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Brett Cucchiara

Publications and source records attributed to Brett Cucchiara.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

To close or not to close: PFO, sex and cerebrovascular events.

We report on 2 patients with cerebrovascular events associated with sexual activity and PFO who subsequently underwent endovascular patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure. The concurrence of sexual activity (a Valsalva equivalent) at symptom onset, together with supporting data, prior paradoxical embolus in 1 case, elevated D-dimer in another, supported paradoxical embolization as the most likely mechanism of the cerebrovascular events. These cases emphasize that clinicians evaluating patients for PFO closure should explicitly inquire about sexual activity at stroke onset.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage: report of three cases and review of the literature.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) appears on CT as hyperdensity in the subarachnoid space. In rare circumstances a similar appearance may occur in the absence of subarachnoid blood, a finding that has been termed "pseudo-subarachnoid hemorrhage." We describe three patients who presented with abrupt alterations in mental status in whom CT falsely suggested SAH, and we review the literature regarding this imaging finding. In contrast to prior reports, all three of our patients had a favorable outcome.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Orgasmic headache with transient basilar artery vasospasm.

A 36-year-old man without significant past medical history presented with recurrent explosive headache at the time of orgasm. Magnetic resonance angiography showed focal mid-basilar artery narrowing. Despite receiving no specific therapy, the patient's headaches and vascular narrowing had resolved completely on follow-up six months later. While a number of pharmacologic agents have been proposed to be of benefit in orgasmic headache, this case suggests that spontaneous resolution may also occur.

Adult↗