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Ratajczak-Tretel B, Lambert AT, Al-Ani R, Arntzen K, Bakkejord GK, Bekkeseth HMO, Bjerkeli V, Eldøen G, Gulsvik AK, Halvorsen B, Høie GA, Ihle-Hansen H, Ingebrigtsen S, Kremer C, Krogseth SB, Kruuse C, Kurz M, Nakstad I, Novotny V, Naess H, Qazi R, Rezaj MK, Rørholt DM, Steffensen LH, Sømark J, Tobro H, Truelsen TC, Wassvik L, Ægidius KL, Atar D, Aamodt AH. Underlying causes of cryptogenic stroke and TIA in the nordic atrial fibrillation and stroke (NOR-FIB) study - the importance of comprehensive clinical evaluation. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:115. [PMID: 36944929 PMCID: PMC10028765 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03155-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptogenic stroke is a heterogeneous condition, with a wide spectrum of possible underlying causes for which the optimal secondary prevention may differ substantially. Attempting a correct etiological diagnosis to reduce the stroke recurrence should be the fundamental goal of modern stroke management. METHODS Prospective observational international multicenter study of cryptogenic stroke and cryptogenic transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients clinically monitored for 12 months to assign the underlying etiology. For atrial fibrillation (AF) detection continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring with insertable cardiac monitor (Reveal LINQ, Medtronic) was performed. The 12-month follow-up data for 250 of 259 initially included NOR-FIB patients were available for analysis. RESULTS After 12 months follow-up probable stroke causes were revealed in 43% patients, while 57% still remained cryptogenic. AF and atrial flutter was most prevalent (29%). In 14% patients other possible causes were revealed (small vessel disease, large-artery atherosclerosis, hypercoagulable states, other cardioembolism). Patients remaining cryptogenic were younger (p < 0.001), had lower CHA2DS2-VASc score (p < 0.001) on admission, and lower NIHSS score (p = 0.031) and mRS (p = 0.016) at discharge. Smoking was more prevalent in patients that were still cryptogenic (p = 0.014), while dyslipidaemia was less prevalent (p = 0.044). Stroke recurrence rate was higher in the cryptogenic group compared to the group where the etiology was revealed, 7.7% vs. 2.8%, (p = 0.091). CONCLUSION Cryptogenic stroke often indicates the inability to identify the cause in the acute phase and should be considered as a working diagnosis until efforts of diagnostic work up succeed in identifying a specific underlying etiology. Timeframe of 6-12-month follow-up may be considered as optimal. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02937077, EudraCT 2018-002298-23.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ratajczak-Tretel
- Department of Neurology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Postboks 300, Grålum, 1714, Norway.
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - A Tancin Lambert
- Department of Neurology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Postboks 300, Grålum, 1714, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - R Al-Ani
- Department of Cardiology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Grålum, Norway
| | - K Arntzen
- Department for Neurology, Nordlandssykehuset, Bodø, Norway
| | - G K Bakkejord
- Department for Neurology, Nordlandssykehuset, Bodø, Norway
| | - H M O Bekkeseth
- Lillehammer Hospital, Department of Neurology, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - V Bjerkeli
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - G Eldøen
- Department of Neurology, Molde Hospital, Molde, Norway
| | - A K Gulsvik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - B Halvorsen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - G A Høie
- Department of Cardiology, Østfold Hospital Trust, Grålum, Norway
| | - H Ihle-Hansen
- Stroke Unit, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Internal Medicine, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Baerum Hospital, Gjettum, Norway
| | - S Ingebrigtsen
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - C Kremer
- Department of Neurology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - S B Krogseth
- Department of Neurology, Vestfold Hospital, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - C Kruuse
- Department of Neurology, Herlev Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - M Kurz
- Department of Neurology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - I Nakstad
- Drammen Hospital, Department of Neurology, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | - V Novotny
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - H Naess
- Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - R Qazi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - M K Rezaj
- Department of Neurology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - D M Rørholt
- Department of Neurology, Molde Hospital, Molde, Norway
| | - L H Steffensen
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - J Sømark
- Lillehammer Hospital, Department of Neurology, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Lillehammer, Norway
| | - H Tobro
- Department of Neurology, Telemark Hospital, Skien, Norway
| | - T C Truelsen
- Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L Wassvik
- Department of Neurology, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K L Ægidius
- Department of Neurology, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - D Atar
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cardiology, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Oslo, Norway
| | - A H Aamodt
- Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement science, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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Mele F, Scopelliti G, Manini A, Ferrari Aggradi C, Baiardo M, Schiavone M, Viecca M, Ianniello A, Bertora P, Forleo GB, Pantoni L. Etiologic reclassification of cryptogenic stroke after implantable cardiac monitoring and computed tomography angiography re-assessment. J Neurol 2023; 270:377-385. [PMID: 36098839 PMCID: PMC9469058 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11370-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Different mechanisms may underlie cryptogenic stroke, including subclinical atrial fibrillation (AF), nonstenotic carotid plaques (NCP), and aortic arch atherosclerosis (AAA). In a cohort of cryptogenic stroke patients, we aimed to: (1) evaluate the prevalence of subclinical AF, NCP, and AAA, and reclassify the etiology accordingly; (2) compare the clinical features of patients with reclassified etiology with those with confirmed cryptogenic stroke. METHODS Data of patients hospitalized for cryptogenic stroke between January 2018 and February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were included if they received implantable cardiac monitoring (ICM) to detect subclinical AF. Baseline computed tomography angiography (CTA) was re-evaluated to assess NCP and AAA. Since aortic plaques with ulceration/intraluminal thrombus were considered pathogenetic during the initial workup, only patients with milder AAA were included. Stroke etiology was reclassified as "cardioembolic", "atherosclerotic", or "mixed" based on the detection of AF and NCP/AAA. Patients with "true cryptogenic" stroke (no AF, ipsilateral NCP, or AAA detected) were compared with those with reclassified etiology. RESULTS Among 63 patients included, 21 (33%) were diagnosed with AF (median follow-up time of 15 months), 12 (19%) had ipsilateral NCP, and 6 (10%) had AAA. Stroke etiology was reclassified in 30 patients (48%): cardioembolic in 14 (22%), atherosclerotic in 9 (14%), and mixed in 7 (11%). Patients with true cryptogenic stroke were younger compared to those with reclassified etiology (p = 0.001). DISCUSSION One or more potential covert stroke sources can be recognized in half of the patients with a cryptogenic stroke through long-term cardiac monitoring and focused CTA re-assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Mele
- Neurology Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Scopelliti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milan, Italy ,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172, LilNCog, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Lille, France
| | - Arianna Manini
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milan, Italy ,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, “Dino Ferrari” Center, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carola Ferrari Aggradi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Baiardo
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Schiavone
- Cardiology Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Viecca
- Cardiology Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Pierluigi Bertora
- Neurology Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy ,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Leonardo Pantoni
- Neurology Unit, Luigi Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy ,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Via Giovanni Battista Grassi, 74, 20157 Milan, Italy
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Prevalence of Symptomatic Nonstenotic Carotid Disease Using Simultaneous Non-Contrast Angiography and Intraplaque Hemorrhage Imaging for MR Screen Protocol. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12102321. [PMID: 36292010 PMCID: PMC9600452 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To determine the prevalence of symptomatic nonstenotic carotid disease (SyNC) using simultaneous non-contrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage (SNAP) imaging for patients with acute stroke as an MR screen protocol and to assess imaging findings of carotid plaques. Patients and Methods: From May 2020 to October 2021, 2459 patients with suspected acute neurological symptoms were evaluated with brain diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and carotid SNAP imaging. We analyzed the degree of stenosis and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) using SNAP imaging. Prevalence of SyNC and risk factors for stroke in patients with SyNC were determined. We performed subgroup multivariate analysis between SyNC and other etiologies of stroke (non-SyNC). Results: Of 4608 carotid arteries in 2304 patients enrolled in this study, 454 (9.9%) plaques (both lesions in 128 patients) were found on SNAP imaging. Of these plaques, 353 (77.8%) showed stenosis of <50%. Of plaques with <50% stenosis, 47 (13.3%) patients had a territorial acute focal infarction. Seventeen (36.2%) were classified with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) and SyNC. High maximal wall thickness and carotid IPH were identified as influencing factors for SyNC. Conclusion: For patients with <50% stenosis and territorial infarction, SyNC is a relatively important source of stroke. Especially, high maximal wall thickness and carotid IPH are important risk factors for SyNC.
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Identification Markers of Carotid Vulnerable Plaques: An Update. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091192. [PMID: 36139031 PMCID: PMC9496377 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulnerable plaques have been a hot topic in the field of stroke and carotid atherosclerosis. Currently, risk stratification and intervention of carotid plaques are guided by the degree of luminal stenosis. Recently, it has been recognized that the vulnerability of plaques may contribute to the risk of stroke. Some classical interventions, such as carotid endarterectomy, significantly reduce the risk of stroke in symptomatic patients with severe carotid stenosis, while for asymptomatic patients, clinically silent plaques with rupture tendency may expose them to the risk of cerebrovascular events. Early identification of vulnerable plaques contributes to lowering the risk of cerebrovascular events. Previously, the identification of vulnerable plaques was commonly based on imaging technologies at the macroscopic level. Recently, some microscopic molecules pertaining to vulnerable plaques have emerged, and could be potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets. This review aimed to update the previous summarization of vulnerable plaques and identify vulnerable plaques at the microscopic and macroscopic levels.
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Guo D, Lv S, Wu G, Li H, Wei B, Yang J. Features of non-stenotic carotid plaque on computed tomographic angiography in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:971500. [PMID: 36082115 PMCID: PMC9445305 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.971500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is a subset of cryptogenic stroke constituting a large proportion of acute ischemic strokes. This study aimed to assess the features of non-stenotic carotid plaque (<50%) on computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and to evaluate the association between non-stenotic carotid plaque and ESUS. Methods From January 1 to December 31, 2019, a total of 60 consecutive patients with primary unilateral ESUS and <50% carotid artery stenosis, as determined using screening ultrasonography, were hospitalized in the Department of Neurology of our hospital. All enrolled patients underwent CTA to determine the composition and morphological features of non-stenotic carotid plaques using consecutive sections in both carotid arteries. The features of these plaques with and without ipsilateral stroke in patients with ESUS were compared. Results Sixty ESUS images were included in the study, with 85 plaques. Forty-five (52.9%) of these plaques were ipsilateral and 40 (47.1%) were contralateral to the stroke. Compared to that of the contralateral plaque group, the maximum carotid plaque thickness and plaque length of the ipsilateral group were greater (2.1 mm vs. 1.5 mm, p = 0.03; 20.8 mm vs. 12.1 mm, p = 0.02); however, there were no significant differences in the degree of luminal stenosis, presence of soft plaque and calcified plaque, and the number of ulcers on the plaque surface between the two groups. Similarly, the number of plaques with thickness >3 mm in the ipsilateral group was greater than in the contralateral group (30 vs. 13, p = 0.01). A lipid core was more common in individuals with ipsilateral strokes than in those with contralateral strokes (19 vs. 7, p = 0.02). Regression analysis showed that plaque lipid core area was an independent risk factor for ESUS (odds ratio, 1.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.22–3.04; p = 0.03). Conclusions Non-stenotic carotid plaques could be an etiology of acute ischemic strokes classified as ESUS. The presence of a lipid core was a risk factor in individuals with non-stenotic carotid plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danling Guo
- Department of Radiology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Sangying Lv
- Department of Radiology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Guanzuan Wu
- Department of Radiology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Haifeng Li
- Department of Radiology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of Neurology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Jianfeng Yang
- Department of Radiology, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, China
- *Correspondence: Jianfeng Yang
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Ratajczak‐Tretel B, Lambert AT, Atar D, Aamodt AH. Cryptogenic stroke and TIA: Suggested diagnostic approach while waiting for evaluation and treatment guidelines. Acta Neurol Scand 2022; 145:641-646. [PMID: 35146751 PMCID: PMC9303324 DOI: 10.1111/ane.13590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Background Empiric strategies for secondary prevention in cryptogenic stroke and cryptogenic TIA are lacking. The best therapy to prevent recurrence depends on the cause of stroke. Attempting a correct diagnosis is therefore the fundamental goal of stroke treatment. Further investigation into the source of embolism if suspected, and determination of the etiology, even if demanding, is the needed prerequisite for optimal secondary prevention and risk reduction. Aims This paper discusses evaluation and treatment of cryptogenic stroke in light of recent years’ clinical trials results and developments in cardiology and neuroradiology. No ethical approval was needed for this work. Results Cardioembolism due to paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, patent foramen ovale, or cardiomyopathy; occult atherosclerosis from unstable plaques and hypercoagulable conditions seem to be the most common underlying causes to be revealed by further investigations. Treatment of these conditions can reduce the stroke recurrence significantly. Conclusions An individual approach and targeted diagnostics using advanced medical technologies in selected patients, who may benefit from a tailored treatment regimen, can help reveal a probable cause in the majority of strokes and TIAs previously classified as cryptogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ratajczak‐Tretel
- Department of Neurology Østfold Hospital Trust Grålum Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Oslo Norway
| | - Anna Tancin Lambert
- Department of Neurology Østfold Hospital Trust Grålum Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Oslo Norway
| | - Dan Atar
- Institute of Clinical Medicine University of Oslo Oslo Norway
- Department of Cardiology Oslo University Hospital Ullevål Oslo Norway
| | - Anne Hege Aamodt
- Department of Neurology Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet Oslo Norway
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Lattanzi S, Acampa M, Norata D, Broggi S, Caso V. A critical assessment of the current pharmacotherapy for the treatment of embolic strokes of undetermined source. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:905-915. [PMID: 35470761 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2071125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION "Embolic stroke of undetermined source" (ESUS) is a term coined to identify non-lacunar stroke whose mechanism is likely to be embolic, and the source remains unidentified. The best antithrombotic treatment for preventing stroke recurrence in this population has not been delineated. AREAS COVERED The authors summarize and critically appraise the currently available evidence about the antithrombotic treatment for preventing stroke recurrence in patients with ESUS. Randomized trials addressing this topic were identified through MEDLINE (accessed by PubMed, as of November 2021, week 4). EXPERT OPINION Recent randomized trials have failed to demonstrate a significant benefit of direct oral anticoagulants over aspirin in reducing the recurrence of cerebral infarctions in unselected cohorts of patients with ESUS. The heterogeneity and often overlap of embolic sources may be possible explanations for the overall absence of a benefit of oral anticoagulants in ESUS as a single homogeneous entity. The results of these trials and their subgroup analyses have provided important cues to understand the pathophysiology of ESUS. They have, furthermore, increased in the interest in researchers in identifying distinct etiological phenotypes within this stroke population. There is a good rationale for ongoing and future investigations in order to tailor antithrombotic treatment according to individual features of patients with ESUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Lattanzi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Davide Norata
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Serena Broggi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Valeria Caso
- Stroke Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Hu X, Chen J, Fu H, Chen Y, Fan D, Chen Y, Shen C. Association Between Carotid Artery Perivascular Fat Density and Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. Front Neurol 2022; 12:765962. [PMID: 35250789 PMCID: PMC8894862 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.765962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AimThis study aims to retrospectively evaluate the association between pericarotid inflammation and the presence of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS).MethodsIn total, 126 patients with ESUS and 118 patients with ischemic stroke from large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) were enrolled. All the patients underwent brain MRI and a neck CT angiography (CTA) examination. Reviewers were blinded to infarct location and stroke cause. Paired t-tests assessed within-subjects differences in mean Hounsfield units (HUs) in carotid perivascular fat between the cerebral infarction side and contralateral side for ESUS and LAA ischemic stroke cases. The unpaired Student's t-test was used to assess between-subjects differences in mean HUs between ESUS and LAA ischemic stroke cases.ResultsIn both the ESUS cases and LAA ischemic stroke cases, the pericarotid fat density around the carotid artery ipsilateral to the stroke significantly increased compared with contralateral stroke position in both the groups (ESUS cases −56.31 ± 18.70 vs. −67.31 ± 20.01, p = 0.000; LAA ischemic stroke cases −51.62 ± 19.95 vs. −64.58 ± 22.68, p = 0.000). However, there was no significant difference in ipsilateral and contralateral positions to infarct between ESUS cases and LAA ischemic stroke cases (ipsilateral to infarct −56.31 ± 18.70 vs. −51.62 ± 19.95, p = 0.059; contralateral to infarct −67.31 ± 20.01 vs. −64.58 ± 22.68, p = 0.320).ConclusionWe found increased density in the fat surrounding carotid artery ipsilateral to stroke compared with contralateral in ESUS, suggesting the presence of an inflammatory reaction that extends beyond the vessel lumen in patients with ESUS with a risk factor profile similar to LAA strokes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Hu
- Neurology Department, Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China
| | - Jianhui Chen
- Emergency Department, Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China
| | - Huajun Fu
- Neurology Department, Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China
| | - Yinjuan Chen
- Neurology Department, Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China
| | - Daofeng Fan
- Neurology Department, Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China
| | - Yangui Chen
- Neurology Department, Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China
| | - Chaoxiong Shen
- Neurology Department, Longyan First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Longyan, China
- *Correspondence: Chaoxiong Shen
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Rakhimova I, Semenova Y, Khaibullin T, Kuanysheva A, Kovalchuk V, Abdrakhmanov A. Cryptogenic Stroke and Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source: Risk Factors and Approaches for Detection of Atrial Fibrillation. Curr Cardiol Rev 2022; 18:e211221199213. [PMID: 34939547 PMCID: PMC9893140 DOI: 10.2174/1573403x18666211221145714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke is a problem worldwide because of its high mortality and disability rates. Almost 90% of strokes are ischemic, and more than half of the deaths are caused by an ischemic stroke. Most risk factors for stroke are manageable so that it can be avoided with proper prevention. Despite the success in determining the causes of stroke in recent years, selectively, the "culprit" causing stroke remains unsolved. In such cases, a diagnosis of undetermined etiology (cryptogenic stroke) or embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is generated, resulting the prevention of a recurrent cerebrovascular occurrence impossible. Atrial fibrillation (AF) can be a cause of stroke by causing blood clots in the chambers of the heart. PURPOSE The aim was to determine the optimal method of heart rate monitoring in patients with ischemic stroke, as methods and approaches for detecting AF are very diverse, but there is still no single opinion, which would be universal. PROCEDURES In our review, we consider epidemiology, risk factors for the stroke of undetermined etiology, as well as analytical methods for detecting heart rhythm disturbances in this category of patients. FINDINGS Atrial fibrillation (AF) is detected by thorough monitoring of heart rate of patients with cryptogenic stroke and ESUS can be diagnosed in up to 46% of patients. . CONCLUSION After AF detection, consideration should be given to prescribing anticoagulants, instead of antiplatelet agents, for the secondary prevention of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idaliya Rakhimova
- Department of Cardiology and Interventional Arrhythmology, Semey State Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Yuliya Semenova
- Department of Cardiology and Interventional Arrhythmology, Semey State Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Talgat Khaibullin
- Department of Cardiology and Interventional Arrhythmology, Semey State Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Anargul Kuanysheva
- Department of Cardiology and Interventional Arrhythmology, Semey State Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Vitalii Kovalchuk
- Department of Semashko City Hospital, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Ayan Abdrakhmanov
- National Research Cardiac Surgery Center, Nur-Sultan 010000, Kazakhstan
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AbuRahma AF, Avgerinos ED, Chang RW, Darling RC, Duncan AA, Forbes TL, Malas MB, Perler BA, Powell RJ, Rockman CB, Zhou W. The Society for Vascular Surgery implementation document for management of extracranial cerebrovascular disease. J Vasc Surg 2021; 75:26S-98S. [PMID: 34153349 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.04.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali F AbuRahma
- Department of Surgery, West Virginia University-Charleston Division, Charleston, WV.
| | - Efthymios D Avgerinos
- Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Hearrt & Vascular Institute, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Robert W Chang
- Vascular Surgery, Permanente Medical Group, San Francisco, Calif
| | | | - Audra A Duncan
- Division of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas L Forbes
- Division of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mahmoud B Malas
- Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Bruce Alan Perler
- Division of Vascular Surgery & Endovascular Therapy, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Md
| | | | - Caron B Rockman
- Division of Vascular Surgery, New York University Langone, New York, NY
| | - Wei Zhou
- Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz
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Tonetti DA, Desai SM, Nayar G, Jankowitz BT, Jovin TG, Jadhav AP. Symptomatic nonstenotic carotid disease: Evaluation of a proposed classification scheme in a prospective cohort. J Clin Neurosci 2021; 90:21-25. [PMID: 34275551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2021.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unraveling symptomatic nonstenotic carotid disease (SyNC) as a stroke etiology from other cryptogenic stroke may have important implications for defining natural history and for tailoring secondary prevention strategies. We aim to describe the characteristics of the plaques in a prospectively-collected cohort of patients with non-invasive imaging suggesting symptomatic carotid stenosis but whose DSA demonstrated nonstenotic atheromatous disease, and to evaluate the recurrence rate depending on the type of SyNC. METHODS We reviewed prospectively-collected data for patients presenting with new neurologic events and non-invasive imaging suggestive of moderate or severe (≥50%) carotid stenosis between July 2016 and October 2018. Patients were included in the present study if the degree of stenosis on DSA was < 50%. We assigned these patients into groups based on a previously-proposed working definition of SyNC, and analyzed the rate of recurrent stroke in the following 6 months. RESULTS 28 patients had DSA-confirmed < 50% stenosis and constituted the study cohort. The median age was 73 years and 64% were male; median presenting NIHSS was 1 (IQR 0-3). The great majority (86%) of carotid plaques had high-risk features including ulcerated plaque (n = 21, 75%) and plaque > 3 mm thick (n = 18, 64%). 17 of 28 patients (61%) met classification criteria for "definite" or "probable" SyNC. Three of five patients in the "definite SyNC" group experienced recurrent neurologic events. CONCLUSION The majority of patients with non-invasive imaging suggesting carotid stenosis harbor symptomatic carotid disease per current classifications despite DSA stenosis < 50%. Current classification schema may allow for risk stratification of SyNC patients and these findings warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Tonetti
- The Departments of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; The Stroke Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | | | - Gautam Nayar
- The Departments of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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12
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Li TYW, Yeo LLL, Ho JSY, Leow AS, Chan MY, Dalakoti M, Chan BPL, Seow SC, Kojodjojo P, Sharma VK, Tan BYQ, Sia CH. Association of Global Cardiac Calcification with Atrial Fibrillation and Recurrent Stroke in Patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. J Am Soc Echocardiogr 2021; 34:1056-1066. [PMID: 33872703 DOI: 10.1016/j.echo.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcium deposits in the heart have been associated with cardiovascular events, mortality, stroke, and atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is no accepted standard method for scoring cardiac calcifications. Existing methods have also not been validated for the assessment of patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of various cardiac calcification scores with new-onset AF and stroke recurrence in a cohort of patients with ESUS. METHODS In this study, 181 consecutive patients with stroke diagnosed with ESUS were identified and evaluated. They were followed for new-onset AF and ischemic stroke recurrence for a median duration of 2.1 years. Various echocardiographic cardiac calcification scores were assessed on transthoracic echocardiography performed during the evaluation of ESUS and subsequently assessed for their relation to AF detection and recurrent stroke. The echocardiographic calcium scores assessed were the (1) global cardiac calcium score (GCCS), (2) echocardiographic calcium score (eCS), (3) echocardiographic calcification score, (4) echocardiographic composite cardiac calcium score, and (5) total heart calcification score. Only two of these scoring schemes, GCCS and eCS, quantified the cardiac calcium burden. RESULTS Higher calcium scores as measured by GCCS and eCS were found to be significantly associated with subsequent AF detection as well as recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with ESUS. The association with recurrent stroke remained significant even after adjustment for comorbidities and AF. CONCLUSIONS Higher cardiac calcification measured using the GCCS and eCS is independently associated with AF detection and recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with ESUS, and these scores can be useful markers for further risk stratification in patients with ESUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Y W Li
- Internal Medicine Residency, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Leonard L L Yeo
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore.
| | - Jamie S Y Ho
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Aloysius S Leow
- Internal Medicine Residency, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Mark Y Chan
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mayank Dalakoti
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bernard P L Chan
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Swee-Chong Seow
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pipin Kojodjojo
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vijay K Sharma
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Benjamin Yong-Qiang Tan
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Ching-Hui Sia
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
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13
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Ntaios G, Weng SF, Perlepe K, Akyea R, Condon L, Lambrou D, Sirimarco G, Strambo D, Eskandari A, Karagkiozi E, Vemmou A, Korompoki E, Manios E, Makaritsis K, Vemmos K, Michel P. Data-driven machine-learning analysis of potential embolic sources in embolic stroke of undetermined source. Eur J Neurol 2020; 28:192-201. [PMID: 32918305 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hierarchical clustering, a common 'unsupervised' machine-learning algorithm, is advantageous for exploring potential underlying aetiology in particularly heterogeneous diseases. We investigated potential embolic sources in embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) using a data-driven machine-learning method, and explored variation in stroke recurrence between clusters. METHODS We used a hierarchical k-means clustering algorithm on patients' baseline data, which assigned each individual into a unique clustering group, using a minimum-variance method to calculate the similarity between ESUS patients based on all baseline features. Potential embolic sources were categorised into atrial cardiopathy, atrial fibrillation, arterial disease, left ventricular disease, cardiac valvulopathy, patent foramen ovale (PFO) and cancer. RESULTS Among 800 consecutive ESUS patients (43.3% women, median age 67 years), the optimal number of clusters was four. Left ventricular disease was most prevalent in cluster 1 (present in all patients) and perfectly associated with cluster 1. PFO was most prevalent in cluster 2 (38.9% of patients) and associated significantly with increased likelihood of cluster 2 [adjusted odds ratio: 2.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.64-4.41]. Arterial disease was most prevalent in cluster 3 (57.7%) and associated with increased likelihood of cluster 3 (adjusted odds ratio: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.43-3.13). Atrial cardiopathy was most prevalent in cluster 4 (100%) and perfectly associated with cluster 4. Cluster 3 was the largest cluster involving 53.7% of patients. Atrial fibrillation was not significantly associated with any cluster. CONCLUSIONS This data-driven machine-learning analysis identified four clusters of ESUS that were strongly associated with arterial disease, atrial cardiopathy, PFO and left ventricular disease, respectively. More than half of the patients were assigned to the cluster associated with arterial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ntaios
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - S F Weng
- National Institute for Health Research School for Primary Care Research, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Primary Care Stratified Medicine, Division of Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - K Perlepe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - R Akyea
- Primary Care Stratified Medicine, Division of Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - L Condon
- Primary Care Stratified Medicine, Division of Primary Care, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - D Lambrou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - G Sirimarco
- Stroke Center and Neurology Service, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - D Strambo
- Stroke Center and Neurology Service, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - A Eskandari
- Stroke Center and Neurology Service, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - E Karagkiozi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - A Vemmou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - E Korompoki
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Stroke Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - E Manios
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - K Makaritsis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - K Vemmos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School of Athens, Alexandra Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - P Michel
- Stroke Center and Neurology Service, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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14
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Šaňák D, Divišová P, Hutyra M, Král M, Bártková A, Zapletalová J, Látal J, Dorňák T, Hudec Š, Franc D, Polidar P, Veverka T, Kaňovský P. Risk of recurrent ischemic stroke in young cryptogenic patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source. J Neurol Sci 2020; 416:116985. [PMID: 32563078 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.116985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Elderly cryptogenic ischemic stroke (IS) patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) have a high risk of recurrent IS (RIS) compared to other stroke subtypes. In young ESUS patients, different sources of embolism may be a cause and the risk of RIS remains not enough established. The aim was to assess and compare risk of RIS between ESUS and non ESUS patients <50 years. METHODS The study set consisted of young acute IS patients <50 years enrolled in the prospective HISTORY (Heart and Ischemic STrOke Relationship studY) study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01541163). In all analyzed patients, the brain ischemia was confirmed on CT or MRI. All patients underwent identical diagnostic protocol including TEE and long-term ECG-Holter. Cause of IS was assessed according to the ASCOD classification. RESULTS Of 320 enrolled patients <50 years, 219 (68.4%) were identified as cryptogenic (119 males, mean age 41.4 ± 7.2 years) and 122 (38.1%) patients fulfilled the ESUS criteria. During the follow-up with a median of 34 months, three (2.5%) ESUS and 5 (5.2%) non-ESUS patients suffered from RIS (p = .471). One-year risk of RIS was 0.008 (95% CI: 0-0.025) for ESUS and 0.036 (95% CI: 0-0.076) for non-ESUS patients (p = .262). CONCLUSION The risk of RIS was very low in ESUS patients and did not differ from those with non-ESUS. Our finding may indicate that antiplatelet therapy can be effective in the secondary prevention in young ESUS patients if high-risk sources of embolization are excluded extensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Šaňák
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, Palacký University Medical School and Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Petra Divišová
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, Palacký University Medical School and Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hutyra
- Department of Cardiology, Palacký University Medical School and Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Král
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, Palacký University Medical School and Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Bártková
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, Palacký University Medical School and Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Zapletalová
- Department of Biophysics and statistics, Palacký University Medical School, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Látal
- Department of Cardiology, Palacký University Medical School and Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Dorňák
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, Palacký University Medical School and Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Štěpán Hudec
- Department of Cardiology, Palacký University Medical School and Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - David Franc
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, Palacký University Medical School and Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Polidar
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, Palacký University Medical School and Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Veverka
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, Palacký University Medical School and Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Kaňovský
- Comprehensive Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, Palacký University Medical School and Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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15
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Sorokin YN. [Cerebrovascular diseases: matching ICD-10 and ICD-11 codes]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2020; 120:119-125. [PMID: 32323953 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2020120031119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A comparison of the codes and wording of the ICD-11 with the previous version of the classification was carried out. It seems necessary to develop a new revision of the domestic classification of cerebrovascular pathology, consistent with the ICD-11 codes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu N Sorokin
- Rostov State Medical University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia
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16
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Bulwa Z, Saleh Velez FG, Brorson JR, Pinto CB. Ipsilateral Nonstenotic Carotid Disease in Minor Ischemic Stroke: an Exploratory Analysis of The POINT Randomized Clinical Trial. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 29:105115. [PMID: 33066893 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Ipsilateral nonstenotic carotid disease is increasingly recognized as an etiology of ischemic stroke, however tailored treatment strategies are lacking. We aimed to examine clinical characteristics and treatment effects in patients with minor ischemic stroke associated with ipsilateral nonstenotic carotid disease in the Platelet Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and Minor Ischemic Stroke (POINT) trial. METHODS We performed an exploratory analysis of the interaction of the treatment effects of aspirin plus clopidogrel versus aspirin monotherapy, stratified by presence of ipsilateral nonstenotic carotid disease in patients with minor ischemic stroke in the POINT trial. RESULTS For this exploratory analysis, 167 patients presenting with ischemic stroke and ipsilateral nonstenotic carotid disease, defined as 1%-49% carotid stenosis ipsilateral to the corresponding territory of ischemic stroke, and 833 patients no carotid disease were included. Compared to patients with no carotid disease, patients with ipsilateral nonstenotic carotid disease were older (68.5 ± 11.3 years versus 61.3 ± 12.8 years; P < 0.001), and had a higher prevalence of hypertension (76.6% versus 59.2%, P < 0.001), ischemic heart disease (13.8% versus 5.4%, P < 0.001), and tobacco use (past: 34.1% versus 25.2%, P = 0.005; present: 27.5% versus 22.8%, P = 0.005). 5.4% of patients with ipsilateral nonstenotic carotid disease had recurrent ischemic stroke within 14 days. Patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy had a numerical reduction in recurrent ischemic stroke compared to patients receiving aspirin monotherapy, however the exploratory analysis was underpowered to detect a statistically significant difference in treatment effect (HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.18-1.40, P = 0.19). CONCLUSION Patients with minor ischemic stroke and ipsilateral nonstenotic carotid disease had a high risk of early stroke recurrence in the POINT trial. Dual antiplatelet therapy provided a non-statistically significant reduction in recurrent ischemic stroke with no difference in safety outcomes compared to aspirin monotherapy. Further study is needed to determine if early and short duration dual antiplatelet therapy is beneficial for all patients with ipsilateral nonstenotic carotid disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Bulwa
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue MC 2030, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Faddi G Saleh Velez
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue MC 2030, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - James R Brorson
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue MC 2030, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Camila B Pinto
- University of Sao Paulo, Institute of Psychology, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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17
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Mark IT, Nasr DM, Huston J, de Maria L, de Sanctis P, Lehman VT, Rabinstein AA, Saba L, Brinjikji W. Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source and Carotid Intraplaque Hemorrhage on MRI : A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clin Neuroradiol 2020; 31:307-313. [PMID: 32647922 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-020-00921-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) has traditionally discounted the significance of internal carotid artery stenosis of <50%; however, recent studies have examined the role of carotid artery intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) as an etiology in nonstenotic carotid arteries. We performed a systemic review of the literature to determine the prevalence of carotid artery IPH on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the vessel wall in patients with ESUS. METHODS We used PubMed, Epub ahead of print, Ovid MEDLINE in-process and other non-indexed citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane central register of controlled trials, Ovid Cochrane database of systematic reviews and Scopus. Our study consisted of all case series with >10 patients with IPH and ESUS published through October 2018. Additionally, we included 123 patients from an institutional database from 2015-2019. Random effects meta-analysis was used for pooling across studies. Meta-analysis results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS A total of 7 studies with 354 patients were included. The mean age was 67.5 years old. The overall prevalence estimate for prevalence of IPH ipsilateral to the ischemic lesion was 25.8% (95% CI 13.1-38.5). The odds of having IPH on the ipsilateral side versus the contralateral side was 6.92 (95% CI 3.04-15.79). CONCLUSION Patients with ESUS have IPH in the carotid artery ipsilateral to the ischemic stroke in 25.8% of cases. Carotid artery vessel wall MRI should be considered as part of the standard work-up in patients with ESUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian T Mark
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, 55905, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Deena M Nasr
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - John Huston
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, 55905, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lucio de Maria
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Vance T Lehman
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, 55905, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Waleed Brinjikji
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St. SW, 55905, Rochester, MN, USA.
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18
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Dmytriw AA, Alrashed A, Keith J, Yang VXD. Endovascular Retrieval of Ruptured Carotid Plaque Embolus. Ann Neurol 2020; 87:807-808. [PMID: 32277500 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam A Dmytriw
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abdullah Alrashed
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia Keith
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics, Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Victor X D Yang
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Letter to the Editor regarding “Prevalence of Nonstenotic Carotid Plaque in Stroke due to Atrial Fibrillation Compared to Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source”. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 29:104506. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.104506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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20
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Ntaios G. Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. J Am Coll Cardiol 2020; 75:333-340. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2019.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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21
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Knight-Greenfield A, Quitlong Nario JJ, Vora A, Baradaran H, Merkler A, Navi BB, Kamel H, Gupta A. Associations Between Features of Nonstenosing Carotid Plaque on Computed Tomographic Angiography and Ischemic Stroke Subtypes. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 8:e014818. [PMID: 31818209 PMCID: PMC6951053 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.014818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Thromboembolism from nonstenosing carotid plaques may be an underrecognized cause of embolic strokes of undetermined source (ESUS). We evaluated the association between features of nonstenosing atherosclerotic plaque on computed tomographic angiography and ESUS. Methods and Results We identified consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients from 2011 to 2015 who had unilateral anterior territory infarction on brain magnetic resonance imaging and a neck computed tomographic angiography. We included ESUS cases and as controls, cardioembolic strokes. Patients with ≥50% internal carotid artery atherosclerotic stenosis ipsilateral to the stroke were excluded from this analysis. Reviewers blinded to infarct location and stroke cause retrospectively evaluated computed tomographic angiography studies for specific plaque features including thickness of the total, soft, and calcified plaque; presence of ulceration; and perivascular fat attenuation. Paired t tests and McNemar's test for paired data were used to compare plaque features ipsilateral versus contralateral to the side of infarction. Ninety‐one patients with ESUS or cardioembolic stroke were included in this study. Total plaque thickness was greater on the infarcted side (2.1±2.0 mm) than the contralateral side (1.2±1.5 mm) (P=0.006) among ESUS cases, but not among cardioembolic cases (1.9±1.6 mm versus 1.8±1.6 mm) (P=0.32). Conclusions Among ESUS cases, total plaque thickness was greater ipsilateral to the side of infarction than on the contralateral, stroke‐free side. No such side‐to‐side differences were apparent in cardioembolic strokes. Our findings suggest that nonstenosing large‐artery atherosclerotic plaques represent one underlying mechanism of ESUS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amar Vora
- Department of Radiology Weill Cornell Medicine New York NY
| | | | - Alex Merkler
- Department of Radiology Weill Cornell Medicine New York NY.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute New York NY
| | - Babak B Navi
- Department of Radiology Weill Cornell Medicine New York NY.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute New York NY
| | - Hooman Kamel
- Department of Radiology Weill Cornell Medicine New York NY.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute New York NY
| | - Ajay Gupta
- Department of Radiology Weill Cornell Medicine New York NY.,Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute New York NY
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22
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Kulesh AA, Drobakha VE, Shestakov VV. Cryptogenic stroke. NEUROLOGY, NEUROPSYCHIATRY, PSYCHOSOMATICS 2019. [DOI: 10.14412/2074-2711-2019-4-14-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The paper considers the epidemiology and general etiological characteristics of cryptogenic stroke (CS). It discusses the concept of embolic stroke with an unknown source of embolism. It also characterizes the most significant causes of CS, such as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, atrial cardiopathy, aortic atheroma, non-stenotic cerebral atherosclerotic plaques, and malignant neoplasms. The paper describes approaches to the diagnosis and secondary prevention of CS and proposes etiological and neuroimaging diagnostic algorithms for CI. Clinical cases are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. A. Kulesh
- Acad. E.A. Vagner Perm State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia;
City Clinical Hospital Four
| | - V. E. Drobakha
- Acad. E.A. Vagner Perm State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia;
City Clinical Hospital Four
| | - V. V. Shestakov
- Acad. E.A. Vagner Perm State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
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23
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Ntaios G, Perlepe K, Lambrou D, Sirimarco G, Strambo D, Eskandari A, Karagkiozi E, Vemmou A, Koroboki E, Manios E, Makaritsis K, Vemmos K, Michel P. Prevalence and Overlap of Potential Embolic Sources in Patients With Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. J Am Heart Assoc 2019; 8:e012858. [PMID: 31364451 PMCID: PMC6761628 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.119.012858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background We aimed to assess the prevalence and degree of overlap of potential embolic sources (PES) in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Methods and Results In a pooled data set derived from 3 prospective stroke registries, patients were categorized in ≥1 groups according to the PES that was/were identified. We categorized PES as follows: atrial cardiopathy, atrial fibrillation diagnosed during follow‐up, arterial disease, left ventricular disease, cardiac valvular disease, patent foramen ovale, and cancer. In 800 patients with ESUS (43.1% women; median age, 67.0 years), 3 most prevalent PES were left ventricular disease, arterial disease, and atrial cardiopathy, which were present in 54.4%, 48.5%, and 45.0% of patients, respectively. Most patients (65.5%) had >1 PES, whereas only 29.7% and 4.8% of patients had a single or no PES, respectively. In 31.1% of patients, there were ≥3 PES present. On average, each patient had 2 PES (median, 2). During a median follow‐up of 3.7 years, stroke recurrence occurred in 101 (12.6%) of patients (23.3 recurrences per 100 patient‐years). In multivariate analysis, the risk of stroke recurrence was higher in the atrial fibrillation group compared with other PES, but not statistically different between patients with 0 to 1, 2, or ≥3 PES. Conclusions There is major overlap of PES in patients with ESUS. This may possibly explain the negative results of the recent large randomized controlled trials of secondary prevention in patients with ESUS and offer a rationale for a randomized controlled trial of combination of anticoagulation and aspirin for the prevention of stroke recurrence in patients with ESUS. Clinical Trial Registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02766205.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Ntaios
- Department of Internal Medicine School of Medicine Larissa University Hospital University of Thessaly Larissa Greece
| | - Kalliopi Perlepe
- Department of Internal Medicine School of Medicine Larissa University Hospital University of Thessaly Larissa Greece
| | - Dimitrios Lambrou
- Department of Internal Medicine School of Medicine Larissa University Hospital University of Thessaly Larissa Greece
| | - Gaia Sirimarco
- Stroke Center and Neurology Service Department of Clinical Neurosciences Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Davide Strambo
- Stroke Center and Neurology Service Department of Clinical Neurosciences Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Ashraf Eskandari
- Stroke Center and Neurology Service Department of Clinical Neurosciences Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne Switzerland
| | - Efstathia Karagkiozi
- Department of Internal Medicine School of Medicine Larissa University Hospital University of Thessaly Larissa Greece
| | - Anastasia Vemmou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics Medical School of Athens Alexandra Hospital Athens Greece
| | - Eleni Koroboki
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics Medical School of Athens Alexandra Hospital Athens Greece
| | - Efstathios Manios
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics Medical School of Athens Alexandra Hospital Athens Greece
| | - Konstantinos Makaritsis
- Department of Internal Medicine School of Medicine Larissa University Hospital University of Thessaly Larissa Greece
| | - Konstantinos Vemmos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics Medical School of Athens Alexandra Hospital Athens Greece
| | - Patrik Michel
- Stroke Center and Neurology Service Department of Clinical Neurosciences Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne Switzerland
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Ntaios G, Perlepe K, Sirimarco G, Strambo D, Eskandari A, Karagkiozi E, Vemmou A, Koroboki E, Manios E, Makaritsis K, Michel P, Vemmos K. Carotid plaques and detection of atrial fibrillation in embolic stroke of undetermined source. Neurology 2019; 92:e2644-e2652. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000007611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveTo investigate the association between the presence of ipsilateral nonstenotic carotid plaques and the rate of detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) during follow-up in patients with embolic strokes of undetermined source (ESUS).MethodsWe pooled data of all consecutive ESUS patients from 3 prospective stroke registries. Multivariate stepwise regression assessed the association between the presence of nonstenotic carotid plaques and AF detection. The 10-year cumulative probabilities of AF detection were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier product limit method.ResultsAmong 777 patients followed for 2,642 patient-years, 341 (38.6%) patients had an ipsilateral nonstenotic carotid plaque. AF was detected in 112 (14.4%) patients in the overall population during follow-up. The overall rate of AF detection was 8.5% in patients with nonstenotic carotid plaques (2.9% per 100 patient-years) and 19.0% in patients without (5.0% per 100 patient-years) (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37–0.84). The presence of ipsilateral nonstenotic carotid plaques was associated with lower probability for AF detection (adjusted HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34–0.96, p = 0.03). The 10-year cumulative probability of AF detection was lower in patients with ipsilateral nonstenotic carotid plaques compared to those without (34.5%, 95% CI 21.8–47.2 vs 49.0%, 95% CI 40.4–57.6 respectively, log-rank-test: 11.8, p = 0.001).ConclusionsAF is less frequently detected in ESUS patients with nonstenotic carotid plaques compared to those without.Clinicaltrials.gov identifierNCT02766205.
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Schulz UG. Cryptogenic stroke - How to make sense of a non-diagnostic entity. Maturitas 2019; 122:44-50. [PMID: 30797529 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Secondary preventive strategies in ischaemic stroke depend on the underlying aetiology. However, approximately one-third of ischaemic strokes remain unexplained, or 'cryptogenic'. There is a wide range of possible underlying causes in cryptogenic stroke, and the best approach to secondary prevention of these may differ. To date, though, the widely accepted and uniform secondary preventive strategy in this group consists of modification of vascular risk factors, and of treatment with a combination of antiplatelet therapy and antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medication. Among the potential causes for cryptogenic stroke are occult atrial fibrillation, patent foramen ovale, atrial cardiopathy, aortic arch atheroma and hypercoagulable states. While it is possible to diagnose these conditions, in individual patients there is often uncertainty over whether they have a directly causative role, are markers of disease, or are innocent bystanders. Similarly, even if the cause is found, the best secondary preventive strategies remain uncertain, which questions the benefit of extensive investigations in a clinical setting. More recently, the concept of "embolic stroke of unknown source (ESUS)" has been introduced, in the hope that anticoagulation may offer better secondary prevention than antiplatelet therapy, but trials so far have been negative. At present, there is little justification for introducing extensive new investigative strategies into the management of patients with cryptogenic stroke. Investigations should be targeted at identifying those high-risk conditions which lead to a change in management. Further investigations need to be tailored individually, according to clinical circumstances. This should include identifying patients for participation in clinical trials, as the significance and best management of many of the potential causes for cryptogenic stroke require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula G Schulz
- Centre for the Prevention of Stroke and Dementia, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford, UK.
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Wangqin R, Krafft PR, Piper K, Kumar J, Xu K, Mokin M, Ren Z. Management of De Novo Carotid Stenosis and Postintervention Restenosis-Carotid Endarterectomy Versus Carotid Artery Stenting-a Review of Literature. Transl Stroke Res 2019; 10:460-474. [PMID: 30793257 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-019-00693-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The current literature indicates carotid endarterectomy (CEA) as the preferred treatment for symptomatic, moderate to severe carotid artery stenosis. However, recommendations for the management of acute tandem stenosis and complete occlusion, as well as postintervention restenosis of the carotid artery, remain controversial. Here, we review the literature evaluating these conditions and provide suggestions for clinical decision-making. Acute tandem stenosis or occlusion of the common and internal carotid arteries may be treated with angioplasty alone, reserving carotid artery stenting (CAS) or CEA for severe and complex cases. Patients who underwent CEA and developed ipsilateral restenosis may be subjected to angioplasty followed by CAS, which carries a lower risk of cranial nerve injury and subsequent restenosis of the artery. For post-CAS restenosis, current evidence recommends angioplasty and CAS for the management of moderate stenosis and CEA for severe stenosis of the carotid artery. Given the lack of level 1 evidence for the management of these conditions, the abovementioned recommendations may assist clinical decision-making; however, each case and its unique risks and benefits need to be assessed individually. Future studies evaluating and defining the risks and benefits of specific treatment strategies, such as CEA and CAS, in patients with acute tandem stenosis, occlusion, and postintervention restenosis of the carotid artery need to be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runqi Wangqin
- Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, 2400 Pratt Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Paul R Krafft
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of South Florida, 2 Tampa General Circle, Tampa, FL, 33606, USA
| | - Keaton Piper
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of South Florida, 2 Tampa General Circle, Tampa, FL, 33606, USA
| | - Jay Kumar
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of South Florida, 2 Tampa General Circle, Tampa, FL, 33606, USA
| | - Kaya Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China
| | - Maxim Mokin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of South Florida, 2 Tampa General Circle, Tampa, FL, 33606, USA
| | - Zeguang Ren
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of South Florida, 2 Tampa General Circle, Tampa, FL, 33606, USA.
- Center for Cerebrovascular Diseases, Shiyan Taihe Hospital, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, China.
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