Xeros, Helena

Abstract Background and aims Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is characterized by recurrent thunderclap headaches and reversible multifocal cerebral arterial narrowing. Although prognosis is generally favorable, a subset of patients develops cerebrovascular complications that may drive long-term disability; this study aims to identify factors associated with these complications. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 348 patients with probable or definite RCVS evaluated at Mayo Clinic between 2010-2023. Diagnostic criteria were adapted from RCVS2 and ICHD-3. The primary outcome was a composite of ischemic stroke, non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, and intracerebral hemorrhage; secondary outcome was poor functional status (modified Rankin Scale ≥2 within one year). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of these outcomes. Results Cerebrovascular complications occurred in 37.6% of patients and were the strongest determinant of poor functional outcome (aOR 5.05, 95% CI 2.04–12.51). On multivariable analysis, older age (aOR per year 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.04) and angiographically visible vasoconstriction (aOR 3.14, 95% CI 1.85–5.33) were independently associated with higher risk of cerebrovascular complications, whereas male sex (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.30–0.99), thunderclap headache at presentation (aOR 0.30, 95% CI 0.11–0.86), and sexual activity as a trigger (aOR 0.19, 95% CI 0.08–0.42) were associated with lower risk of these complications. Conclusions Cerebrovascular complications are common and strongly predict disability. Angiographic vasoconstriction and older age identify patients at higher risk, whereas thunderclap headache and sexual activity as a trigger mark a more benign phenotype. These findings may guide early risk stratification and help tailored monitoring strategies. Conflict of interest Name of author: nothing to disclose.

Background and Objectives: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by multisystem involvement, including renal cysts, hepatic cysts, intracranial aneurysms, and aortic root dilatation and dissection. Though exceedingly rare, cervical artery dissections (CeAD) have been reported in association with ADPKD. The aim of this retrospective observational study is to investigate clinical features in patients with ADPKD that increase the probability of an associated CeAD diagnosis. Materials and Methods: The National Inpatient Sample from 2016 to 2020 was utilized to compare clinical features for patients with an ICD-10 code diagnosis of ADPKD, CeAD, and both ADPKD and CeAD. The Cochran–Armitage test and Chi-square test were utilized to assess clinical features or trends in ADPKD patients associated with a concurrent CeAD diagnosis. Results: Between 2016 and 2020, there were 224,065 people with ADPKD, 86,135 with CeAD and 155 with both (0.05%). The total cohort had a mean age of 56.74 years, with 47.26% female participants (p = 0.70), and was predominantly white (66.15%, p < 0.001). In patients with ADPKD, comorbid acute ischemic stroke (p < 0.001), transient ischemic attack (p < 0.001), aortic dissection (p < 0.001), coronary artery dissection (p < 0.001), subarachnoid hemorrhage (p < 0.001), coagulation defects (p = 0.002), and hypertension (p < 0.001) are risk factors associated with an increased probability of concomitant CeAD. Conclusions: CeAD in ADPKD patients is rare. In ADPKD patients, acute ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, aortic dissection, coronary artery dissection, subarachnoid hemorrhage, coagulation defects, and hypertension are risk factors of concomitant CeAD. Recognizing these factors can aid in the decision to screen for concomitant CeAD in patients with ADPKD.