Branch atheromatous disease (BAD) is a form of ischemic stroke that presents with imaging findings similar to those of lacunar infarction, but has a different pathogenesis and is known to cause progressive paralysis. Due to regional variations, the epidemiology of BAD is not well understood, and its relationship with the functional prognosis remains unclear. Using a comprehensive Japanese stroke database, we investigated its epidemiological characteristics and associations with functional outcomes. Methods In this multicenter cohort study, we retrospectively analyzed data from 27 hospitals that contributed to the Saiseikai Stroke Database (2013–2021). We used multivariable logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of BAD compared with lacunar infarction (LI) for functional outcomes at discharge. Ischemic stroke caused by BAD or LI was included, and demographic characteristics and clinical data were evaluated and contrasted between BAD and LI. Results Of the 5,966 analyzed patients, 1,549 (25.9%) had BAD and 4,434 (74.1%) had LI. BAD was associated with worse functional outcomes (aOR, 2.77; 95% CI, 2.42–3.17; relative to LI) and extended hospital stays (median 19 days for BAD vs. 13 days for LI). Moreover, aggressive treatment strategies, including the use of argatroban and dual antiplatelet therapy, were more common in BAD patients. Conclusion BAD presented worse functional outcomes and longer hospital stays than LI, necessitating treatment plans that take into account its progression and prognosis.

Branch atheromatous disease (BAD) is a form of ischemic stroke that presents with imaging findings similar to those of lacunar infarction, but has a different pathogenesis and is known to cause progressive paralysis. Due to regional variations, the epidemiology of BAD is not well understood, and its relationship with the functional prognosis remains unclear. Using a comprehensive Japanese stroke database, we investigated its epidemiological characteristics and associations with functional outcomes. Methods In this multicenter cohort study, we retrospectively analyzed data from 27 hospitals that contributed to the Saiseikai Stroke Database (2013–2021). We used multivariable logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of BAD compared with lacunar infarction (LI) for functional outcomes at discharge. Ischemic stroke caused by BAD or LI was included, and demographic characteristics and clinical data were evaluated and contrasted between BAD and LI. Results Of the 5,966 analyzed patients, 1,549 (25.9%) had BAD and 4,434 (74.1%) had LI. BAD was associated with worse functional outcomes (aOR, 2.77; 95% CI, 2.42–3.17; relative to LI) and extended hospital stays (median 19 days for BAD vs. 13 days for LI). Moreover, aggressive treatment strategies, including the use of argatroban and dual antiplatelet therapy, were more common in BAD patients. Conclusion BAD presented worse functional outcomes and longer hospital stays than LI, necessitating treatment plans that take into account its progression and prognosis.

Branch atheromatous disease (BAD) is a form of ischemic stroke that presents with imaging findings similar to those of lacunar infarction, but has a different pathogenesis and is known to cause progressive paralysis. Due to regional variations, the epidemiology of BAD is not well understood, and its relationship with the functional prognosis remains unclear. Using a comprehensive Japanese stroke database, we investigated its epidemiological characteristics and associations with functional outcomes. Methods In this multicenter cohort study, we retrospectively analyzed data from 27 hospitals that contributed to the Saiseikai Stroke Database (2013–2021). We used multivariable logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of BAD compared with lacunar infarction (LI) for functional outcomes at discharge. Ischemic stroke caused by BAD or LI was included, and demographic characteristics and clinical data were evaluated and contrasted between BAD and LI. Results Of the 5,966 analyzed patients, 1,549 (25.9%) had BAD and 4,434 (74.1%) had LI. BAD was associated with worse functional outcomes (aOR, 2.77; 95% CI, 2.42–3.17; relative to LI) and extended hospital stays (median 19 days for BAD vs. 13 days for LI). Moreover, aggressive treatment strategies, including the use of argatroban and dual antiplatelet therapy, were more common in BAD patients. Conclusion BAD presented worse functional outcomes and longer hospital stays than LI, necessitating treatment plans that take into account its progression and prognosis.

Introduction：There are few detailed evaluations of upper extremity function in Japan, especially for cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). The capabilities of upper extremity test (CUE-T) evaluates upper extremity function, is specialized for CSCI, and is internationally used；however, there are few reports from Japan. This study verified the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the CUE-T in Japan.Methods：We determined the interrater reliability, internal consistency, weighted kappa coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Cronbach's α coefficient for acute and chronic CSCI. The correlation coefficient with other evaluations was calculated and validated. Furthermore, the evaluation was performed twice at regular intervals, and the correlation between the change in CUE-T and other evaluations and the sensitivity to change using the standardized response mean (SRM) were verified.Results：The weighted kappa coefficient was 0.61-1.00, intraclass correlation coefficient was ≥0.9, and Cronbach's α coefficient were ≥0.9. The CUE-T and other evaluation methods showed moderate to strong correlations. In addition, the amount of change between CUE-T and the other evaluations were significantly correlated, and the SRM was ≥0.8.Discussion：In Japan, the CUE-T has been suggested to have good reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability as an evaluation of upper extremity function in patients with CSCI. We will continue to verify the interpretability of the CUE-T and consider its dissemination in Japan.

Introduction：There are few detailed evaluations of upper extremity function in Japan, especially for cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). The capabilities of upper extremity test (CUE-T) evaluates upper extremity function, is specialized for CSCI, and is internationally used；however, there are few reports from Japan. This study verified the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the CUE-T in Japan.Methods：We determined the interrater reliability, internal consistency, weighted kappa coefficient, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Cronbach's α coefficient for acute and chronic CSCI. The correlation coefficient with other evaluations was calculated and validated. Furthermore, the evaluation was performed twice at regular intervals, and the correlation between the change in CUE-T and other evaluations and the sensitivity to change using the standardized response mean (SRM) were verified.Results：The weighted kappa coefficient was 0.61-1.00, intraclass correlation coefficient was ≥0.9, and Cronbach's α coefficient were ≥0.9. The CUE-T and other evaluation methods showed moderate to strong correlations. In addition, the amount of change between CUE-T and the other evaluations were significantly correlated, and the SRM was ≥0.8.Discussion：In Japan, the CUE-T has been suggested to have good reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability as an evaluation of upper extremity function in patients with CSCI. We will continue to verify the interpretability of the CUE-T and consider its dissemination in Japan.

Subclavian arterial aneurysms are relatively rare compared to aortic aneurysms. The common causes of subclavian arterial aneurysms are arteriosclerosis, non-specific inflammation, thoracic outlet syndrome, and trauma. A case of a subclavian arterial aneurysm is reported. The patient was a 57-year-old woman. She had no previous history of hypertension, infection and trauma. She underwent complete resection of the aneurysm and reconstruction of right subclavian artery. Exploration of the aneurysmal wall revealed circumferential ridge which caused stenosis of the right subclavian artery at the orifice of the aneurysm. It has been suggested that a subclavian arterial aneurysm developed as a result of abnormal development of the embryologic right fourth and distal sixth aortic arches.