1
|
Wolfe J, Kamen S, Koneru M, Vigilante N, Rana A, Penckofer M, Hester T, Oak S, Patel K, Thau L, Sprankle K, Kim K, Thomas K, Zhang L, Siegler JE. Subcortical infarcts in patients with nonstenotic cervical atherosclerotic disease. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 32:107264. [PMID: 37586218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies have elucidated a relationship between nonstenotic plaque in patients with cryptogenic embolic infarcts with a largely cortical topology, however, it is unclear if nonstenotic cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) plaque is relevant in subcortical cryptogenic infarct patterns. METHODS A nested cohort of consecutive patients with anterior, unilateral, and subcortical infarcts without an identifiable embolic source were identified from a prospective stroke registry (September 2019 - June 2021). Patients with extracranial stenosis >50% or cardiac sources of embolism were excluded. Patients with computed tomography angiography were included and comparisons were made according to the infarct pattern being lacunar versus non-lacunar. Prevalence estimates for cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) plaque presence were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and differences in plaque thickness and features were compared between sides. RESULTS Of the 1684 who were screened, 141 met inclusion criteria (n=80 due to small vessel disease, n=61 cryptogenic). The median age was 66y (interquartile range, IQR 58-73) and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 3 (IQR 1-5). There was a higher probability of finding excess plaque ipsilateral to the stroke (41.1%, 95% CI 33.3-49.3%) than finding excess contralateral plaque (29.1%, 95% CI 22.2-37.1%; p=0.03), but this was driven by patients with non-lacunar infarcts (excess ipsilateral vs. contralateral plaque frequency of 49.2% vs. 14.8%, p<0.001) rather than lacunar infarcts (35.0% vs. 40.0%, p=0.51). CONCLUSIONS The probability of finding ipsilateral, nonstenotic carotid plaque in patients with subcortical cryptogenic strokes exceeds the probability of contralateral plaque and is driven by larger subcortical infarcts, classically defined as being cryptogenic. Approximately 1 in 3 unilateral anterior subcortical infarcts may be due to nonstenotic ICA plaque.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jared Wolfe
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States.
| | - Scott Kamen
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Manisha Koneru
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | | | - Ankit Rana
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Mary Penckofer
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Taryn Hester
- Cooper Neurological Institute, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Solomon Oak
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Karan Patel
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Lauren Thau
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Kenyon Sprankle
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Kelly Kim
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Kavya Thomas
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Linda Zhang
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - James E Siegler
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States; Cooper Neurological Institute, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
George J, Sylaja PN, Sreedharan SE. Recurrence of Cryptogenic (ESUS) Strokes in the First Year: Predictors and Outcome-A South Indian Study. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2023; 26:728-732. [PMID: 38022488 PMCID: PMC10666862 DOI: 10.4103/aian.aian_282_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Around 9-25% of ischemic strokes are embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) with an annual recurrence risk of 4.5-5%. Regarding ESUS, studies from India are limited. Here, we studied the prevalence of cryptogenic ESUS among stroke subtypes, recurrence risk and outcome at 1 year, and their predictors. Materials and Methods We performed a single-center study of ambispective nature. Patients above 18 years of age with a diagnosis of cryptogenic (ESUS) strokes from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2020 (4 years), with a 1-year follow-up were recruited in our study. All the patients underwent neuroimaging computerised tomography/magnetic resonance tomography (CT/MRI) with angiography, electrocardiogram (ECG), transthoracic echo (TTE), and rhythm monitoring. Functional outcome was measured using the modified Rankin scale with scores 0-2 taken as good outcome. Results We had 234 (11.21% of total ischemic strokes) subjects satisfying the criteria for ESUS over the study period with a mean age of 58.2 ± 12.8 years. 46 patients had a history of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) at admission. 9.4% had a recurrent event at 1 year. The most important neuroimaging predictor of recurrent strokes was multiple embolic followed by superficial watershed pattern. Around 10% had more than one marker of atrial cardiopathy positive. While the risk factors, coronary artery disease (CAD), and neuroimaging pattern showed an association with recurrent events at 1 year on bivariate analysis, only the latter two remained significant on multivariate analysis. Conclusions Our cohort of ESUS had a higher annual recurrence risk than reported before. Though vascular risk factors and ipsilateral vessel abnormalities were more in the recurrent ESUS group, it did not significantly affect the recurrence risk at 1 year. CAD and multiple embolic patterns on imaging showed an association with recurrent strokes, suggesting a possible cardiac substrate in our ESUS population as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jithin George
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - P. N. Sylaja
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | - Sapna E. Sreedharan
- Department of Neurology, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tao L, Wang YH, Shang ZY, Yang BQ, Chen HS. Vulnerable plaque of the petrous internal carotid artery in embolic stroke of undetermined source. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:648-658. [PMID: 36448742 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The association between nonstenotic plaque at the petrous internal carotid artery (ICA) and embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) remains unknown. We aimed to test the hypothesis that the presence of a larger build-up of petrous plaque is more prevalent in the ipsilateral versus the contralateral side among ESUS patients without plaque in the intracranial and proximal ICA. METHODS From a total of 243 patients with ESUS and 160 patients with small-vessel disease (SVD) without proximal ICA plaque, we enrolled 88 ESUS and 103 SVD patients without ipsilateral nonstenotic intracranial and proximal ICA plaque in the present study. Targeting the petrous segment of the ICA on two sides, plaque burden including plaque thickness, lumen area, vessel area, wall area, and percentage of luminal stenosis, and composition features (presence/absence of the ruptured fibrous cap, ulcer plaque, thrombus, discontinuity of plaque surface [DPS], intraplaque hemorrhage and complicated plaque) were assessed by high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS We found a higher prevalence of petrous plaque thickness ≥3.5 mm ipsilateral versus contralateral to the stroke (25/88 [28.4%] vs. 12/88 [13.6%], odds ratio [OR] 3.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34-9.70), but this imbalance was not seen in SVD. In patients with plaque thickness ≥3.5 mm, the presence of DPS (OR 4.05, 95% CI 1.11-14.78) and complicated plaque (OR 5.00, 95% CI 1.10-22.82) was more closely related to an index ESUS, a finding that was not evident in the subgroup with petrous plaque <3.5 mm (p for interaction = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS The present study provided the first evidence supporting a potential etiological role of vulnerable petrous plaque in ESUS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Tao
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shen Yang, China
| | - Yi-Han Wang
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shen Yang, China
| | - Zi-Yang Shang
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shen Yang, China
| | - Ben-Qiang Yang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shen Yang, China
| | - Hui-Sheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shen Yang, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Siegler JE. Nonstenotic intracranial atherosclerosis as an emerging mechanism in cryptogenic cerebral embolism. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:565-566. [PMID: 36484559 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James E Siegler
- Cooper Neurological Institute, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, New Jersey, USA
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jumah A, Aboul Nour H, Fana M, Choudhury O, Eltous L, Zoghoul S, Jumah F, Alsrouji OK, Alhajala H, Intikhab O, Marin H, Chebl A, Miller D. The role of non-stenosing carotid artery plaques in embolic stroke of undetermined source, is it a silent offender? A review of literature. Interv Neuroradiol 2022:15910199221143172. [PMID: 36451548 DOI: 10.1177/15910199221143172] [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: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Atherosclerotic cervical internal carotid artery disease is one of the major causes of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attacks. The risk of stroke from mild to moderate stenoses (i.e. <50% stenosis) might be underestimated. There is increasing evidence that plaque morphological features reflect plaque instability that may harbor high risk for embolization. In this narrative review, we will review the literature on plaque features that predict vulnerability beyond the degree of stenosis, discuss the clinical association with stroke, and evaluate the evidence that these lesions serve as a source for embolic stroke of unknown source (ESUS). METHODS We performed a literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. The terms "embolic stroke of undetermined source" and "plaque morphology" were used either alone or in combination with "non-flow limiting stenosis," "non-stenosing plaques," "high-risk plaque features" or "internal carotid artery plaque." Data on plaque morphology and ESUS were mainly taken from review articles, observational studies including retrospective cohort and cross-sectional studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. CONCLUSION Nonstenosing carotid artery plaques with high-risk features carry a remarkable risk for stroke occurrence and randomized clinical trials are warranted for further evaluation of using carotid artery stenting or carotid endarterectomy to mitigate the risk of stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Jumah
- Department of Neurology, 24016Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Hassan Aboul Nour
- Department of Vascular Neurology, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael Fana
- Department of Neurology, 24016Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Omar Choudhury
- Department of Neurology, 24016Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Lara Eltous
- 37251Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Sohaib Zoghoul
- Department of Radiology, 36977Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fareed Jumah
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Owais K Alsrouji
- Department of Neurology, 24016Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Hisham Alhajala
- Department of Vascular Neurology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Osama Intikhab
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Horia Marin
- Department of Neuroradiology, 24016Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Alex Chebl
- Department of Neurology, 24016Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Daniel Miller
- Department of Neurology, 24016Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Characteristics of non-stenotic carotid plaque in embolic stroke of undetermined source compared with cardiogenic embolism: a retrospective cross-sectional observational study. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:315. [PMID: 36008791 PMCID: PMC9404624 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02846-4] [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: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-stenotic carotid plaque is considered an important etiology of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). However, only a few previous studies included a negative control group, and the characteristics of non-stenotic carotid plaque in ESUS have yet to be investigated. The objective of this study is to explore the clinical characteristics of ESUS and the correlation between non-stenotic carotid plaque and ESUS. Methods This is a single-center, retrospective cross-sectional observational study conducted to compare differences in clinical information among ESUS, CE, and large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA), as well as the prevalence of non-stenotic carotid plaque and non-stenotic carotid plaque with low echo between patients with ESUS and CE in Changzhou No.2 People’s Hospital from January 2020 to January 2022. Ultrasound was used to evaluate the characteristics of non-stenotic carotid plaque and vulnerable carotid plaque was defined as plaque with low echo. The binary logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between the characteristics of non-stenotic carotid plaque and ESUS. The receiver-operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of the characteristics of non-stenotic carotid plaque for ESUS. Results We had a final studying population of 280 patients including 81 with ESUS, 37 with CE, and 162 with LAA. There were no differences in clinical features between ESUS and LAA, but in the comparison of CE and ESUS, there were differences in age, smoking, hypertension, levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. In ESUS, the prevalence of non-stenotic carotid plaque was more common on the ipsilateral side of stroke than in CE [55 (67.90%) vs. 18 (48.65%), p = 0.046], so was the prevalence of non-stenotic carotid plaque with low echo [38 (46.91%) vs. 5 (13.51%), p < 0.001]. Logistic regression analysis showed that the prevalence of non-stenotic carotid plaque (OR: 4.19; 95% CI: 1.45–12.11; p = 0.008) and the prevalence of non-stenotic carotid plaque with low echo (OR: 5.12; 95% CI: 1.55–16.93; p = 0.007) were, respectively, the independent predictors of ESUS. The results receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the combination of age, hypertension, and ipsilateral non-stenotic carotid plaque with low echo had the best diagnostic efficiency for ESUS (0.811; 95%CI: 0.727–0.896; p < 0.001). Conclusion Our results suggest that ipsilateral vulnerable non-stenotic carotid plaque is associated with ESUS in anterior circulation infarction.
Collapse
|
7
|
Diener HC, Easton JD, Hart RG, Kasner S, Kamel H, Ntaios G. Review and update of the concept of embolic stroke of undetermined source. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:455-465. [PMID: 35538232 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00663-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ischaemic strokes have traditionally been classified according to the TOAST criteria, in which strokes with unclear aetiology are classified as cryptogenic strokes. However, the definition of cryptogenic stroke did not meet the operational criteria necessary to define patient populations for randomized treatment trials. To address this problem, the concept of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) was developed and published in 2014. A hypothesis that underpinned this concept was that most strokes in patients with ESUS are caused by embolic events, perhaps many cardioembolic, and that anticoagulation would prevent secondary ischaemic events. On this basis, two large randomized trials were conducted to compare the non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) dabigatran and rivaroxaban with aspirin. Neither NOAC was superior to aspirin in these trials, although subgroups of patients with ESUS seemed to benefit specifically from anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy. The neutral results of the trials of anticoagulation and insights into ESUS from research conducted since the concept was introduced warrant reassessment of the ESUS construct as a research concept and a treatment target. In this Review, we discuss the evidence produced since the concept of ESUS was introduced, and propose updates to the criteria and diagnostic algorithm in light of the latest knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Christoph Diener
- Department of Neuroepidemiology, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (IMIBE) Medical Faculty of the University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - J Donald Easton
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Robert G Hart
- Population Health Research Institute/McMaster University, David Braley Cardiac, Vascular and Stroke Research Institute (DBCVSRI), Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Scott Kasner
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hooman Kamel
- Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Unit, Department of Neurology and Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - George Ntaios
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Martin MC, Sichtermann T, Schürmann K, Habib P, Wiesmann M, Schulz JB, Nikoubashman O, Pinho J, Reich A. Classification of patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source in cardioembolic and non-cardioembolic profiles. Eur J Neurol 2022; 29:2275-2282. [PMID: 35420727 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15356] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is currently thought that embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) patients have diverse underlying hidden etiologies, of which cardioembolism is one of the most important. This subgroup of patients could theoretically benefit from oral anticoagulation, but it remains unclear if these of patients can be correctly identified from other ESUS-subgroups and which markers should be used. We aimed to determine whether a machine learning (ML) model could discriminate ESUS patients into cardioembolic and non-cardioembolic profiles using baseline demographic and laboratory variables. METHODS Based on a prospective registry of consecutive ischemic stroke patients submitted to acute revascularization therapies, a ML model was trained using data on age, sex and 11 selected baseline laboratory parameters of patients with known stroke etiology with the aim of correctly identifying patients with cardioembolic and non-cardioembolic etiologies. The resulting model was used to classify ESUS patients into either cardioembolic or non-cardioembolic profiles. RESULTS The ML model was able to distinguish patients with known stroke etiology into cardioembolic or non-cardioembolic with excellent accuracy (area under the curve = 0.82). When applied to ESUS patients, the model classified 40.3% of them as having cardioembolic profiles. ESUS patients with cardioembolic profiles were older, more frequently female, more frequently had hypertension, less frequently were active smokers, had higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores, and had more premature atrial complexes per hour. CONCLUSIONS A ML model based on baseline demographic and laboratory parameters was able to classify ESUS patients in cardioembolic and non-cardioembolic profiles and predicted that 40% of the ESUS patients have a cardioembolic profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thorsten Sichtermann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kolja Schürmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Pardes Habib
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Martin Wiesmann
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jörg B Schulz
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany.,JARA-Institute Molecular Neuroscience and Neuroimaging, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Omid Nikoubashman
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - João Pinho
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Arno Reich
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Oak S, Cucchiara BL, Thau L, Nguyen TN, Sathya A, Reyes-Esteves S, Vigilante N, Kamen S, Hall J, Patel P, Garg R, Abdalkader M, Thon JM, Siegler JE. Age Alters Prevalence of Left Atrial Enlargement and Nonstenotic Carotid Plaque in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. Stroke 2022; 53:2260-2267. [PMID: 35354301 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.037522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonstenotic carotid plaque and undetected atrial fibrillation are potential mechanisms of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), but it is unclear which is more likely to be the contributing stroke mechanism. We explored the relationship between left atrial enlargement (LAE) and nonstenotic carotid plaque across age ranges in an ESUS population. METHODS A retrospective multicenter cohort of consecutive patients with unilateral, anterior circulation ESUS was queried (2015 to 2021). LAE and plaque thickness were determined by transthoracic echocardiography and computed tomography angiography, respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to compare plaque features in relation to age and left atrial dimensions. RESULTS Among the 4155 patients screened, 273 (7%) met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 65 years (interquartile range [IQR] 54-74), 133 (48.7%) were female, and the median left atrial diameter was 3.5 cm (IQR 3.1-4.1). Patients with any LAE more frequently had hypertension (85.9% versus 67.2%, P<0.01), diabetes (41.0% versus 25.6%, P=0.01), dyslipidemia (56.4% versus 40.0%, P=0.01), and coronary artery disease (22.8% versus 11.3%, P=0.02). Carotid plaque thickness was greater ipsilateral versus contralateral to the stroke hemisphere in the overall cohort (median 1.9 mm [IQR 0-3] versus 1.5 mm [IQR 0-2.6], P<0.01); however, this was largely driven by the subgroup of patients without any LAE (median 1.8 mm [IQR 0-2.9] versus 1.5 mm [IQR 0-2.5], P<0.01). Compared with patients ≥70 years, younger patients had more carotid plaque ipsilateral versus contralateral (mean difference 0.42 mm±1.24 versus 0.08 mm±1.54, P=0.047) and less moderate-to-severe LAE (6.3% versus 15.3%, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS Younger patients with ESUS had greater prevalence of ipsilateral nonstenotic plaque, while the elderly had more LAE. The differential effect of age on the probability of specific mechanisms underlying ESUS should be considered in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Solomon Oak
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ (S.O, L.T., N.V., S.K., J.H., P.P.)
| | - Brett L Cucchiara
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (B.L.C., S.R.-E.)
| | - Lauren Thau
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ (S.O, L.T., N.V., S.K., J.H., P.P.)
| | - Thanh N Nguyen
- Department of Neurology, Radiology, Division of Interventional Neuroradiology, Boston Medical Center, MA (T.N.N., A.S., M.A.)
| | - Anvitha Sathya
- Department of Neurology, Radiology, Division of Interventional Neuroradiology, Boston Medical Center, MA (T.N.N., A.S., M.A.)
| | - Sahily Reyes-Esteves
- Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (B.L.C., S.R.-E.)
| | - Nicholas Vigilante
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ (S.O, L.T., N.V., S.K., J.H., P.P.)
| | - Scott Kamen
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ (S.O, L.T., N.V., S.K., J.H., P.P.)
| | - Jillian Hall
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ (S.O, L.T., N.V., S.K., J.H., P.P.)
| | - Parth Patel
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ (S.O, L.T., N.V., S.K., J.H., P.P.)
| | - Rahul Garg
- Department of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ (R.G., J.M.T., J.E.S.)
| | - Mohamad Abdalkader
- Department of Neurology, Radiology, Division of Interventional Neuroradiology, Boston Medical Center, MA (T.N.N., A.S., M.A.)
| | - Jesse M Thon
- Department of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ (R.G., J.M.T., J.E.S.)
| | - James E Siegler
- Department of Neurology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ (R.G., J.M.T., J.E.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Unique Clinicopathologic Subclassifiers of Cryptogenic Cerebral Emboli. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2022; 31:106427. [PMID: 35279004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2022.106427] [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: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ipsilateral nonstenotic (<50%) internal carotid artery (ICA) plaque, cardiac atriopathy, and patent foramen ovale (PFO) may account for a substantial proportion of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). METHODS Consecutive stroke patients at our center (2019-2021) with unilateral, anterior circulation ESUS were categorized into the following mutually exclusive etiologies: (1) nonstenotic ipsilateral ICA plaque (NSP, ≥3mm in maximal axial diameter), (2) sex-adjusted mod-to-severe left atrial enlargement (LAE), (3) PFO, and (4) "occult ESUS" (patients who failed to meet criteria for these 3 groups). Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used to model group characteristics. RESULTS Of 132 included patients, the median age was 65 (IQR 56-73), 74 (56%) of whom were White, and 54 (41%) were female. Twenty-one patients (16%) had NSP proximal to the infarct territory, 17 (13%) had LAE, 9 (7%) had a PFO, and 85 (64%) had no other mechanism. Patients with LAE were older (p=0.004), and had more frequent intracranial occlusions of the internal carotid and proximal middle cerebral artery (p=0.048), while tobacco use was most commonly found among patients with NSP (75%) when compared to other ESUS groups (p=0.02). Five of 9 patients with LAE who underwent outpatient telemetry had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (56%), while zero patients with PFO or NSP had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (p=0.005). Older age (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.05, 95%CI 1.03-1.07), coronary artery disease (aOR 3.22, 95%CI 1.61-6.44) and hypertension (aOR 2.16, 95%CI 1.14-4.06) were independently associated with LAE, while only tobacco use was associated with NSP when compared to other ESUS subclassifiers (OR 3.18, 95%CI 1.08-0.42). Age and tobacco use were both inversely associated with PFO (aOR 0.93, 95%CI 0.88-0.98, and aOR 0.10, 95%CI 0.02-0.90, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Certain clinical and radiographic features may be useful in predicting the proximal source of occult cerebral emboli, and can be used for cost-effective outpatient diagnostic testing.
Collapse
|
11
|
Gündüz ZB, Sertdemir AL, Buyukterzi Z. Scanning of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation as an etiological risk factor in patients with acute ischemic stroke: prospective study. SAO PAULO MED J 2022; 140:182-187. [PMID: 35195235 PMCID: PMC9610249 DOI: 10.1590/1516-3180.2021.0156.r2.08062021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevention of recurrence of stroke depends on recognition of the underlying mechanism of ischemia. OBJECTIVE To screen patients who were hospitalized with diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke in terms of atrial fibrillation (AF) with repeated Holter electrocardiography recordings. DESIGN AND SETTING Prospective study conducted at Konya Education and Research Hospital, Turkey. METHODS Patients with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke, without atrial fibrillation on electrocardiography (ECG), were evaluated. Their age, gender, histories of previous ischemic attack, occurrences of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and other risks were assessed during the first week after acute ischemic stroke and one month thereafter. ECG recordings were obtained from 130 patients through 24-hour ambulatory Holter. Patients without PAF attack during the first Holter were re-evaluated. RESULTS PAF was detected through the first Holter in 33 (25.4%) out of 130 acute ischemic stroke patients. A second Holter was planned for 97 patients: 53 (54.6%) of them could not attend due to COVID-19 pandemic; while 44 (45.3%) patients had the second Holter and, among these, 4 (9.1%) had PAF. The only parameter associated with PAF was older age. Four (10.8%) of the 37 patients with PAF had also symptomatic carotid stenosis. CONCLUSIONS Detecting the presence of PAF by screening patients with no AF in the ECG through Holter ECG examinations is valuable in terms of changing the course of the treatment. It should be kept in mind that the possibility of accompanying PAF cannot be ruled out in the presence of other factors that pose a risk of stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahide Betül Gündüz
- MD, PhD. Assistant Professor, Department of Neurology, Saglik Bilimleri University, Konya State Hospital, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Ahmet Lutfi Sertdemir
- MD, PhD. Assistant Professor, Department of Cardiology, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey.
| | - Zafer Buyukterzi
- MD, PhD. Associate Professor, Department of Cardiology, Saglik Bilimleri University, Konya State Hospital, Konya, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Heslin ME, Thon JM, Caruso E, Romiyo P, Rana A, Yu S, Thau L, Rana A, Kamen S, Siegler JE. Utility of transesophageal echocardiography in the identification and treatment of occult mechanisms of cerebral infarction. J Clin Neurosci 2021; 95:31-37. [PMID: 34929648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2021.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cryptogenic stroke comprises approximately 25% of all cases of ischemic stroke. The diagnostic evaluation of these patients remains a challenge in clinical practice. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been shown to have superior diagnostic accuracy in identifying potential cardioembolic sources of ischemic stroke when compared to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). However, there has been inconsistent data on the management implications of these new cardiac findings. The addition of TEE to the comprehensive stroke evaluation will better identify potential cardiac sources of embolism (CSE) and will result in significant management changes. A prospective registry of consecutively admitted patients with acute ischemic stroke (1/1/2015-8/10/2020) was retrospectively queried. Patients 18 to 60 years of age with stroke due to mechanisms other than large or small vessel disease, or atrial fibrillation were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was any high-risk CSE identified on TEE following unrevealing TTE. Of the 2,404 consecutive stroke patients evaluated during the study period, 263 (11%) met inclusion criteria and the median age was 53 (IQR 46-57). TEE was performed in 108 patients (41%). A high-risk CSE was identified in 36 patients (33%), the majority of which were PFOs (n = 29). TEE led to a clinical management change in 14 patients (39%) after identification of a high-risk CSE; 6 underwent PFO closure and 8 had adjustment to their antithrombotic therapy. The addition of TEE to the comprehensive stroke evaluation led to the identification of a high-risk CSE in one in three patients resulting in significant management changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Heslin
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA.
| | - Jesse M Thon
- Cooper Neurological Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Evan Caruso
- Cooper Neurological Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Prasanth Romiyo
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Ankit Rana
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Siyuan Yu
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Lauren Thau
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Ameena Rana
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Scott Kamen
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - James E Siegler
- Cooper Neurological Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rose DZ, Kasner SE. Forge AHEAD with stricter criteria in future trials of embolic stroke of undetermined source. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:1009-1010. [PMID: 34558523 PMCID: PMC8552872 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.324838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Z Rose
- Department of Neurology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Scott E Kasner
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ntaios G, Wintermark M, Michel P. Supracardiac atherosclerosis in embolic stroke of undetermined source: the underestimated source. Eur Heart J 2021; 42:1789-1796. [PMID: 32300781 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The term 'embolic stroke of undetermined source' (ESUS) is used to describe patients with a non-lacunar ischaemic stroke without any identified embolic source from the heart or the arteries supplying the ischaemic territory, or any other apparent cause. When the ESUS concept was introduced, covert atrial fibrillation was conceived to be the main underlying cause in the majority of ESUS patients. Another important embolic source in ESUS is the atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid, vertebrobasilar, and intracranial arteries, or the aortic arch-collectively described as supracardiac atherosclerosis. There is emerging evidence showing that the role of supracardiac atherosclerosis is larger than it was initially perceived. Advanced imaging methods are available to identify plaques which high embolic risk. The role of novel antithrombotic strategies in these patients needs to be assessed in randomized controlled trials. This review presents the evidence which points towards a major aetiological association between atherosclerotic plaques and ESUS, summarizes the imaging features which may aid to identify plaques more likely to be associated with ESUS, discusses strategies to reduce the associated stroke risk, and highlights the rationale for future research in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Ntaios
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Max Wintermark
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Section, Stanford University and Medical Center, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Patrik Michel
- Stroke Center, Neurology Service, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital, Rue du Bugnon 46, Lausanne CH-1011, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
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: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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.
Collapse
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.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Song JW, Cao Q, Siegler JE, Thon JM, Woo JH, Cucchiara BL. Sex Differences in Carotid Plaque Composition in Patients With Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e020143. [PMID: 33904317 PMCID: PMC8200747 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.020143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background We examined sex differences in nonstenotic carotid plaque composition in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Methods and Results Patients with anterior circulation ischemic stroke imaged with neck computed tomographic angiography who met criteria for ESUS or had atrial fibrillation were identified. Patients with atrial fibrillation were included as a negative control. Semiautomated plaque quantification software analyzed carotid artery bifurcations. Plaque subcomponent (calcium, intraplaque hemorrhage [IPH], and lipid rich necrotic core) volumes were compared by sex and in paired analyses of plaque ipsilateral versus contralateral to stroke. Multivariate linear regressions tested for associations. Ninety‐four patients with ESUS (55% women) and 95 patients with atrial fibrillation (47% women) were identified. Men with ESUS showed significantly higher volumes of calcified plaque (63.9 versus 19.6 mm3, P<0.001), IPH (9.4 versus 3.3 mm3, P=0.008) and a IPH/lipid rich necrotic core ratio (0.17 versus 0.07, P=0.03) in carotid plaque ipsilateral to stroke side than women. The atrial fibrillation cohort showed no significant sex differences in plaque volumes ipsilateral to stroke. Multivariate analyses of the ESUS cohort showed male sex was associated with IPHipsi (β=0.49; 95% CI, 0.11–0.87) and calciumipsi (β=0.78; 95% CI, 0.33–1.23). Paired plaque analyses in men with ESUS showed significantly higher calcified plaque (63.9 versus 34.1 mm3, P=0.03) and a trend of higher IPHipsi (9.4 versus 7.5 mm3, P=0.73) and lipid rich necrotic coreipsi (59.0 versus 48.4 mm3, P=0.94) volumes. Conclusions Sex differences in carotid plaque composition in ESUS suggest the possibility of a differential contribution of nonstenosing carotid plaque as a stroke mechanism in men versus women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae W Song
- Department of Radiology University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA
| | - Quy Cao
- Department of Biostatistics University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA
| | - James E Siegler
- Cooper Neurologic Institute Cooper University Hospital Camden NJ
| | - Jesse M Thon
- Cooper Neurologic Institute Cooper University Hospital Camden NJ
| | - John H Woo
- Department of Radiology University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia PA
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kitsiou A, Zuhorn F, Wachter R, Israel CW, Schäbitz WR, Rogalewski A. [Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) - Classification of a new stroke entity]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2021; 146:403-409. [PMID: 33735920 DOI: 10.1055/a-1309-8701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) represents a subpopulation of cryptogenic strokes defined by its embolic stroke pattern on imaging and if after a carefully performed diagnostic evaluation, a specific, well recognized cause of stroke has not been identified. This review article analyses the basics of the ESUS concept and provides an overview of the evidence from recent cohort studies. The definition, aetiology and diagnosis of ESUS are reassessed. Targeted diagnostics in ESUS patients can reduce the number of cryptogenic strokes by making a specific diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alkisti Kitsiou
- Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel, Klinik für Neurologie, Bielefeld, Deutschland
| | - Frédéric Zuhorn
- Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel, Klinik für Neurologie, Bielefeld, Deutschland
| | - Rolf Wachter
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Kardiologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland
| | | | | | - Andreas Rogalewski
- Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel, Klinik für Neurologie, Bielefeld, Deutschland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and its role in the investigation of stroke: an update. J Neurol 2021; 268:2597-2604. [PMID: 33439327 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-10393-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in complementary diagnostic exams have helped to clarify stroke etiology, not only by helping to confirm established stroke causes but also by unveiling new possible stroke mechanisms. Etiological investigation for cardioembolic stroke has benefited in the last years from information provided by studies analysing serum biomarkers, heart rhythm monitoring and imaging methods like cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. CMR has been particularly important for the characterization of possible new cardioembolic stroke mechanisms including atrial cardiomyopathy, silent myocardial infarction and cardiomyopathies.
Collapse
|
19
|
Meta-Analysis Comparing the Frequency of Carotid Artery Stenosis in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Vice Versa. Am J Cardiol 2021; 138:72-79. [PMID: 33065087 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and carotid stenosis (CS) can coexist and this association has been reported to result in a higher risk of stroke than attributed to either condition alone. Here we aimed to summarize the data on the association of CS and AF. MEDLINE and Embase were searched to identify all published studies providing relevant data through February 27, 2020. Random-effects meta-analysis method was used to pool estimates of prevalence. Heterogeneity was assessed by mean I-squared statistic. Forty-eight studies were included, 20 reporting on the prevalence of carotid disease in a pooled population of 49,070 AF patients, and 28 on the prevalence of AF in a total of 2,288,265 patients with carotid disease. The pooled prevalence of CS in AF patients was 12.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 8.7 to 16.0, I2 93%; n = 3,919), ranging from 4.4% to 24.3%. The pooled prevalence of carotid plaque was 48.4% (95% CI 35.2 to 61.7, I2 = 99%; n = 4292). The prevalence of AF in patients with CS was 9.3% (95% CI 8.7 to 10.0, I2 99%; n = 2,286,518), ranging from 3.6% to 10.0%. This prevalence was much higher (p <0.001) in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (12.7%, 95% CI 11.3 to 14.02, I2 38.3%) compared with those undergoing carotid endarterectomy (6.9%, 95% CI 8.3 to 10.4, I2 94.1%). There was no difference in AF prevalence between patients with CS, with and without previous cerebrovascular event (p >0.05). In conclusion, AF and CS frequently coexist, with about one in ten patients with AF having CS, and vice versa. In addition, nonstenotic carotid disease is present in about half of AF patients. These findings have important implications for AF screening in patients with CS, stroke prevention, and the opportunities to intervene on common risk factors.
Collapse
|
20
|
Tic Movement of Thyroid Cartilage as a Cause for Localized Cerebral Embolism: Mimics of Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source with Non-Stenotic Carotid Plaque. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 29:105197. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
|
21
|
Ntaios G, Sagris D, Strambo D, Perlepe K, Sirimarco G, Georgiopoulos G, Nannoni S, Korompoki E, Manios E, Makaritsis K, Vemmos K, Michel P. Carotid Atherosclerosis and Patent Foramen Ovale in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 30:105409. [PMID: 33137616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carotid atherosclerosis and likely pathogenic patent foramen ovale (PFO) are two potential embolic sources in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). The relationship between these two mechanisms among ESUS patients remains unclear. AIM To investigate the relation between carotid atherosclerosis and likely pathogenic PFO in patients with ESUS. We hypothesized that ipsilateral carotid atherosclerotic plaques are less prevalent in ESUS with likely pathogenic PFO compared to patients with likely incidental PFO or without PFO. METHODS The presence of PFO was assessed with transthoracic echocardiography with microbubble test and, when deemed necessary, through trans-oesophageal echocardiography. The presence of PFO was considered as likely incidental if the RoPE (Risk of Paradoxical Embolism) score was 0-6 and likely pathogenic if 7-10. RESULTS Among 374 ESUS patients (median age: 61years, 40.4% women), there were 63 (49.6%) with likely incidental PFO, 64 (50.4%) with likely pathogenic PFO and 165 (44.1%) with ipsilateral carotid atherosclerosis. The prevalence of ipsilateral carotid atherosclerosis was lower in patients with likely pathogenic PFO (7.8%) compared to patients with likely incidental PFO (46.0%) or patients without PFO (53.0%) (p<0.001). After adjustment for multiple confounders, the prevalence of ipsilateral carotid atherosclerosis remained lower in patients with likely pathogenic PFO compared to patients with likely incidental PFO or without PFO (adjusted OR=0.32, 95%CI:0.104-0.994, p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS The presence of carotid atherosclerosis is inversely related to the presence of likely pathogenic PFO in patients with ESUS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Ntaios
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Dimitrios Sagris
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Davide Strambo
- Stroke Center and Neurology Service, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kalliopi Perlepe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Gaia Sirimarco
- Stroke Center and Neurology Service, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Georgios Georgiopoulos
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stefania Nannoni
- Stroke Center and Neurology Service, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eleni Korompoki
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Stroke Medicine, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Efstathios Manios
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Makaritsis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Vemmos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Patrik Michel
- Stroke Center and Neurology Service, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Grosse GM, Sieweke JT, Biber S, Ziegler NL, Gabriel MM, Schuppner R, Worthmann H, Bavendiek U, Weissenborn K. Nonstenotic Carotid Plaque in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source: Interplay of Arterial and Atrial Disease. Stroke 2020; 51:3737-3741. [PMID: 33040704 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.030537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Approximately one-sixth of all ischemic strokes are attributable to embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Recent analyses suggest that atrial cardiopathy and nonstenotic carotid plaque (nsCP) may represent 2 distinct underlying causes in patients with ESUS, although both diseases share common risk factors and are pathophysiologically intertwined. In this study, we, therefore, aimed to search for associations between nsCP and markers of atrial remodeling and function in patients with embolic stroke. METHODS Sixty-eight patients with ESUS or atrial fibrillation (AF)-related stroke proven by imaging who underwent comprehensive echocardiographic studies, including measurements of left atrial function and remodeling, were considered. Patients with ESUS underwent a follow-up of at least 1 year after index stroke. For 20 patients with ESUS, NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) values were available. Presence of nsCP was evaluated considering Duplex sonography and computed tomography angiography and was further categorized in possibly or probably symptomatic nsCP. RESULTS ESUS patients with nsCP tended to have higher values of septal and lateral total atrial conduction times (P=0.071 and P=0.072, respectively), left atrial volume index (P=0.077), and revealed significantly higher strain rates during early diastole (P=0.013) as well as higher NT-proBNP values (P=0.010) than ESUS patients without nsCP. Moreover, septal total atrial conduction time was significantly longer in ESUS patients with possibly symptomatic nsCP compared with those without (P=0.015). Comparison of ESUS with AF patients revealed significantly higher proportions of nsCP (P=0.010), possibly symptomatic nsCP (P=0.037), and probably symptomatic nsCP (P=0.036) in patients with atrial fibrillation-related stroke. In the regression analysis adjusted for vascular risk factors probably symptomatic nsCP remained significantly associated with AF (P=0.048, odds ratio: 4.46 [95% CI, 1.02-19.56]). CONCLUSIONS Presence of nsCP is associated with AF and markers of left atrial disease in patients with embolic stroke. Therefore, a thorough evaluation regarding atrial cardiopathy and AF in patients with ESUS should not be restricted if nsCP are found, even if high-risk plaque characteristics are evident.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerrit M Grosse
- Department of Neurology (G.M.G., S.B., N.L.Z., M.M.G., R.S., H.W., K.W.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Jan-Thorben Sieweke
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology (J.-T.S., S.B., U.B.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Saskia Biber
- Department of Neurology (G.M.G., S.B., N.L.Z., M.M.G., R.S., H.W., K.W.), Hannover Medical School, Germany.,Department of Cardiology and Angiology (J.-T.S., S.B., U.B.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Nora L Ziegler
- Department of Neurology (G.M.G., S.B., N.L.Z., M.M.G., R.S., H.W., K.W.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Maria M Gabriel
- Department of Neurology (G.M.G., S.B., N.L.Z., M.M.G., R.S., H.W., K.W.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Ramona Schuppner
- Department of Neurology (G.M.G., S.B., N.L.Z., M.M.G., R.S., H.W., K.W.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Hans Worthmann
- Department of Neurology (G.M.G., S.B., N.L.Z., M.M.G., R.S., H.W., K.W.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Udo Bavendiek
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology (J.-T.S., S.B., U.B.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Karin Weissenborn
- Department of Neurology (G.M.G., S.B., N.L.Z., M.M.G., R.S., H.W., K.W.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Fuentes B, Gutiérrez-Zúñiga R, Díez-Tejedor E. It's Time to Say Goodbye to the ESUS Construct. Front Neurol 2020; 11:653. [PMID: 32733368 PMCID: PMC7358305 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Fuentes
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Gutiérrez-Zúñiga
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Exuperio Díez-Tejedor
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Schäbitz WR, Köhrmann M, Schellinger PD, Minnerup J, Fisher M. Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source: Gateway to a New Stroke Entity? Am J Med 2020; 133:795-801. [PMID: 32247819 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Embolic stroke of unknown source (ESUS) is currently thought to represent a subpopulation of cryptogenic strokes defined by its embolic stroke pattern on imaging, and if after a carefully performed diagnostic evaluation, a specific, well-recognized cause of stroke has not been identified. The concept was primarily established to justify and enable the conduct of the ESUS trials, such as Randomized, Double-Blind, Evaluation in Secondary Stroke Prevention Comparing the Efficacy and Safety of the Oral Thrombin Inhibitor Dabigatran Etexilate versus Acetylsalicylic Acid in Patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (RESPECT-ESUS) and New Approach Rivaroxaban Inhibition of Factor Xa in a Global Trial versus aspirin to Prevent Embolism in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (NAVIGATE-ESUS). With both studies having neutral results, the question arises if the ESUS concept is misleading or rather a gateway for a modern understanding of stroke etiology. This review will analyze the background of the ESUS concept, overview the results and the impact of the recent multicenter trials and cohort studies, and discuss the definition, etiology, and diagnosis of ESUS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Martin Köhrmann
- Department of Neurology, University of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Peter D Schellinger
- Department of Neurology and Neurogeriatry, Joohn Wesling Medical Center Minden-UK RUB, Germany
| | - Jens Minnerup
- Department of Neurology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Marc Fisher
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Cao S, Wang J, Xia M. Letter by Cao et al Regarding Article, "Prevalence of Microembolic Signals in Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source and Other Subtypes of Ischemic Stroke". Stroke 2020; 51:e62. [PMID: 32098611 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.119.028801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shugang Cao
- Department of Neurology, Hefei Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, P.R. China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurology, Hefei Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, P.R. China
| | - Mingwu Xia
- Department of Neurology, Hefei Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Response to the letter by Drs. Lattanzi and Silvestrini Re: Prevalence of Nonstenotic Carotid Plaque in Stroke Due to Atrial Fibrillation Compared to Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 29:104507. [PMID: 31843351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.104507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
28
|
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
|