Search Results (605)

Ischemic stroke is a primary cause of cerebrovascular diseases and continues to be one of the leading causes of death and disability among patients worldwide. Pathological processes caused by vascular damage due to stroke occur in a time-dependent manner and are classified into three categories: acute, subacute, and chronic. Current treatments for ischemic stroke are limited to effectiveness in the early stages. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of an oriental medicine, Gosha-jinki-gan (TJ107), on improving chronic ischemic stroke using the mouse model with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The changes in the intracerebral inflammatory response (macrophages (F4/80), TLR2•4, IL-23, IL-17, TNF-α, and IL-1β) were examined using real-time RT-PCR. The MCAO mice showed the increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and of F4/80, TLR2, TLR4, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-17 in the brain tissue from the MCAO region. This suggests that they contribute to the expansion of the ischemic stroke infarct area and to the worsening of the neurological symptoms of the MCAO mice in the chronic phase. On the other hand, the administration of TJ107 was proven to reduce the infarct area, with decreased GFAP expression, suppressed macrophage infiltration in the brain, and reduced TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-17 production compared with the MCAO mice. This study first demonstrated Gosha-jinki-gan’s therapeutic effects on the chronic ischemic stroke. Full article

Central nervous system (CNS) disorders present significant therapeutic challenges due to the limited regenerative capacity of neural tissues, resulting in long-term disability for many patients. Consequently, the development of novel therapeutic strategies is urgently warranted. Stem cell therapies show considerable potential for mitigating brain damage and restoring neural connectivity, owing to their multifaceted properties, including anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, neurogenic, and vasculogenic effects. Recent research has also identified exosomes—small vesicles enclosed by a lipid bilayer, secreted by stem cells—as a key mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of stem cell therapies, and given their enhanced stability and superior blood–brain barrier permeability compared to the stem cells themselves, exosomes have emerged as a promising alternative treatment for CNS disorders. A key challenge in the application of both stem cell and exosome-based therapies for CNS diseases is the method of delivery. Currently, several routes are being investigated, including intracerebral, intrathecal, intravenous, intranasal, and intra-arterial administration. Intracerebral injection can deliver a substantial quantity of stem cells directly to the brain, but it carries the potential risk of inducing additional brain injury. Conversely, intravenous transplantation is minimally invasive but results in limited delivery of cells and exosomes to the brain, which may compromise the therapeutic efficacy. With advancements in catheter technology, intra-arterial administration of stem cells and exosomes has garnered increasing attention as a promising delivery strategy. This approach offers the advantage of delivering a significant number of stem cells and exosomes to the brain while minimizing the risk of additional brain damage. However, the investigation into the therapeutic potential of intra-arterial transplantation for CNS injury is still in its early stages. In this comprehensive review, we aim to summarize both basic and clinical research exploring the intra-arterial administration of stem cells and exosomes for the treatment of CNS diseases. Additionally, we will elucidate the underlying therapeutic mechanisms and provide insights into the future potential of this approach. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to identify the risk factors for respiratory failure in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) accompanied by intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) extension. Methods: We retrospectively included 208 patients with ICH accompanied by IVH extension. Respiratory failure was defined as carbon dioxide levels > 45 mmHg with a pH < 7.35 in arterial blood gas analysis (ABGA) or the application of a ventilator due to respiratory dysfunction. We measured the severity of IVH extension using the Graeb scale, and ICH volume was assessed for each patient. Results: Of the 208 included patients, 83 had respiratory failure. There were no significant differences in age, sex ratio, or Graeb scale score between patients with and without respiratory failure (p > 0.05). However, ICH volume was significantly larger in patients with respiratory failure (42.0 ± 42.5 mL) than in those without (26.4 ± 25.7 mL) (p = 0.003). In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the area under the ROC curve for ICH volume predicting respiratory failure was 0.612. The optimal threshold for detecting respiration failure in patients with ICH and IVH dilatation, based on the Youden index, was >63.2 mL, with a sensitivity of 30.12% and a specificity of 89.60%. Approximately 40% of patients experienced respiratory failure following ICH accompanied by IVH extension. Conclusions: A large ICH volume was associated with the occurrence of respiratory failure. Therefore, caution is required in patients with an ICH volume > 63.2 mL. Full article

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe form of stroke associated with high morbidity and mortality. While neurosurgical evacuation may offer theoretical benefits, its impact on survival and hospital course remains debated. We aimed to compare the outcomes of surgical versus conservative management in patients with lobar, capsulo-lenticular, and thalamic ICH and to identify factors influencing mortality and the surgical decision. Methods: This single-center, retrospective cohort study included adult patients admitted to the County Clinical Emergency Hospital of Sibiu (2017–2023) with spontaneous supratentorial ICH confirmed via CT (deepest affected structure determining lobar, capsulo-lenticular, or thalamic location). We collected data on demographics, clinical presentation (Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS], anticoagulant use), hematoma characteristics (volume, extension), treatment modality (surgical vs. conservative), and in-hospital outcomes (mortality, length of stay). Statistical analyses included t-tests, χ², correlation tests, and logistic regression to identify independent predictors of mortality and surgery. Results: A total of 445 patients were analyzed: 144 lobar, 150 capsulo-lenticular, and 151 thalamic. Surgical intervention was more common in patients with larger volumes and lower GCS. Overall, in-hospital mortality varied by location, reaching 13% in the lobar group, 20.7% in the capsulo-lenticular group, and 35.1% in the thalamic group. Within each location, surgical intervention did not significantly reduce overall in-hospital mortality despite the more severe baseline presentation in surgical patients. In lobar ICH specifically, no clear survival advantage emerged, although surgery may still benefit those most severely compromised. For capsulo-lenticular hematomas > 30 mL, surgery was associated with lower mortality (39.4% vs. 61.5%). In patients with large lobar ICH, surgical intervention was associated with mortality rates similar to those seen in less severe, conservatively managed cohorts. Multivariable adjustment confirmed GCS and hematoma volume as independent mortality predictors; age and volume predicted the likelihood of surgical intervention. Conclusions: Despite targeting more severe cases, neurosurgical evacuation did not uniformly lower in-hospital mortality. In lobar ICH, surgical patients with larger hematomas (~48 mL) and lower GCS (~11.6) had mortality rates (~13%) comparable to less severe, conservative cohorts, indicating that surgical intervention was associated with similar mortality rates despite higher baseline risk. However, these findings do not establish a causal survival benefit and should be interpreted in the context of non-randomized patient selection. For capsulo-lenticular hematomas > 30 mL, surgery was associated with lower observed mortality (39.4% vs. 61.5%). Thalamic ICH remained most lethal, highlighting the difficulty of deep-brain bleeds and frequent ventricular extension. Across locations, hematoma volume and GCS were the primary outcome predictors, indicating the need for timely intervention, better patient selection, and possibly minimally invasive approaches. Future prospective multicenter research is necessary to refine surgical indications and validate these findings. To our knowledge, this investigation represents the largest and most contemporary single-center cohort study of supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage conducted in Romania. Full article

Background and Clinical significance: Acute leukemias are neoplasms of the hematopoietic system that are caused by the extensive proliferation of immature precursor cells (‘blasts’), mainly in the bone marrow. They frequently manifest with vague and non-specific clinical symptoms, making early diagnosis particularly challenging. Case Presentation: This case report describes the clinical course of a female patient who initially sought dental care due to a persistent toothache—an atypical and misleading symptom. Subsequent investigations revealed a diagnosis of acute leukemia. Although the malignancy was identified promptly and the appropriate therapeutic measures were initiated, the disease progressed with alarming rapidity. The patient ultimately developed a massive intracerebral hemorrhage—a devastating complication likely related to leukemia-associated coagulopathy. Despite emergent neurosurgical intervention, the hemorrhage proved fatal. Conclusions: This case highlights the critical need for heightened clinical suspicion in the presence of unusual symptoms and illustrates the complex interplay between hematologic malignancies and coagulopathic complications. Full article

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), a severe stroke subtype common in the elderly, often results in high morbidity and mortality, with limited treatment options for long-term recovery. While glial scar formation is increasingly recognized as key to central nervous system (CNS) repair, its role and characteristics in the aging brain post-ICH remain unclear. This study investigated glial scar formation after ICH (100 μL autologous blood injected into the right basal ganglia model) in aged Fischer 344 rats and assessed the effects of deferoxamine (DFX) treatment. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted on days 7, 28, and 60 post-ICH using cell-specific and iron-related markers, with DFX administered at 100 mg/kg daily for 14 days in separate groups. Over time, the lesion core showed increased hemosiderin accumulation and astrogliosis. By day 60, the area of astrogliosis corresponded to an area with persistent neuronal loss (DARPP-32-negative). Glial composition shifted from microglia dominance on day 28 to astrocyte predominance by day 60. DFX treatment reduced iron deposition, astrogliosis, and DARPP-32-negative regions while enhancing oligodendrocyte presence. Iron-related markers (HO-1, ferritin, Perls’ staining) and PDGFRβ-positive fibrotic cells were concentrated in the scar core. These findings provide novel insights into scar formation after ICH in aged rats and suggest DFX as a potential therapy to improve outcomes in elderly stroke patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cerebral hemorrhage (CH) has physical, cognitive, and emotional consequences. Recovery requires a complex rehabilitation process in which coping strategies play a fundamental role in supporting psychological adaptation. The aim of this study is to investigate and understand the extent and manner in which coping strategies have been assessed in the CH population within the scientific literature. Methods: Studies were identified through searches in the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases. Eight studies published between 2014 and 2024 were selected. Results: The most frequently adopted coping strategies include task-oriented coping, avoidance, emotion-focused coping, acceptance, planning, and emotional support. Task-oriented strategies and acceptance are associated with better psychological outcomes. Conversely, avoidant and emotion-focused strategies correlate with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and poorer adaptation. Resilience and social participation emerge as protective factors. Finally, Action/Distraction is associated with a better quality of life, while Trivialization/Resignation is linked to lower levels. Conclusions: Coping seems to represent a modifiable, patient-centered lever that can mitigate the psychosocial sequelae of intracranial hemorrhage when assessed systematically and addressed through tailored rehabilitation programs. Our findings lay the groundwork for evidence-based, coping-focused interventions and highlight critical avenues for future longitudinal and mechanistic research. Full article

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage management presents clinicians with a significant therapeutic challenge. Maintaining antiplatelet therapy potentially increases the risk of recurrent bleeding, while discontinuation heightens susceptibility to ischemic stroke, particularly during the critical first month after hemorrhage. In contemporary practice, physicians demonstrate considerable hesitancy regarding early antiplatelet reinitiation, complicated by the absence of clear evidence-based treatment guidelines. Aim: This meta-analysis assesses the safety of early antiplatelet resumption following ICH. Methods: We conducted a systematic review by searching Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library from inception to April 2025. Articles were independently screened and data extracted by two reviewers who also assessed study quality. The inclusion criteria are enrollment of adults (≥18 years) with imaging-confirmed intracerebral hemorrhage surviving >24 h, comparing early vs. delayed or withheld antiplatelet therapy. Randomized trials underwent separate evaluation using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias. Statistical analysis was performed using R software (version 4.4.2), with categorical outcomes pooled as risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. The evidence is limited by the availability of few RCTs, variable antiplatelet regiments, male predominance, and other confounding factors. The review was registered in SFO. Results: Our meta-analysis included 10 studies (8 observational, 2 RCTs) with 5554 patients. Early antiplatelet therapy significantly reduced recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage by 46% (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.37–0.78, p = 0.001). All-cause mortality showed a non-significant difference (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.65–1.01, p = 0.06). No significant differences were found for ischemic stroke (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.60–1.63, p = 0.96), major hemorrhagic events (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.49–1.13, p = 0.17), or ischemic vascular outcomes (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.49–1.02, p = 0.60). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis reveals that early antiplatelet therapy following intracerebral hemorrhage significantly reduces recurrent hemorrhagic events (46% reduction) without increasing major ischemic or hemorrhagic complications. Full article

Nerve tissue damage is an unsolved problem in modern neurology and neurosurgery, which prompts the need to search for approaches to stimulate neuroprotection and regeneration of neural tissue. Earlier we have shown that the secretome of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) stimulates rat survival, reduces the severity of neurological deficits, and decreases the volume of brain damage in a hemorrhagic stroke model. A significant disadvantage of using the MSC secretome is the need to concentrate it (at least 5–10 fold) to achieve appreciable pharmacological activity. This increases the cost of obtaining clinically applicable amounts of secretome and slows down the clinical translation of this technology. Here, we created a number of genetically modified human MSC cultures, including immortalized MSCs and those with hyperexpression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and with suppressed expression of Von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor (VHL), and we evaluated the pharmacological activity of their secretomes in a model of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in rats. The secretome of MSCs immortalized by hyperexpression of the catalytic subunit of human telomerase (hTERT) revealed neuroprotective activity indistinguishable from that of primary MSC cultures, yet it still required 10-fold concentration to achieve neuroprotective efficacy. The secretome of MSC culture with combined hyperexpression of BDNF and uPA and suppressed expression of Von Hippel–Lindau tumor suppressor even without additional concentration reduced the severity of neurological disorders and decreased brain lesion volume in the ICH model. The secretomes of MSCs with separate overexpression of BDNF and uPA or suppression of VHL had no such effect or, on the contrary, revealed a toxic effect in the ICH model. Presumably, this may be due to an imbalance in the representation of individual growth factors in the secretome of genetically modified MSCs, which individually may lead to undesirable effects in damaged nervous tissue, such as increased permeability of the blood–brain barrier (under the influence of pro-angiogenic factors) or neural cell apoptosis (due to an excess of neurotrophic factors). The obtained data show that genetic modification of MSC cultures can enhance or alter the therapeutic activity of their secretomes, which can be used in the creation of promising sources of biopharmaceutical substances. Full article

Background: Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare vascular anomalies that can cause intracerebral hemorrhage, particularly in pediatric patients. Low-flow AVMs may not be visualized on initial non-invasive imaging modalities such as MR angiography. Methods: We report a 6-year-old boy who presented with intracerebral hemorrhage and initially had no detectable vascular anomaly on MR angiography and MR venography. Two years later, he was re-admitted with a recurrent hemorrhage. Repeating MR angiography again failed to reveal any vascular pathology. Results: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) performed later identified a grade 3 low-flow AVM in the left posterior temporal region. The patient underwent successful endovascular treatment with no subsequent neurological deficits. Conclusions: This case underscores the limitations of MR angiography in detecting low-flow AVMs and highlights the essential role of DSA in the definitive diagnosis and management of unexplained intracerebral hemorrhages in pediatric patients. Full article

Brain metastases (BMs) are the most common intracranial tumors in adults. Their heterogeneity, potential multifocality, and complex biomolecular behavior pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize BM diagnosis by facilitating early lesion detection, precise imaging segmentation, and non-invasive molecular characterization. Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) models have shown promising results in differentiating BMs from other intracranial tumors with similar imaging characteristics—such as gliomas and primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs)—and predicting tumor features (e.g., genetic mutations) that can guide individualized and targeted therapies. Intraoperatively, AI-driven systems can enable optimal tumor resection by integrating functional brain maps into preoperative imaging, thus facilitating the identification and safeguarding of eloquent brain regions through augmented reality (AR)-assisted neuronavigation. Even postoperatively, AI can be instrumental for radiotherapy planning personalization through the optimization of dose distribution, maximizing disease control while minimizing adjacent healthy tissue damage. Applications in systemic chemo- and immunotherapy include predictive insights into treatment responses; AI can analyze genomic and radiomic features to facilitate the selection of the most suitable, patient-specific treatment regimen, especially for those whose disease demonstrates specific genetic profiles such as epidermal growth factor receptor mutations (e.g., EGFR, HER2). Moreover, AI-based prognostic models can significantly ameliorate survival and recurrence risk prediction, further contributing to follow-up strategy personalization. Despite these advancements and the promising landscape, multiple challenges—including data availability and variability, decision-making interpretability, and ethical, legal, and regulatory concerns—limit the broader implementation of AI into the everyday clinical management of BMs. Future endeavors should thus prioritize the development of generalized AI models, the combination of large and diverse datasets, and the integration of clinical and molecular data into imaging, in an effort to maximally enhance the clinical application of AI in BM care and optimize patient outcomes. Full article

Amyloidosis, often referred to as “the great imitator”, is a condition characterized by the abnormal deposition of amyloid proteins in various tissues, potentially leading to organ dysfunction. When these deposits localize in the brain, they can disrupt neurological function and present with diverse clinical manifestations, making diagnosis particularly challenging. Cerebral amyloidosis is a rare entity that frequently mimics other neurological disorders, often resulting in significant delays in recognition and management. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by cerebral amyloidosis and underscores its unique presentation. We present the case of a 76-year-old male with a history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who developed progressive right-sided weakness over several months. Three years prior, he experienced numbness on the right side of his face and upper limb. Initial imaging identified a small lesion in the left thalamic region, which was originally diagnosed as a glioma. However, due to the worsening of his clinical symptoms, further evaluation was warranted. Subsequent imaging revealed lesion growth, prompting a biopsy that ultimately confirmed the diagnosis of intracerebral amyloidoma. This case underscores the necessity of considering amyloidosis in the differential diagnosis of atypical neurological deficits, particularly in patients with systemic inflammatory conditions such as RA. The initial presentation of hemiparesis resembling a stroke, coupled with non-specific imaging findings and a prior misdiagnosis of glioma, highlights the complexity of cerebral amyloidosis. Only through brain biopsy was the definitive diagnosis established, emphasizing the need for improved diagnostic modalities to facilitate early detection. Further subtyping of amyloidosis, however, requires mass spectrometry-based proteomics or immunohistochemistry to accurately identify the specific amyloid protein involved. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for cerebral amyloidosis in patients with RA who present with progressive neurological deficits and atypical brain lesions. Early recognition and accurate diagnosis are essential to guiding appropriate management and improving patient outcomes. Full article

Background: Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is crucial in managing acute brain injury (ABI) to prevent secondary brain injury. While invasive techniques remain the gold standard, they can carry notable risks, such as infection and hemorrhage. Non-invasive techniques are increasingly used, but their inter-modality correlation and concordance have not been systematically evaluated. This study aimed to assess the correlation and concordance among four commonly used non-invasive neuromonitoring tools in patients with ABI undergoing invasive ICP monitoring. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of prospectively collected data from 100 adult patients admitted to the intensive care unit with traumatic brain injury (TBI), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) who underwent invasive ICP monitoring. Simultaneous assessments using optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD), transcranial Doppler-derived pulsatility index (PI), estimated ICP (eICP), and the neurological pupil index (NPi) were performed. Correlation between modalities was assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient (ρ), and concordance was evaluated with Cohen’s kappa coefficient (k). Results: We found weak correlations between ONSD and PI (ρ = 0.29), ONSD and NPi (ρ = −0.33), and PI and NPi (ρ = −0.33); moderate correlations between ONSD and eICP (ρ = 0.54) and PI and eICP (ρ = 0.48); and a strong inverse correlation between eICP and NPi (ρ = −0.71; all p < 0.05). Concordance was generally low, with the highest agreement between PI and eICP (k = 0.69). Most other tool pairings showed poor-to-fair concordance (k ≤ 0.30). Conclusions: Non-invasive neuromonitoring tools show variable correlation and limited agreement, suggesting they are not interchangeable. Each modality captures different aspects of cerebral physiology, supporting the use of a multimodal approach to improve accuracy in ICP estimation. Full article

Monomeric C-reactive protein (mCRP), derived from the dissociation of the native pentameric CRP (pCRP), has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various neurological conditions, particularly intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and neurodegenerative diseases. mCRP accumulates in the brain after hemorrhagic stroke, contributing to the formation of the metabolic penumbra and promoting inflammation. Recent studies have linked mCRP to the activation of microglia, endothelial cells, and complement pathways, which collectively intensify neuroinflammation and disrupt tissue repair mechanisms. Additionally, mCRP is associated with cognitive decline, particularly in ICH survivors, by promoting microvascular damage, neurodegeneration, and vascular instability. The presence of mCRP in distant regions of the brain, including the hypothalamus, suggests its potential role in spreading inflammation and exacerbating long-term neurological damage. This review synthesizes findings on the pathogenic role of mCRP in stroke and neurodegeneration, proposing that mCRP could serve as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target for improving outcomes in stroke patients. Emerging immunopharmacological strategies are being actively pursued to mitigate the pathogenic activity of mCRP, a potent pro-inflammatory effector implicated in a variety of immune-mediated and neuroinflammatory conditions. These approaches encompass the inhibition of native pentameric CRP dissociation into its monomeric isoform, the disruption of mCRP’s high-affinity interactions with lipid rafts and cell surface receptors involved in innate immune activation, and the enhancement of its clearance through mechanisms such as solubilization, opsonin-mediated tagging, and phagocytic engagement. Targeting these immunoregulatory pathways offers a compelling therapeutic framework for attenuating mCRP-driven inflammatory cascades in both systemic and CNS-specific pathologies. Full article