Stroke–heart syndrome: clinical presentation and underlying mechanisms

Research on atrial fibrillation mechanisms and prediction of therapeutic prospects: focus on the autonomic nervous system upstream pathways

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinical arrhythmia disorder. It can easily lead to complications such as thromboembolism, palpitations, dizziness, angina, heart failure, and stroke. The disability and mortality rates associated with AF are extremely high, significantly affecting the quality of life and work of patients. With the deepening of research into the brain-heart connection, the link between AF and stroke has become increasingly evident. AF is now categorized as either Known Atrial Fibrillation (KAF) or Atrial Fibrillation Detected After Stroke (AFDAS), with stroke as the baseline. This article, through a literature review, briefly summarizes the current pathogenesis of KAF and AFDAS, as well as the status of their clinical pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. It has been found that the existing treatments for KAF and AFDAS have limited efficacy and are often associated with significant adverse reactions and a risk of recurrence. Moreover, most drugs and treatment methods tend to focus on a single mechanism pathway. For example, drugs targeting ion channels primarily modulate ion channels and have relatively limited impact on other pathways. This limitation underscores the need to break away from the "one disease, one target, one drug/measurement" dogma for the development of innovative treatments, promoting both drug and non-drug therapies and significantly improving the quality of clinical treatment. With the increasing refinement of the overall mechanisms of KAF and AFDAS, a deeper exploration of physiological pathology, and comprehensive research on the brain-heart relationship, it is imperative to shift from long-term symptom management to more precise and optimized treatment methods that are effective for almost all patients. We anticipate that drugs or non-drug therapies targeting the central nervous system and upstream pathways can guide the simultaneous treatment of multiple downstream pathways in AF, thereby becoming a new breakthrough in AF treatment research.

Stroke-Heart Syndrome: Does Sex Matter?

Background Cardiovascular complications after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) can be related to chronic/comorbid cardiac conditions or acute disruption of the brain-heart autonomic axis (stroke-heart syndrome). Women are known to be more vulnerable to certain stress-induced cardiac complications, such as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. We investigated sex differences in cardiac troponin (cTn) elevation, cardiac events, and outcomes after AIS. Methods and Results We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with AIS from 5 stroke centers. Patients with AIS with elevated baseline cTn and at least 2 cTn measurements were included, while patients with acute comorbid conditions that could impact cTn levels were excluded. Poststroke acute myocardial injury was defined as the presence of a dynamic cTn pattern (rise/fall >20% in serial measurements) in the absence of acute atherosclerotic coronary disease (type 1 myocardial infarction) or cardiac death (type 3 myocardial infarction). From a total cohort of 3789 patients with AIS, 300 patients were included in the study: 160 were women (53%). Women were older, had a lower burden of cardiovascular risk factors, and more frequently had cardioembolic stroke and right insula involvement (P values all <0.05). In multivariate analysis, women were more likely to have a dynamic cTn pattern (adjusted odds ratio, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.2-3.6]) and develop poststroke acute myocardial injury (adjusted odds ratio, 2.1 [95% CI, 1.1-3.8]). Patients with poststroke acute myocardial injury had higher 7-day mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 5.5 [95% CI, 1.2-24.4]). Conclusions In patients with AIS with elevated cTn at baseline, women are twice as likely to develop poststroke acute myocardial injury, and this is associated with higher risk of short-term mortality. Translational studies are needed to clarify mechanisms underlying sex differences in cardiac events and mortality in AIS.

Protocol of the Berlin Long-term Observation of Vascular Events (BeLOVE): a prospective cohort study with deep phenotyping and long-term follow up of cardiovascular high-risk patients

INTRODUCTION

The Berlin Long-term Observation of Vascular Events is a prospective cohort study that aims to improve prediction and disease-overarching mechanistic understanding of cardiovascular (CV) disease progression by comprehensively investigating a high-risk patient population with different organ manifestations.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A total of 8000 adult patients will be recruited who have either suffered an acute CV event (CVE) requiring hospitalisation or who have not experienced a recent acute CVE but are at high CV risk. An initial study examination is performed during the acute treatment phase of the index CVE or after inclusion into the chronic high risk arm. Deep phenotyping is then performed after ~90 days and includes assessments of the patient's medical history, health status and behaviour, cardiovascular, nutritional, metabolic, and anthropometric parameters, and patient-related outcome measures. Biospecimens are collected for analyses including 'OMICs' technologies (e.g., genomics, metabolomics, proteomics). Subcohorts undergo MRI of the brain, heart, lung and kidney, as well as more comprehensive metabolic, neurological and CV examinations. All participants are followed up for up to 10 years to assess clinical outcomes, primarily major adverse CVEs and patient-reported (value-based) outcomes. State-of-the-art clinical research methods, as well as emerging techniques from systems medicine and artificial intelligence, will be used to identify associations between patient characteristics, longitudinal changes and outcomes.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study was approved by the Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin ethics committee (EA1/066/17). The results of the study will be disseminated through international peer-reviewed publications and congress presentations.

STUDY REGISTRATION

First study phase: Approved WHO primary register: German Clinical Trials Register: https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00016852; WHO International Clinical Registry Platform: http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=DRKS00016852. Recruitment started on July 18, 2017.Second study phase: Approved WHO primary register: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00023323, date of registration: November 4, 2020, URL: http://www.drks.de/ DRKS00023323. Recruitment started on January 1, 2021.

Immunological characterization of stroke-heart syndrome and identification of inflammatory therapeutic targets

Acute cardiac dysfunction caused by stroke-heart syndrome (SHS) is the second leading cause of stroke-related death. The inflammatory response plays a significant role in the pathophysiological process of cardiac damage. However, the mechanisms underlying the brain-heart interaction are poorly understood. Therefore, we aimed to analysis the immunological characterization and identify inflammation therapeutic targets of SHS. We analyzed gene expression data of heart tissue 24 hours after induction of ischemia stoke by MCAO or sham surgery in a publicly available dataset (GSE102558) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Bioinformatics analysis revealed 138 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in myocardium of MCAO-treated compared with sham-treated mice, among which, immune and inflammatory pathways were enriched. Analysis of the immune cells infiltration showed that the natural killer cell populations were significantly different between the two groups. We identified five DIREGs, Aplnr, Ccrl2, Cdkn1a, Irak2, and Serpine1 and found that their expression correlated with specific populations of infiltrating immune cells in the cardiac tissue. RT-qPCR and Western blot methods confirmed significant changes in the expression levels of Aplnr, Cdkn1a, Irak2, and Serpine1 after MCAO, which may serve as therapeutic targets to prevent cardiovascular complications after stroke.

Resumption of oral anticoagulation in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation after intracerebral hemorrhage: A sub-analysis of the PASTA registry study

PURPOSE

To investigate the rate and timing of oral anticoagulant (OAC) resumption and its safety in patients after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in current clinical practice in Japan.

METHODS

We conducted a sub-analysis of the PASTA registry, an observational, multicenter registry of 1043 patients with stroke receiving OACs in Japan, by including patients with ICH on OAC treatment for non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). The clinical characteristics of the patients in the resumption and non-resumption groups, rate and timing of OAC resumption, its safety, and switching of OACs after ICH were investigated.

RESULTS

Of the 160 patients (women, n = 52; median age, 77 years) included, OACs were resumed in 108 (68%) at a median of 7 days (interquartile range, 4-11) after acute ICH onset. The non-resumption group had higher rates of hematoma expansion (21.2% vs. 7.4%; P = 0.0118) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at discharge (4 (Suda et al., 2019; Steiner et al., 2014 [3, 4]) vs. 4 (Suda et al., 2019; Steiner et al., 2014; Pasquini et al., 2014 [3-5]); P = 0.0302}. The resumption rate in the mRS 0-4 group was higher than that in the mRS 5 group (75.2% vs. 46.5%; P = 0.00006). The number of days to resumption after ICH onset was longer in the mRS 5 than that in the mRS 0-4 group (median 12 days vs. 7 days, P = 0.0065). There were no significant differences in new-onset ICH, symptomatic hematoma expansion, or gastrointestinal bleeding between groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Early resumption of OAC for NVAF in patients after ICH appeared to be safe. Expected functional outcomes at discharge were associated with OAC resumption and with the timing of resumption.

REGISTRATION

https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000034958.

Detailed Characteristics of Post-discharge Mortality in Acute Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The in-hospital survival of patients suffering from acute pancreatitis (AP) is 95% to 98%. However, there is growing evidence that patients discharged after AP may be at risk of serious morbidity and mortality. Here, we aimed to investigate the risk, causes, and predictors of the most severe consequence of the post-AP period: mortality.

METHODS

A total of 2613 well-characterized patients from 25 centers were included and followed by the Hungarian Pancreatic Study Group between 2012 and 2021. A general and a hospital-based population was used as the control group.

RESULTS

After an AP episode, patients have an approximately threefold higher incidence rate of mortality than the general population (0.0404 vs 0.0130 person-years). First-year mortality after discharge was almost double than in-hospital mortality (5.5% vs 3.5%), with 3.0% occurring in the first 90-day period. Age, comorbidities, and severity were the most significant independent risk factors for death following AP. Furthermore, multivariate analysis identified creatinine, glucose, and pleural fluid on admission as independent risk factors associated with post-discharge mortality. In the first 90-day period, cardiac failure and AP-related sepsis were among the main causes of death following discharge, and cancer-related cachexia and non-AP-related infection were the key causes in the later phase.

CONCLUSION

Almost as many patients in our cohort died in the first 90-day period after discharge as during their hospital stay. Evaluation of cardiovascular status, follow-up of local complications, and cachexia-preventing oncological care should be an essential part of post-AP patient care. Future study protocols in AP must include at least a 90-day follow-up period after discharge.

Machine-learning-derived heart and brain age are independently associated with cognition

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

A heart age biomarker has been developed using deep neural networks applied to electrocardiograms. Whether this biomarker is associated with cognitive function was investigated.

METHODS

Using 12-lead electrocardiograms, heart age was estimated for a population-based sample (N = 7779, age 40-85 years, 45.3% men). Associations between heart delta age (HDA) and cognitive test scores were studied adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors. In addition, the relationship between HDA, brain delta age (BDA) and cognitive test scores was investigated in mediation analysis.

RESULTS

Significant associations between HDA and the Word test, Digit Symbol Coding Test and tapping test scores were found. HDA was correlated with BDA (Pearson's r = 0.12, p = 0.0001). Moreover, 13% (95% confidence interval 3-36) of the HDA effect on the tapping test score was mediated through BDA.

DISCUSSION

Heart delta age, representing the cumulative effects of life-long exposures, was associated with brain age. HDA was associated with cognitive function that was minimally explained through BDA.

Stroke in patients with heart failure and reduced or preserved ejection fraction

AIMS

Stroke is an important problem in patients with heart failure (HF), but the intersection between the two conditions is poorly studied across the range of ejection fraction. The prevalence of history of stroke and related outcomes were investigated in patients with HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Individual patient meta-analysis of seven clinical trials enrolling patients with HF with reduced (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Of the 20 159 patients with HFrEF, 1683 (8.3%) had a history of stroke, and of the 13 252 patients with HFpEF, 1287 (9.7%) had a history of stroke. Regardless of ejection fraction, patients with a history of stroke had more vascular comorbidity and worse HF. Among those with HFrEF, the incidence of the composite of cardiovascular death, HF hospitalization, stroke, or myocardial infarction was 18.23 (16.81-19.77) per 100 person-years in those with prior stroke vs. 13.12 (12.77-13.48) in those without [hazard ratio 1.37 (1.26-1.49), P < 0.001]. The corresponding rates in patients with HFpEF were 14.16 (12.96-15.48) and 9.37 (9.06-9.70) [hazard ratio 1.49 (1.36-1.64), P < 0.001]. Each component of the composite was more frequent in patients with stroke history, and the risk of future stroke was doubled in patients with prior stroke. Among patients with prior stroke, 30% with concomitant atrial fibrillation were not anticoagulated, and 29% with arterial disease were not taking statins; 17% with HFrEF and 38% with HFpEF had uncontrolled systolic blood pressure (≥140 mmHg).

CONCLUSION

Heart failure patients with a history of stroke are at high risk of subsequent cardiovascular events, and targeting underutilization of guideline-recommended treatments might be a way to improve outcomes in this high-risk population.

C-reactive protein levels are associated with early cardiac complications or death in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a propensity-matched analysis of a global federated health from the TriNetX network

The role of inflammation in predicting early cardiac complications among stroke patients is unclear. Electronic medical records from TriNetX, a global federated health research network, were used for this retrospective analysis. Patients with ischemic stroke and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels measured within 24 h post-stroke were categorized into three groups: (i) < 1 mg/L, (ii)1-3 mg/L and (iii) > 3 mg/L. The primary outcome was a composite outcome of cardiac complications (heart failure (HF), ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular arrhythmias and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy) or death at 30 days from the index event. Cox-regression analyses were used to produce hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) following 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM). Of the 104,741 patients enrolled, 51% were female and the mean age was 66 ± 16 years. After PSM, a new cardiac complication or death within 30 days occurred in 5624 (33.1%) patients with CRP > 3 mg/L, in 4243 (25.6%) patients with CRP 1-3 mg/L and in 3891 (23.5%) patients with CRP < 1 mg/L. Patients with CRP levels of 1-3 mg/L and > 3 mg/L had higher risk of the composite outcome (HR 1.10, 95%CI 1.05-1.52; HR 1.51, 95%CI 1.45-1.58), death (HR 1.43, 95%CI 1.24-1.64; HR 3.50, 95%CI 3.01-3.96), HF (HR 1.08, 95%CI 1.01-1.16; HR 1.51, 95%CI 1.41-1.61), AF (HR 1.10, 95% CI:1.02-1.18; HR 1.42, 95%CI 1.33-1.52) and ventricular arrhythmias (HR 1.25, 95%CI 1.02-1.52; HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.38-2.01) compared to those with CRP < 1 mg/L. Ischemic heart disease were more common among patients with CRP levels > 3 mg/L compared to those with CRP < 1 mg/L (HR:1.33, 95% CI:1.26-1.40), while no association with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was found in all the analyses. CRP levels within the first 24 h of an ischemic stroke predict 30-day cardiac complications or death.

Acute right insular ischaemic lesions and poststroke left ventricular dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Myocardial injury related to acute ischaemic stroke is common even without primary cardiac disease. We intended to determine associations between values of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and ischaemic stroke lesion sites.

METHODS

Of a local database, patients with acute first-ever ischaemic stroke confirmed by brain imaging but without pre-existing heart disease were included. The cardiac morphology and LVEF were obtained from transthoracic or transesophageal echocardiography, and impaired LVEF was categorised as mild (35%-50%), moderate (34%-25%) and severe (<25%). Patient age, stroke severity, ischaemic lesion volume, prevalence of troponin I increase (>0.1 ng/mL), atrial fibrillation and cardiac wall motion abnormalities were assessed and compared between patients with and without impaired LVEF after stroke (significance: p<0.05). A multivariate voxelwise lesion analysis correlated LVEF after stroke with sites of ischaemic lesions.

RESULTS

Of 1209 patients who had a stroke, 231 (mean age 66.3±14.0 years) met the inclusion criteria; 40 patients (17.3%) had an impaired LVEF after stroke. Patients with impaired LVEF had higher infarct volumes (53.8 mL vs 30.0 mL, p=0.042), a higher prevalence of troponin increase (17.5% vs 4.2%, p=0.006), cardiac wall motion abnormalities (42.5% vs 5.2%, p<0.001) and atrial fibrillation (60.0% vs 26.2%, p<0.001) than patients with LVEF of >50%. The multivariate voxelwise lesion analysis yielded associations between decreased LVEF and damaged voxels in the insula, amygdala and operculum of the right hemisphere.

CONCLUSION

Our imaging analysis unveils a prominent role of the right hemispheric central autonomic network, especially of the insular cortex, in the brain-heart axis. Our results support preliminary evidence that acute ischaemic stroke in distinct brain regions of the central autonomic network may directly impair cardiac function and thus further supports the concept of a distinct stroke-heart syndrome.

Combined Metabolipidomic and Machine Learning Approach in a Rat Model of Stroke Reveals a Deleterious Impact of Brain Injury on Heart Metabolism

Cardiac complications are frequently found following a stroke in humans whose pathophysiological mechanism remains poorly understood. We used machine learning to analyse a large set of data from a metabolipidomic study assaying 630 metabolites in a rat stroke model to investigate metabolic changes affecting the heart within 72 h after a stroke. Twelve rats undergoing a stroke and 28 rats undergoing the sham procedure were investigated. A plasmatic signature consistent with the literature with notable lipid metabolism remodelling was identified. The post-stroke heart showed a discriminant metabolic signature, in comparison to the sham controls, involving increased collagen turnover, increased arginase activity with decreased nitric oxide synthase activity as well as an altered amino acid metabolism (including serine, asparagine, lysine and glycine). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that brain injury induces a metabolic remodelling in the heart potentially involved in the pathophysiology of stroke heart syndrome.

Atrial Fibrillation Detected before or after Stroke: Role of Anticoagulation

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) known before ischemic stroke (KAF) has been postulated to be an independent category with a recurrence risk higher than that of AF detected after stroke (AFDAS). However, it is unknown whether this risk difference is confounded by pre-existing anticoagulation, which is most common in KAF and also indicates a high ischemic stroke recurrence risk.

METHODS

Individual patient data analysis from 5 prospective cohorts of anticoagulated patients following AF-associated ischemic stroke. We compared the primary (ischemic stroke recurrence) and secondary outcome (all-cause death) among patients with AFDAS versus KAF and among anticoagulation-naïve versus previously anticoagulated patients using multivariable Cox, Fine-Gray models, and goodness-of-fit statistics to investigate the relative independent prognostic importance of AF-category and pre-existing anticoagulation.

RESULTS

Of 4,357 patients, 1,889 (43%) had AFDAS and 2,468 (57%) had KAF, while 3,105 (71%) were anticoagulation-naïve before stroke and 1,252 (29%) were previously anticoagulated. During 6,071 patient-years of follow-up, we observed 244 recurrent strokes and 661 deaths. Only pre-existing anticoagulation (but not KAF) was independently associated with a higher hazard for stroke recurrence in both Cox and Fine-Gray models. Models incorporating pre-existing anticoagulation showed better fit than those with AF category; adding AF-category did not result in better model fit. Neither pre-existing anticoagulation nor KAF were independently associated with death.

CONCLUSION

Our findings challenge the notion that KAF and AFDAS are clinically relevant and distinct prognostic entities. Instead of attributing an independently high stroke recurrence risk to KAF, future research should focus on the causes of stroke despite anticoagulation to develop improved preventive treatments. ANN NEUROL 2023;94:43-54.

Stroke-heart syndrome: A case report and mini literature review

Despite the fact that cardiac troponin (cTn) elevation is commonly seen in the acute phase of ischemic stroke, investigating its etiology represents a challenge for healthcare practitioners. Therefore, we describe the case of an 86-year-old woman with dyspnea and cTn-elevation within the first days following acute ischemic stroke and discuss potential differential diagnoses and diagnostic dilemmas.

At the heart of the matter: how mental stress and negative emotions affect atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia, affecting 2%-3% of the world's population. Mental and emotional stress, as well as some mental health conditions (e.g., depression) have been shown to significantly impact the heart and have been suggested to act both as independent risk factors and triggers in the onset of AF. In this paper, we review the current literature to examine the role that mental and emotional stress have in the onset of AF and summarise the current knowledge on the interaction between the brain and heart, and the cortical and subcortical pathways involved in the response to stress. Review of the evidence suggests that mental and emotional stress negatively affect the cardiac system, potentially increasing the risk for developing and/or triggering AF. Further studies are required to further understand the cortical and sub-cortical structures involved in the mental stress response and how these interact with the cardiac system, which may help in defining new strategies and interventions to prevent the development of, and improve the management of AF.

Association of triglyceride-glucose index with myocardial injury post-stroke in older patients with first-ever ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Myocardial injury post-stroke is a common sequela of acute stroke. Triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index), a valuable surrogate indicator of insulin resistance, has been suggested to be closely related to cardiovascular outcomes. However, it is unknown whether the TyG index is independently associated with a higher risk of myocardial injury post-stroke. We therefore investigated the longitudinal association between TyG index and risk of myocardial injury post-stroke in older patients with first-ever ischemic stroke and no prior cardiovascular comorbidities.

METHODS

We included older patients with first-ever ischemic stroke and no prior cardiovascular comorbidities between January 2021 to December 2021. The individuals were stratified into low and high TyG index groups according to the optimal cutoff value with TyG index. We performed logistic regression analysis, propensity score matching (PSM) analysis, restricted cubic spline analysis, and subgroup analyses to explore the longitudinal association between TyG index and risk of myocardial injury post-stroke.

RESULTS

We included 386 individuals with a median age of 69.8 years (interquartile range: 66.6, 75.3). The optimal TyG index cut-off for predicting myocardial injury post-stroke was 8.9 (sensitivity 67.8%; specificity 75.5%; area under curve 0.701). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of genesis of myocardial injury post-stroke increased with elevated TyG index (odds ratio [OR], 2.333; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.201-4.585; P = 0.013). Furthermore, all covariates were well balanced between the two groups. The longitudinal association between TyG index and myocardial injury post-stroke remained significantly robust (OR: 2.196; 95% CI: 1.416-3.478; P < 0.001) after PSM adjustment.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with an elevated TyG index were more susceptible to having an increased risk of myocardial injury post-stroke. TyG index thus might be served as a complementary approach for optimized-for-risk stratification in older patients with first-ever ischemic stroke and no prior cardiovascular comorbidities.

Myocardial injury in patients with acute ischemic stroke detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND

Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are at high risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Until now, the burden of myocardial injury derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) has not been established in this population.

METHODS

Patients with AIS underwent CMR at 3 Tesla within 120 h after the index stroke as part of a prospective, single-center study. Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation were excluded. Morphology and function of both cardiac chambers and atria were assessed applying SSFP cine. Myocardial tissue differentiation was based on native and contrast-enhanced imaging including late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) after 0.15 mmol/kg gadobutrol for focal fibrosis and parametric T2- and T1-mapping for diffuse findings. To detect myocardial deformation global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS) and radial (GRS) strain was measured applying feature tracking. Cardiac troponin was measured using a high-sensitivity assay (99th percentile upper reference limit 14 ng/L). T2 mapping values were compared with 20 healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

CMR with contrast media was successfully performed in 92 of 115 patients (mean age 74 years, 40% female, known myocardial infarction 6%). Focal myocardial fibrosis (LGE) was detected in 31 of 92 patients (34%) of whom 23/31 (74%) showed an ischemic pattern. Patients with LGE were more likely to have diabetes, prior myocardial infarction, prior ischemic stroke, and to have elevated troponin levels compared to those without. Presence of LGE was accompanied by diffuse fibrosis (increased T1 native values) even in remote cardiac areas as well as reduced global radial, circumferential and longitudinal strain values. In 14/31 (45%) of all patients with LGE increased T2-mapping values were detectable.

CONCLUSIONS

More than one-third of patients with AIS have evidence of focal myocardial fibrosis on CMR. Nearly half of these changes may have acute or subacute onset. These findings are accompanied by diffuse myocardial changes and reduced myocardial deformation. Further studies, ideally with serial CMR measurements during follow-up, are required to establish the impact of these findings on long-term prognosis after AIS.

World Stroke Organization Brain & hEart globAl iniTiative Program

INTRODUCTION

The World Stroke Organization (WSO) Brain & Heart Task Force developed the Brain & hEart globAl iniTiative (BEAT), a pilot feasibility implementation program to establish clinical collaborations between cardiologists and stroke physicians who work at large healthcare facilities.

METHODS

The WSO BEAT pilot project focused on atrial fibrillation (AF) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) detection and management, and poststroke cardiovascular complications known as the stroke-heart syndrome. The program included 10 sites from 8 countries: Brazil, China, Egypt, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Romania, and the USA The primary composite feasibility outcome was the achievement of the following 3 implementation metrics (1) developing site-specific clinical pathways for the diagnosis and management of AF, PFO, and the stroke-heart syndrome; (2) establishing regular Neurocardiology rounds (e.g., monthly); and (3) incorporating a cardiologist to the stroke team. The secondary objectives were (1) to identify implementation challenges to guide a larger program and (2) to describe qualitative improvements.

RESULTS

The WSO BEAT pilot feasibility program achieved the prespecified primary composite outcome in 9 of 10 (90%) sites. The most common challenges were the limited access to specific medications (e.g., direct oral anticoagulants) and diagnostic (e.g., prolonged cardiac monitoring) or therapeutic (e.g., PFO closure devices) technologies. The most relevant qualitative improvement was the achievement of a more homogeneous diagnostic and therapeutic approach.

CONCLUSION

The WSO BEAT pilot program suggests that developing neurocardiology collaborations is feasible. The long-term sustainability of the WSO BEAT program and its impact on quality of stroke care and clinical outcomes needs to be tested in a larger and longer duration program.

Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Association with Acute Ischemic Stroke Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Thrombolysis

(1) Background: Little is known about how left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) affects functional and clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing thrombolysis; (2) Methods: A retrospective observational study conducted between 2006 and 2018 included 937 consecutive AIS patients undergoing thrombolysis. LVSD was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50%. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed for demographic characteristics. Ordinal shift regression was used for functional modified Rankin Scale (mRS) outcome at 3 months. Survival analysis of mortality, heart failure (HF) admission, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) was evaluated with a Cox-proportional hazards model; (3) Results: LVSD patients in comparison with LVEF ≥ 50% patients accounted for 190 and 747 patients, respectively. LVSD patients had more comorbidities including diabetes mellitus (100 (52.6%) vs. 280 (37.5%), p < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (69 (36.3%) vs. 212 (28.4%), p = 0.033), ischemic heart disease (130 (68.4%) vs. 145 (19.4%), p < 0.001) and HF (150 (78.9%) vs. 46 (6.2%), p < 0.001). LVSD was associated with worse functional mRS outcomes at 3 months (adjusted OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.03-1.92, p = 0.030). Survival analysis identified LVSD to significantly predict all-cause mortality (adjusted HR [aHR] 3.38, 95% CI 1.74-6.54, p < 0.001), subsequent HF admission (aHR 4.23, 95% CI 2.17-8.26, p < 0.001) and MI (aHR 2.49, 95% CI 1.44-4.32, p = 0.001). LVSD did not predict recurrent stroke/TIA (aHR 1.15, 95% CI 0.77-1.72, p = 0.496); (4) Conclusions: LVSD in AIS patients undergoing thrombolysis was associated with increased all-cause mortality, subsequent HF admission, subsequent MI and poorer functional outcomes, highlighting a need to optimize LVEF.

Data lake-driven analytics identify nocturnal non-dipping of heart rate as predictor of unfavorable stroke outcome at discharge

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) changes have been proposed as outcome predictors after stroke. We used data lake-enabled continuous electrocardiograms to assess post-stroke HR and HRV, and to determine the utility of HR and HRV to improve machine learning-based predictions of stroke outcome.

METHODS

In this observational cohort study, we included stroke patients admitted to two stroke units in Berlin, Germany, between October 2020 and December 2021 with final diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke or acute intracranial hemorrhage and collected continuous ECG data through data warehousing. We created circadian profiles of several continuously recorded ECG parameters including HR and HRV parameters. The pre-defined primary outcome was short-term unfavorable functional outcome after stroke indicated through modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of > 2.

RESULTS

We included 625 stroke patients, 287 stroke patients remained after matching for age and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; mean age 74.5 years, 45.6% female, 88.9% ischemic, median NIHSS 5). Both higher HR and nocturnal non-dipping of HR were associated with unfavorable functional outcome (p < 0.01). The examined HRV parameters were not associated with the outcome of interest. Nocturnal non-dipping of HR ranked highly in feature importance of various machine learning models.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that a lack of circadian HR modulation, specifically nocturnal non-dipping, is associated with short-term unfavorable functional outcome after stroke, and that including HR into machine learning-based prediction models may lead to improved stroke outcome prediction.

Cardiac dysfunction in patients affected by subarachnoid haemorrhage affects in-hospital mortality: A systematic review and metanalysis

BACKGROUND

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a life-threatening condition with associated brain damage. Moreover, SAH is associated with a massive release of catecholamines, which may promote cardiac injury and dysfunction, possibly leading to haemodynamic instability, which in turn may influence a patient's outcome.

OBJECTIVES

To study the prevalence of cardiac dysfunction (as assessed by echocardiography) in patients with SAH and its effect on clinical outcomes.

DESIGN

Systematic review of observational studies.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a systematic search over the last 20 years on MEDLINE and EMBASE databases.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies reporting echocardiography findings in adult patients with SAH admitted to intensive care. Primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and poor neurological outcome according to the presence or absence of cardiac dysfunction.

RESULTS

We included a total of 23 studies (4 retrospective) enrolling 3511 patients. The cumulative frequency of cardiac dysfunction was 21% (725 patients), reported as regional wall motion abnormality in the vast majority of studies (63%). Due to the heterogeneity of clinical outcome data reporting, a quantitative analysis was carried out only for in-hospital mortality. Cardiac dysfunction was associated with a higher in-hospital mortality [odds ratio 2.69 (1.64 to 4.41); P < 0.001; I2 = 63%]. The GRADE of evidence assessment resulted in very low certainty of evidence.

CONCLUSION

About one in five patients with SAH develops cardiac dysfunction, which seems to be associated with higher in-hospital mortality. The consistency of cardiac and neurological data reporting is lacking, reducing the comparability of the studies in this field.

Post-stroke cardiovascular management: Current concepts, integrated care and future developments

After an ischaemic stroke patients often have cardiovascular complications known as stroke-heart syndrome. The cardiovascular management after stroke has a significant impact on life expectancy as well as the quality of life. The development and implementation of management pathways to improve outcomes for patients with stroke-heart syndrome requires a multidisciplinary involvement from health care professionals from primary, secondary and tertiary prevention levels. A holistic, integrated care approach could follow the ABC pathway: A) Appropriate antithrombotic therapy in all stroke/TIA patients in the acute phase as well as recommendations for the longer term treatment regimen are required to avoid recurrent stroke. B) For better functional and psychological status the assessment of post-stroke cognitive and physical impairment, depression, and anxiety as part of routine post-stroke work-up in every patient is necessary. C) Cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities management further includes cardiovascular work-up, adapted drug therapy, but often also lifestyle changes that are central to the success of integrated care for stroke-heart syndrome. Greater patient and family/caregiver involvement in planning actions and the input and feedback on optimizing stroke care pathways is needed. Achieving integrated care is challenging and highly context dependent on different healthcare levels. A tailored approach will utilize a variety of enabling factors. In this narrative review, we summarize the current evidence and outline potential factors that will contribute to the successful implementation of integrated cardiovascular care for stroke-heart syndrome management.

Heart rate variability as a predictor of stroke course, functional outcome, and medical complications: A systematic review

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) is a non-invasive marker of autonomic nervous system function that is based on the analysis of length differences between subsequent RR intervals of the electrocardiogram. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the current knowledge gap in the utility of HRV parameters and their value as predictors of the acute stroke course. Methods: A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant articles published between 1 January 2016 and 1 November 2022 available in the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases were obtained using a systematic search strategy. The following keywords were used to screen the publications: "heart rate variability" AND/OR "HRV" AND "stroke." The eligibility criteria that clearly identified and described outcomes and outlined restrictions on HRV measurement were pre-established by the authors. Articles assessing the relationship between HRV measured in the acute phase of stroke and at least one stroke outcome were considered. The observation period did not exceed 12 months. Studies that included patients with medical conditions influencing HRV with no established stroke etiology and non-human subjects were excluded from the analysis. To minimize the risk of bias, disagreements throughout the search and analysis were resolved by two independent supervisors. Results: Of the 1,305 records obtained from the systematic search based on keywords, 36 were included in the final review. These publications provided insight into the usability of linear and non-linear HRV analysis in predicting the course, complications, and mortality of stroke. Furthermore, some modern techniques, such as HRV biofeedback, for the improvement of cognition performance after a stroke are discussed. Discussion: The present study showed that HRV could be considered a promising biomarker of a stroke outcome and its complications. However, further research is needed to establish a methodology for appropriate quantification and interpretation of HRV-derived parameters.

High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: Results of the Berlin Aging Study II

INTRODUCTION

There is evidence of an association between markers of cardiac injury and cognition in patients with cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that levels of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) are associated with cognitive performance and cognitive decline in a population of predominantly healthy older adults.

METHODS

We included 1,226 predominantly healthy adults ≥60 years from the Berlin Aging Study II. Participants were recruited from the general population of the Berlin metropolitan area from 2009 to 2014. At baseline, participants underwent measurement of hs-cTnT and cognitive testing using the extended Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD-Plus) battery. In addition, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) was performed at baseline and at follow-up (7.3 ± 1.4 years after the baseline visit). The CERAD test results were summarized into four cognitive domains (processing speed, executive function, visuo-construction, and memory). After summing-up the respective raw scores, we calculated standardized z scores. We performed unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models to assess links between hs-cTnT and cognitive domains. We used linear mixed models to analyze associations between hs-cTnT and cognitive decline according to changes in DSST scores over time.

RESULTS

The mean age of study participants at baseline was 68.5 (±3.6) years, 49% were female, and median hs-cTnT levels were 6 ng/L (IQR 4-8 ng/L). We detected no significant association between hs-cTnT and different cognitive domains at baseline after adjustment for age, sex, education, and cardiovascular risk factors. Hs-cTnT was associated with cognitive decline, which remained statistically significant after full adjustment (adjusted beta-coefficient -0.82 (-1.28 to -0.36), p = 0.001). After stratification for sex, the association with hs-cTnT remained statistically significant in men but not in women.

CONCLUSION

Higher hs-cTnT levels in older men are associated with cognitive decline measured with the DSST.

A Case of Sudden Cardiac Arrest After Brainstem Infarction

Research on the causes of sudden cardiac arrest (CA) after ischemic stroke, especially disruption of the autonomic nervous system's central control, has recently focused more on the widespread cortical and subcortical network than on autonomic circuits at the spinal and brainstem level. However, no clinical case of sudden CA requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after brainstem infarction has been reported. We report a case of a 78-year-old woman who died suddenly from a brainstem infarction. Her husband heard a falling sound and found her unresponsive and lying with agonal breathing. The initial cardiac rhythm was pulseless electrical activity confirmed by emergency medical technicians. Recovery of spontaneous circulation was achieved after CPR. Basilar artery occlusion was shown on computed tomography, but no other findings that could have caused CA were found. Targeted temperature management was initiated, but she died on hospital day 22. Brainstem infarction may cause sudden CA; therefore, definitive treatment may achieve better outcomes.

Elevation of cardiac biomarkers in stroke is associated with pathological findings on cardiac MRI-results of the HEart and BRain interfaces in Acute Stroke study

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac biomarkers, such as high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT), are frequently elevated in ischemic stroke patients but the mechanisms underlying this elevation are insufficiently understood. We determined the presence of cardiac damage, assessed using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), in stroke patients with elevated hs-cTnT and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).

METHODS

This is a post hoc analysis of the prospective, investigator-initiated, cross-sectional HEart and BRain interfaces in Acute Stroke (HEBRAS) study. All patients underwent the measurement of hs-cTnT and BNP as well as gadolinium-enhanced CMR in the acute phase of ischemic stroke. We performed unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models to assess the association between hs-cTnT and BNP elevation and the presence of pathological CMR findings.

RESULTS

Two hundred and thirty-three stroke patients (median age 67 years, 33% female) were included, of whom 43 (21%) had elevated hs-cTnT and 109 (47%) had elevated BNP. Hundred of the 233 (43%) patients had pathological findings on CMR had focal fibrosis as detected by late-gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in 51 (23%), left-ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in 38 (16%), reduced LVEF in 32 (14%), and left-atrial dilatation in 34 (15%). After adjustment for potential confounders, both hs-cTnT (adjOR 5.0 (95%CI 2.1-11.7), p < 0.001) and BNP (adjOR 4.1 (95%CI 2.3-7.3), p < 0.001) were significantly associated with pathological findings on CMR. Hs-cTnT was associated with LGE, LVEF, and LVH, whereas BNP was associated with left-atrial dilatation and LVEF, LVH.

CONCLUSION

Elevated cardiac biomarkers in acute stroke including CMR are strongly associated with pathological findings on CMR. In acute stroke patients, the elevation of cardiac biomarkers may identify patients who require a more thorough cardiology work-up.

The Heart Is at Risk: Understanding Stroke-Heart-Brain Interactions with Focus on Neurogenic Stress Cardiomyopathy-A Review

In recent years, it has been convincingly demonstrated that acute brain injury may cause severe cardiac complications-such as neurogenic stress cardiomyopathy (NSC), a specific form of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. The pathophysiology of these brain-heart interactions is complex and involves sympathetic hyperactivity, activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, as well as immune and inflammatory pathways. There have been great strides in our understanding of the axis from the brain to the heart in patients with isolated acute brain injury and more specifically in patients with stroke. On the other hand, in patients with NSC, research has mainly focused on hemodynamic dysfunction due to arrhythmias, regional wall motion abnormality, or left ventricular hypokinesia that leads to impaired cerebral perfusion pressure. Comparatively little is known about the underlying secondary and delayed cerebral complications. The aim of the present review is to describe the stroke-heart-brain axis and highlight the main pathophysiological mechanisms leading to secondary and delayed cerebral injury in patients with concurrent hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke and NSC as well as to identify further areas of research that could potentially improve outcomes in this specific patient population.

Assessing electrocardiogram changes after ischemic stroke with artificial intelligence

OBJECTIVE

Ischemic stroke (IS) with subsequent cerebrocardiac syndrome (CCS) has a poor prognosis. We aimed to investigate electrocardiogram (ECG) changes after IS with artificial intelligence (AI).

METHODS

We collected ECGs from a healthy population and patients with IS, and then analyzed participant demographics and ECG parameters to identify abnormal features in post-IS ECGs. Next, we trained the convolutional neural network (CNN), random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) models to automatically detect the changes in the ECGs; Additionally, We compared the CNN scores of good prognosis (mRS ≤ 2) and poor prognosis (mRS > 2) to assess the prognostic value of CNN model. Finally, we used gradient class activation map (Grad-CAM) to localize the key abnormalities.

RESULTS

Among the 3506 ECGs of the IS patients, 2764 ECGs (78.84%) led to an abnormal diagnosis. Then we divided ECGs in the primary cohort into three groups, normal ECGs (N-Ns), abnormal ECGs after the first ischemic stroke (A-ISs), and normal ECGs after the first ischemic stroke (N-ISs). Basic demographic and ECG parameter analyses showed that heart rate, QT interval, and P-R interval were significantly different between 673 N-ISs and 3546 N-Ns (p < 0.05). The CNN has the best performance among the three models in distinguishing A-ISs and N-Ns (AUC: 0.88, 95%CI = 0.86-0.90). The prediction scores of the A-ISs and N-ISs obtained from the all three models are statistically different from the N-Ns (p < 0.001). Futhermore, the CNN scores of the two groups (mRS > 2 and mRS ≤ 2) were significantly different (p < 0.05). Finally, Grad-CAM revealed that the V4 lead may harbor the highest probability of abnormality.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that a high proportion of post-IS ECGs harbored abnormal changes. Our CNN model can systematically assess anomalies in and prognosticate post-IS ECGs.

Transient ischemic attack events and incident cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular complications: Observations from a large diversified multimorbid cohort

Background:

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a strong signal prompting the incidence of future cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular complications, in light of recent debate on the so-called “stroke-heart syndrome.” We aimed to investigate the relation of TIAs to incident clinical events.

Methods:

Patients were drawn from three health plans with a wide spectrum of age groups and a wide mix of socio-economic/disability status. Two TIA cohorts in a retrospective design were used to achieve the study specific aims: (i) to investigate the incidence of TIA and associated cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular complications within 30 and 90 days from the onset of incident TIA events; and (ii) to examine the potential risk factors for developing incident TIA events in the general population with/without a history of prior stroke.

Results:

The incident TIA cohort consisted of 53,716 patients with an average age of 64.2 years (SD 15.2) and 46.1% male. Following TIA, the incidence proportions of ischemic stroke within 30 and 90 days were 2.7% and 3.8%, respectively, and for incident acute coronary syndrome being 0.94 and 1.84, respectively. Ventricular arrhythmia had proportions of 1.2 and 2.14, respectively within 30 and 90 days, with acute heart failure having values of 0.49 and 0.923. About 45% or more of the cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular complications occurred in the first 30 days following the incident TIA cases. About one-third of the recurrent TIA cases followed the incident TIA cases within a span of 30 days. Amongst comorbidities with stroke in the comorbid history, prior stroke provided the strongest risk factor in terms of odds ratio (OR = 8.34, 95% CI 7.21–9.66) for incident TIA events. Age was strongly associated with incident TIA events. Without a prior history of stroke (ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack/thrombo-embolic events), valvular disease was the strongest risk factor from among the comorbidities (OR-1.87, 95% CI 1.51–2.32). Age also provided strong associations with incident TIA events.

Conclusions:

Following a TIA, there was a high risk of stroke, acute coronary syndrome, ventricular arrhythmia, acute heart failure, and non-cardiovascular complications.

Frequency, associated variables, and outcomes of acute myocardial injury according to the fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction in patients with acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Myocardial injury as indicated by elevation of cardiac troponin levels is common after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and linked to poor outcomes. Previous studies rarely reported on serial hs-cTn measurements to distinguish whether myocardial injury is acute or chronic. Thus, little is known about frequency, associated variables, and outcome of acute myocardial injury in AIS.

METHODS AND PATIENTS

In this single-centered observational cohort study, from 01/2019 to 12/2020, consecutive patients with neuroimaging-confirmed AIS <48 h after symptom onset, and serial troponin measurements within the first 2 days after admission (Roche Elecsys®, hs-cardiac troponin T) were prospectively registered. Acute myocardial injury was defined according to the fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (troponin above the upper reference limit and rise/fall>20%). Outcomes of interest were in-hospital mortality and unfavorable functional status at discharge (modified Rankin Scale >1).

RESULTS

Out of 1067 analyzed patients, 25.3% had acute myocardial injury, 40.4% had chronic myocardial injury and 34.3% had no myocardial injury. Older age, higher stroke severity, thrombolytic treatment, and impaired kidney function were independently associated with acute myocardial injury. In-hospital mortality was higher in patients with acute myocardial injury than in those without (13% vs 3%, adjusted OR, 2.9% [95% CI, 1.6-5.5]). Compared with no myocardial injury, both acute and chronic myocardial injury were associated with unfavorable functional status at discharge (adjusted OR, 1.6 [95% CI, 1.1-2.5] and OR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.2-2.4], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A quarter of patients with AIS have evidence of acute myocardial injury according to the fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction. The strong association with in-hospital mortality highlights the need for clinical awareness and future studies on underlying mechanisms.

Advances in brain-heart syndrome: Attention to cardiac complications after ischemic stroke

Neurocardiology is an emerging field that studies the interaction between the brain and the heart, namely the effects of heart injury on the brain and the effects of brain damage on the heart. Acute ischemic stroke has long been known to induce heart damage. Most post-stroke deaths are attributed to nerve damage, and cardiac complications are the second leading cause of death after stroke. In clinical practice, the proper interpretation and optimal treatment for the patients with heart injury complicated by acute ischemic stroke, recently described as stroke-heart syndrome (SHS), are still unclear. Here, We describe a wide range of clinical features and potential mechanisms of cardiac complications after ischemic stroke. Autonomic dysfunction, microvascular dysfunction and coronary ischemia process are interdependent and play an important role in the process of cardiac complications caused by stroke. As a unique comprehensive view, SHS can provide theoretical basis for research and clinical diagnosis and treatment.

[Takotsubo Syndrome: cardiovascular complication of stroke]

An 82-year-old woman, Katz A, with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure, was admitted for ischemic stroke complicated by Takotsubo´s syndrome with subsequent readmission for atrial fibrillation after discharge. These three clinical events have criteria to be integrated as a Brain Heart Syndrome, which is a high-risk condition for mortality.

TRoponin of Unknown origin in STroke evaluated by multi-component cardiac Magnetic resonance Imaging – The TRUST-MI study

Aims

Increased high-sensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) levels are common in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, only a minority demonstrates culprit lesions on coronary angiography, suggesting other mechanisms, e.g., inflammation, as underlying cause of myocardial damage. Late Gadolinium Enhancement (LGE)-cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with mapping techniques [T1, T2, extracellular volume (ECV)] allow the detection of both focal and diffuse myocardial abnormalities. We investigated the prevalence of culprit lesions by coronary angiography and myocardial tissue abnormalities by a comprehensive CMR protocol in troponin-positive stroke patients.

Methods and results

Patients with troponin-positive acute ischemic stroke and no history of coronary artery disease were prospectively enrolled. Coronary angiography and CMR (LGE, T1 + T2 mapping, ECV) were performed within the first days of the acute stroke. Twenty-five troponin-positive patients (mean age 62 years, 44% females) were included. 2 patients (8%) had culprit lesions on coronary angiography and underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. 13 patients (52%) demonstrated LGE: (i) n = 4 ischemic, (ii) n = 4 non-ischemic, and (iii) n = 5 ischemic AND non-ischemic. In the 12 LGE-negative patients, mapping revealed diffuse myocardial damage in additional 9 (75%) patients, with a high prevalence of increased T2 values.

Conclusions

Our data show a low prevalence of culprit lesions in troponin-positive stroke patients. However, &gt; 50% of the patients demonstrated myocardial scars (ischemic + non-ischemic) by LGE-CMR. Mapping revealed additional myocardial abnormalities (mostly inflammatory) in the majority of LGE-negative patients. Therefore, a comprehensive CMR protocol gives important insights in the etiology of troponin which might have implications for the further work-up of troponin-positive stroke patients.

Stroke-Heart Syndrome: Recent Advances and Challenges

After ischemic stroke, there is a significant burden of cardiovascular complications, both in the acute and chronic phase. Severe adverse cardiac events occur in 10% to 20% of patients within the first few days after stroke and comprise a continuum of cardiac changes ranging from acute myocardial injury and coronary syndromes to heart failure or arrhythmia. Recently, the term stroke–heart syndrome was introduced to provide an integrated conceptual framework that summarizes neurocardiogenic mechanisms that lead to these cardiac events after stroke. New findings from experimental and clinical studies have further refined our understanding of the clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, and potential long‐term consequences of the stroke–heart syndrome. Local cerebral and systemic mediators, which mainly involve autonomic dysfunction and increased inflammation, may lead to altered cardiomyocyte metabolism, dysregulation of (tissue‐resident) leukocyte populations, and (micro‐) vascular changes. However, at the individual patient level, it remains challenging to differentiate between comorbid cardiovascular conditions and stroke‐induced heart injury. Therefore, further research activities led by joint teams of basic and clinical researchers with backgrounds in both cardiology and neurology are needed to identify the most relevant therapeutic targets that can be tested in clinical trials.

The Octopus Trap of Takotsubo and Stroke: Genetics, Biomarkers and Clinical Management

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) is a reversible cardiomyopathy mimicking an acute coronary syndrome, usually observed in response to acute stress situations. The association between acute ischemic stroke and TC is already known, since it has been previously reported that ischemic stroke can be both a consequence and a potential cause of TC. However, the precise pathophysiological mechanism linking the two conditions is still poorly understood. The aim of our review is to expand insights regarding the genetic susceptibility and available specific biomarkers of TC and to investigate the clinical profile and outcomes of patients with TC and stroke. Since evidence and trials on TC and stroke are currently lacking, this paper aims to fill a substantial gap in the literature about the relationship between these pathologies.

Peripheral Organ Injury After Stroke

Stroke is a disease with high incidence, mortality and disability rates. It is also the main cause of adult disability in developed countries. Stroke is often caused by small emboli on the inner wall of the blood vessels supplying the brain, which can lead to arterial embolism, and can also be caused by cerebrovascular or thrombotic bleeding. With the exception of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA), which is a thrombolytic drug used to recanalize the occluded artery, most treatments have been demonstrated to be ineffective. Stroke can also induce peripheral organ damage. Most stroke patients have different degrees of injury to one or more organs, including the lung, heart, kidney, spleen, gastrointestinal tract and so on. In the acute phase of stroke, severe inflammation occurs in the brain, but there is strong immunosuppression in the peripheral organs, which greatly increases the risk of peripheral organ infection and aggravates organ damage. Nonneurological complications of stroke can affect treatment and prognosis, may cause serious short-term and long-term consequences and are associated with prolonged hospitalization and increased mortality. Many of these complications are preventable, and their adverse effects can be effectively mitigated by early detection and appropriate treatment with various medical measures. This article reviews the pathophysiological mechanism, clinical manifestations and treatment of peripheral organ injury after stroke.

Cardiovascular medication seems to promote recovery of autonomic dysfunction after stroke

Background

Stroke may compromise cardiovascular–autonomic modulation (CAM). The longitudinal post-stroke CAM alterations remain unclear as previous studies excluded patients with cardiovascular medication. This study evaluated whether CAM dysfunction improves after several months in patients under typical clinical conditions, i.e., without excluding patients with cardiovascular medication.

Methods

In 82 ischemic stroke patients [33 women, 64.9 ± 8.9 years, NIHSS-scores 2 (interquartile range 1–5)], we evaluated the applications of cardiovascular medication before stroke, during autonomic tests performed within 1 week, 3 and 6 months after stroke onset. We determined resting RR intervals (RRI), systolic, diastolic blood pressures (BPsys), respiration, parameters reflecting total CAM [RRI-standard deviation (RRI-SD), RRI-total powers], sympathetic [RRI-low-frequency powers (RRI-LF), BPsys-LF powers] and parasympathetic CAM [RMSSD, RRI-high-frequency powers (RRI-HF powers)], and baroreflex sensitivity. ANOVA or Friedman tests with post hoc analyses compared patient data with data of 30 healthy controls, significance was assumed for P < 0.05.

Results

More patients had antihypertensive medication after than before stroke. First-week CAM testing showed lower RRIs, RMSSD, RRI-SDs, RRI-total powers, RRI-HF powers, and baroreflex sensitivity, but higher BPsys-LF powers in patients than controls. After 3 and 6 months, patients had significantly higher RRIs, RRI-SDs, RRI-total powers, RMSSDs, RRI-HF powers, and baroreflex sensitivity, but lower BPsys-LF powers than in the 1st week; RMSSDs and RRI-HF powers no longer differed between patients and controls. However, 6-month values of RRIs, RRI-SDs, and baroreflex sensitivity were again lower in patients than controls.

Conclusions

Even mild strokes compromised cardiovagal modulation and baroreflex sensitivity. After 3 months, CAM had almost completely recovered. Recovery might be related to the mild stroke severity. Presumably, CAM recovery was also promoted by the increased application of cardiovascular medication. Yet, slight CAM dysfunction after 6 months suggests continuing autonomic vulnerability.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-022-11204-w.

Posterior circulation ischemic stroke not involving the brainstem is associated with cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ischemic stroke may induce cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction. Yet, most previous studies included patients with anterior circulation ischemic stroke or brainstem stroke. It remains unclear whether posterior circulation ischemic stroke (PCIS) without brainstem involvement also compromises cardiovascular autonomic modulation (CAM). Therefore, we aimed to assess CAM in PCIS patients with and without brainstem involvement.

METHODS

In four subgroups of 61 PCIS-patients (14 occipital lobe, 16 thalamic, 12 cerebellar, and 19 brainstem strokes) and 30 healthy controls, we recorded RR-intervals (RRI), systolic, diastolic blood pressures (BPsys, BPdia), and respiration at supine rest during the first week after stroke-onset. We calculated parameters reflecting total CAM [RRI-standard-deviation (RRI-SD), RRI-total-powers], predominantly sympathetic CAM [RRI-low-frequency-powers (RRI-LF-powers) and BPsys-LF-powers] and parasympathetic CAM [Root-Mean-Square-of-Successive-RRI-Differences (RMSSD), RRI-high-frequency-powers (RRI-HF-powers)], sympathetic-parasympathetic balance (RRI-LF/HF-ratios), and baroreflex-sensitivity (BRS). Values were compared between the four PCIS-groups and controls using one-way ANOVA Kruskal-Wallis-tests, with post-hoc analyses. Significance was assumed for P<0.05.

RESULTS

In each PCIS-subgroup, values of RRI, RRI-SD, RMSSD, RRI-HF-powers, and BRS were significantly lower, while BPsys-LF-powers were higher than in the controls. Only in patients with occipital lobe stroke, RRI-LF/HF-ratios were significantly higher than in controls. Otherwise, autonomic parameters did not differ between the four PCIS-subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

During the first week after stroke-onset, our PCIS patients with occipital lobe, thalamic, cerebellar, or brainstem strokes all had reduced cardiovagal modulation, compromised baroreflex, and increased peripheral sympathetic modulation. The RRI-LF/HF-ratios suggest that sympathetic predominance is slightly more prominent after occipital lobe stroke. PCIS may trigger cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction even without brainstem involvement.

Stroke-Heart Syndrome: Incidence and Clinical Outcomes of Cardiac Complications Following Stroke

BACKGROUND

The risk of major adverse cardiovascular events is substantially increased following a stroke. Although exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation has been shown to improve prognosis following cardiac events, it is not part of routine care for people following a stroke. We, therefore, investigated the association between cardiac rehabilitation and major adverse cardiovascular events for people following a stroke. Following a stroke, individuals have an increased risk of new-onset cardiovascular complications. However, the incidence and long-term clinical consequence of newly diagnosed cardiovascular complications following a stroke is unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence and long-term clinical outcomes of newly diagnosed cardiovascular complications following incident ischemic stroke.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using anonymized electronic medical records from 53 participating health care organizations. Patients with incident ischemic stroke aged ≥18 years with 5 years of follow-up were included. Patients who were diagnosed with new-onset cardiovascular complications (heart failure, severe ventricular arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, ischemic heart disease, Takotsubo syndrome) within 4-weeks (exposure) of incident ischemic stroke were 1:1 propensity score-matched (age, sex, ethnicity, comorbidities, cardiovascular care) with ischemic stroke patients who were not diagnosed with a new-onset cardiovascular complication (control). Logistic regression models produced odds ratios (OR) with 95% CIs for 5-year incidence of all-cause mortality, recurrent stroke, hospitalization, and acute myocardial infarction.

RESULTS

Of 365 383 patients with stroke with 5-year follow-up: 11.1% developed acute coronary syndrome; 8.8% atrial fibrillation/flutter; 6.4% heart failure; 1.2% severe ventricular arrythmias; and 0.1% Takotsubo syndrome within 4 weeks of incident ischemic stroke. Following propensity score matching, odds of 5-year all-cause mortality were significantly higher in stroke patients with acute coronary syndrome (odds ratio, 1.49 [95% CI, 1.44-1.54]), atrial fibrillation/flutter (1.45 [1.40-1.50]), heart failure (1.83 [1.76-1.91]), and severe ventricular arrhythmias (2.08 [1.90-2.29]), compared with matched controls. Odds of 5-year rehospitalization and acute myocardial infarction were also significantly higher for patients with stroke diagnosed with new-onset cardiovascular complications. Takotsubo syndrome was associated with significantly higher odds of 5-year composite major adverse cardiovascular events (1.89 [1.29-2.77]). Atrial fibrillation/flutter was the only new-onset cardiac complication associated with significantly higher odds of recurrent ischemic stroke at 5 years (1.10 [1.07-1.14]).

CONCLUSIONS

New-onset cardiovascular complications diagnosed following an ischemic stroke are very common and associate with significantly worse 5-year prognosis in terms of major adverse cardiovascular events. People with stroke and newly diagnosed cardiovascular complications had >50% prevalence of recurrent stroke at 5 years.

Association of Atrial Fibrillation Detected after Stroke with Cardiac Dysfunction and Features of Neurogenic Cardiac Injury

OBJECTIVES

Understanding the link between markers of cardiac injury and atrial fibrillation (AF) detected after stroke (AFDAS) may help refine stroke risk stratification and therapeutic approaches in AFDAS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 988 adult patients admitted for acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack, who presented within 4.5 h from last known well. Pertinent clinical variables including features of neurogenic cardiac injury (so-called stroke heart syndrome [SHS]) as well as electrocardiographic and echocardiographic markers of cardiac dysfunction, and AF status (no AF n = 574; known AF n = 311; AFDAS; n = 103) were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the independent associations of variables with AFDAS.

RESULTS

A total of 264 (26.7%) subjects fulfilled criteria for SHS. Of these, 174 of had SHS features other than AFDAS (non-AF SHS). Among 677 subjects without known AF, presence of non-AF SHS was associated with a 5-fold odds of AFDAS (OR 5.0, 95%-CI 3.1-8.0, p < 0.001). After adjustment, non-AF SHS (OR 3.2, 95%-CI 1.6-6.4, p = 0.001) and the left atrial volume index (OR 1.04, 95%-CI 1.01-1.08, p = 0.004) remained independently associated with AFDAS.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of non-AF SHS features and the left atrial volume index were independently associated with AFDAS indicating diverse mechanisms relating to new onset AF. A better understanding of the links between these markers and AFDAS may help uncover potentially modifiable risk factors for AFDAS as well as aid treatment decisions in patients at risk for new onset AF and ischemic stroke.

Circulating N-Terminal Probrain Natriuretic Peptide Levels in Relation to Ischemic Stroke and Its Subtypes: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Mendelian randomization was used to evaluate the potential causal association between N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and ischemic stroke based on summary statistics data from large-scale genome-wide association studies. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs198389, rs13107325, and rs11105306 associated with NT-proBNP levels found in large general populations and in patients with acute heart disease were used as instrumental variables. The results of genetic association analysis of each single SNP show that there is no significant association between NT-proBNP levels and ischemic stroke or its subtypes, whereas rs198389 alone has a suggestive association with large-artery atherosclerosis stroke. The MR analysis of three SNPs shows that NT-proBNP levels may reduce the risk of small-vessel occlusion stroke suggestively. This genetic analysis provides insights into the pathophysiology and treatment of ischemic stroke.

Heart-brain interactions in cardiac and brain diseases: why sex matters

Cardiovascular disease and brain disorders, such as depression and cognitive dysfunction, are highly prevalent conditions and are among the leading causes limiting patient's quality of life. A growing body of evidence has shown an intimate crosstalk between the heart and the brain, resulting from a complex network of several physiological and neurohumoral circuits. From a pathophysiological perspective, both organs share common risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking or dyslipidaemia, and are similarly affected by systemic inflammation, atherosclerosis, and dysfunction of the neuroendocrine system. In addition, there is an increasing awareness that physiological interactions between the two organs play important roles in potentiating disease and that sex- and gender-related differences modify those interactions between the heart and the brain over the entire lifespan. The present review summarizes contemporary evidence of the effect of sex on heart-brain interactions and how these influence pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and treatment responses of specific heart and brain diseases.

Brain-heart communication in health and diseases

Tight connections between the brain and heart have attracted a considerable amount of attention. This review focuses on the anatomical (extrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system and intrinsic cardiac autonomic nervous system) and functional (neuroendocrine-heart axis and neuroimmune-heart axis) connections between the brain and heart, the linkage between central nervous system diseases and cardiovascular diseases, the harm of sympathetic hyperactivity to the heart, and current neuromodulation therapies. Depression is a comorbidity of cardiovascular diseases, and the two are causally related. This review summarizes the mechanisms and treatment of depression and cardiovascular diseases, providing theoretical evidence for basic research and clinical studies to improve treatment options.

Coronary angiography in acute ischemic stroke patients: frequency and determinants of pathological findings in a multicenter cohort study

Background

Myocardial injury as indicated by cardiac troponin elevation is associated with poor prognosis in acute stroke patients. Coronary angiography (CAG) is the diagnostic gold-standard to rule-out underlying obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in these patients. However, weighing risks and benefits of coronary angiography (CAG) against each other is particularly challenging, because stroke patients undergoing CAG may have a higher risk for secondary intracranial bleeding. Current guidelines remain vague. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze frequency of pathological findings of CAG and associated clinical factors.

Methods

We analyzed indications and frequency of CAG performed in acute ischemic stroke patients in clinical routine in two European tertiary care hospitals from 2011 to 2018. All data were obtained retrospectively. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables associated with absence of obstructive coronary artery disease defined as presence of at least one coronary vessel stenosis ≥ 50%.

Results

A total of 139 AIS patients underwent CAG. Frequent indications for CAG were suspected acute coronary syndrome (N = 114) or scheduled cardiac surgery (N = 25). Acute coronary stenting was applied in 51/139 patients. Among patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome, no obstructive CAD was found in 27/114 patients. Absence of obstructive CAD was associated with insular cortex lesions, no clinical symptoms for ACS, less than three cardiovascular risk factors, younger age and normal wall motion.

Conclusion

Several variables suggest absence of CAD in AIS patients and may help in clinical decision making in stroke patients with myocardial injury.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00415-022-11001-5.

Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Presenting With Acute Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack and Elevated Troponin Levels

Background: There is little information concerning the invasive coronary angiography (ICA) findings of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) with elevated troponin levels and suspected myocardial infarction (MI). This study analyzed patient characteristics associated with ICA outcomes.

Methods: A total of 8,322 patients with AIS or TIA, treated between March 2010 and May 2020, were retrospectively screened for elevated serum troponin I at hospital admission. Patients in whom ICA was performed, due to suspected type 1 MI based on symptoms, echocardiography, and ECG, were categorized according to ICA results (non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD): ≥1 stenosis ≥50% but no stenosis ≥80%; obstructive CAD: any stenosis ≥80% or hemodynamically relevant stenosis assessed by FFR/iwFR).

Results: Elevated troponin levels were detected in 2,205 (22.5%) patients, of whom 123 (5.6%) underwent ICA (mean age 71 ± 12 years; 67% male). CAD was present in 98 (80%) patients, of whom 51 (41%) were diagnosed with obstructive CAD. Thus, ICA findings of obstructive CAD accounted for 2.3% of patients with troponin elevation and 0.6% of all stroke patients. The clinical hallmarks of myocardial ischemia, including angina pectoris (31 vs. 15%, p < 0.05) and regional wall motion abnormalities (49 vs. 32%, p = 0.07), and increased cardiovascular risk indicated obstructive CAD. While there was no association between lesion site or stroke severity and ICA findings, causal large-artery atherosclerosis was significantly more common in patients with obstructive coronary disease (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The rate of obstructive CAD in patients with stroke or TIA and elevated troponin levels with suspected concomitant type I MI is low. The cumulation of several cardiovascular risk factors and clinical signs of MI were predictive. AIS patients with large-artery atherosclerosis and elevated troponin may represent an especially vulnerable subgroup of stroke patients with risk for obstructive CAD.

Heart Rate Variability and Recurrent Stroke and Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Acute Mild to Moderate Stroke

Objectives: In patients with acute ischemic stroke, reduced heart rate variability (HRV) may indicate poor outcome. We tested whether HRV in the acute phase of stroke is associated with higher rates of mortality, recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) or functional outcome.

Materials and Methods: Patients with acute mild to moderate ischemic stroke without known atrial fibrillation were prospectively enrolled to the investigator-initiated Heart and Brain interfaces in Acute Ischemic Stroke (HEBRAS) study (NCT 02142413). HRV parameters were assessed during the in-hospital stay using a 10-min section of each patient's ECG recording at day- and nighttime, calculating time and frequency domain HRV parameters. Frequency of a combined endpoint of recurrent stroke, MI or death of any cause and the respective individual events were assessed 12 months after the index stroke. Patients' functional outcome was measured by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 12 months.

Results: We included 308 patients (37% female, median NIHSS = 2 on admission, median age 69 years). Complete follow-up was achieved in 286/308 (93%) patients. At 12 months, 32 (9.5%), 5 (1.7%) and 13 (3.7%) patients had suffered a recurrent stroke, MI or death, respectively. After adjustment for age, sex, stroke severity and vascular risk factors, there was no significant association between HRV and recurrent stroke, MI, death or the combined endpoint. We did not find a significant impact of HRV on a mRS ≥ 2 12 months after the index stroke.

Conclusion: HRV did not predict recurrent vascular events in patients with acute mild to moderate ischemic stroke.

Atrial Fibrillation Detected After Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack: A Novel Clinical Concept Challenging Current Views

Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be newly detected in approximately one-fourth of patients with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack without previously recognized AF. We present updated evidence supporting that AF detected after stroke or transient ischemic attack (AFDAS) may be a distinct clinical entity from AF known before stroke occurrence (known atrial fibrillation). Data suggest that AFDAS can arise from the interplay of cardiogenic and neurogenic forces. The embolic risk of AFDAS can be understood as a gradient defined by the prevalence of vascular comorbidities, the burden of AF, neurogenic autonomic changes, and the severity of atrial cardiopathy. The balance of existing data indicates that AFDAS has a lower prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities, a lower degree of cardiac abnormalities than known atrial fibrillation, a high proportion (52%) of very brief (<30 seconds) AF paroxysms, and is more frequently associated with insular brain infarction. These distinctive features of AFDAS may explain its recently observed lower associated risk of stroke than known atrial fibrillation. We present an updated ad-hoc meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials in which the association between prolonged cardiac monitoring and reduced risk of ischemic stroke was nonsignificant (incidence rate ratio, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.71-1.15]). These findings highlight that larger and sufficiently powered randomized controlled trials of prolonged cardiac monitoring assessing the risk of stroke recurrence are needed. Meanwhile, we call for further research on AFDAS and stroke recurrence, and a tailored approach when using prolonged cardiac monitoring after ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, focusing on patients at higher risk of AFDAS and, more importantly, at higher risk of cardiac embolism.

OUP accepted manuscript

The management of patients with stroke is often multidisciplinary, involving various specialties and healthcare professionals. Given the common shared risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular disease, input may also be required from the cardiovascular teams, as well as patient caregivers and next-of-kin. Ultimately, the patient is central to all this, requiring a coordinated and uniform approach to the priorities of post-stroke management, which can be consistently implemented by different multidisciplinary healthcare professionals, as part of the patient ‘journey’ or ‘patient pathway,’ supported by appropriate education and tele-medicine approaches. All these aspects would ultimately aid delivery of care and improve patient (and caregiver) engagement and empowerment. Given the need to address the multidisciplinary approach to holistic or integrated care of patients with heart disease and stroke, the European Society of Cardiology Council on Stroke convened a Task Force, with the remit to propose a consensus on Integrated care management for optimizing the management of stroke and associated heart disease. The present position paper summarizes the available evidence and proposes consensus statements that may help to define evidence gaps and simple practical approaches to assist in everyday clinical practice. A post-stroke ABC pathway is proposed, as a more holistic approach to integrated stroke care, would include three pillars of management:

A: Appropriate Antithrombotic therapy.

B: Better functional and psychological status.

C: Cardiovascular risk factors and Comorbidity optimization (including lifestyle changes).

Stroke and Myocardial Infarction: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study

Background

Stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) are associated with each other, as demonstrated in observational studies. However, it is unclear whether this relationship is causal, and the purpose of this study was to explore the bidirectional causality between stroke and MI.

Methods

Causality between stroke and MI was assessed using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). All genetic instruments related to stroke (40,585 cases; 406,111 controls) and MI (43,676 cases; 128,199 controls) were derived from large published genome-wide association study. The MR analysis was calculated with inverse-variance weighting, MR-Egger, weighted mode, weighted median, and simple mode methods, and sensitivity analyses are used to detect the heterogeneity or pleiotropy.

Results

Genetically predicted large-artery stroke (LAS) was causally related to higher odds of MI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–1.20, p = 1.0×10⁻⁴), and the causal effect of LAS on MI was significantly weakened (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.17, p = 0.017) after excluding the multipotent single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). MI phenotypes were genetically correlated with all ischemic strokes (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.03–1.28, p = 0.013) and LAS (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.14–1.71, p = 0.001); but a causal effect of MI on all ischemic strokes (OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.95–1.28, p = 0.219) and LAS (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 0.93–1.69, p = 0.130) was not observed after excluding the multipotent SNPs.

Conclusion

This MR analysis provides evidence to support the causal effect of LAS subtype on MI, and some factors act as confiding factors whereas others may act as mediators.

Clinical correlates and prognostic impact of neurologic disorders in Takotsubo syndrome

Cardiac alterations are frequently observed after acute neurological disorders. Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) represents an acute heart failure syndrome and is increasingly recognized as part of the spectrum of cardiac complications observed after neurological disorders. A systematic investigation of TTS patients with neurological disorders has not been conducted yet. The aim of the study was to expand insights regarding neurological disease entities triggering TTS and to investigate the clinical profile and outcomes of TTS patients after primary neurological disorders. The International Takotsubo Registry is an observational multicenter collaborative effort of 45 centers in 14 countries (ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01947621). All patients in the registry fulfilled International Takotsubo Diagnostic Criteria. For the present study, patients were included if complete information on acute neurological disorders were available. 2402 patients in whom complete information on acute neurological status were available were analyzed. In 161 patients (6.7%) an acute neurological disorder was identified as the preceding triggering factor. The most common neurological disorders were seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, and ischemic stroke. Time from neurological symptoms to TTS diagnosis was ≤ 2 days in 87.3% of cases. TTS patients with neurological disorders were younger, had a lower female predominance, fewer cardiac symptoms, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, and higher levels of cardiac biomarkers. TTS patients with neurological disorders had a 3.2-fold increased odds of in-hospital mortality compared to TTS patients without neurological disorders. In this large-scale study, 1 out of 15 TTS patients had an acute neurological condition as the underlying triggering factor. Our data emphasize that a wide spectrum of neurological diseases ranging from benign to life-threatening encompass TTS. The high rates of adverse events highlight the need for clinical awareness.