Yesiloglu, Irem

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability, and aphasia is among its most common and debilitating sequelae. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and advanced diffusion imaging techniques enable the assessment of white matter integrity and provide clinically relevant measures in post-stroke aphasia. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of studies applying DTI or advanced diffusion imaging to investigate structural connectivity in adults with post-stroke aphasia (PSA). PubMed, CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase were searched, and eligible studies were synthesized according to their diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic focus. Results: Ninety-five studies were included. Of these, 59 were classified as diagnostic, 17 as prognostic, and 19 as therapeutic. Most studies employed conventional DTI (n = 77), while a growing body of research utilized advanced diffusion models, including CSD, DSI, and DKI (n = 18). Conclusions: This comprehensive synthesis demonstrates the evolution of diffusion imaging in PSA research. While conventional DTI has provided foundational insights, advanced diffusion methods offer superior characterization of complex fiber architecture and improved clinical–anatomical correlation. Diffusion-derived markers of dorsal and ventral language pathways were consistently associated with language performance, while connectome-level analyses highlighted the importance of preserved global network architecture for recovery. Continued efforts are needed to translate diffusion imaging findings into clinical applicable biomarkers to guide personalized aphasia rehabilitation, with greater use of advanced methods.

(1) Background: Cranial neuropathy is a commonly encountered condition with various underlying etiologies. While carotid artery dissection (CAD) is a well-recognized cause of ischemic stroke, CAD-related cranial neuropathy is rare and poorly characterized. We have conducted a comprehensive review of the published literature to better characterize its clinical course and outcomes. (2) Methods: We systematically reviewed the PubMed, CENTRAL, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase literature for CAD-related cranial neuropathy. Data extracted included demographics, affected cranial nerves, symptoms, time course, diagnostic approach, and therapeutic interventions. (3) Results: From 635 screened studies, 97 met the inclusion criteria, yielding data on 108 patients with CAD- or dissecting pseudoaneurysm (dPSA)-related cranial neuropathy. The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) was most commonly affected (76%), and the distal cervical internal carotid artery was the most frequently involved segment (89%). Most patients (90%) were treated with antithrombotic therapy which included either antiplatelets (47%) or anticoagulants (43%). Thirteen patients (12%) underwent endovascular intervention, nearly all with a diagnosed dPSA (mean size, 14.8 mm). Outcomes were favorable, with 94% experiencing symptom improvement. (4) Conclusions: Despite inherent limitations, our study demonstrates that CAD-related cranial neuropathy is typically a benign condition that has excellent outcomes with medical management. Endovascular treatment is rarely performed and is primarily reserved for cases involving diagnosed dPSA.