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Background: Although the embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) construct was proposed as a unifying concept for embolic-appearing strokes without an identified cause, it includes patients with diverse and often unrecognized underlying mechanisms. This study investigates the differential rate of recurrent stroke according to the completeness of neurodiagnostic testing in a diverse multicenter cohort. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of a multicenter observational cohort study (n=27 sites). Patients with ESUS were categorized into three groups: (1) established mechanism after further work up (ESUS-E), (2) patients who underwent a comprehensive diagnostic workup without an identified etiology (ESUS 2.0), and (3) no advanced workup (ESUS-NAW). The primary outcome of recurrent ischemic stroke was assessed by comparing ESUS 2.0 to both ESUS-E and ESUS-NAW groups using adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Of the 2,281 patients included, 694 (30%) were classified as ESUS-E, 344 (15%) as ESUS 2.0, and 1,443 (55%) as ESUS-NAW. The ESUS 2.0 group had a significantly lower annualized recurrence rate (1.98 per 100 person-years) compared to both the ESUS-NAW group (7.7 per 100 person-years; aHR 0.27, 95% CI: 0.11–0.62; p=0.002) and the ESUS-E group (6.10 per 100 person-years; aHR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.15–0.85, p=0.020). Within the ESUS-E group, cancer (aHR 5.33; 95% CI: 2.09–13.63; p < 0.001) and non-stenosing atherosclerotic disease or arch atheroma (aHR 3.40; 95% CI: 1.18–9.83; p = 0.023) were associated with significantly increased risk of recurrence when compared to ESUS 2.0. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate a lower risk of recurrent stroke in patients classified as ESUS 2.0, diverging from the 5–6% annual recurrence rates observed in prior ESUS trials. These findings suggest that patients who receive comprehensive diagnostic evaluation without identification of a specific etiology have a lower risk of recurrent stroke, an important consideration for the design of future ESUS studies.

Background and Objectives: Cervical artery dissection (CeAD) is a common cause of ischemic stroke in young adults. We aim to identify age-based differences in clinical presentation, imaging findings, and outcomes after CeAD. Methods: This was a sub-study using the STOP-CAD registry, a multicenter cross-sectional international retrospective study of patients diagnosed with CeAD and treated with an antithrombotic from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2021. Baseline clinical and imaging characteristics were compared between younger and older adults with CeAD (≤45 versus >45 years of age) using multivariable logistic regression. We chose this age cut off due to its frequent usage in stroke in the young literature. Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine association between young age and outcomes after CeAD (ischemic stroke at 180 days, excellent functional outcome with modified Rankin Scale of 0-1 at 90 days, and mortality) after adjusting for sex, vascular risk factors, CeAD characteristics, and NIHSS on presentation. Results: Among 4023 CeAD patients included in the study, 1901 (47.3%) were ≤45 years of age. Patients were followed for a median of 307 days (IQR 102-831). Young adults with CeAD were more likely to be women (Odds Ratio [OR], 2.4; 95% CI, 2.1-2.9; p<0.001), of Hispanic ethnicity (OR, 1.8; 95% CI 1.3-2.5; p<0.001), have a history of migraines (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-2.0; p<0.001) and recent neck trauma (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-1.9; p<0.001) while having fewer traditional vascular risk factors. Young adults with CeAD had higher odds of a non-ischemic presentation (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1-1.5; p=0.013), vertebral artery dissection (OR 2.5; 95% CI, 2.2-3.0; p<0.001), and multivessel involvement (OR 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-1.9; p=0.004). In adjusted analysis, younger age was not associated with an increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke (adjusted Hazard Ratio [HR], 0.48; 95% CI 0.2-1.2; p=0.119). Younger age was associated with significantly greater odds of excellent functional outcome at 90 days (aOR, 1.48; 1.20-1.84, p<0.001) and lower risk of death at follow up (aHR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.17-0.81; p=0.012) after CeAD. Conclusion: In a large international cohort, young adults with CeAD had a distinct clinical phenotype with higher odds of non-ischemic presentation, vertebral artery dissection, and multivessel involvement while having fewer traditional vascular risk factors. Young adults had a decreased odds of disability and mortality after CeAD.

Background: Timely and accurate triage of stroke patients in rural settings remains a critical challenge, especially for patients with large vessel occlusions (LVO) requiring rapid access to comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs). This project aimed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of transport decisions for EMS stroke care in rural Michigan by adapting American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines on prehospital management and EMS routing. Method: We established a novel database involving linking regional EMS records, regional hospital stroke code quality improvement data, and Get With The Guidelines–Stroke (GWTG-S) registry data for suspected and confirmed stroke cases originating from five counties within 60 minutes of an urban CSC in West Michigan. Using a stepped-wedge design, we adapted the model AHA Severity-Based Stroke Triage Algorithm and implemented it in four rural EMS agencies through a staged roll-out of educational programs delivered to EMS providers and regional ED staff. We analyzed pre- and post-intervention data to assess protocol compliance, bypass frequency, and time from EMS scene arrival to CT acquisition and reperfusion therapy delivery. Results: Among 949 (598 pre- and 351 post-intervention) stroke transports occurred between November 2021 to December 2024, guideline-compliant hospital destination selection improved from 62% to 71% (p=0.018). Stroke mimics saw the greatest improvement (72% to 88%, p<0.001) through reduced unnecessary bypass. LVO screening documentation increased (10% to 23%, p<0.001), and EMS scene arrival-to-CT time decreased by 7 minutes (95% CI: 3–11). Trends toward improved thrombolysis rates (18% to 26%, p=0.055) and faster EMS-to-needle times (99 to 87 min, p=0.059) were observed. Mechanical thrombectomy rates and transfer metrics remained unchanged. Conclusions: This project successfully implemented a rural stroke triage protocol aligned with AHA guidelines, improving EMS routing decisions and reducing time to imaging. The intervention enhanced access to thrombolysis, however did not expedite mechanical thrombectomy. Findings support the AHA protocol’s scalability and underscore the feasibility of rural stroke system optimization.

BACKGROUND: Cervical artery dissection (CeAD) may result in dissecting aneurysm (DA) formation. We aimed to characterize risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with DA in a large, international CeAD cohort. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of STOP-CAD (Antithrombotic Treatment for Stroke Prevention in Cervical Artery Dissection), an international, multicenter, retrospective cohort. Patients with spontaneous CeAD were assessed for DA at baseline and de novo DA formation. Significant covariates in univariable analysis were included in multivariable regression models aiming to identify factors associated with DA formation. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models evaluated the association of DA with ischemic and hemorrhagic outcomes. RESULTS: Among 4008 patients with CeAD, 546 (13.6%) had a DA at baseline, and 221/2938 (7.5%) patients developed a de novo DA during follow-up, of which 172/221 (78.2%) were detected in the first 180 days. Patients with DA had a mean age of 47 years, and 383 (49.9%) were women. Baseline or de novo DA was associated with a history of connective tissue disorder (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.02 [95% CI, 1.22–3.36]), fibromuscular dysplasia (aOR, 1.69 [95% CI, 1.28–2.25]), and multiple vessel dissection (aOR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.19–1.98]). Lower odds of DA were seen in Hispanic ethnicity (aOR, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.43–0.97]) and ischemic stroke presentation (aOR, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.34–0.49]). Fibromuscular dysplasia was associated with de novo DA formation (aOR, 2.30 [95% CI, 1.52–3.49]). DA was not associated with ischemic stroke (hazard ratio, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.44–1.16]; P =0.173) or intracranial hemorrhage (HR, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.42–2.84]; P =0.86) by day 180. CONCLUSIONS: DAs are relatively common manifestations of CeAD, typically occurring within 6 months of CeAD diagnosis. DA was not associated with an increased risk of subsequent ischemic stroke or intracranial hemorrhage.

Hypertension remains the leading modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet blood pressure control rates remain suboptimal despite the availability of effective therapies. Contemporary guidelines increasingly recommend early use of combination therapy, recognizing that most patients require multiple agents to achieve target blood pressure. Widaplik, a recently Food and Drug Administration-approved fixed-dose, single-pill triple combination of telmisartan, amlodipine, and indapamide, represents the first triple therapy approved for initial treatment of hypertension in adults likely to need multidrug therapy. This review summarizes the pharmacologic rationale for low-dose triple therapy, highlighting complementary mechanisms targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, vascular resistance, and sodium retention. We examine evidence from pivotal phase 3 trials demonstrating rapid, sustained blood pressure reductions, higher control rates compared with dual therapy, and favorable tolerability. We also discuss safety considerations, practical limitations, and gaps in evidence, including long-term cardiovascular outcomes. Widaplik represents a paradigm shift toward simplified, early combination therapy aimed at improving hypertension control and reducing cardiovascular risk.

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is increasingly recognized as a central mechanism underlying myocardial ischemia, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with and without obstructive coronary artery disease. The coronary microcirculation plays a critical role in regulating myocardial perfusion through tightly coordinated myogenic, metabolic, and endothelial pathways. Disruption of these mechanisms results in impaired vasodilatory capacity, abnormal coronary flow reserve, and microvascular ischemia. This review summarizes the anatomy and physiology of coronary microcirculation and examines the pathophysiologic mechanisms driving CMD, including endothelial dysfunction, structural remodeling, inflammation, and neurohormonal dysregulation. Contemporary diagnostic strategies are reviewed, with emphasis on invasive coronary function testing and advanced noninvasive imaging modalities such as positron emission tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The clinical implications of CMD across diverse disease states, including ischemia with nonobstructive coronary arteries, heart failure, and cardiomyopathies, are discussed. Finally, current therapeutic approaches, prognostic considerations, and emerging research directions aimed at improving diagnosis and targeted treatment of CMD are highlighted.

Abstract Hypoparathyroidism is an endocrine disease caused by insufficient levels of PTH, which acts directly on bone and kidney and indirectly on the intestine to regulate calcium and phosphate balance. In clinical trials, palopegteriparatide (TransCon PTH) treatment enabled independence from conventional therapy (no active vitamin D, ≤600 mg/d calcium) and maintained serum biochemistries within normal ranges. The current analyses describe patterns of change in BMD, serum bone turnover markers, and serum and urine calcium in adults with chronic hypoparathyroidism treated with palopegteriparatide through 3 years of the PaTH Forward trial. Baseline BMD Z-scores for the LS, TH, FN, and 1/3 distal radius were above zero, indicating bone mass exceeding age-adjusted normative values. BMD decreased from these elevated baseline levels with palopegteriparatide treatment, with larger reductions during the first 26 weeks and modest declines thereafter. Mean BMD Z-scores at week 162 remained above zero for all 4 sites. Participants with lower baseline BMD (Z-scores below −1 and T-scores below −2.5) generally exhibited lesser declines in BMD versus those with higher baseline BMD. Palopegteriparatide treatment was associated with early increases in bone resorption (serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, CTx) and bone formation (serum procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide, P1NP) that peaked at weeks 12 and 26, respectively, followed by declines to levels moderately higher than baseline at week 162. Mean CTx and P1NP in the overall population and the subgroup of postmenopausal women were below their upper limits of normal from weeks 58-162. At week 162, mean serum and median urine calcium remained within normal ranges and 91% of participants were independent from conventional therapy. These results suggest that long-term palopegteriparatide therapy in adults with chronic hypoparathyroidism gradually returns the skeleton toward its natural state thereby enhancing the skeleton’s contribution to calcium homeostasis.

Coronary artery spasm (CAS) is a dynamic vasomotor disorder characterized by transient, intense constriction of epicardial coronary arteries, leading to myocardial ischemia in patients with and without obstructive coronary artery disease. CAS plays a central role in vasospastic angina, ischemia with nonobstructive coronary arteries and myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries, malignant arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Its pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving endothelial dysfunction, vascular smooth muscle hyperreactivity, inflammation, oxidative stress, autonomic imbalance, and genetic susceptibility, with notable ethnic and sex-related differences. Diagnosis relies on integration of clinical features, electrocardiographic changes, and invasive coronary provocation testing using acetylcholine or ergonovine, supported by advanced imaging and functional assessment when microvascular involvement is suspected. Management is centered on calcium channel blockers and nitrates, aggressive risk factor modification, particularly smoking cessation, and individualized strategies for refractory or high-risk patients. Improved recognition and standardized diagnostic pathways are essential to optimize outcomes and reduce life-threatening complications associated with CAS.

Shock is a life-threatening state of circulatory failure characterized by inadequate tissue oxygen delivery and cellular hypoxia. Lactate has emerged as a central biomarker in the diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of shock, yet its interpretation is complex and context dependent. Although traditionally viewed as a marker of anaerobic metabolism and tissue hypoperfusion, hyperlactatemia in distributive shock, particularly sepsis, frequently reflects multifactorial mechanisms, including increased aerobic glycolysis, adrenergic stimulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired hepatic clearance. This review examines the pathophysiology and classification of shock, the biochemical basis of lactate production and clearance, and the prognostic significance of both static lactate levels and lactate kinetics. We synthesize evidence supporting lactate as a robust prognostic marker while highlighting limitations of lactate-targeted resuscitation strategies. Emerging data favor multimodal approaches integrating lactate trends with complementary perfusion markers such as capillary refill time and central venous oxygen saturation. Lactate should be interpreted as one component of a comprehensive physiological assessment rather than an isolated therapeutic target.

Abstract Background A subset of risankizumab (RZB)-treated patients experience suboptimal or secondary loss of response to standard dosing. We explored factors associated with future RZB dose-optimization, and outcomes of optimization in a multicenter consortium of adults with Crohn’s Disease (CD). Methods Baseline characteristics at time of RZB initiation and subsequent clinical, endoscopic, and biochemical outcomes were collected in a multi-center cohort. Outcomes for dose-optimized RZB were reported as clinical response and remission (based on HBI or PGA when HBI unavailable), endoscopic remission (based on SEMA-CD or absence of ulcers when SEMA-CD not available), and biochemical response. Characteristics were compared between standard and dose-optimized groups using chi-square and two-sample t-tests. Additional models adjusting for age and sex assessed predictors of dose optimization. Results We identified 309 patients treated with standard dose and 58 for whom dose-optimized RZB was recommended. Of the 58, 29 were excluded from outcomes analysis due to lack of follow-up (n = 19) or insurance denial of dose optimization (n = 10). Demographic information is outlined in Table 1. Baseline characteristics associated with future dose optimization included number of prior advanced therapies (ATs) (OR, 1.29, p &lt; 0.001), prior anti-TNF (OR,4.06; p = 0.022), and prior ustekinumab (UST) use (OR,1.82; p = 0.053) (Table 2). The 29 patients included in the outcome analysis received dose-optimized RZB for primary non-response (n = 2), partial response (n = 23), or secondary loss of response (n = 4) after a median of 321 days (IQR, 234-440) from index RZB start. Median follow-up after dose optimization was 217 days (IQR, 147-331). All patients were AT-exposed (Table 1). Baseline clinical symptoms were present in 27 patients (93.1%), with median HBI of 6.5 (IQR, 6.0-8.0). Active endoscopic disease was observed in 11/12 patients (91.7%) who had baseline endoscopy. Dosing was every 4 weeks in 19 (65.5%), every 6 weeks in 9 (31.0%), and combined IV re-induction plus every 4-weeks in 1 (3.4%) patient. Clinical response and remission was seen in 16 (55.2%) and 12 (41.4%) patients, respectively. A ≥ 50% CRP reduction was seen in 5/12 (41.7%) patients with baseline elevated CRP. Among 7 patients with baseline active endoscopic disease with available follow-up, 3 (42.9%) achieved endoscopic remission. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion In this multi-center retrospective cohort, prior AT-exposure (especially anti-TNF) was associated with need for RZB dose-optimization. Dose optimization successfully captured clinical response in a significant proportion of patients who experienced partial response or loss of response to RZB. Conflict of interest: Johnson, Amanda: Research grant: Abbvie, Spyre Therapeutics Ramesh, Prajith Raj: None Said, Hyder: No conflict of interest Huang, Katherine: No conflict of interest Devi, Jalpa: none Pekow, Joel R.: CVS Health - Consulting Abbvie, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson - Stocks Alhobayb, Tamara: No conflict of interest Bassmeyer, Blake: No conflict of interest Mohamed, Mouhand: No conflict of interest Shivashankar, Raina: Abbvie and BMS - speaker bureau Janssen and Celltrion - grant for IBD fellowship funding Pfizer - consultant Rathi, Jaya: No conflict of interest Luu, Bryan: No conflict of interest Khan, Abdul: No conflict of interest Loftus, Jr, Edward: Grant: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Celgene, Genentech, Gilead, Janssen, Pfizer, Receptos, Robarts Clinical Trials, Takeda, Theravance, UCB. Personal Fees: AbbVie, Allergan, Amgen, Arena, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Calibr, Celgene, Celltrion, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Gilead, Iterative Scopes, Janssen, Ono Pharma, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, Takeda, UCB. Bishu, Shrinivas: None Patel, Anish: speaker: abbvie, J & J, Lilly, BMS, Pfizer, Phathom, Takeda consultant: abbvie Shukla, Richa: Speakers bureau - Abbvie and Lilly Yarur, Andres: Personal Fees: Consultant for Takeda, Pfizer, Roche, Merck, Abbvie, Eli Lilly. Bristol Myers Squibb, Celltrion, Johnson and Johnson. Ungaro, Ryan: Personal Fees: AbbVie, Bristol Myers Squibb, Genentech, Lilly, Pfizer, Janssen, Takeda Deepak, Parakkal: Parakkal Deepak has received research support under a sponsored research agreement unrelated to the data in the abstract from AbbVie, Johnson and Johnson, Sanofi, Merck, Teva, Direct Biologics, Tr1x, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Prometheus Biosciences, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Roche Genentech, Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, Spyre and Agomab, has received consulting fees from Johnson and Johnson, Abbvie, Merck, Sobi, Celltrion, Fresenius Kabi, Asahi Kasei Pharma, Sandoz and CorEvitas, LLC and has served on the board of the Srategic Alliance for Intercultural Advocacy in GI.