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Purpose The aim of this paper is to describe the tests carried out on a SRSMapCheck array, to verify its reliability and sensitivity for quality assurance (QA) of high gradient treatments as an alternative system to the use of high spatial resolution detectors, such as gafchromic film, whose processing requires meticulous and time‐consuming procedures. Methods In an initial step, general functionality tests were carried out to verify that the equipment meets the manufacturer's specifications. A study of the accuracy of the application of correction factors to compensate for variation in detector response due to dose rate, field size and beam angle incidence has been included. Besides, to assess the ability of the array to detect inaccurately delivered treatments, systematic errors corresponding to the deviation in the position of the leaves and the accuracy of the gantry position, have been introduced. Based on these results, an estimate of sensitivity and specificity values of the device has been completed. The final step included a study applied to high gradient treatment for real cases of spatially fractionated radiotherapy, where the results of SRSMapCheck measurements have been compared with gafchromic films. Results General commissioning tests meet the manufacturer's specifications. dose rate (DR) response variation is better than 1.5% and for DR above 50 MU/min better than 1%. The results for beam incidences are better than 1% for all gantry angles, including beam incidences parallel to the array. Field size response differences are within the range of ±1% for sizes up to 2 × 2 cm2, with a maximum value obtained of 3.5%, for 1 × 1 cm2. From the systematic error study, using a Gamma function Γ (2%, 2 mm), the detector presents a high specificity with a value greater than 90% at its lower limit, while its sensitivity has a moderate mean value of 81%. Sensitivity values increase above 86% when we apply a Gamma function Γ (2%, 1 mm) is applied. Finally, the study of actual cases comprises 17 patients, distributed into 11 lung tumors, 3 gynecological and 3 soft tissue tumors. The gafchromic film showed a lower passing rate with an average value of Γ (2%, 2 mm) = 94.1% compared to Γ (2%, 2 mm) = 98.6% reached by the measurements with the array. Conclusions Gamma function obtained with the SRSMapCheck array always presented a higher value than gafchromic film measurements, resulting in a greater number of plans considered correct. This fact, together with the sensitivity and specificity study carried out, allows us to conclude the recommendation that a restrictive metric must be established, in this way we will improve sensitivity, and therefore we will reduce the rate of incorrect plans qualified as correct. The characteristics of the equipment together with the correction factors applied, led to reliably performing acquisitions for complex treatments with multiple small targets in oblique rotational incidences. The spatial resolution of detectors allows the verification of high gradient dose plans such as those achieved in spatially fractionated radiotherapy (SFRT).

Resumen: Introducción: Las hemorragias subaracnoideas corticales (HSAc) tienen numerosas etiologías. No hay estudios prospectivos que indiquen su evolución a largo plazo. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir las características clínicas y etiológicas de los pacientes con HSAc y conocer su pronóstico. Métodos: Estudio observacional, prospectivo y multicéntrico. Se recogieron variables clínicas y radiológicas, y se siguió la evolución al año, observando la mortalidad, dependencia, tasa de resangrado y aparición de demencia. Resultados: Se incluyeron 34 pacientes (edad media 68,3 años, rango 27-89). Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron el déficit neurológico focal, con frecuencia transitorio y de repetición, y la cefalea. El TAC fue patológico en 28 pacientes (85%). Se realizó RM cerebral en 30 pacientes (88%), con isquemia aguda en 10 (29%), sangrados antiguos en 7 (21%) y siderosis superficial en otros 2 (6%). Se encontró etiología en 26 pacientes (76,5%): angiopatía amiloide (n = 8), ictus isquémico (n = 5), vasculitis (n = 4), encefalopatía posterior reversible (n = 2), trombosis venosa (n = 2), síndrome de vasoconstricción cerebral reversible (n = 2), oclusión carotidea (n = 1), síndrome de Marfan (n = 1) y carcinomatosis meníngea (n = 1). Durante el seguimiento fallecieron 3 pacientes (en 2 de ellos relacionado con la causa de la HSAc). Tres pacientes desarrollaron una demencia, 3 presentaron un hematoma lobar y otro una nueva HSAc. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie las causas más frecuentes de HSAc fueron la angiopatía amiloide, el ictus isquémico y la vasculitis. La HSAc tiene peor pronóstico que otras HSA no aneurismáticas. Puede tener numerosas causas y su pronóstico depende de la etiología subyacente. En el anciano existe una frecuente asociación con hemorragia intracraneal y deterioro cognitivo. Abstract: Introduction: Cortical subarachnoid haemorrhage (cSAH) has multiple aetiologies. No prospective study has reported the long-term progression of the condition. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical and aetiological characteristics of patients with cSAH and to gain insight into prognosis. Methods: We performed a prospective, observational, multi-centre study. Data on clinical and radiological variables were collected; during a one-year follow-up period, we recorded data on mortality, dependence, rebleeding, and the appearance of dementia. Results: The study included 34 patients (mean age, 68.3 years; range, 27-89). The most frequent symptoms were headache and focal neurological deficits, which were frequently transient and recurrent. CT scans returned pathological findings in 28 patients (85%). Brain MRI scans were performed in 30 patients (88%), revealing acute ischaemia in 10 (29%), old haemorrhage in 7 (21%), and superficial siderosis in 2 (6%). Aetiology was identified in 26 patients (76.5%): causes were cerebral amyloid angiopathy in 8, ischaemic stroke in 5, vasculitis in 4, reversible posterior encephalopathy in 2, venous thrombosis in 2, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in 2, carotid occlusion in 1, Marfan syndrome in 1, and meningeal carcinomatosis in 1. Three patients died during follow-up (2 due to causes related to the cause of cSAH). Three patients developed dementia, 3 had lobar haemorrhages, and one had a second cSAH. Conclusions: The most frequent causes of cSAH in our series were cerebral amyloid angiopathy, ischaemic stroke, and vasculitis. This type of haemorrhage has a worse prognosis than other non-aneurysmal cSAH. There are numerous possible causes, and prognosis depends on the aetiology. In elderly patients, intracranial haemorrhage is frequently associated with cognitive impairment.

Summary Background S44819, a selective GABAA α5 receptor antagonist, reduces tonic post-ischaemic inhibition of the peri-infarct cortex. S44819 improved stroke recovery in rodents and increased cortical excitability in a transcranial magnetic stimulation study in healthy volunteers. The Randomized Efficacy and Safety Trial of Oral GABAA α5 antagonist S44819 after Recent ischemic Event (RESTORE BRAIN) aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of S44819 for enhancing clinical recovery of patients with ischaemic stroke. Methods RESTORE BRAIN was an international, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled, multicentre phase 2 trial that evaluated the safety and efficacy of oral S44189 in patients with recent ischaemic stroke. The study was done in specialised stroke units in 92 actively recruiting centres in 14 countries: ten were European countries (Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and the UK) and four were non-European countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, and South Korea). Patients aged 18–85 years with acute ischaemic stroke involving cerebral cortex (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score 7–20) without previous disability were eligible for inclusion. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 150 mg S44819 twice a day, 300 mg S44819 twice a day, or placebo twice a day by a balanced, non-adaptive randomisation method with a 1:1:1 ratio. Treatment randomisation and allocation were centralised via the interactive web response system using computer-generated random sequences with a block size of 3. Blinding of treatment was achieved by identical appearance and taste of all sachets. Patients, investigators and individuals involved in the analysis of the trial were masked to group assignment. The primary endpoint was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 90 days from onset of treatment, evaluated by shift analysis (predefined main analysis) or by dichotomised analyses using 0–1 versus 2–6 and 0–2 versus 3–6 cutoffs (predefined secondary analysis). Secondary endpoints were the effects of S44819 on the NIHSS and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores, time needed to complete parts A and B of the Trail Making Test, and the Barthel index. Efficacy analyses were done on all patients who received at least one dose of treatment and had at least one mRS score taken after day 5 (specifically, on or after day 30). Safety was compared across treatment groups for all patients who received at least one dose of treatment. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02877615 . Findings Between Dec 19, 2016, and Nov 16, 2018, 585 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these, 197 (34%) were randomly assigned to receive 150 mg S44819 twice a day, 195 (33%) to receive 300 mg S44819 twice a day, and 193 (33%) to receive placebo twice a day. 189 (96%) of 197 patients in the 150 mg S44819 group, 188 (96%) of 195 patients in the 300 mg S44819 group, and 191 (99%) patients in the placebo group received at least one dose of treatment and had at least one mRS score taken after day 5, and were included in efficacy analyses. 195 (99%) of 197 patients in the 150 mg S44819 group, 194 (99%) of 195 patients in the 300 mg S44819 group, and 193 (100%) patients in the placebo group received at least one dose of treatment, and were included in safety analyses. The primary endpoint of mRS at day 90 did not differ between each of the two S44819 groups and the placebo group (OR 0·91 [95% CI 0·64–1·31]; p=0·80 for 150 mg S44819 compared with placebo and OR 1·17 [95% CI 0·81–1·67]; p=0·80 for 300 mg S44819 compared with placebo). Likewise, dichotomised mRS scores at day 90 (mRS 0–2 vs 3–6 or mRS 0–1 vs 2–6) did not differ between groups. Secondary endpoints did not reveal any significant group differences. The median NIHSS score at day 90 did not differ between groups (4 [IQR 2–8] in 150 mg S44819 group, 4 [2–7] in 300 mg S44819 group, and 4 [2–6] in placebo group), nor did the number of patients at day 90 with an NIHSS score of up to 5 (95 [61%] of 156 in 150 mg S44819 group, 106 [66%] of 161 in 300 mg S44819 group, and 104 [66%] of 157 in placebo group) versus more than 5 (61 [39%] in 150 mg S44819 group, 55 [34%] in 300 mg S44819 group, and 53 [34%] in placebo group). Likewise, the median MoCA score (22·0 [IQR 17·0–26·0] in 150 mg S44819 group, 23·0 [19·0–26·5] in 300 mg S44819 group, and 22·0 [17·0–26·0] in placebo group), time needed to complete parts A (50 s [IQR 42–68] in 150 mg S44819 group, 49 s [36–63] in 300 mg S44819 group, and 50 s [38–68] in placebo group) and B (107 s [81–144] in 150 mg S44819 group, 121 s [76–159] in 300 mg S44819 group, and 130 s [86–175] in placebo group) of the Trail Making Test, and the Barthel index (90 [IQR 60–100] in 150 mg S44819 group, 90 [70–100] in 300 mg S44819 group, and 90 [70–100] in placebo group) were similar in all groups. Number and type of adverse events were similar between the three groups. There were no drug-related adverse events and no drug-related deaths. Interpretation There was no evidence that S44819 improved clinical outcome in patients after ischaemic stroke, and thus S44819 cannot be recommended for stroke therapy. The concept of tonic inhibition after stroke should be re-evaluated in humans. Funding Servier.

Introduction: Cortical subarachnoid haemorrhage (cSAH) has multiple aetiologies. No prospective study has reported the long-term progression of the condition. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical and aetiological characteristics of patients with cSAH and to gain insight into prognosis. Methods: We performed a prospective, observational, multi-centre study. Data on clinical and radiological variables were collected; during a one-year follow-up period, we recorded data on mortality, dependence, rebleeding, and the appearance of dementia. Results: The study included 34 patients (mean age, 68.3 years; range, 27–89). The most frequent symptoms were headache and focal neurological deficits, which were frequently transient and recurrent. CT scans returned pathological findings in 28 patients (85%). Brain MRI scans were performed in 30 patients (88%), revealing acute ischaemia in 10 (29%), old haemorrhage in 7 (21%), and superficial siderosis in 2 (6%). Aetiology was identified in 26 patients (76.5%): causes were cerebral amyloid angiopathy in 8, ischaemic stroke in 5, vasculitis in 4, reversible posterior encephalopathy in 2, venous thrombosis in 2, reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in 2, carotid occlusion in 1, Marfan syndrome in 1, and meningeal carcinomatosis in 1. Three patients died during follow-up (2 due to causes related to the cause of cSAH). Three patients developed dementia, 3 had lobar haemorrhages, and one had a second cSAH. Conclusions: The most frequent causes of cSAH in our series were cerebral amyloid angiopathy, ischaemic stroke, and vasculitis. This type of haemorrhage has a worse prognosis than other non-aneurysmal cSAH. There are numerous possible causes, and prognosis depends on the aetiology. In elderly patients, intracranial haemorrhage is frequently associated with cognitive impairment. Resumen: Introducción: Las hemorragias subaracnoideas corticales (HSAc) tienen numerosas etiologías. No hay estudios prospectivos que indiquen su evolución a largo plazo. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir las características clínicas y etiológicas de los pacientes con HSAc y conocer su pronóstico. Métodos: Estudio observacional, prospectivo y multicéntrico. Se recogieron variables clínicas y radiológicas, y se siguió la evolución al año, observando la mortalidad, dependencia, tasa de resangrado y aparición de demencia. Resultados: Se incluyeron 34 pacientes (edad media 68.3 años, rango 27–89). Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron el déficit neurológico focal, con frecuencia transitorio y de repetición, y la cefalea. El TAC fue patológico en 28 pacientes (85%). Se realizó RM cerebral en 30 pacientes (88%), con isquemia aguda en 10 (29%), sangrados antiguos en 7 (21%) y siderosis superficial en otros 2 (6%). Se encontró etiología en 26 pacientes (76.5%): angiopatía amiloide (n = 8), ictus isquémico (n = 5), vasculitis (n = 4), encefalopatía posterior reversible (n = 2), trombosis venosa (n = 2), síndrome de vasoconstricción cerebral reversible (n = 2), oclusión carotidea (n = 1), síndrome de Marfan (n = 1) y carcinomatosis meníngea (n = 1). Durante el seguimiento fallecieron tres pacientes (en dos de ellos relacionado con la causa de la HSAc). Tres pacientes desarrollaron una demencia, tres presentaron un hematoma lobar y otro una nueva HSAc. Conclusiones: En nuestra serie las causas más frecuentes de HSAc fueron la angiopatía amiloide, el ictus isquémico y la vasculitis. La HSAc tiene peor pronóstico que otras HSA no aneurismáticas. Puede tener numerosas causas y su pronóstico depende de la etiología subyacente. En el anciano existe una frecuente asociación con hemorragia intracraneal y deterioro cognitivo.

Resumen: Introducción: La Estrategia del Ictus del Sistema Nacional de Salud (EISNS) fue un documento de consenso entre las distintas administraciones y sociedades científicas que se desarrolló con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad del proceso asistencial y garantizar la equidad territorial. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar los recursos asistenciales existentes y si se había cumplido el objetivo de la EISNS. Material y métodos: La encuesta sobre los recursos disponibles se realizó por un comité de neurólogos de cada una de las comunidades autónomas (CC.AA), los cuales también realizaron la encuesta de 2008. Los ítems incluidos fueron el número de Unidades de Ictus (UI), su dotación (monitorización, neurólogo 24 h/7 días, ratio enfermería, protocolos), ratio cama UI/100.000 habitantes, recursos diagnósticos (ecografía cardíaca y arterial cerebral, neuroimagen avanzada), realización de trombolisis intravenosa, intervencionismo neurovascular (INV), cirugía del infarto maligno de la arteria cerebral media (ACM) y disponibilidad de la telemedicina. Resultados: Se incluyeron datos de 136 hospitales. Existen 45 UI distribuidas de un modo desigual. La relación cama de UI por habitantes y comunidad autónoma osciló entre 1/74.000 a 1/1.037.000 habitantes, cumpliendo el objetivo solo Cantabria y Navarra. Se realizaron por neurólogos 3.237 trombolisis intravenosas en 83 hospitales, con un porcentaje respecto del total de ictus isquémico entre el 0,3 y el 33,7%. Los hospitales sin UI tenían una disponibilidad variable de recursos. Se realiza INV en todas las CC.AA salvo La Rioja, la disponibilidad del INV 24 h/7 días solo existe en 17 ciudades. Hay 46 centros con cirugía del infarto maligno de la ACM y 5 con telemedicina. Conclusión: La asistencia al ictus ha mejorado en cuanto al incremento de hospitales participantes, la mayor aplicación de trombolisis intravenosa y procedimientos endovasculares, también en la cirugía del infarto maligno de la ACM, pero con insuficiente implantación de UI y de la telemedicina. La disponibilidad de recursos diagnósticos es buena en la mayoría de las UI, e irregular en el resto de hospitales. Las distintas CC.AA deben avanzar para garantizar el mejor tratamiento y equidad territorial, y así conseguir el objetivo de la EISNS. Abstract: Introduction: The Spanish Health System's stroke care strategy (EISNS) is a consensus statement that was drawn up by various government bodies and scientific societies with the aim of improving quality throughout the care process and ensuring equality among regions. Our objective is to analyse existing healthcare resources and establish whether they have met EISNS targets. Material and methods: The survey on available resources was conducted by a committee of neurologists representing each of Spain's regions; the same committee also conducted the survey of 2008. The items included were the number of stroke units (SU), their resources (monitoring, neurologists on call 24 h/7d, nurse ratio, protocols), SU bed ratio/100 000 inhabitants, diagnostic resources (cardiac and cerebral arterial ultrasound, advanced neuroimaging), performing iv thrombolysis, neurovascular interventional radiology (neuro VIR), surgery for malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarctions and telemedicine availability. Results: We included data from 136 hospitals and found 45 Stroke Units distributed unequally among regions. The ratio of SU beds to residents ranged from 1/74,000 to 1/1,037,000 inhabitants; only the regions of Cantabria and Navarre met the target. Neurologists performed 3,237 intravenous thrombolysis procedures in 83 hospitals; thrombolysis procedures compared to the total of ischaemic strokes yielded percentages ranging from 0.3 to 33.7%. Hospitals without SUs showed varying levels of available resources. Neuro VIR is performed in every region except La Rioja, and VIR is only available on a 24 h/7 d basis in 17 cities. Surgery for malignant MCA infarction is performed in 46 hospitals, and 5 have telemedicine. Conclusion: Stroke care has improved in terms of numbers of participating hospitals, the increased use of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular procedures, and surgery for malignant MCA infarction. Implementation of SUs and telemedicine remain insufficient. The availability of diagnostic resources is good in most SUs and irregular in other hospitals. Regional governments should strive to ensure better care and territorial equality, which would achieve the EISNS objectives. Palabras clave: Unidad de ictus, Tratamiento ictus, Encuesta recursos, Trombolisis, Keywords: Stroke unit, Stroke treatment, Stroke facilities survey, Thrombolysis

Introduction: The Spanish Health System's stroke care strategy (EISNS) is a consensus statement that was drawn up by various government bodies and scientific societies with the aim of improving quality throughout the care process and ensuring equality among regions. Our objective is to analyse existing healthcare resources and establish whether they have met EISNS targets. Material and methods: The survey on available resources was conducted by a committee of neurologists representing each of Spain's regions; the same committee also conducted the survey of 2008. The items included were the number of stroke units (SU), their resources (monitoring, neurologists on call 24 hours/7 days, nurse ratio, protocols), SU bed ratio/100 000 inhabitants, diagnostic resources (cardiac and cerebral arterial ultrasound, advanced neuroimaging), performing intravenous thrombolysis, neurovascular interventional radiology (neuro VIR), surgery for malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarctions and telemedicine availability. Results: We included data from 136 hospitals and found 45 Stroke Units distributed unequally among regions. The ratio of SU beds to residents ranged from 1/74 000 to 1/1 037 000 inhabitants; only the regions of Cantabria and Navarre met the target. Neurologists performed 3237 intravenous thrombolysis procedures in 83 hospitals; thrombolysis procedures compared to the total of ischaemic strokes yielded percentages ranging from 0.3% to 33.7%. Hospitals without SUs showed varying levels of available resources. Neuro VIR is performed in every region except La Rioja, and VIR is only available on a 24 hours/7 days basis in 17 cities. Surgery for malignant MCA infarction is performed in 46 hospitals, and 5 have telemedicine. Conclusion: Stroke care has improved in terms of numbers of participating hospitals, the increased use of intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular procedures, and surgery for malignant MCA infarction. Implementation of SUs and telemedicine remain insufficient. The availability of diagnostic resources is good in most SUs and irregular in other hospitals. Regional governments should strive to ensure better care and territorial equality, which would achieve the EISNS objectives. Resumen: Introducción: La Estrategia del Ictus del Sistema Nacional de Salud (EISNS) fue un documento de consenso entre las distintas administraciones y sociedades científicas que se desarrolló con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad del proceso asistencial y garantizar la equidad territorial. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar los recursos asistenciales existentes y si se había cumplido el objetivo de la EISNS. Material y métodos: La encuesta sobre los recursos disponibles se realizó por un comité de neurólogos de cada una de las comunidades autónomas (CC.AA), los cuales también realizaron la encuesta de 2008. Los ítems incluidos fueron el número de Unidades de Ictus (UI), su dotación (monitorización, neurólogo 24 h/7 días, ratio enfermería, protocolos), ratio cama UI/100.000 habitantes, recursos diagnósticos (ecografía cardíaca y arterial cerebral, neuroimagen avanzada), realización de trombolisis intravenosa, intervencionismo neurovascular (INV), cirugía del infarto maligno de la arteria cerebral media (ACM) y disponibilidad de la telemedicina. Resultados: Se incluyeron datos de 136 hospitales. Existen 45 UI distribuidas de un modo desigual. La relación cama de UI por habitantes y comunidad autónoma osciló entre 1/74.000 a 1/1.037.000 habitantes, cumpliendo el objetivo solo Cantabria y Navarra. Se realizaron por neurólogos 3.237 trombolisis intravenosas en 83 hospitales, con un porcentaje respecto del total de ictus isquémico entre el 0,3 y el 33,7%. Los hospitales sin UI tenían una disponibilidad variable de recursos. Se realiza INV en todas las CC.AA salvo La Rioja, la disponibilidad del INV 24 h/7 días solo existe en 17 ciudades. Hay 46 centros con cirugía del infarto maligno de la ACM y 5 con telemedicina. Conclusión: La asistencia al ictus ha mejorado en cuanto al incremento de hospitales participantes, la mayor aplicación de trombolisis intravenosa y procedimientos endovasculares, también en la cirugía del infarto maligno de la ACM, pero con insuficiente implantación de UI y de la telemedicina. La disponibilidad de recursos diagnósticos es buena en la mayoría de las UI, e irregular en el resto de hospitales. Las distintas CC.AA deben avanzar para garantizar el mejor tratamiento y equidad territorial, y así conseguir el objetivo de la EISNS. Keywords: Stroke unit, Stroke treatment, Stroke facilities survey, Thrombolysis, Palabras clave: Unidad de ictus, Tratamiento ictus, Encuesta recursos, Trombolisis

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether patients age 65 years and over with a recent stroke or TIA benefit from statin treatment to a similar degree as younger patients. METHODS: The 4,731 patient cohort in the SPARCL study was divided into an elderly group (65 and over) and a younger group. The primary endpoint (fatal or nonfatal stroke) and secondary endpoints were analyzed, with calculation of the hazard ratio (HR) and p values from a Cox regression model. RESULTS: There were 2,249 patients in the elderly group and 2,482 in the younger group. The baseline LDL (133 mg/dL) and total cholesterol were comparable in the two groups. The elderly and younger groups had a 61.4 mg/dL and 58.7 mg/dL decrease in mean LDL during the trial. The primary endpoint was reduced by 26% in younger patients (HR 0.74, 0.57-0.96, p = 0.02) and by 10% in elderly subjects (HR 0.90, 0.73-1.11, p = 0.33). A test of heterogeneity for a treatment-age interaction was not significant (p = 0.52). The risk of stroke or TIA (HR 0.79, p = 0.01), major coronary events (HR 0.68, p = 0.035), any coronary heart disease event (HR 0.61, p = 0.0006), and revascularization procedures (HR 0.55, p = 0.0005) was reduced in the elderly group. CONCLUSIONS: There was no heterogeneity in the stroke reduction seen with atorvastatin in the elderly and younger groups. Cardiac events and revascularization procedures were also lower in both the elderly and younger subgroups treated with atorvastatin. These results support the use of atorvastatin in elderly patients with recent stroke or TIA.

Background The risk of recurrent stroke among patients with symptomatic carotid near-occlusion is not well established, and management of the condition remains controversial. Symptomatic carotid near-occlusion with full collapse has been identified as a strong predictor of early recurrence. We aimed to analyze the 90-day risk of recurrent ipsilateral ischemic stroke in medically treated patients with symptomatic carotid near-occlusion. Methods We performed a multicenter, nationwide, prospective study from January 2010 to May 2016. Patients with angiography-confirmed symptomatic carotid near-occlusion were included. The primary endpoint was ipsilateral ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) within 90 days after the presenting event. For this analysis, patients who underwent revascularization within 90 days after stroke were excluded. Results The study population comprised 141 patients from 17 Spanish centers; 83 patients were treated medically. Primary endpoint occurred in eight patients, resulting in a cumulative rate of 10.6% (95% CI, 3.7-17.5). Previous history of stroke or transient ischemic attack was identified as an independent predictor for recurrence in the multivariate Cox regression analysis (HR, 4.37 [95% CI, 1.05-18.18]; p=0.043), while the presence of full collapse was not associated with an increased risk (HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.17-3.92]; p=0.793). The risk of recurrence was also not affected by the presence of significant stenosis or occlusion of the contralateral carotid artery, or by the collateral circulation. Conclusions Patients with symptomatic carotid near-occlusion seem to have an increased risk of early ipsilateral recurrent stroke. Our results contrast with the low risk of symptomatic carotid near-occlusion reported to date. Full collapse did not increase the risk of recurrent stroke in our study.

Resumen: Introducción: El ictus constituye un importante problema sociosanitario. Por ese motivo, el Ministerio de Sanidad aprobó en 2008 la Estrategia Nacional en Ictus (ENI) con el objetivo de mejorar la prevención, tratamiento y rehabilitación del paciente con ictus. Se pretende garantizar una atención neurológica en todo el país y a cualquier hora del día para final del 2010. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar la situación de la atención al ictus en España en el año 2009. Material y métodos: Se constituyó un comité de neurólogos de las diferentes CC. AA. que no hubieran participado en la ENI. Se elaboró una encuesta nacional que recogió el número de unidades de ictus (UI) y la dotación (monitorización, guardia de neurología 24 h/7 días, ratio de enfermería y existencia de protocolos), ratio cama UI/100.000 habitantes, presencia de trombólisis iv, intervencionismo neurovascular (INV) y telemedicina. Resultados: Se incluyeron datos de 145 hospitales. Existen 39 UI distribuidas de un modo desigual. La relación cama de UI/número de habitantes/comunidad autónoma osciló entre 1/75.000 a 1/1.037.000 habitantes, cumpliendo el objetivo Navarra y Cantabria. Se realiza trombólisis iv en 80 hospitales, el número osciló entre 7-536 tratamientos/CC. AA. durante el año 2008. Se realiza INV en el 63% de las CC. AA., teniendo 28 centros capacitados, aunque sólo 1 la realizaba en 2009 las 24 h/7 día. Existen 3 centros con telemedicina. Conclusiones: La asistencia al ictus ha mejorado en España respecto a unos años atrás, pero todavía existen importantes desigualdades por CC. AA. que deberían superarse si se quiere cumplir el objetivo de la ENI. Abstract: Introduction: Stroke is currently a major social health problem. For this reason, the Spanish Ministry of Health approved the Stroke National Strategy (SNS) in 2008 to improve the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of stroke patients. This plan intends to guarantee 24-hour, 365-days neurological assistance in the whole country by the end of 2010. Our aim was to analyse the situation of stroke assistance in Spain in 2009. Material and methods: A committee of neurologists practicing in the different autonomous communities (AC), and who had not participated in the preparation of the SNS, was created. A national survey was performed including the number of stroke units (SU) and their characteristics (monitoring, 24-h/7-day on-call neurology service, nursing staff ratio and the use of protocols), bed ratio of SU/100,000 people, availability of intravenous thrombolysis therapy, neurovascular intervention (NI) and telemedicine. Results: We included data from 145 hospitals. There are 39 SU in Spain, unevenly distributed. The ratio between SU bed/number of people/AC varied from 1/75,000 to 1/1,037,000 inhabitants; Navarra and Cantabria met the goal. Intravenous thrombolysis therapy is used in 80 hospitals; the number of treatments per AC was between 7 and 536 in 2008. NI was performed in the 63% of the AC, with a total of 28 qualified hospitals (although only 1 hospital performed it 24 h, 7 days a week in 2009). There were 3 hospitals offering clinical telemedicine services. Conclusions: Assistance for stroke patients has improved in Spain compared to previous years, but there are still some important differences between the AC that must be eliminated to achieve the objectives of the SNS. Palabras clave: Ictus, Unidades de ictus, Trombólisis, Encuesta recursos, Keywords: Stroke, Stroke thrombolysis, Stroke unit, Facilities survey

Introduction: Stroke is currently a major social health problem. For this reason, the Spanish Ministry of Health approved the Stroke National Strategy (SNS) in 2008 to improve the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of stroke patients. This plan intends to guarantee 24-h, 365-days neurological assistance in the whole country by the end of 2010. Our aim was to analyze the situation of stroke assistance in Spain in 2009. Material and methods: A committee of neurologists practicing in the different autonomous communities (AC), and who had not participated in the preparation of the SNS, was created. A national survey was performed including the number of stroke units (SU) and their characteristics (monitoring, 24-h/7-day on-call neurology service, nursing staff ratio and the use of protocols), bed ratio of SU/100,000 people, availability of intravenous thrombolysis therapy, neurovascular intervention (NI) and telemedicine. Results: We included data from 145 hospitals. There are 39 SUs in Spain, unevenly distributed. The ratio between SU bed/number of people/AC varied from 1/75,000 to 1/1,037,000 inhabitants; Navarra and Cantabria met the goal. Intravenous thrombolysis therapy is used in 80 hospitals; the number of treatments per AC was between 7 and 536 in 2008. NI was performed in 63% of the AC, with a total of 28 qualified hospitals (although only 1 hospital performed it 24 h, 7 days a week in 2009). There were 3 hospitals offering clinical telemedicine services. Conclusions: Assistance for stroke patients has improved in Spain compared to previous years, but there are still some important differences between the AC that must be eliminated to achieve the objectives of the SNS. Resumen: Introducción: El ictus constituye un importante problema sociosanitario. Por ese motivo, el Ministerio de Sanidad aprobó en 2008 la Estrategia Nacional en Ictus (ENI) con el objetivo de mejorar la prevención, tratamiento y rehabilitación del paciente con ictus. Se pretende garantizar una atención neurológica en todo el país y a cualquier hora del día para final del 2010. Nuestro objetivo fue analizar la situación de la atención al ictus en España en el año 2009. Material y métodos: Se constituyó un comité de neurólogos de las diferentes CC. AA. que no hubieran participado en la ENI. Se elaboró una encuesta nacional que recogió el número de unidades de ictus (UI) y la dotación (monitorización, guardia de neurología 24 h/7 días, ratio de enfermería y existencia de protocolos), ratio cama UI/100.000 habitantes, presencia de trombólisis iv, intervencionismo neurovascular (INV) y telemedicina. Resultados: Se incluyeron datos de 145 hospitales. Existen 39 UI distribuidas de un modo desigual. La relación cama de UI/número de habitantes/comunidad autónoma osciló entre 1/75.000 a 1/1.037.000 habitantes, cumpliendo el objetivo Navarra y Cantabria. Se realiza trombólisis iv en 80 hospitales, el número osciló entre 7-536 tratamientos/CC. AA. durante el año 2008. Se realiza INV en el 63% de las CC. AA., teniendo 28 centros capacitados, aunque sólo 1 la realizaba en 2009 las 24 h/7 día. Existen 3 centros con telemedicina. Conclusiones: La asistencia al ictus ha mejorado en España respecto a unos años atrás, pero todavía existen importantes desigualdades por CC. AA. que deberían superarse si se quiere cumplir el objetivo de la ENI. Keywords: Stroke, Stroke thrombolysis, Stroke unit, Facilities survey, Palabras clave: Ictus, Unidades de ictus, Trombólisis, Encuesta recursos

Background and Purpose— In SPARCL, treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg daily reduced stroke risk in patients with recent stroke or TIA and no known coronary heart disease by 16% versus placebo over 4.9 years of follow-up. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to determine whether men and women similarly benefited from randomization to statin treatment. Methods— The effect of sex on treatment-related reductions in stroke and other cardiovascular outcomes were analyzed with Cox regression modeling testing for sex by treatment interactions. Results— Women (n=1908) constituted 40% of the SPARCL study population. At baseline, men (n=2823) were younger (62.0±0.21versus 63.9±0.27 years), had lower systolic BPs (138.1±0.35 versus 139.5±0.47 mm Hg), higher diastolic BPs (82.2±0.20 versus 81.0±0.25 mm Hg), more frequently had a history of smoking (73% versus 38%), and had lower total cholesterol (207.0±0.54 versus 218.9±0.67 mg/dL) and LDL-C levels (132±0.45 versus 134±0.57 mg/dL) than women. Use of antithrombotics and antihypertensives were similar. After prespecified adjustment for region, entry event, time since event, and age, there were no sex by treatment interactions for the combined risk of nonfatal and fatal stroke (treatment Hazard Ratio, HR=0.84, 95% CI 0.68, 1.02 in men versus HR=0.84, 95% CI 0.63, 1.11 in women; treatment×sex interaction P =0.99), major cardiac events (HR=0.61, 95% CI 0.42, 0.87 in men versus HR=0.76, 95% CI 0.48, 1.21 in women; P =0.45), major cardiovascular events (HR=0.78, 95% CI 0.65, 0.93 in men versus HR=0.84, 95% CI 0.65, 1.07 in women; P =0.63), revascularization procedures (HR=0.50, 95% CI 0.37, 0.67 in men versus HR=0.76, 95% CI 0.46, 1.24 in women; P =0.17), or any CHD event (HR=0.54, 95% CI 0.41, 0.72 in men versus 0.67 95% CI 0.46, 0.98 in women; P =0.40). Conclusion— Stroke and other cardiovascular events are similarly reduced with atorvastatin 80 mg/d in men and women with recent stroke or TIA.

Background: Ischemic stroke is the leading cause of mortality worldwide and a major contributor to neurological disability and dementia. Terutroban is a specific TP receptor antagonist with antithrombotic, antivasoconstrictive, and antiatherosclerotic properties, which may be of interest for the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. This article describes the rationale and design of the Prevention of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular Events of ischemic origin with teRutroban in patients with a history oF ischemic strOke or tRansient ischeMic Attack (PERFORM) Study, which aims to demonstrate the superiority of the efficacy of terutroban versus aspirin in secondary prevention of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events. Methods and Results: The PERFORM Study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study being carried out in 802 centers in 46 countries. The study population includes patients aged ≥55 years, having suffered an ischemic stroke (≤3 months) or a transient ischemic attack (≤8 days). Participants are randomly allocated to terutroban (30 mg/day) or aspirin (100 mg/day). The primary efficacy endpoint is a composite of ischemic stroke (fatal or nonfatal), myocardial infarction (fatal or nonfatal), or other vascular death (excluding hemorrhagic death of any origin). Safety is being evaluated by assessing hemorrhagic events. Follow-up is expected to last for 2–4 years. Assuming a relative risk reduction of 13%, the expected number of primary events is 2,340. To obtain statistical power of 90%, this requires inclusion of at least 18,000 patients in this event-driven trial. The first patient was randomized in February 2006. Conclusions: The PERFORM Study will explore the benefits and safety of terutroban in secondary cardiovascular prevention after a cerebral ischemic event.

The small fields in radiotherapy are widely used due to the development of techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy and stereotactic radio surgery. The measurement of the dose distributions for small fields is a challenge. A perfect dosimeter should be independent of the radiation energy and the dose rate and should have a negligible volume effect. The radiochromic (RC) film characteristics fit well to these requirements. However, the response of RC films and their digitizing processes present a significant spatial inhomogeneity problem. The present work uses a method for two-dimensional (2D) measurement with RC films based on the reduction of the spatial inhomogeneity of both the film and the film digitizing process. By means of registering and averaging several measurements of the same field, the inhomogeneities are mostly canceled. Measurements of output factors (OFs), dose profiles (in-plane and cross-plane), and 2D dose distributions are presented. The field sizes investigated are 0.5 × 0.5 cm 2 , 0.7 × 0.7 cm 2 , 1 × 1 cm 2 , 2 × 2 cm 2 , 3 × 3 cm 2 , 6 × 6 cm 2 , and 10 × 10 cm 2 for 6 and 15 MV photon beams. The OFs measured with the RC film are compared with the measurements carried out with a PinPoint ionization chamber (IC) and a Semiflex IC, while the measured transversal dose profiles were compared with Monte Carlo simulations. The results obtained for the OFs measurements show a good agreement with the values obtained from RC films and the PinPoint and Semiflex chambers when the field size is greater or equal than 2 × 2 cm 2 . These agreements give confidence on the accuracy of the method as well as on the results obtained for smaller fields. Also, good agreement was found between the measured profiles and the Monte Carlo calculated profiles for the field size of 1 × 1 cm 2 . We expect, therefore, that the presented method can be used to perform accurate measurements of small fields.