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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute ischemic stroke may trigger an inflammatory response that leads to increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). High levels of CRP may be associated with poor outcome because they reflect either an inflammatory reaction or tissue damage. We related plasma CRP levels to first ever ischemic stroke and its role as a diagnostic aid. METHODS: Sixty patients fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria with first ever acute ischemic stroke were included in study. CT scan of brain was done after 24 hours of onset of symptoms to confirm the diagnosis. Plasma CRP level was determined after 12 hours and before 72 hours of onset of symptoms in all CT confirmed ischemic stroke patients. This clinical study was done from January 2008 to June 2009. CRP was randomly measured in 60 age and sex matched individuals admitted in other wards of the hospital matched in all possible criteria expect the disease under study as a control group. RESULTS: The CRP concentration in ischemic strokes was independent of infarction site, the value was more between 51-70 years of age group and almost equal in both genders. 54 of the 60 ischemic strokes studied had CRP value >6 mg/l and only 6 patients had <6 mg/l (p<0.001), chi square test value is x²=73.65 which is statistically significant. Only 7 of the 60 control group had CRP >6 mg/l, which is insignificant. CONCLUSION: The CRP level is significantly higher in ischemic strokes and by its elevation between 12-72 hours of symptom onset is a bad prognostic indicator. The risk of poor outcome or death at 3 months increased with higher levels of CRP. Elevated CRP values is a risk factor in association with other risk factors like diabetes/hypertension.

IntroductionStudies have reported similar clinical, biochemical, and radiological features between real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-positive and RT-PCR-negative patients. Therefore, the present study aims to assess differences in RT-PCR-positive versus RT-PCR-negative patients' characteristics. MethodsWe prospectively included 70 consecutive patients with typical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-like clinical features who were either RT-PCR-positive or negative, requiring admission to the intensive care unit. The patients were classified into positive and negative RT-PCR groups and evaluated for clinical features, comorbidities, laboratory findings, and radiologic features. ResultsFifty-seven point one percent (57.1%; 40/70) were RT-PCR positive, and 42.9% (30/70) were RT-PCR negative patients. The respiratory rate was higher among negative patients (P = 0.02), whereas the mean duration of fever was longer (3.34 vs 2.5; P = 0.022) among positive patients. At presentation, RT-PCR-negative patients had lower saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) (near significant P = 0.058). Evaluation of co-morbidities revealed no differences. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (4.57 vs 6.52; P = 0.048), C-reactive protein (CRP) (9.97 vs 22.7; P = 0.007), and serum ferritin (158 vs 248.52; P = 0.010) were higher in patients who tested negative for RT-PCR. Thrombocytopenia (2.42 vs 1.76; P = 0.009), D-dimer levels (408.91 vs 123.06; P = 0.03), and interleukin (IL-6) levels (219.3 vs 80.81; P = 0.04) were significantly elevated among RT-PCR positive patients. The percentage of lung involvement in negative cases was 42.29+/-22.78 vs 36.21+/-21.8 in positive cases (P=0.23). The CT severity score was similar in both cohorts. ConclusionBoth RT-PCR-positive and negative patients have similar clinical, biochemical, and radiological features. Considering that we are amidst a pandemic, it is advisable to have a similar approach irrespective of the RT-PCR report and triage and isolate accordingly. We recommend an RT-PCR-negative intensive care unit (ICU) ward and that the treating physician take a call on the management with a holistic approach driven clinically by the laboratory findings and helped by radiological findings. Stressing only on the RT-PCR report for management can be counterproductive.

Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis is blood clot in draining veins and venous sinuses of brain, causing hindrance in the blood drainage system in brain, disturbing the internal homeostasis of brain, resulting in local oedema, ischemia, venous haemorrhage, damage to brain parenchyma and blood brain barrier. In our case series we discussed 3 cases i.e 37yr/female came with complaints of headache, vomiting and gtcs, NCCT brain was suggestive of SAH without parenchymal involvement, which is a rare nding. Another case 45 year old female presented with complaints of headache and weakness of left upper and lower limb & gtcs, she is a known case of nephrotic syndrome, which is a risk factor for thrombosis. The last case was of 32 years old female, primi-gravida with 36 weeks of gestation came with complaints of headache, blurring of vision, 2-3 episodes of vomiting & gtcs, MRI brain was suggestive of CVT and thus CVT should also be considered as one of the diagnosis apart from eclampsia, meningitis & PRES in pregnancy. An early diagnosis can be very fruitful as it might prevent long term disability and reduce mortality signicantly.