sizing of the aortic annulus by perimeter and area significantly differed between both methods: mean perimeter was 76.43 mm vs. 77.52 mm (P < 0.0001) using manual FluoroCT vs. automated HeartNavigator software; mean area was 465 mm2 vs. 476 mm2 (P < 0.0001). Interindividual variability testing revealed mean differences between the two operators were 1.21 mm for the aortic annulus perimeter and 9 mm2 for the aortic annulus area. The hypothetical self-expandable transcatheter prosthesis sizing resulted in 80% agreement in 80% of cases. The time required to perform the automated CT analysis was significantly shorter than the time required for manual analysis (mean 17.8 min vs. 2.1 min, P < 0.0001). Philips HeartNavigator fully automated software for pre-TAVI CT analysis is a promising technology. Differences detected in aortic annulus dimensions are small and similar to the variability of manual CT analysis. Automated prediction of optimal fluoroscopic viewing angles is accurate. Correct transcatheter prosthesis sizing requires clinical oversight.

• Klíčová slova
• Aortic valve, Computed tomography, Transcatheter aortic valve implantation,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

AIM OF THE STUDY: Spontaneous spinal epidural haematomas (SSEH) are rare nosological units wherein acute collections of blood develop in the spinal canal. SSEH are usually manifested by sudden severe back pain accompanied by the development of neurological symptoms. In this study, we retrospectively describe management and the main risk factors of SSEH in a series of 14 cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2010 and 2019, we examined 14 patients (age range 17-89 years, 10 women) diagnosed with SSEH. Eight cases were patients using anticoagulant therapies (six warfarin, one dabigatran, one apixaban) and two others were using ASA of 100 mg/day. The exact localisation and extent of changes was determined from acute magnetic resonance imaging. Three people using warfarin had INR values higher than 3.0 at the time of their diagnosis. RESULTS: Ten patients (71%) were taking oral anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents. In seven patients, SSEH were localised in the lower cervical/thoracic spine. Ten patients (71%) had arterial hypertension. Six patients underwent acute surgery due to rapidly developing spinal cord compression. Eight patients (57%) with slight or mild neurological symptoms were successfully managed without surgery. CONCLUSIONS: SSEH should be suspected in any patient receiving anticoagulant/antiplatelet agents who complains of sudden, severe back pain accompanied by neurological symptoms. SSEH is mostly localised in the lower cervical/thoracic spine. Arterial hypertension appears to be a risk factor of SSEH. Early decompression is an important therapeutic approach; in cases with minor neurological deficits, conservative treatment may be chosen.

• Klíčová slova
• anticoagulant therapy, spinal cord compression, spontaneous spinal epidural haematoma, surgical and non-surgical management, warfarin,
• MeSH
• antikoagulancia terapeutické užití   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• magnetická rezonanční tomografie MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• páteř MeSH
• retrospektivní studie MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• spinální epidurální hematom * MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• senioři nad 80 let MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• antikoagulancia MeSH

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Beta-cell failure plays a fundamental role in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) development. It has been shown that the beta-cells are among the most sensitive to hypoxia. We aimed to analyze whether decrease in pancreatic perfusion relates to 1/decline in beta-cell function and 2/visceral fat accumulation in patients with T2DM. METHODS: Fifteen women with T2DM on metformin therapy alone and fifteen women of comparable age and BMI without prediabetes/diabetes were cross-sectionally examined: clinical and anthropometric examination, fast sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIVGTT), dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging to assess pancreatic perfusion (area under the curve of postcontrast saturation, AUCTSIC), and visceral adiposity (VAT, calculated from transverse sections at the level L2-L5 vertebrae). RESULTS: Pancreatic blood perfusion (AUCTSIC) did not differ between groups (p = 0.273), but it negatively correlated with BMI (r = -0.434, p = 0.017), WHR (r = -0.411, p = 0.024), and VAT (r = -0.436, p = 0.016) in both groups. Moreover, AUCTSIC in the head of the pancreas negatively correlated with the level of fasting glycemia (r = -0.401, p = 0.028) and HOMA-IR (r = -0.376, p = 0.041). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: We showed that decreased pancreatic perfusion did not relate to beta-cell dysfunction in early stages of T2DM development, but it was related to VAT, insulin resistance, and higher fasting glycemia. Furthermore, lower pancreatic perfusion was related to VAT, insulin resistance, and higher fasting glycemia.

• Klíčová slova
• Blood perfusion, Obesity, Pancreas, Type 2 diabetes mellitus,
• MeSH
• diabetes mellitus 2. typu * MeSH
• index tělesné hmotnosti MeSH
• inzulin MeSH
• inzulinová rezistence * MeSH
• krevní glukóza MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nitrobřišní tuk diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   MeSH
• obezita komplikace   MeSH
• pankreas patologie   MeSH
• perfuze MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Názvy látek
• inzulin MeSH
• krevní glukóza MeSH

BACKGROUND: Invasive treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF) pose a risk of ischemic stroke due to periprocedural brain embolization, which may be manifest or silent. The primary aim of our study was to compare the rate of silent strokes after percutaneous catheter-based and thoracoscopic epicardial ablation for AF. The secondary aim was to evaluate the development of silent strokes over time. METHODS: We included 39 subjects (aged 64.1±8.9 years) treated for persistent symptomatic AF with thoracoscopic ablation and 30 subjects (aged 64.1±10.5 years) treated for paroxysmal or persistent symptomatic AF with catheter ablation. Subjects underwent brain MRI before and early after the ablation, moreover, the surgical group underwent late MRI 6 months after therapy. On early MRI, the presence of silent strokes and their number and size were evaluated. On late MRI, transformation of previously-detected acute ischemic lesions into chronic infarction or their reversibility were assessed. RESULTS: Initially, different chronic ischemic findings were found in 64% of patients from the surgical group and in 70% from catheter group. Early MRI results: acute ischemic lesions were detected in 2 (6.7%) subjects (overall 3 lesions sized <5 mm) in the catheter group and in 17 (43.6%) subjects in surgical group. Most subjects in the surgical group showed multiple lesions (88%); 195 lesions were detected, a median 6 (IQR 8) lesions per case. Eighty-two percent of lesions were <5 mm, 12% 5-10 mm, 5% 10-30 mm, and 2% were large territorial ischemia. Only 1 case was symptomatic, the rest were silent strokes. On late MRI, 53.5% of all acute lesions were reversible. Lesions <5 mm were reversible in 63.1% of cases, lesions 5-10 mm were reversible in 21.7% and all lesions larger than 10 mm persisted. In 29.4% of patients all acute ischemic lesions were fully reversible. CONCLUSIONS: Periprocedural silent strokes were significantly more common after thoracoscopic epicardial ablation compared to catheter ablation considering both the number of affected patients and number of lesions. The majority of acute ischemic brain lesions were small, up to 5 mm in diameter, roughly half of which were reversible. Reversibility of acute ischemic lesions decreased with size. However, in 29.4% of affected patients, all lesions were fully reversible.

• Klíčová slova
• Acute ischemia, infarction, lesion, reversibility,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Radical combined radiotherapy (RT) is a standard treatment for advanced cervical cancer. The aim of our study was to identify morphological late (≥6 months) and very late (≥5 years) radiation-related comorbidities on computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (PET/CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in young females who survived ≥5 years since RT and were considered as successfully treated. Secondly, we studied a rate of clinically silent radiation-related toxicities apparent on imaging scans that might influenced on future well-being of survived females. Thirdly, we analyzed reasons why patients underwent imaging scans. METHODS: We included 41 subjects aged under 50 years (mean 41.8±7.2 years, median 41 years), who survived ≥5 years since RT, with at least one available imaging scan ≥3 years since RT. The mean time between RT and the last available scan was 12.3±7.9 years (median 9 years); the mean time of clinical follow-up was 15.4±7.1 years (median 14 years). RESULTS: Fourteen (34.1%) females underwent the first imaging scan in emergency situation and 27 (65.9%) patients due to variable chronic complaints. Grade III-V radiation-related comorbidities occurred in 19 (46.3%) females including one case of death due to radiation-induced osteosarcoma. In 14 of 19 patients, comorbidities were multiple. Four (9.8%) females suffered from life-threatening complications (grade IV): one from an uretero-arterial fistula with massive hematuria and 3 from bowel perforations. Eleven (26.8%) subjects suffered from bowel strictures with ileus development, they underwent mean 1.7±0.8 surgery (median 1.5). The mean time since RT to the first surgery for intestinal complications was 5.4±6.0 years (median 3 years), to the second 12.0±9.6 years (median 11.5 years) and to the third surgery 9.0±4.2 years (median 9 years). Late fistulas formations (vesico-recto-vaginal) were seen in 6 (14.6%) patients. Bone complications were diagnosed in 9 (22.0%) of treated females, one case of osteosarcoma included, 4 of 9 bone complications were clinically silent. In 5 (12.2%) subjects, toxicities grade III-IV first time manifested >5 years since RT, majority of them were multiple. The bowel perforation and fistulas formations were the earliest manifested grade III-IV toxicities, with median time 3 years since RT, the bone complications were the latest manifested with median time 16 years since RT. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is not able to bring information about the incidence of late and very late radiation related comorbidities, according to International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) recommendations patients are clinically followed only for 5 years and imaging cross-sectional scans are not recommended. However, our study shows that if females successfully treated for advanced cervical cancer report abdominal/pelvic clinical problems, it is highly probable their imaging scans will reveal late radiation related side-effects that may affect the rest of their life. It puts forward question whether females after radical RT should been regularly followed by cross-sectional imaging methods.

• Klíčová slova
• Radiation-induced tumor, arterio-ureteral fistula, bone, complication, toxicity,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH