Stroke is a major leading cause of chronic disability, often affecting patients’ motor and sensory functions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is the most commonly used method of functional neuroimaging, and it allows for the non-invasive study of brain activity. The time-dependent coactivation of different brain regions at rest is described as resting-state activation. As a non-invasive task-independent functional neuroimaging approach, resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) may provide therapeutically useful information on both the focal vascular lesion and the connectivity-based reorganization and subsequent functional recovery in stroke patients. Considering the role of a prompt and accurate prognosis in stroke survivors along with the potential of rs-fMRI in identifying patterns of neuroplasticity in different post-stroke phases, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest literature regarding the role of rs-fMRI in stroke prognosis in terms of motor and sensory outcomes. Our comprehensive review suggests that with the advancement of MRI acquisition and data analysis methods, rs-fMRI emerges as a promising tool to study the motor and sensory outcomes in stroke patients and evaluate the effects of different interventions.

Stroke is the leading cause of functional disability worldwide, with increasing prevalence in adults. Given the considerable negative impact on patients’ quality of life and the financial burden on their families and society, it is essential to provide stroke survivors with a timely and reliable prognosis of stroke recurrence. Leukoaraiosis (LA) is a common neuroimaging feature of cerebral small-vessel disease. By researching the literature of two different databases (MEDLINE and Scopus), the present study aims to review all relevant studies from the last decade, dealing with the clinical utility of pre-existing LA as a prognostic factor for stroke recurrence in stroke survivors. Nineteen full-text articles published in English were identified and included in the present review, with data collected from a total of 34,546 stroke patients. A higher rate of extended LA was strongly associated with stroke recurrence in all stroke subtypes, even after adjustment for clinical risk factors. In particular, patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack with advanced LA had a significantly higher risk of future ischemic stroke, whereas patients with previous intracerebral hemorrhage and severe LA had a more than 2.5-fold increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke and a more than 30-fold increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke. Finally, in patients receiving anticoagulant treatment for AF, the presence of LA was associated with an increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage. Because of this valuable predictive information, evaluating LA could significantly expand our knowledge of stroke patients and thereby improve overall stroke care.

Stroke is a major cause of functional disability and is increasing in frequency. Therefore, stroke prognosis must be both accurate and timely. Among other biomarkers, heart rate variability (HRV) is investigated in terms of prognostic accuracy within stroke patients. The literature research of two databases (MEDLINE and Scopus) is performed to trace all relevant studies published within the last decade addressing the potential utility of HRV for stroke prognosis. Only the full-text articles published in English are included. In total, forty-five articles have been traced and are included in the present review. The prognostic value of biomarkers of autonomic dysfunction (AD) in terms of mortality, neurological deterioration, and functional outcome appears to be within the range of known clinical variables, highlighting their utility as prognostic tools. Moreover, they may provide additional information regarding poststroke infections, depression, and cardiac adverse events. AD biomarkers have demonstrated their utility not only in the setting of acute ischemic stroke but also in transient ischemic attack, intracerebral hemorrhage, and traumatic brain injury, thus representing a promising prognostic tool whose clinical application may greatly facilitate individualized stroke care.

Background: Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is the leading cause of hospitalization during early pregnancy, affecting approximately 0.3–3% of pregnancies. It represents the most severe end of the nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) spectrum and is associated with substantial maternal morbidity and potential adverse fetal outcomes. Despite extensive research, the exact pathophysiology remains poorly understood, and optimal management strategies continue to be debated. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the complications and treatment approaches for HG. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Medline up to October 2024 using predefined keywords. Eligible sources included observational studies, cohort studies, descriptive studies, and case reports. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and non-English articles were excluded. Results: HG is associated with a broad spectrum of complications, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, cardiac arrhythmias, thromboembolism, and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as fetal growth restriction and preterm birth. Pharmacological treatments—most notably doxylamine-pyridoxine (the only FDA-approved therapy), ondansetron, metoclopramide, and corticosteroids—have demonstrated varying efficacy and safety profiles. Non-pharmacological interventions such as acupressure, dietary adjustments, psychotherapy, and hypnosis have also been studied, although evidence remains limited. Conclusions: HG requires a comprehensive and individualized management approach. While doxylamine-pyridoxine remains the cornerstone of therapy, other pharmacologic and supportive measures may offer additional benefit. Continued research is essential to clarify the underlying mechanisms, improve therapeutic efficacy, and develop evidence-based guidelines that integrate both medical and psychosocial care for affected women.

Congenital heart disease (CHD), the most prevalent congenital abnormality, is becoming increasingly acknowledged as a component of a broad fetoplacental pathology. This systematic review summarizes recent imaging-based data linking CHD to quantifiable placental abnormalities. In CHD pregnancies, placenta studies consistently show patterns of altered vascularization, decreased volumetric growth, microstructural heterogeneity, and impaired placental oxygenation. We conducted a thorough literature search from January 2020 to May 2025 to identify studies on placenta function and structure in CHD-affected pregnancies. The included studies primarily utilized MRI and Doppler methods, as well as some modern modalities. Seven studies were included in this review. Placental imaging reveals consistent structural and functional abnormalities in pregnancies affected by congenital heart disease, indicating some possible contribution of the placenta in CHD pathophysiology. Placental imaging may improve outcomes in this susceptible group of pregnancies, improve risk assessment, and direct surveillance when incorporated into prenatal care for congenital heart disease. Future research should concentrate on lesion-specific analysis, longitudinal imaging, and placenta–heart axis-targeting treatment therapies.

Stroke is a major leading cause of chronic disability, often affecting patients’ motor and sensory functions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is the most commonly used method of functional neuroimaging and allows the non-invasive study of brain activity. The time-dependent coactivation of different brain regions at rest is described as resting-state activation. As a non-invasive task-independent functional neuroimaging approach, resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) may provide therapeutically useful information on both the focal vascular lesion and the connectivity-based reorganization and subsequent functional recovery in stroke patients. Considering the role of prompt and accurate prognosis in stroke survivors along with the potential of rs-fMRI in identifying patterns of neuroplasticity in different post-stroke phases, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest literature regarding the role of rs-fMRI in stroke prognosis in terms of motor and sensory outcome. Our comprehensive review suggests that with the advancement of MRI acquisition and data analysis methods, rs-fMRI emerges as a promising tool to study the motor and sensory outcome in stroke patients and evaluate the effect of different interventions.