Low ankle-brachial index is a predictive factor for initial severity of acute ischaemic stroke

An isolated pontine infarct extending to the basal pontine surface has a higher abnormal ankle-brachial index

Patients with ischemic stroke and branch atheromatous disease (BAD) have worse neurological deficits and prognoses than those with small vessel occlusion (SVO). However, both disorders are forms of deep brain infarctions. This study aimed to investigate an MRI-based etiological classification for isolated pontine infarctions and assess differences in vascular risk factors and peripheral arterial disease among etiological subtypes. Consecutive data of patients admitted for acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack between August 2016 and July 2019 were reviewed. Acute isolated pontine infarcts were classified into 3 groups: BAD, SVO, and large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA), according to basilar or vertebral artery steno-occlusion and the extent of the infarct lesion on the basal pontine surface as displayed on magnetic resonance imaging and angiography. Vascular risk factors, ankle-brachial index (ABI), and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity were analyzed in the 3 groups. Among 64 enrolled patients, BAD was the most common cause of isolated pontine infarct. The BAD group had a higher frequency of abnormal ABI and hypertension than the SVO group. The BAD group had abnormal ABI and hyperlipidemia more frequently than the LAA group. No significant difference was found in diabetes or brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity incidence between the BAD and SVO groups. ABI and vascular risk factors in the BAD group were more similar to those in the LAA group than to those in the SVD group. This finding suggests that pontine lesions extending to the basal pontine surface have an atherosclerotic mechanism in BAD, requiring potent antiplatelet therapy for the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke.

Association between Low Ankle-Brachial Index and Poor Outcomes in Patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source

We investigated the association of low ankle-brachial index (ABI < 0.9) with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) as well as whether the association differed by ESUS subtype. This retrospective single-center study included ESUS patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography and ABI during hospitalization. ESUS was classified as ESUS with minor cardioembolic source, arteriogenic embolism, two or more causes, or no cause. Arteriogenic embolism was defined and classified as complex aortic or non-stenotic relevant artery plaque. MACE was defined as stroke recurrence, acute coronary syndrome, hospitalization for heart failure, or death. Overall, 829 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 45.8 months. Of these, 42 (5.1%) and 370 (44.6%) had low ABI and arteriogenic embolism, respectively. ABI < 0.9 was independently associated with MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.038, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.093−3.801) and all-cause mortality (HR: 3.608, 95% CI: 1.538−8.465) according to the multivariable Cox regression analysis. Between ESUS subtypes, low ABI was independently associated with MACE (HR: 2.513, 95% CI: 1.257−5.023) and all-cause mortality (HR: 5.681, 95% CI: 2.151−15.008) in arteriogenic embolism patients, especially in those with complex aortic plaque. However, in non-arteriogenic embolism patients, low ABI was not related to MACE and mortality. In ESUS patients, low ABI was linked to MACE and all-cause mortality, especially in those with arteriogenic embolisms from complex aortic plaque.

Low Toe-Brachial Index Is Associated With Stroke Outcome Despite Normal Ankle-Brachial Index

Introduction: We investigated whether the toe-brachial index (TBI) is associated with stroke prognosis and evaluated this association in patients with normal ankle-brachial index (ABI). Methods: Acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent TBI measurements were enrolled. Poor functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score ≥3. Major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) was defined as stroke recurrence, myocardial infarction, or death. Normal ABI was defined as 0.9 ≤ ABI ≤ 1.4. Results: A total of 1,697 patients were enrolled and followed up for a median 39.7 (interquartile range, 25.7-54.6) months. During the period, 305 patients suffered MACE (18.0%), including 171 (10.1%) stroke recurrences. TBI was associated with hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, aortic plaque score, ABI, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (all p < 0.05). In multivariable logistic regression, TBI was inversely associated with poor functional outcome in all patients [odds ratio (OR) 0.294, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.114-0.759], even in patients with normal ABI (OR 0.293, 95% CI 0.095-0.906). In multivariable Cox regression, TBI < 0.6 was associated with stroke recurrence [hazard ratio (HR) 1.651, 95% CI 1.135-2.400], all-cause mortality (HR 2.105, 95% CI 1.343-3.298), and MACE (HR 1.838, 95% CI 1.396-2.419) in all patients. TBI < 0.6 was also associated with stroke recurrence (HR 1.681, 95% CI 1.080-2.618), all-cause mortality (HR 2.075, 95% CI 1.180-3.651), and MACE (HR 1.619, 95% CI 1.149-2.281) in patients with normal ABI. Conclusions: Low TBI is independently associated with poor short- and long-term outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients despite normal ABI.

Low Ankle-Brachial Index Is Associated With Stroke Recurrence in Ischemic Stroke Patients With Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: Cardioembolic stroke (CE) has poor outcomes and high recurrence rates. A low ankle-brachial index (ABI <0.9) is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) and poor stroke outcomes. We investigated whether a low ABI is associated with stroke recurrence, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and mortality in patients with CE and whether this association is affected by AF.

Methods: We enrolled patients with CE who underwent ABI measurements during hospitalization. Recurrent stroke was defined based on newly developed neurologic symptoms with relevant lesions 7 days after the index stroke. MACE comprised stroke recurrence, myocardial infarction, or death.

Results: Of 775 patients, 427 (55.1%) were AF patients and 348 (44.9%) were non-AF patients. Patients were followed up for a median of 33.6 (IQR, 18.0–51.6) months. In total, 194 (25.0%) patients experienced MACE, including 77 (9.9%) patients with stroke recurrence and 101 (13.0%) patients with mortality, during the study period. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that an ABI <0.9 was independently associated with MACE (AF patients: hazard ratio [HR] = 2.327, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.371–3.949, non-AF patients: HR = 3.116, 95% CI = 1.465–6.629) and mortality (AF patients: HR = 2.659, 95% CI = 1.483–4.767, non-AF patients: HR = 3.645, 95% CI = 1.623–8.187). Stroke recurrence was independently associated with an ABI <0.9 in AF patients (HR = 3.559, 95% CI = 1.570–8.066), but not in non-AF patients (HR = 1.186, 95% CI = 0.156–8.989).

Conclusions: We found that a low ABI is associated with stroke recurrence, MACE, and mortality in patients with CE. In particular, the association between ABI and recurrent stroke is only present in AF patients. A low ABI may be a useful prognostic marker in patients with CE, especially in AF patients.

Increased Serum Alkaline Phosphatase and Functional Outcome in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke Presenting a Low Ankle-Brachial Index

Aims: Elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels are associated with an increased risk of cerebrocardiovascular diseases. However, the associations of ALP with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are not well-known.

Methods: We examined the association between ALP levels and the ankle–brachial index (ABI) in 2111 consecutive patients with AIS. A poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 3–6 at 3 months after stroke. A low ABI was defined as a value of ≤ 0.9.

Results: Of the total cohort, 482 patients (22.8%) had a low ABI. ALP levels were higher in patients with a low ABI than in those without (p＜0.001). The multivariable logistic analysis revealed that quartiles of ALP levels were significantly associated with a low ABI (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–1.33). Of the 1322 patients with a premorbid mRS score of 0–2, 434 patients (32.8%) had a poor outcome. The multivariable analysis revealed that elevated serum ALP levels and a low ABI were independently associated with poor stroke outcomes after adjustment for baseline characteristics (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.07–1.38, and OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.40–2.84, respectively).

Conclusions: Increased serum ALP levels are significantly associated with a low ABI. These indicators are independent prognostic factors for poor stroke outcomes at 3 months.

Predicting Stroke Outcomes Using Ankle-Brachial Index and Inter-Ankle Blood Pressure Difference

Background: This study investigated the association of high ankle-brachial index difference (ABID) and systolic inter-ankle blood pressure difference (IAND) with short- and long-term outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients without peripheral artery disease (PAD). Methods: Consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement were enrolled. ABID was calculated as |right ABI-left ABI|. IAND and systolic inter-arm blood pressure difference (IAD) were calculated as |right systolic blood pressure – left systolic blood pressure|. Poor functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score ≥3 at 3 months. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were defined as stroke recurrence, myocardial infarction, or death. Results: A total of 2901 patients were enrolled and followed up for a median of 3.1 (interquartile range, 1.6–4.7) years. Among them, 2643 (84.9%) patients did not have PAD. In the logistic regression analysis, ABID ≥ 0.15 and IAND ≥ 15 mmHg were independently associated with poor functional outcome (odds ratio (OR), 1.970, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.175‒3.302; OR, 1.665, 95% CI, 1.188‒2.334, respectively). In Cox regression analysis, ABID ≥0.15 and IAND ≥ 15 mmHg were independently associated with MACEs (hazard ratio (HR), 1.514, 95% CI, 1.058‒2.166; HR, 1.343, 95% CI, 1.051‒1.716, respectively) and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.524, 95% CI, 1.039‒2.235; HR, 1.516, 95% CI, 1.164‒1.973, respectively) in patients without PAD. Conclusion: High ABID and IAND are associated with poor short-term outcomes, long-term MACE occurrence, and all-cause mortality in acute ischemic stroke without PAD.

Increased blood pressure variability during the subacute phase in patients with ischemic stroke presenting with a low ankle-brachial index

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the associations of blood pressure (BP) variability in patients with ischemic stroke during the subacute phase using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and the ankle-brachial index (ABI).

METHODS

We retrospectively examined 831 consecutive patients (women 44.8%, mean age 76 ± 12 years) with acute ischemic stroke who underwent 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring during the subacute phase of stroke (median 9 days from onset) and an ABI examination. BP variability was evaluated by assessing the standard deviation and coefficient of variation of systolic BP and diastolic BP. A low ABI was defined as an ABI <0.9.

RESULTS

Of the 831 patients, 201 (24.2%) had a low ABI. Older age, lower body mass index, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation and a higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at admission were independently associated with a low ABI. The patients with a low ABI had a higher mean 24-h diastolic BP, higher standard deviation of both BP measurements (systolic BP and diastolic BP) and a higher coefficient of variation in both BP measurements than those with a higher ABI. According to the multivariable linear regression analysis, a low ABI was independently associated with increased BP variability (a high standard deviation or coefficient of variation of both BP measurements) after adjusting for baseline confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

A low ABI was associated with increased BP variability during the subacute ischemic phase. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 448-454.

Impact of Low Ankle-Brachial Index on the Risk of Recurrent Vascular Events

Background and Purpose- Low ankle-brachial index (ABI) identifies a stroke subgroup with high risk of recurrent stroke, cardiovascular events, and death. However, limited data exist on the relationship between low ABI and stroke in low and middle-income countries. Therefore, we evaluated the prevalence of ABI ≤0.90 (which is diagnostic of peripheral artery disease) in nonembolic stroke patients or transient ischemic attack and assessed the correlation of low ABI with stroke risk, factors, and recurrent vascular events and death. Methods- Patients ≥45 years with acute transient ischemic attack or minor ischemic strokes were recruited consecutively from over 17 low-income and middle-income countries (Latin America [1543 patients], Middle East [1041 patients], North Africa [834 patients], and South Africa [217 patients]). The ABI measurement was performed at a single visit. Stroke recurrence and risk of new vascular events were assessed after 24 months of follow-up. Results- Among 3487 enrolled patients, abnormal ABI (<0.9) was present in 22.3 %. Patients with an ABI of ≤0.9 were more likely ( P<0.05) to be male, older, and have a history of peripheral artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. During 2-year follow-up, the rate of major cardiovascular event was higher in patients with ABI <0.9 than those with ABI ≥0.9 (Kaplan-Meier estimates, 22.5%; 95% CI, 19.6-25.8 versus 13.7%; 21.4-15.1; P<0.001), and when ABI was categorized into 4 groups (≤0.6; 95% CI, 0.6-0.9; 0.9-1; 1-1.4), the rate of major cardiovascular event was higher in those with ABI ≤0.6 than the other groups (Kaplan-Meier estimates, 32.6%; 95% CI, 21.0-48.3 for ABI≤0.6 versus 21.7%; 95% CI, 18.8-25.0 for ABI 0.6-0.9 versus 14.3%; 95% CI, 12.4-16.6 for ABI 0.9-1 versus 13.3%; 95% CI, 11.6-15.2 for ABI 1-1.4; P<0.001). Conclusions- Among patients with nonembolic ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, those with low ABI had a higher rate of vascular events and death in this population. Screening for ABI in stroke patients may help identify patients at high risk of future events.

Prevalences of Peripheral Arterial Disease Diagnosed by Computed Tomography Angiography in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

Few studies have examined the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with the use of computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS), although several reports have examined its prevalence using an ankle brachial index (ABI). We aimed to determine the prevalence of PAD indicated by CTA in patients with AIS and to clarify the prevalence of PAD in each clinical ischemic stroke subtype.

METHODS

We included 199 consecutive patients with AIS admitted to our hospital and divided them into PAD and non-PAD groups according to the CTA findings.

RESULTS

Of the 199 patients, 40 (20.1%) had PAD; 27 (67.5%) of the PAD patients were asymptomatic. The prevalence of abnormal ABI (≤.9) was 12.2%. Patients with PAD were older (78.3 ± 10.2 versus 71.5 ± 10.9, P <.001) and had a significantly lower ABI value (.89 ± .24 versus 1.15 ± .09, P <.001) and higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (50.0% versus 31.4%, P = .028), atrial fibrillation (40.0% versus 16.4%, P = .001), coronary artery disease (32.5% versus 8.2%, P <.001), and intracranial arterial stenosis (47.5% versus 28.9%, P = .025) than patients without PAD. The prevalence of cerebral microbleeds was not different between patients with PAD and those without PAD (25.6% versus 25.4%, P = .985). The prevalence of PAD among ischemic stroke subtypes was highest in patients with cardioembolic infarction (40.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Almost one fourth of the AIS patients examined had PAD on CTA. Cardioembolic infarction patients showed the highest prevalence of PAD among the clinical ischemic subtypes, suggesting the coexistence of atheromatous diseases and atrial fibrillation.

Prognostic implications of the Ankle Brachial Index in patients with acute ischemic stroke: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The ankle brachial index (ABI) is recognized as a marker of atherosclerotic disease. The detection of ABI may improve the risk stratification.

METHODS

We systematically searched Pubmed and Embase (from the earliest date to October 2015) for studies evaluating the prognostic value of ABI in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Stroke or cardiovascular events, mortality and functional outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies, containing 9404 patients, were included. The mean age of participants in each study ranged from 64 to 79 years. The prevalence of low ABI varied from 7.4% to 40.5%. In this quantitative analysis, we found that low ABI increased the risk of composite outcomes (myocardial infarction or stroke or mortality), disability and mortality.

CONCLUSION

The detection of ABI may help to identify high-risk patients for secondary stroke prevention.

Low ankle-brachial index is an independent predictor of poor functional outcome in acute cerebral infarction

OBJECTIVE

The ankle-brachial blood pressure index (ABI) is an established clinical test for assessment of peripheral arterial disease and an indicator of generalized atherosclerosis. We investigated whether low ABI is associated with long-term functional outcome in patients with acute cerebral infarction.

METHODS

We included 775 patients with acute cerebral infarction who were admitted within 7 days from stroke onset and had completed an ABI measurement during admission. Poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale of more than 2 at three months from stroke onset. The association between low ABI and poor functional outcome was analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A low ABI (<0.9) was present in 10.1% of patients. At three months from stroke onset, 16.9% of patients showed poor functional outcome (mRS > 2). After adjusting for conventional cardiovascular risk factors and the presence of cerebral atherosclerosis, a low ABI was independently associated with poor functional outcome (odds ratio 2.523, 95% CI 1.330-4.785, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a low ABI was associated with an increased risk of poor functional outcome in patients with acute cerebral infarction. Screening for low ABI among stroke patients may be necessary to identify individuals at increased risk of poor functional outcome. Proper and individualized treatment for patients with a low ABI may improve long-term functional outcome following acute cerebral infarction.