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Wang Y, Zha H. Neuroimaging for differential diagnosis of transient neurological attacks. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2780. [PMID: 36350080 PMCID: PMC9759151 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid yet comprehensive neuroimaging protocols are required for patients with suspected acute stroke. However, stroke mimics can account for approximately one in five clinically diagnosed acute ischemic strokes and the rate of thrombolyzed mimics can be as high as 17%. Therefore, to accurately determine the diagnosis and differentiate mimics from true transient ischemic attacks, acute ischemic stroke is a challenge to every clinician. DISCUSSION Medical history and neurological examination, noncontract head computed tomography, and routine magnetic resonance imaging play important roles in the assessment and management of patients with transient neurological attacks in the emergency department. This review attempts to summarize how neuroimaging can be utilized to help differentiate the most common mimics from transient ischemic attack and acute ischemic stroke. CONCLUSION Although imaging can help direct critical triage decisions for intravenous thrombolysis or endovascular therapy, more detailed medical history and neurological examination are crucial for making a prompt and accurate diagnosis for transient neurological attack patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hao Zha
- Department of Reproductive and Genetics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Whiteley WN, MacRaild A, Wang Y, Dennis M, Al-Shahi Salman R, Gray A, Reed MJ, Graham C, Wardlaw JM. Clinical Diagnosis and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Transient and Minor Neurological Symptoms: A Prospective Cohort Study. Stroke 2022; 53:3419-3428. [PMID: 35942881 PMCID: PMC9586820 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.122.039082] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain in patients with transient or minor neurological symptoms is uncertain. We sought to determine the proportion of participants with transient or minor neurological symptoms who had MRI evidence of acute ischemia at different clinical probabilities of transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke. METHODS Cohort of participants with transient or minor neurological symptoms from emergency and outpatient settings. Clinicians at different levels of training gave each participant a diagnostic probability (probable when TIA/stroke was the most likely differential diagnosis; possible when TIA/stroke was not the most likely differential diagnosis; or uncertain when diagnostic probability could not be given) before 1.5 or 3T brain MRI ≤5 days from onset. Post hoc, each clinical syndrome was defined blind to MRI findings as National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke criteria TIA/stroke; International Headache Society criteria migraine aura; non-TIA focal symptoms; or nonfocal symptoms. MRI evidence of acute ischemia was defined by 2 reads of MRI. Stroke was ascertained for at least 90 days and up to 18 months after recruitment. RESULTS Two hundred seventy-two participated (47% female, mean age 60, SD 14), 58% with MRI ≤2 days of onset. Most (92%) reported focal symptoms. MR evidence of acute ischemia was found, for stroke/TIA clinical probabilities of probable 23 out of 75 (31% [95% CI, 21%-42%]); possible 26 out of 151 (17% [12%-24%]); and uncertain 9 out of 43, (20% [10%-36%]). MRI evidence of acute ischemia was found in National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke criteria TIA/stroke 40 out of 95 (42% [32%-53%]); migraine aura 4 out of 38 (11% [3%-25%]); non-TIA focal symptoms 16 out of 99 (16% [10%-25%]); and no focal features 1 out of 29 (3% [0%-18%]). After MRI, a further 14 (5% [95% CI, 3-8]) would be treated with an antiplatelet drug compared with treatment plan before MRI. By 18 months, a new ischemic stroke occurred in 9 out of 61 (18%) patients with MRI evidence of acute ischemia and 2 out of 211 (1%) without (age-adjusted hazard ratio, 13 [95% CI, 3-62]; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS MRI evidence of acute brain ischemia was found in about 1 in 6 transient or minor neurological symptoms patients with a nonstroke/TIA initial diagnosis or uncertain diagnosis. Methods to determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of MRI are needed in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- William N Whiteley
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (W.N.W., A.M., M.D., R.A-.S.S., J.M.W.).,Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, United Kingdom (W.N.W.).,Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (W.N.W., R.A-.S.S., A.G., M.J.R.)
| | - Allan MacRaild
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (W.N.W., A.M., M.D., R.A-.S.S., J.M.W.).,Emergency Medicine Research Group Edinburgh (EMERGE), Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (A.M., A.G., M.J.R.)
| | - Ying Wang
- Neurology Department in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, China (Y.W.)
| | - Martin Dennis
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (W.N.W., A.M., M.D., R.A-.S.S., J.M.W.)
| | - Rustam Al-Shahi Salman
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (W.N.W., A.M., M.D., R.A-.S.S., J.M.W.).,Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (W.N.W., R.A-.S.S., A.G., M.J.R.)
| | - Alasdair Gray
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (W.N.W., R.A-.S.S., A.G., M.J.R.).,Emergency Medicine Research Group Edinburgh (EMERGE), Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (A.M., A.G., M.J.R.)
| | - Matthew J Reed
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (W.N.W., R.A-.S.S., A.G., M.J.R.).,Emergency Medicine Research Group Edinburgh (EMERGE), Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (A.M., A.G., M.J.R.)
| | - Catriona Graham
- Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility (C.G.), University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna M Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (W.N.W., A.M., M.D., R.A-.S.S., J.M.W.).,Edinburgh Imaging (J.M.W.), University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Jalilianhasanpour R, Huntley JH, Alvin MD, Hause S, Ali N, Urrutia V, Ghazi Sherbaf F, Johnson PT, Yousem DM, Yedavalli V. Value of acute neurovascular imaging in patients with suspected transient ischemic attack. Eur J Radiol 2022; 154:110427. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Nouri-Vaskeh M, Khalili N, Sadighi A, Yazdani Y, Zand R. Biomarkers for Transient Ischemic Attack: A Brief Perspective of Current Reports and Future Horizons. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11041046. [PMID: 35207321 PMCID: PMC8877275 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular disease is the leading cause of long-term disability in the world and the third-leading cause of death in the United States. The early diagnosis of transient ischemic attack (TIA) is of great importance for reducing the mortality and morbidity of cerebrovascular diseases. Patients with TIA have a high risk of early subsequent ischemic stroke and the development of permanent nervous system lesions. The diagnosis of TIA remains a clinical diagnosis that highly relies on the patient's medical history assessment. There is a growing list of biomarkers associated with different components of the ischemic cascade in the brain. In this review, we take a closer look at the biomarkers of TIA and their validity with a focus on the more clinically important ones using recent evidence of their reliability for practical usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Nouri-Vaskeh
- Tropical and Communicable Diseases Research Centre, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr 7618815676, Iran;
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity, Universal Scientific Education and Research Network, Tehran 1419733151, Iran
| | - Neda Khalili
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran;
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran 1419733151, Iran
| | - Alireza Sadighi
- Neuroscience Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA;
| | - Yalda Yazdani
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5165665931, Iran;
| | - Ramin Zand
- Neuroscience Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA;
- Neuroscience Institute, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801, USA
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-570-808-7330; Fax: +1-570-808-3209
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Shahjouei S, Li J, Koza E, Abedi V, Sadr AV, Chen Q, Mowla A, Griffin P, Ranta A, Zand R. Risk of Subsequent Stroke Among Patients Receiving Outpatient vs Inpatient Care for Transient Ischemic Attack: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2136644. [PMID: 34985520 PMCID: PMC8733831 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.36644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Transient ischemic attack (TIA) often indicates a high risk of subsequent cerebral ischemic events. Timely preventive measures improve the outcome. OBJECTIVE To estimate and compare the risk of subsequent ischemic stroke among patients with TIA or minor ischemic stroke (mIS) by care setting. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, ClinicalTrials.gov, Trip Medical Database, CINAHL, and all Evidence-Based Medicine review series were searched from the inception of each database until October 1, 2020. STUDY SELECTION Studies evaluating the occurrence of ischemic stroke after TIA or mIS were included. Cohorts without data on evaluation time for reporting subsequent stroke, with retrospective diagnosis of the index event after stroke occurrence, and with a report of outcomes that were not limited to patients with TIA or mIS were excluded. Two authors independently screened the titles and abstracts and provided the list of candidate studies for full-text review; discrepancies and disagreements in all steps of the review were addressed by input from a third reviewer. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS The study was prepared and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses, Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology, Methodological Expectations of Cochrane Intervention Reviews, and Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research guidelines. The Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies-of Exposures (ROBINS-E) tool was used for critical appraisal of cohorts, and funnel plots, Begg-Mazumdar rank correlation, Kendall τ2, and the Egger bias test were used for evaluating the publication bias. All meta-analyses were conducted under random-effects models. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Risk of subsequent ischemic stroke among patients with TIA or mIS who received care at rapid-access TIA or neurology clinics, inpatient units, emergency departments (EDs), and unspecified or multiple settings within 4 evaluation intervals (ie, 2, 7, 30, and 90 days). RESULTS The analysis included 226 683 patients from 71 articles recruited between 1981 and 2018; 5636 patients received care at TIA clinics (mean [SD] age, 65.7 [3.9] years; 2291 of 4513 [50.8%] men), 130 139 as inpatients (mean [SD] age, 78.3 [4.0] years; 49 458 of 128 745 [38.4%] men), 3605 at EDs (mean [SD] age, 68.9 [3.9] years; 1596 of 3046 [52.4%] men), and 87 303 patients received care in an unspecified setting (mean [SD] age, 70.8 [3.8] years, 43 495 of 87 303 [49.8%] men). Among the patients who were treated at a TIA clinic, the risk of subsequent stroke following a TIA or mIS was 0.3% (95% CI, 0.0%-1.2%) within 2 days, 1.0% (95% CI, 0.3%-2.0%) within 7 days, 1.3% (95% CI, 0.4%-2.6%) within 30 days, and 2.1% (95% CI, 1.4%-2.8%) within 90 days. Among the patients who were treated as inpatients, the risk of subsequent stroke was to 0.5% (95% CI, 0.1%-1.1%) within 2 days, 1.2% (95% CI, 0.4%-2.2%) within 7 days, 1.6% (95% CI, 0.6%-3.1%) within 30 days, and 2.8% (95% CI, 2.1%-3.5%) within 90 days. The risk of stroke among patients treated at TIA clinics was not significantly different from those hospitalized. Compared with the inpatient cohort, TIA clinic patients were younger and had had lower ABCD2 (age, blood pressure, clinical features, duration of TIA, diabetes) scores (inpatients with ABCD2 score >3, 1101 of 1806 [61.0%]; TIA clinic patients with ABCD2 score >3, 1933 of 3703 [52.2%]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the risk of subsequent stroke among patients who were evaluated in a TIA clinic was not higher than those hospitalized. Patients who received treatment in EDs without further follow-up had a higher risk of subsequent stroke. These findings suggest that TIA clinics can be an effective component of the TIA care component pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Shahjouei
- Neurology Department, Neuroscience Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Jiang Li
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Eric Koza
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Scranton, Pennsylvania
| | - Vida Abedi
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
- Biocomplexity Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Alireza Vafaei Sadr
- Department de Physique Theorique and Center for Astroparticle Physics, University Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Qiushi Chen
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Ashkan Mowla
- Division of Stroke and Endovascular Neurosurgery, Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Paul Griffin
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Annemarei Ranta
- Department of Neurology, Wellington Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Ramin Zand
- Neurology Department, Neuroscience Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
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Liberman AL, Cheng NT, Friedman BW, Gerstein MT, Moncrieffe K, Labovitz DL, Lipton RB. Emergency medicine physicians' perspectives on diagnostic accuracy in neurology: a qualitative study. Diagnosis (Berl) 2021; 9:225-235. [PMID: 34855312 DOI: 10.1515/dx-2021-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We sought to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of emergency medicine (EM) physicians towards non-specific neurological conditions and the use of clinical decision support (CDS) to improve diagnostic accuracy. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews of EM physicians at four emergency departments (EDs) affiliated with a single US healthcare system. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved. Conventional content analysis was used to identify themes related to EM physicians' perspectives on acute diagnostic neurology; directed content analysis was used to explore views regarding CDS. Each interview transcript was independently coded by two researchers using an iteratively refined codebook with consensus-based resolution of coding differences. RESULTS We identified two domains regarding diagnostic safety: (1) challenges unique to neurological complaints and (2) challenges in EM more broadly. Themes relevant to neurology included: (1) knowledge gaps and uncertainty, (2) skepticism about neurology, (3) comfort with basic as opposed to detailed neurological examination, and (4) comfort with non-neurological diseases. Themes relevant to diagnostic decision making in the ED included: (1) cognitive biases, (2) ED system/environmental issues, (3) patient barriers, (4) comfort with diagnostic uncertainty, and (5) concerns regarding diagnostic error identification and measurement. Most participating EM physicians were enthusiastic about the potential for well-designed CDS to improve diagnostic accuracy for non-specific neurological complaints. CONCLUSIONS Physicians identified diagnostic challenges unique to neurological diseases as well as issues related more generally to diagnostic accuracy in EM. These physician-reported issues should be accounted for when designing interventions to improve ED diagnostic accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava L Liberman
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Natalie T Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin W Friedman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Khadean Moncrieffe
- Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Daniel L Labovitz
- Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Richard B Lipton
- Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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Lee SH, Aw KL, McVerry F, McCarron MO. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Agreement in Suspected TIA. Neurol Clin Pract 2021; 11:57-63. [PMID: 33968473 DOI: 10.1212/cpj.0000000000000830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective To determine the interrater variability for TIA diagnostic agreement among expert clinicians (neurologists/stroke physicians), administrative data, and nonspecialists. Methods We performed a meta-analysis of studies from January 1984 to January 2019 using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed. Two reviewers independently screened for eligible studies and extracted interrater variability measurements using Cohen's kappa scores to assess diagnostic agreement. Results Nineteen original studies consisting of 19,421 patients were included. Expert clinicians demonstrate good agreement for TIA diagnosis (κ = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.62-0.81). Interrater variability between clinicians' TIA diagnosis and administrative data also demonstrated good agreement (κ = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.62-0.74). There was moderate agreement (κ = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.22-0.61) between referring clinicians and clinicians at TIA clinics receiving the referrals. Sixty percent of 748 patient referrals to TIA clinics were TIA mimics. Conclusions Overall agreement between expert clinicians was good for TIA diagnosis, although variation still existed for a sizeable proportion of cases. Diagnostic agreement for TIA decreased among nonspecialists. The substantial number of patients being referred to TIA clinics with other (often neurologic) diagnoses was large, suggesting that clinicians, who are proficient in managing TIAs and their mimics, should run TIA clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Hoon Lee
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences (SHL, KLA), Queen's University Belfast, Belfast; and Department of Neurology (FM, MOM), Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, United Kingdom
| | - Kah Long Aw
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences (SHL, KLA), Queen's University Belfast, Belfast; and Department of Neurology (FM, MOM), Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, United Kingdom
| | - Ferghal McVerry
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences (SHL, KLA), Queen's University Belfast, Belfast; and Department of Neurology (FM, MOM), Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, United Kingdom
| | - Mark O McCarron
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences (SHL, KLA), Queen's University Belfast, Belfast; and Department of Neurology (FM, MOM), Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry, United Kingdom
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Chiu SLH, Wong WCL, Yu ELM. Short-term outcomes of Chinese transient ischaemic attack patients in an Emergency department in Hong Kong: Result of management with an agreed protocol with neurologists. HONG KONG J EMERG ME 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/10249079211004319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Emergency department management of transient ischaemic attack varies from admission for all to outpatient referral. We studied the short-term outcomes of transient ischaemic attack managed with an agreed protocol. Predictors of stroke can be different for Asians and non-Asians. ABCD2 as initial triage of transient ischaemic attack is debatable. The predictive ability of ABCD2 score was studied as well. Methods: This was a prospective observational study with consecutive subject recruitment in Emergency department. All transient ischaemic attacks were admitted, hard and e-records of Emergency department, transient ischaemic attack clinic, Medical and Neurosurgical department and general follow-ups in Hospital Authority hospitals were studied up to 1 year. Stroke-day was measured from symptom-onset to time-of-stroke. Results: In 18-month period, 124 patients were recruited. The median onset-to-door time was 3.5 h. All computed tomography brain positive findings, except one subdural haematoma, were ischaemic in origin. Six strokes, all disabling, recurred within 90 days, three on day 1–3, two died in 6 months. The stroke risks at 2, 7, 90 days and 1 year were 1.61%, 3.23%, 4.84% and 4.84%, respectively. No significant trend was observed in stroke risk across ABCD2 scores ( p = 0.783) with area under the curve of 0.537 (95% confidence interval = 0.380–0.694; p = 0.762). The short-term stroke risk was associated with atrial fibrillation ( p = 0.002). The median Emergency Medicine ward length of stay was 1.33 days. Conclusion: In our Emergency department–based management, the short-term stroke risk of transient ischaemic attack is low, and the predictivity of ABCD2 score in risk stratification cannot be validated. Stroke recurrences were associated with atrial fibrillation. A low ABCD2 could be falsely reassuring. As half of the strokes recurred very early, we recommend admission in the hyperacute phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lai Hong Chiu
- Accident & Emergency Department, Princess Margaret Hospital, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong
| | | | - Ellen Lok Man Yu
- Clinical Research Centre, Princess Margaret Hospital, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong
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Mendelson SJ, Prabhakaran S. Diagnosis and Management of Transient Ischemic Attack and Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Review. JAMA 2021; 325:1088-1098. [PMID: 33724327 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2020.26867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 267] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting nearly 800 000 individuals annually. OBSERVATIONS Sudden neurologic dysfunction caused by focal brain ischemia with imaging evidence of acute infarction defines acute ischemic stroke (AIS), while an ischemic episode with neurologic deficits but without acute infarction defines transient ischemic attack (TIA). An estimated 7.5% to 17.4% of patients with TIA will have a stroke in the next 3 months. Patients presenting with nondisabling AIS or high-risk TIA (defined as a score ≥4 on the age, blood pressure, clinical symptoms, duration, diabetes [ABCD2] instrument; range, 0-7 [7 indicating worst stroke risk]), who do not have severe carotid stenosis or atrial fibrillation, should receive dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidigrel within 24 hours of presentation. Subsequently, combined aspirin and clopidigrel for 3 weeks followed by single antiplatelet therapy reduces stroke risk from 7.8% to 5.2% (hazard ratio, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.56-0.77]). Patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis should receive carotid revascularization and single antiplatelet therapy, and those with atrial fibrillation should receive anticoagulation. In patients presenting with AIS and disabling deficits interfering with activities of daily living, intravenous alteplase improves the likelihood of minimal or no disability by 39% with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV rtPA) vs 26% with placebo (odds ratio [OR], 1.6 [95% CI, 1.1-2.6]) when administered within 3 hours of presentation and by 35.3% with IV rtPA vs 30.1% with placebo (OR, 1.3 [95% CI, 1.1-1.5]) when administered within 3 to 4.5 hours of presentation. Patients with disabling AIS due to anterior circulation large-vessel occlusions are more likely to be functionally independent when treated with mechanical thrombectomy within 6 hours of presentation vs medical therapy alone (46.0% vs 26.5%; OR, 2.49 [95% CI, 1.76-3.53]) or when treated within 6 to 24 hours after symptom onset if they have a large ratio of ischemic to infarcted tissue on brain magnetic resonance diffusion or computed tomography perfusion imaging (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2: 53% vs 18%; OR, 4.92 [95% CI, 2.87-8.44]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Dual antiplatelet therapy initiated within 24 hours of symptom onset and continued for 3 weeks reduces stroke risk in select patients with high-risk TIA and minor stroke. For select patients with disabling AIS, thrombolysis within 4.5 hours and mechanical thrombectomy within 24 hours after symptom onset improves functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shyam Prabhakaran
- Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Pritzker School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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Tuna MA, Rothwell PM. Diagnosis of non-consensus transient ischaemic attacks with focal, negative, and non-progressive symptoms: population-based validation by investigation and prognosis. Lancet 2021; 397:902-912. [PMID: 33676629 PMCID: PMC7938377 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(20)31961-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis of transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) can be difficult. There is consensus on classic symptoms (eg, motor weakness, dysphasia, hemianopia, monocular visual loss) but no consensus on several monosymptomatic events with sudden-onset, non-progressive, focal negative symptoms (eg, isolated diplopia, dysarthria, vertigo, ataxia, sensory loss, and bilateral visual disturbance), with much variation in investigation and treatment. METHODS We prospectively ascertained and investigated all strokes and sudden onset transient neurological symptoms in a population of 92 728 people (no age restrictions) from Oxfordshire, UK, who sought medical attention at nine primary care practices or at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK (Oxford Vascular Study). Patients classified at baseline with minor ischaemic stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Score <5), classic TIA, or non-consensus TIA were treated according to secondary prevention guidelines. Risks of stroke (7-day, 90-day, and 10-year risks) and risks of all major vascular events (from the time of first event, and from the time of seeking medical attention) were established by face-to-face follow-up visits and were compared with the risk expected from age and sex-specific stroke incidence in the underlying study population. FINDINGS Between April 1, 2002, and March 31, 2018, 2878 patients were identified with minor ischaemic stroke (n=1287), classic TIA (n=1021), or non-consensus TIA (n=570). Follow-up was to Oct 1, 2018 (median 5·2 [IQR 2·6-9·2] years). 577 first recurrent strokes after the index event occurred during 17 009 person-years of follow-up. 90-day stroke risk from time of the index event after a non-consensus TIA was similar to that after classic TIA (10·6% [95% CI 7·8-12·9] vs 11·6% [95% CI 9·6-13·6]; hazard ratio 0·87, 95% CI 0·64-1·19; p=0·43), and higher than after amaurosis fugax (4·3% [95% CI 0·6-8·0]; p=0·042). However, patients with non-consensus TIA were less likely to seek medical attention on the day of the event than were those with classic TIA (336 of 570 [59%] vs 768 of 1021 [75%]; odds ratio [OR] 0·47, 95% CI 0·38-0·59; p<0·0001) and were more likely to have recurrent strokes before seeking attention (45 of 570 [8%] vs 47 of 1021 [5%]; OR 1·77, 95% CI 1·16-2·71; p=0·007). After excluding such recurrent strokes, 7-day stroke risk after seeking attention for non-consensus TIA (2·9% [95% CI 1·5-4·3]) was still considerably higher than the expected background risk (relative risk [RR] 203, 95% CI 113-334), particularly if the patient sought attention on the day of the index event (5·0% [2·1-7·9]; RR 300, 137-569). 10-year risk of all major vascular events was similar for non-consensus and classic TIAs (27·1% [95% CI 22·8-31·4] vs 30·9% [27·2-33·7]; p=0·12). Baseline prevalence of atrial fibrillation, patent foramen ovale, and arterial stenoses were also similar for non-consensus TIA and classic TIA, although stenoses in the posterior circulation were more frequent with non-consensus TIA (OR 2·21, 95% CI 1·59-3·08; p<0·0001). INTERPRETATION Patients with non-consensus TIA are at high early and long-term risk of stroke and have cardiovascular pathological findings on investigation similar to those of classic TIA. Designation of non-consensus TIAs as definite cerebrovascular events will increase overall TIA diagnoses by about 50%. FUNDING Wellcome Trust, National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Wolfson Foundation, Masonic Charitable Foundation, and British Heart Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Tuna
- Wolfson Centre for the Prevention of Stroke and Dementia, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter M Rothwell
- Wolfson Centre for the Prevention of Stroke and Dementia, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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11
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Ippen FM, Walter F, Hametner C, Gumbinger C, Nagel S, Purrucker JC, Mundiyanapurath S. Age-Dependent Differences in the Rate and Symptoms of TIA Mimics in Patients Presenting With a Suspected TIA to a Neurological Emergency Room. Front Neurol 2021; 12:644223. [PMID: 33658979 PMCID: PMC7917180 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.644223] [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: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) needs further diagnostic evaluation to prevent future ischemic stroke. However, prophylaxis can be harmful in elderly if the diagnosis is wrong. We aimed at characterizing differences in TIA mimics in younger and older patients to enhance diagnostic accuracy in elderly patients. Methods: In a dedicated neurological emergency room (nER) of a tertiary care University hospital, patients with transient neurological symptoms suspicious of TIA (<24 h) were retrospectively analyzed regarding their final diagnoses and their symptoms. These parameters were compared between patients aged 18-70 and >70 years using descriptive, univariable, and multivariable statistics. Results: From November 2018 until August 2019, 386 consecutive patients were included. 271 (70%) had cardiovascular risk factors and all patients received cerebral imaging, mostly CT [376 (97%)]. There was no difference in the rate of diagnosed TIA between the age groups [85 (46%) vs. 58 (39%); p = 0.213].TIA mimics in the elderly were more often internal medicine diseases [35 (19%) vs. 7 (5%); p < 0.001] and epileptic seizures [48 (26%) vs. 24 (16%); p = 0.032] but less often migraine [2 (1%) vs. 20 (13%); p < 0.001]. The most frequent symptoms in all patients were aphasia and dysarthria [107 (28%) and 92 (24%)]. Sensory impairments were less frequent in elderly patients [23 (11%) vs. 54 (30%); p < 0.001]. Impaired consciousness and orientation were independent predictors for TIA mimics (p < 0.001) whereas facial palsy (p < 0.001) motor weakness (p < 0.001), dysarthria (p = 0.022) and sensory impairment (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of TIA. Conclusion: TIA mimics in elderly patients are more likely to be internal medicine diseases and epilepsy compared to younger patients. Excluding internal medicine diseases seems to be important in elderly patients. Facial palsy, motor weakness, dysarthria and sensory impairment are associated with TIA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabian Walter
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Hametner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Gumbinger
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Nagel
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan C Purrucker
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Ranti D, Valliani AAA, Costa A, Oermann EK. Artificial intelligence as applied to clinical neurological conditions. Artif Intell Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-821259-2.00020-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Kuriakose D, Xiao Z. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Stroke: Present Status and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7609. [PMID: 33076218 PMCID: PMC7589849 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 391] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major contributor to disability worldwide. The prevalence of stroke is highest in developing countries, with ischemic stroke being the most common type. Considerable progress has been made in our understanding of the pathophysiology of stroke and the underlying mechanisms leading to ischemic insult. Stroke therapy primarily focuses on restoring blood flow to the brain and treating stroke-induced neurological damage. Lack of success in recent clinical trials has led to significant refinement of animal models, focus-driven study design and use of new technologies in stroke research. Simultaneously, despite progress in stroke management, post-stroke care exerts a substantial impact on families, the healthcare system and the economy. Improvements in pre-clinical and clinical care are likely to underpin successful stroke treatment, recovery, rehabilitation and prevention. In this review, we focus on the pathophysiology of stroke, major advances in the identification of therapeutic targets and recent trends in stroke research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhicheng Xiao
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
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14
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Amundson B, Hormes J, Katema A, Rathakrishnan P, Edwards JK, Esper G, Binongo J, Lasanajak Y, Keeling B, Halkos M, Nahab F. Timing of Recognition for Perioperative Strokes Following Cardiac Surgery. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 29:105336. [PMID: 33007681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105336] [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: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION More than half of reported perioperative strokes following cardiac surgery are identified beyond postoperative day one. The objective of our study was to determine preoperative and intraoperative factors that are associated with stroke following cardiac surgery and to identify factors that may contribute delayed recognition of perioperative stroke. METHODS Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery or isolated valve surgery from January 2, 2015 to April 28, 2017 at an academic health system were identified from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Registry. We determined preoperative and intraoperative factors associated with perioperative stroke. Two neurologists performed retrospective chart reviews on perioperative stroke patients to determine the last seen well time and the stroke cause. RESULTS During the study period, 2795 patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery or isolated valve surgery (mean age 64 ± 11 years, 71% male, 72% Caucasian, 9% history of stroke), of which 43 (1.5%) had a perioperative stroke; 31 (72%) patients had an embolic mechanism of stroke based on neuroimaging. In multivariable analysis, perioperative strokes were independently associated with increasing age (OR 1.04, 95% 1.01-1.07), history of stroke (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.47-5.06), and history of thoracic aorta disease (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.16-9.71). Strokes were identified after postoperative day one in 32 (74%) patients of which 26 (81%) had a preoperative last seen well time. CONCLUSION Given the high frequency of preoperative last seen well time in perioperative stroke patients who are identified after postoperative day one, delayed stroke recognition may contribute to the bimodal distribution in timing of perioperative stroke. Frequent neurological monitoring within 24 hours after CABG or isolated valve surgery should be considered for all patients undergoing cardiac surgery, particularly elderly patients and those with a history of stroke or thoracic aorta disease, to improve early stroke recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beret Amundson
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Joseph Hormes
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Anna Katema
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - J Kirk Edwards
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Gregory Esper
- Department of Neurology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jose Binongo
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Yi Lasanajak
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Brent Keeling
- Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Michael Halkos
- Department of Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Fadi Nahab
- Department of Neurology & Pediatrics, Emory University, 1365 Clifton Road, Clinic B, Suite 2200, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
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15
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The Value of Neurological Assessment for Prediction of Subtle Cerebral Infarction. Can J Neurol Sci 2020; 48:275-277. [PMID: 32723417 DOI: 10.1017/cjn.2020.164] [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: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We examined to what extent clinical assessment alone can predict subtle acute cerebral infarction on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Of the 72 patients presented to the emergency department (ED) with transient neurological deficits, 26 (36.1%) were predicted to be "positive" and 46 (63.9%) "negative" for transient ischemic attack/minor stroke by two independent neurologists. Twenty patients (27.8%) had acute restricted diffusion on MRI. Clinical assessment showed substantial agreement with MRI findings (Kappa = 0.75), sensitivity (95.0%), specificity (86.5%), positive-likelihood ratio 7.06, and negative-likelihood ratio 0.06. Neurological assessment has an excellent predicting value for MRI-confirmed acute cerebral infarction and a key role in the facilitation of effective patient care in the ED.
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16
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Stanciu A, Banciu M, Sadighi A, Marshall KA, Holland NR, Abedi V, Zand R. A predictive analytics model for differentiating between transient ischemic attacks (TIA) and its mimics. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2020; 20:112. [PMID: 32552700 PMCID: PMC7302339 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-020-01154-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction resulting from cerebral ischemia not associated with permanent cerebral infarction. TIA is associated with high diagnostic errors because of the subjective nature of findings and the lack of clinical and imaging biomarkers. The goal of this study was to design and evaluate a novel multinomial classification model, based on a combination of feature selection mechanisms coupled with logistic regression, to predict the likelihood of TIA, TIA mimics, and minor stroke. Methods We conducted our modeling on consecutive patients who were evaluated in our health system with an initial diagnosis of TIA in a 9-month period. We established the final diagnoses after the clinical evaluation by independent verification from two stroke neurologists. We used Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE) and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) for prediction modeling. Results The RFE-based classifier correctly predicts 78% of the overall observations. In particular, the classifier correctly identifies 68% of the cases labeled as “TIA mimic” and 83% of the “TIA” discharge diagnosis. The LASSO classifier had an overall accuracy of 74%. Both the RFE and LASSO-based classifiers tied or outperformed the ABCD2 score and the Diagnosis of TIA (DOT) score. With respect to predicting TIA, the RFE-based classifier has 61.1% accuracy, the LASSO-based classifier has 79.5% accuracy, whereas the DOT score applied to the dataset yields an accuracy of 63.1%. Conclusion The results of this pilot study indicate that a multinomial classification model, based on a combination of feature selection mechanisms coupled with logistic regression, can be used to effectively differentiate between TIA, TIA mimics, and minor stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alia Stanciu
- Freeman College of Management, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA, 17837-2005, USA
| | - Mihai Banciu
- Freeman College of Management, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA, 17837-2005, USA.
| | - Alireza Sadighi
- Department of Neurology, Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Geisinger Medical Center, 100 N Academy Ave, Danville, PA, 17822, USA
| | - Kyle A Marshall
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medicine Institute, Geisinger Medical Center, 100 N Academy Ave, Danville, PA, 17822, USA.,Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine St., Scranton, PA, 18509, USA
| | - Neil R Holland
- Department of Neurology, Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Geisinger Medical Center, 100 N Academy Ave, Danville, PA, 17822, USA.,Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine St., Scranton, PA, 18509, USA
| | - Vida Abedi
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Health System, 100 N Academy Ave, Danville, PA, 17822, USA.,Biocomplexity Institute of Virginia Tech, 1015 Life Science Circle, Blacksburg, Virginia, 24061, USA
| | - Ramin Zand
- Department of Neurology, Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Geisinger Medical Center, 100 N Academy Ave, Danville, PA, 17822, USA
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17
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Reperfusion therapies and poststroke seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 104:106524. [PMID: 31727547 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.106524] [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: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Seizures are not only a frequent complication of stroke but have been associated with an unfavorable functional and vital outcome of patients who have had stroke. Facing a new paradigm of acute standard stroke care, acute symptomatic seizures in this clinical setting deserve to be rethought. Reperfusion therapies, the gold standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke, improve long-term survival and outcome of patients who have had stroke and have been associated both with clinical seizures and the occurrence of epileptiform activity in the electroencephalogram (EEG). This narrative review describes the different physiopathological mechanisms underlying the possible association between reperfusion therapies and seizures, both acute symptomatic seizures and unprovoked seizures, and the current evidence regarding the risk of poststroke seizures in treated patients. It also identifies the gaps in our knowledge to foster future studies in this field. By different mechanisms, reperfusions therapies may have opposing effects on the risk of poststroke seizures. There is a need for a better definition of the specific physiopathology of seizures in clinical practice, as many factors can be recognized. Additionally, most of the current clinical evidence refers to acute symptomatic seizures and not to unprovoked seizures or poststroke epilepsy, and our analysis does not support the existence of a strong association between thrombolysis and poststroke seizures. So far, the impact of reperfusion therapies on the frequency of poststroke seizures is unclear. To study this effect, many clinical challenges must be overcome, including a better and clear operational definition of seizures and stroke characteristics, the standard of stroke and epilepsy care and EEG monitoring, and the degree of reperfusion success. Prospective, high quality, larger, and longer follow-up multicentric studies are urgently needed. Additionally, stroke registries can also prove useful in better elucidate whether there is an association between reperfusion therapies and seizures. This article is part of the Special Issue "Seizures & Stroke".
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18
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Hacke W, Bassand JP, Virdone S, Camm AJ, Fitzmaurice DA, Fox KA, Goldhaber SZ, Goto S, Haas S, Kayani G, Mantovani LG, Misselwitz F, Pieper KS, Turpie AG, van Eickels M, Verheugt FW, Kakkar AK. Prior stroke and transient ischemic attack as risk factors for subsequent stroke in atrial fibrillation patients: A report from the GARFIELD-AF registry. Int J Stroke 2019; 15:308-317. [PMID: 31847794 DOI: 10.1177/1747493019891516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is not always possible to verify whether a patient complaining of symptoms consistent with transient ischemic attack has had an actual cerebrovascular event. RESEARCH QUESTION To characterize the risk of cardiovascular events associated with a history of stroke/transient ischemic attack in patients with atrial fibrillation. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS This study investigated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with a history of stroke/transient ischemic attack among 52,014 patients enrolled prospectively in GARFIELD-AF registry. The diagnosis of stroke or transient ischemic attack was not protocol defined but based on physicians' assessment. Patients' one-year risk of death, stroke/systemic embolism, and major bleeding was assessed by multivariable Cox regression. RESULTS At enrollment, 5617 (10.9%) patients were reported to have a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack. Patients with stroke or transient ischemic attack were older and had a greater burden of diabetes, moderate-to-severe kidney disease, and atherothrombosis and higher median CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores than those without history of stroke or transient ischemic attack. After adjustment, prior stroke/transient ischemic attack was associated with significantly higher risk for all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR), 1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12-1.42), cardiovascular death (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.01-1.48), non-cardiovascular death (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.15-1.68), and stroke/systemic embolism (HR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.80-2.63) than patients without history of stroke/transient ischemic attack. In patients with a prior stroke alone higher risk was observed for all-cause mortality (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.11-1.50), non-cardiovascular death (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.10-1.77), and stroke/systemic embolism (HR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.83-2.86). No significantly elevated risk of adverse events was seen for patients with history of transient ischemic attack alone. INTERPRETATION A history of prior stroke or transient ischemic attack is a strong independent risk factor for mortality and stroke/systemic embolism. This excess risk is mainly attributed to a history of stroke (with or without transient ischemic attack), whereas history of transient ischemic attack is a weaker predictor. Clinical trial registration: NCT01090362.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner Hacke
- Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Saverio Virdone
- Department of Clinical Research, Thrombosis Research Institute, London, UK
| | - A John Camm
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George's University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Keith Aa Fox
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Samuel Z Goldhaber
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Shinya Goto
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), Tokai University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sylvia Haas
- Formerly Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gloria Kayani
- Department of Clinical Research, Thrombosis Research Institute, London, UK
| | - Lorenzo G Mantovani
- Center for Public Health Research, University of Milan Bicocca, and IRCCS Multimedica Milan, Italy
| | - Frank Misselwitz
- Therapeutic areas Thrombosis & Hematology, Bayer AG Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karen S Pieper
- Department of Clinical Research, Thrombosis Research Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Martin van Eickels
- Therapeutic areas Thrombosis & Hematology, Bayer AG Pharmaceuticals, Berlin, Germany
| | - Freek Wa Verheugt
- Department of Cardiology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis (OLVG), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ajay K Kakkar
- Department of Clinical Research, Thrombosis Research Institute, London, UK.,Department of Surgery, University College London, London, UK
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19
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Tollitt J, Odudu A, Flanagan E, Chinnadurai R, Smith C, Kalra PA. Impact of prior stroke on major clinical outcome in chronic kidney disease: the Salford kidney cohort study. BMC Nephrol 2019; 20:432. [PMID: 31771527 PMCID: PMC6880597 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-019-1614-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for stroke in the general population. The impact of prior stroke on major clinical outcomes in CKD populations is poorly characterised. Methods The Salford Kidney Study is a UK prospective cohort of more than 3000 patients recruited since 2002 and followed until March 2018. Multivariable Cox regression examined associations of stroke at two time points; cohort inception, and at dialysis initiation, with risks of death, non-fatal cardiovascular events (NFCVE) and end stage renal disease (ESRD). Results 277 (9.1%) of 3060 patients suffered a prior stroke and this was associated with mortality, ESRD and future NFCVE after cardiovascular risk factor adjustments. Median survival for prior stroke patients was 40 months vs 77 months in patients without a stroke. Prior stroke was independently associated with mortality (HR 1.20 95%CI 1.0–1.43, p = 0.05). Of 579 patients who reached ESRD and commenced dialysis, a prior stroke (N = 48) was independently associated with mortality. Median survival for the prior stroke group was 29 months compared with 50 months for the non-stroke group. Only 70 and 75% of patients who had suffered an ischaemic stroke were prescribed antiplatelets or statins respectively. Conclusions A diagnosis of stroke is strongly and independently associated with several adverse clinical outcomes for patients with CKD. Prior stroke profoundly alters cardiovascular risk in CKD patients. Greater attention to primary and secondary preventive strategies is warranted which may improve these outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Tollitt
- Renal Department, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD, UK. .,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
| | - Aghogho Odudu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Emma Flanagan
- Informatics Department, Salford Royal NHS Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Rajkumar Chinnadurai
- Renal Department, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD, UK.,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Craig Smith
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.,Stroke department, Salford Royal NHS Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Philip A Kalra
- Renal Department, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Stott Lane, Salford, M6 8HD, UK.,Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
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20
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Chang BP, Rostanski S, Willey J, Miller EC, Shapiro S, Mehendale R, Kummer B, Navi BB, Elkind MSV. Safety and Feasibility of a Rapid Outpatient Management Strategy for Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Stroke: The Rapid Access Vascular Evaluation-Neurology (RAVEN) Approach. Ann Emerg Med 2019; 74:562-571. [PMID: 31326206 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2019.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Although most transient ischemic attack and minor stroke patients in US emergency departments (EDs) are admitted, experience in other countries suggests that timely outpatient evaluation of transient ischemic attack and minor stroke can be safe. We assess the feasibility and safety of a rapid outpatient stroke clinic for transient ischemic attack and minor stroke: Rapid Access Vascular Evaluation-Neurology (RAVEN). METHODS Transient ischemic attack and minor stroke patients presenting to the ED with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 5 or less and nondisabling deficit were assessed for potential discharge to RAVEN with a protocol incorporating social and medical criteria. Outpatient evaluation by a vascular neurologist, including vessel imaging, was performed within 24 hours at the RAVEN clinic. Participants were evaluated for compliance with clinic attendance and 90-day recurrent transient ischemic attack and minor stroke and hospitalization rates. RESULTS Between December 2016 and June 2018, 162 transient ischemic attack and minor stroke patients were discharged to RAVEN. One hundred fifty-four patients (95.1%) appeared as scheduled and 101 (66%) had a final diagnosis of transient ischemic attack and minor stroke. Two patients (1.3%) required hospitalization (one for worsening symptoms and another for intracranial arterial stenosis caused by zoster) at RAVEN evaluation. Among the 101 patients with confirmed transient ischemic attack and minor stroke, 18 (19.1%) had returned to an ED or been admitted at 90 days. Five were noted to have had recurrent neurologic symptoms diagnosed as transient ischemic attack (4.9%), whereas one had a recurrent stroke (0.9%). No individuals with transient ischemic attack and minor stroke died, and none received thrombolytics or thrombectomy, during the interval period. These 90-day outcomes were similar to historical published data on transient ischemic attack and minor stroke. CONCLUSION Rapid outpatient management appears a feasible and safe strategy for transient ischemic attack and minor stroke patients evaluated in the ED, with recurrent stroke and transient ischemic attack rates comparable to historical published data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard P Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY.
| | - Sara Rostanski
- Department of Neurology, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Joshua Willey
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Eliza C Miller
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Steven Shapiro
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Rachel Mehendale
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Benjamin Kummer
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Babak B Navi
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Mitchell S V Elkind
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY; Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY
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Sadighi A, Stanciu A, Banciu M, Abedi V, Andary NE, Holland N, Zand R. Rate and associated factors of transient ischemic attack misdiagnosis. eNeurologicalSci 2019; 15:100193. [PMID: 31193470 PMCID: PMC6529772 DOI: 10.1016/j.ensci.2019.100193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose The goal of this study was to investigate the rate and associated factors of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) misdiagnosis. Methods We retrospectively analyzed consecutive patients with an initial diagnosis of TIA in the emergency department (ED) in a 9-month period. All hospitalized TIA patients were evaluated by a neurologist within 24 h and had at least one hospital discharge follow-up visit within three months. Patients' clinical data and neuroimaging were reviewed. The final diagnosis was independently verified by two stroke neurologists. Results Out of 276 patients with the initial diagnosis of TIA, 254 patients (mean age 68.7 ± 15.4 years, 40.9% male, 25.2% final diagnosis of TIA) were included in the analysis. Twenty-four patients (9.4%) were referred to our rapid-access TIA clinic. The rate of TIA misdiagnosis among TIA clinic referred patients was 45.8%. Among the 230 patients in inpatient setting, the rate of TIA misdiagnosis was 60.0%. A hospital discharge diagnosis of TIA was observed in 54.3% of hospitalized patients; however, only 24.8% had the final diagnosis of TIA. Among hospitalized patients, the univariate analysis suggests a significant difference (P < .05) between the two groups (correctly versus misdiagnosed patients) in terms of hospital discharge diagnosis, final diagnosis, history of diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease. In regression model hospital discharge diagnosis (P < .001), final diagnosis (P < .001), and diabetes mellitus (P = .018) retained independent association with TIA misdiagnosis. Conclusion Our study indicates a high rate of TIA misdiagnosis in the emergency department, hospital, and outpatient clinics. We observed a high rate of TIA misdiagnosis in the ED, hospital, and outpatient clinics. We did not observe any differences between correctly diagnosed and misdiagnosed TIAs in terms of ED presenting symptoms. Small number of hospitalized TIA patients required an intervention or had a diagnosis that could justify hospitalization. A rapid-access TIA clinic can relocate the care for low/medium-risk TIA patients from inpatient to outpatient setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Sadighi
- Department of Neurology, Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Geisinger Medical Center, 100 N Academy Ave, Danville, PA, 17822, USA
| | - Alia Stanciu
- Freeman College of Management, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA, 17837-2005, USA
| | - Mihai Banciu
- Freeman College of Management, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA, 17837-2005, USA
| | - Vida Abedi
- Department of Bioinformatics, Geisinger Medical Center, 100 N Academy Ave, Danville, PA, 17822, USA
| | - Nada El Andary
- Department of Neurology, Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Geisinger Medical Center, 100 N Academy Ave, Danville, PA, 17822, USA
| | - Neil Holland
- Department of Neurology, Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Geisinger Medical Center, 100 N Academy Ave, Danville, PA, 17822, USA
| | - Ramin Zand
- Department of Neurology, Division of Cerebrovascular Diseases, Geisinger Medical Center, 100 N Academy Ave, Danville, PA, 17822, USA
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Zhelev Z, Walker G, Henschke N, Fridhandler J, Yip S. Prehospital stroke scales as screening tools for early identification of stroke and transient ischemic attack. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 4:CD011427. [PMID: 30964558 PMCID: PMC6455894 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011427.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rapid and accurate detection of stroke by paramedics or other emergency clinicians at the time of first contact is crucial for timely initiation of appropriate treatment. Several stroke recognition scales have been developed to support the initial triage. However, their accuracy remains uncertain and there is no agreement which of the scales perform better. OBJECTIVES To systematically identify and review the evidence pertaining to the test accuracy of validated stroke recognition scales, as used in a prehospital or emergency room (ER) setting to screen people suspected of having stroke. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid) and the Science Citation Index to 30 January 2018. We handsearched the reference lists of all included studies and other relevant publications and contacted experts in the field to identify additional studies or unpublished data. SELECTION CRITERIA We included studies evaluating the accuracy of stroke recognition scales used in a prehospital or ER setting to identify stroke and transient Ischemic attack (TIA) in people suspected of stroke. The scales had to be applied to actual people and the results compared to a final diagnosis of stroke or TIA. We excluded studies that applied scales to patient records; enrolled only screen-positive participants and without complete 2 × 2 data. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently conducted a two-stage screening of all publications identified by the searches, extracted data and assessed the methodologic quality of the included studies using a tailored version of QUADAS-2. A third review author acted as an arbiter. We recalculated study-level sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and presented them in forest plots and in the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) space. When a sufficient number of studies reported the accuracy of the test in the same setting (prehospital or ER) and the level of heterogeneity was relatively low, we pooled the results using the bivariate random-effects model. We plotted the results in the summary ROC (SROC) space presenting an estimate point (mean sensitivity and specificity) with 95% CI and prediction regions. Because of the small number of studies, we did not conduct meta-regression to investigate between-study heterogeneity and the relative accuracy of the scales. Instead, we summarized the results in tables and diagrams, and presented our findings narratively. MAIN RESULTS We selected 23 studies for inclusion (22 journal articles and one conference abstract). We evaluated the following scales: Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS; 11 studies), Recognition of Stroke in the Emergency Room (ROSIER; eight studies), Face Arm Speech Time (FAST; five studies), Los Angeles Prehospital Stroke Scale (LAPSS; five studies), Melbourne Ambulance Stroke Scale (MASS; three studies), Ontario Prehospital Stroke Screening Tool (OPSST; one study), Medic Prehospital Assessment for Code Stroke (MedPACS; one study) and PreHospital Ambulance Stroke Test (PreHAST; one study). Nine studies compared the accuracy of two or more scales. We considered 12 studies at high risk of bias and one with applicability concerns in the patient selection domain; 14 at unclear risk of bias and one with applicability concerns in the reference standard domain; and the risk of bias in the flow and timing domain was high in one study and unclear in another 16.We pooled the results from five studies evaluating ROSIER in the ER and five studies evaluating LAPSS in a prehospital setting. The studies included in the meta-analysis of ROSIER were of relatively good methodologic quality and produced a summary sensitivity of 0.88 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.91), with the prediction interval ranging from approximately 0.75 to 0.95. This means that the test will miss on average 12% of people with stroke/TIA which, depending on the circumstances, could range from 5% to 25%. We could not obtain a reliable summary estimate of specificity due to extreme heterogeneity in study-level results. The summary sensitivity of LAPSS was 0.83 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.89) and summary specificity 0.93 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.96). However, we were uncertain in the validity of these results as four of the studies were at high and one at uncertain risk of bias. We did not report summary estimates for the rest of the scales, as the number of studies per test per setting was small, the risk of bias was high or uncertain, the results were highly heterogenous, or a combination of these.Studies comparing two or more scales in the same participants reported that ROSIER and FAST had similar accuracy when used in the ER. In the field, CPSS was more sensitive than MedPACS and LAPSS, but had similar sensitivity to that of MASS; and MASS was more sensitive than LAPSS. In contrast, MASS, ROSIER and MedPACS were more specific than CPSS; and the difference in the specificities of MASS and LAPSS was not statistically significant. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS In the field, CPSS had consistently the highest sensitivity and, therefore, should be preferred to other scales. Further evidence is needed to determine its absolute accuracy and whether alternatives scales, such as MASS and ROSIER, which might have comparable sensitivity but higher specificity, should be used instead, to achieve better overall accuracy. In the ER, ROSIER should be the test of choice, as it was evaluated in more studies than FAST and showed consistently high sensitivity. In a cohort of 100 people of whom 62 have stroke/TIA, the test will miss on average seven people with stroke/TIA (ranging from three to 16). We were unable to obtain an estimate of its summary specificity. Because of the small number of studies per test per setting, high risk of bias, substantial differences in study characteristics and large between-study heterogeneity, these findings should be treated as provisional hypotheses that need further verification in better-designed studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhivko Zhelev
- University of ExeterNIHR CLAHRC South West Peninsula (PenCLAHRC), University of Exeter Medical SchoolSt Luke's CampusSouth Cloisters (Room 3.09)ExeterDevonUKEX1 2LU
| | - Greg Walker
- University of British ColumbiaDepartment of NeurologyVancouver General HospitalVancouverBCCanada
| | | | - Jonathan Fridhandler
- University of British ColumbiaDepartment of NeurologyVancouver General HospitalVancouverBCCanada
| | - Samuel Yip
- University of British ColumbiaDepartment of NeurologyVancouver General HospitalVancouverBCCanada
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Sadighi A, Abedi V, Stanciu A, El Andary N, Banciu M, Holland N, Zand R. Six-Month Outcome of Transient Ischemic Attack and Its Mimics. Front Neurol 2019; 10:294. [PMID: 30972019 PMCID: PMC6445867 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective: Although the risk of recurrent cerebral ischemia is higher after a transient ischemic attack (TIA), there is limited data on the outcome of TIA mimics. The goal of this study is to compare the 6-month outcome of patients with negative and positive diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) TIAs (DWI-neg TIA vs. DWI-pos TIA) and also TIA mimics. Methods: We prospectively studied consecutive patients with an initial diagnosis of TIA in our tertiary stroke centers in a 2-year period. Every included patient had an initial magnetic resonance (MR) with DWI and one-, three-, and six-month follow-up visits. The primary outcome was defined as the composition of intracerebral hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, TIA, coronary artery disease, and death. Results: Out of 269 patients with the initial diagnosis of TIA, 259 patients (mean age 70.5 ± 15.0 [30-100] years old, 56.8% men) were included in the final analysis. Twenty-one (8.1%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.1-12.1%) patients had a composite outcome event within the six-month follow-up. Five (23.8%) and 13 (61.9%) composite outcome events occurred in the first 30 and 90 days, respectively. Among patients with DWI-neg TIA, the one- and six-month ischemic stroke rate was 1.5 and 4.6%, respectively. The incidence proportion of composite outcome event was significantly higher among patients who had the diagnosis of DWI-neg TIA compared with those who had the diagnosis of TIA mimics (12.2 vs. 2.1%-relative risk 5.9; 95% CI, 1.4-25.2). In our univariable analysis among patients with DWI-neg TIA and DWI-pos TIA, age (P = 0.017) was the only factor that was significantly associated with the occurrence of the composite outcome. Conclusion: Our study indicated that the overall six-month rate of the composite outcome among patients DWI-neg TIA, DWI-pos TIA, and TIA mimics were 12.2, 9.7, and 2.1%, respectively. Age was the only factor that was significantly associated with the occurrence of the composite outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Sadighi
- Department of Neurology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, United States
| | - Vida Abedi
- Department of Bioinformatics, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, United States
| | - Alia Stanciu
- Freeman College of Management, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, United States
| | - Nada El Andary
- Department of Neurology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, United States
| | - Mihai Banciu
- Freeman College of Management, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, United States
| | - Neil Holland
- Department of Neurology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, United States
| | - Ramin Zand
- Department of Neurology, Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, PA, United States
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Graham C, Bailey D, Hart S, Hutchison A, Sandercock P, Doubal F, Sudlow C, Farrall A, Wardlaw J, Dennis M, Whiteley W. Clinical diagnosis of TIA or minor stroke and prognosis in patients with neurological symptoms: A rapid access clinic cohort. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210452. [PMID: 30889185 PMCID: PMC6424476 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long-term risk of stroke or myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with minor neurological symptoms who are not clinically diagnosed with transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke is uncertain. METHODS We used data from a rapid access clinic for patients with suspected TIA or minor stroke and follow-up from four overlapping data sources for a diagnosis of ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke, MI, major haemorrhage and death. We identified patients with and without a clinical diagnosis of TIA or minor stroke. We estimated hazard ratios of stroke, MI, major haemorrhage and death in early and late time periods. RESULTS 5,997 patients were seen from 2005-2013, who were diagnosed with TIA or minor stroke (n = 3604, 60%) or with other diagnoses (n = 2392, 40%). By 5 years the proportion of patients who had a subsequent ischaemic stroke or MI, in patients with a clinical diagnosis of minor stroke or TIA was 19% [95% confidence interval (CI): 17-20%], and in patients with other diagnoses was 10% (95%CI: 8-15%). Patients with clinical diagnosis of TIA or minor stroke had three times the hazard of stroke or MI compared to patients with other diagnoses [hazard ratio (HR)2.83 95%CI:2.13-3.76, adjusted age and sex] by 90 days post-event; however from 90 days to end of follow up, this difference was attenuated (HR 1.52, 95%CI:1.25-1.86). Older patients and those who had a history of vascular disease had a high risk of stroke or MI, whether or not they were diagnosed with minor stroke or TIA. CONCLUSIONS Careful attention to vascular risk factors in patients presenting with transient or minor neurological symptoms not thought to be due to stroke or TIA is justified, particularly those who are older or have a history of vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catriona Graham
- Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David Bailey
- Information Services Division, NHS National Services Scotland, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Hart
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Aidan Hutchison
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Sandercock
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Fergus Doubal
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Cathie Sudlow
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Farrall
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Martin Dennis
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - William Whiteley
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Schipke JD, Lemaitre F, Cleveland S, Tetzlaff K. Effects of Breath-Hold Deep Diving on the Pulmonary System. Respiration 2019; 97:476-483. [PMID: 30783070 DOI: 10.1159/000495757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This short review focuses on pulmonary injury in breath-hold (BH) divers. When practicing their extreme leisure sport, they are exposed to increased pressure on pulmonary gas volumes, hypoxia, and increased partial gas pressures. Increasing ambient pressures do present a serious problem to BH deep divers, because the semi-rigid thorax prevents the deformation required by the Boyle-Mariotte law. As a result, a negative-pressure barotrauma (lung squeeze) with acute hemoptysis is not uncommon. Respiratory maneuvers such as glossopharyngeal insufflation (GI) and glossopharyngeal exsufflation (GE) are practiced to prevent lung squeeze and to permit equalizing the paranasal sinuses and the middle ear. GI not only impairs venous return, thereby provoking hypotension and even fainting, but also produces intrathoracic pressures likely to induce pulmonary barotrauma that is speculated to induce long-term injury. GE, in turn, further increases the already negative intrapulmonary pressure, thereby favoring alveolar collapse (atelectasis). Finally, hypoxia seemingly not only induces brain injury but initiates the opening of intrapulmonary shunts. These pathways are large enough to permit transpulmonary passage of venous N2 bubbles, making stroke-like phenomena in deep BH divers possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen D Schipke
- Research Group Experimental Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany,
| | - Frederic Lemaitre
- UFR Sciences du Sport et de l'Éducation Physique, Université de Rouen, Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
| | - Sinclair Cleveland
- Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kay Tetzlaff
- Department of Sports Medicine, Medical Clinic, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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Felgueiras R, Magalhães R, Silva MR, Silva MC, Correia M. Transient ischemic attack: Incidence and early risk of stroke in northern Portugal from 1998–2000 to 2009–2011. Int J Stroke 2019; 15:278-288. [DOI: 10.1177/1747493019830322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective A decline in TIA incidence would be expected mirroring stroke trends, but patient's awareness of symptoms/signs, improved diagnostic procedures and changes in severity of vascular disease may raise TIA incidence. We aimed to estimate changes in TIA incidence and 30-day stroke risk in Portugal. Methods Data from two prospective community-based registers of first-ever TIA in 104,700 (1998–2000) and 118,232 (2009–2011) persons were collected using comprehensive case ascertainment methods. Incidence and stroke risk from TIA onset were compared using different inception cohorts. ABCD2 was used to stratified stroke risk. Results Overall, 141 patients were included in 1998–2000 and 174 in 2009–2011. Crude annual incidence rate increased from 67 to 74/100,000 (IRR=1.12; 95% CI, 0.90–1.40), particularly in men under 65 years (IRR=1.79; 95% CI, 1.06–3.04). Male/female IRR increased from 1.20 (0.86–1.68) in 1998–2000 to 1.77 (1.31–2.39) in 2009–2011, after adjustment for age. Better control of vascular risk factors (VRFs) accounted for lower ABCD2 scores in 2009–2011. The 30-day stroke risk was similar in study periods (18.4% vs. 16.7%, p > 0.7), decreasing from 16.1% to 8.2% ( p < 0.042) excluding patients reporting TIA after stroke occurrence and from 12.2% to 4.0% ( p < 0.011) further excluding patients who had stroke in ambulance/hospital. ABCD2 discriminated stroke risk only in 1998–2000; stroke severity decreased while posterior circulation stroke was more common in 2009–2011. Conclusion Despite a stable TIA incidence across periods, the risk increased in men compared to women. Better control of VRF accounted for lower ABCD2 scores and secondary prevention reduced stroke risk. Men under 65 years emerge as a preferential target for primary and secondary prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Felgueiras
- Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital Santo António–Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Magalhães
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário R Silva
- Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital São Pedro–Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Real, Portugal
| | - Maria C Silva
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Correia
- Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital Santo António–Centro Hospitalar do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Retrospective evaluation of a clinical decision support tool for effective computed tomography angiography utilization in urgent brain imaging of suspected TIA/minor stroke in the emergency department. CAN J EMERG MED 2018; 21:343-351. [PMID: 30277176 DOI: 10.1017/cem.2018.449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations suggests that patients suspected of transient ischemic attack (TIA)/minor stroke receive urgent brain imaging, preferably computed tomography angiography (CTA). Yet, high requisition rates for non-cerebrovascular patients overburden limited radiological resources, putting patients at risk. We hypothesize that our clinical decision support tool (CDST) developed for risk stratification of TIA in the emergency department (ED), and which incorporates Canadian guidelines, could improve CTA utilization. METHODS Retrospective study design with clinical information gathered from ED patient referrals to an outpatient TIA unit in Victoria, BC, from 2015-2016. Actual CTA orders by ED and TIA unit staff were compared to hypothetical CTA ordering if our CDST had been used in the ED upon patient arrival. RESULTS For 1,679 referrals, clinicians ordered 954 CTAs. Our CDST would have ordered a total of 977 CTAs for these patients. Overall, this would have increased the number of imaged-TIA patients by 89 (10.1%) while imaging 98 (16.1%) fewer non-cerebrovascular patients over the 2-year period. Our CDST would have ordered CTA for 18 (78.3%) of the recurrent stroke patients in the sample. CONCLUSIONS Our CDST could enhance CTA utilization in the ED for suspected TIA patients, and facilitate guideline-based stroke care. Use of our CDST would increase the number of TIA patients receiving CTA before ED discharge (rather than later at TIA units) and reduce the burden of imaging stroke mimics in radiological departments.
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Predictive values of referrals for transient ischaemic attack from first-contact health care: a systematic review. Br J Gen Pract 2018; 67:e871-e880. [PMID: 29158247 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp17x693677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 150 000 cases of suspected transient ischaemic attack (TIA) are referred to outpatient clinics in England each year. The majority of referrals are made by GPs. AIM This study aimed to identify how many patients referred to a TIA clinic actually have TIA (that is, calculate the positive predictive value [PPV] of first-contact healthcare referral) and to record the alternative diagnoses in patients without TIA, in order to determine the optimal service model for patients with suspected TIA. DESIGN AND SETTING A systematic review of TIA clinic referrals from first-contact health professionals (GPs and emergency department [ED] doctors) was undertaken. METHOD Four databases were searched using terms for TIA and diagnostic accuracy. Data on the number of patients referred to a TIA clinic who actually had a TIA (PPVs) were extracted. Frequencies of differential diagnoses were recorded, where reported. Study quality was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included and reported sufficient information on referrals from GPs and ED doctors to derive PPVs (n = 15 935 referrals). PPVs for TIA ranged from 12.9% to 72.5%. A formal meta-analysis was not conducted due to heterogeneity across studies. Of those not diagnosed with TIA, approximately half of the final diagnoses were of neurological or cardiovascular conditions. CONCLUSION This study highlights the variation in prevalence of true vascular events in patients referred to TIA clinics. For patients without a cerebrovascular diagnosis, the high prevalence of conditions that also require specialist investigations and management are an additional burden on a care pathway that is primarily designed to prevent recurrent stroke. Service commissioners need to assess whether the existing outpatient provision is optimal for people with pathologies other than cerebrovascular disease.
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Penn AM, Bibok MB, Saly VK, Coutts SB, Lesperance ML, Balshaw RF, Votova K, Croteau NS, Trivedi A, Jackson AM, Hegedus J, Klourfeld E, Yu AYX, Zerna C, Modi J, Barber PA, Hoag G, Borchers CH. Validation of a proteomic biomarker panel to diagnose minor-stroke and transient ischaemic attack: phase 2 of SpecTRA, a large scale translational study. Biomarkers 2018; 23:793-803. [PMID: 30010432 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2018.1499130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To validate our previously developed 16 plasma-protein biomarker panel to differentiate between transient ischaemic attack (TIA) and non-cerebrovascular emergency department (ED) patients. METHOD Two consecutive cohorts of ED patients prospectively enrolled at two urban medical centers into the second phase of SpecTRA study (training, cohort 2A, n = 575; test, cohort 2B, n = 528). Plasma samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography/multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry. Logistic regression models which fit cohort 2A were validated on cohort 2B. RESULTS Three of the panel proteins failed quality control and were removed from the panel. During validation, panel models did not outperform a simple motor/speech (M/S) deficit variable. Post-hoc analyses suggested the measured behaviour of L-selectin and coagulation factor V contributed to poor model performance. Removal of these proteins increased the external performance of a model containing the panel and the M/S variable. CONCLUSIONS Univariate analyses suggest insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 and serum paraoxonase/lactonase 3 are reliable and reproducible biomarkers for TIA status. Logistic regression models indicated L-selectin, apolipoprotein B-100, coagulation factor IX, and thrombospondin-1 to be significant multivariate predictors of TIA. We discuss multivariate feature subset analyses as an exploratory technique to better understand a panel's full predictive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Penn
- a Department of Neurosciences , Stroke Rapid Assessment Clinic, Island Health Authority , Victoria , Canada
| | - Maximilian B Bibok
- b Department of Research and Capacity Building , Island Health Authority , Victoria , Canada
| | - Viera K Saly
- a Department of Neurosciences , Stroke Rapid Assessment Clinic, Island Health Authority , Victoria , Canada
| | - Shelagh B Coutts
- c Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Radiology, and Community Health Services , University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada
| | - Mary L Lesperance
- d Department of Mathematics and Statistics , University of Victoria , Victoria , Canada
| | - Robert F Balshaw
- e George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation , University of Manitoba , Winnipeg , Canada
| | - Kristine Votova
- b Department of Research and Capacity Building , Island Health Authority , Victoria , Canada.,f Division of Medical Sciences , University of Victoria , Victoria , Canada
| | - Nicole S Croteau
- b Department of Research and Capacity Building , Island Health Authority , Victoria , Canada.,d Department of Mathematics and Statistics , University of Victoria , Victoria , Canada
| | - Anurag Trivedi
- a Department of Neurosciences , Stroke Rapid Assessment Clinic, Island Health Authority , Victoria , Canada
| | - Angela M Jackson
- g Genome British Columbia Proteomics Centre, University of Victoria , Victoria , Canada
| | - Janka Hegedus
- c Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Radiology, and Community Health Services , University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada
| | - Evgenia Klourfeld
- c Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Radiology, and Community Health Services , University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada
| | - Amy Y X Yu
- h Department of Medicine , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada
| | - Charlotte Zerna
- c Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Radiology, and Community Health Services , University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada
| | - Jayesh Modi
- i Department of Radiology , Foothills Medical Centre , Calgary , Canada
| | - Philip A Barber
- j Department of Clinical Neurosciences , University of Calgary , Calgary , Canada
| | - Gordon Hoag
- k Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pathology & Medical Genetics , Island Health Authority , Victoria , Canada
| | - Christoph H Borchers
- g Genome British Columbia Proteomics Centre, University of Victoria , Victoria , Canada.,l Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology , University of Victoria , Victoria , Canada.,m Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology , McGill University , Montreal , Canada.,n Proteomics Centre, Segal Cancer Centre , Lady Davis Institute , Montreal , Canada
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Ranta A, Dovey S, Gommans J, Tilyard M, Weatherall M. Impact of General Practitioner Transient Ischemic Attack Training on 90-Day Stroke Outcomes: Secondary Analysis of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2018; 27:2014-2018. [PMID: 29610038 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2018.02.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
GOALS Many patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) receive initial assessments by general practitioners (GPs) who may lack TIA management experience. In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), we showed that electronic decision support for GPs improves patient outcomes and guideline adherence. Some stroke services prefer to improve referrer expertise through TIA/stroke education sessions instead of promoting TIA decision aids or triaging tools. This is a secondary analysis of whether a GP education session influenced TIA management and outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Post hoc analysis of a multicenter, single blind, parallel group, cluster RCT comparing TIA/stroke electronic decision support guided GP management with usual care to assess whether a pretrial TIA/stroke education session also affected RCT outcomes. FINDINGS Of 181 participating GPs, 79 (43.7%) attended an education session and 140 of 291 (48.1%) trial patients were managed by these GPs. There were fewer 90-day stroke events and 90-day vascular events or deaths in patients treated by GPs who attended education; 2 of 140 (1.4%) and 10 of 140 (7.1%) respectively, compared with those who did not; 5 of 151 (3.3%), and 14 of 151 (9.3%), respectively. Logistic regression for association between 90-day stroke and 90-day vascular events or death and education, however, was nonsignificant (odds ratio [OR] .42 (.08 to 2.22), P = .29 and .59 (95% confidence interval [CI] .27 to 1.29), P = .18 respectively. Guideline adherence was not improved by the education session: OR .84 (95% CI .49 to 1.45), P = .54. CONCLUSION In the described setting, a GP TIA/stroke education session did not significantly enhance guideline adherence or reduce 90-day stroke or vascular events following TIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarei Ranta
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand; Department of Neurology, Capital & Coast District Health Board, New Zealand.
| | - Susan Dovey
- Department of General Practice and Rural Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - John Gommans
- Department of Medicine, Hawke's Bay District Health Board, Hastings, New Zealand
| | - Murray Tilyard
- Department of General Practice and Rural Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Mark Weatherall
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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Ranta A, Weatherall M, Gommans J, Tilyard M, Odea D, Dovey S. Appropriateness of general practitioner imaging requests for transient ischaemic attack patients: secondary analysis of a cluster randomised controlled trial. J Prim Health Care 2018. [PMID: 29530224 DOI: 10.1071/hc17005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Many transient ischaemic attack (TIA) patients receive initial assessments by general practitioners (GPs). In a randomised controlled trial (RCT) we showed that BPAC Inc. TIA/stroke electronic decision support (EDS) for GPs improves patient outcomes and guideline adherence. This secondary analysis assesses the impact of trial associated enhanced GP access to radiological investigation. METHODS Post-hoc analysis of a multi-centre, single blind, parallel group, cluster RCT comparing TIA/stroke EDS guided GP management with usual care to assess whether imaging requests and their appropriateness differed between study groups. RESULTS GPs requested 15/291 (5.2%) carotid ultrasounds and 19/291 (6.5%) computed tomography (CT) head scans. Scans were obtained more frequently in the intervention group (ultrasound cluster adjusted OR (95% CI) 1.41 (0.44 to 4.49), P = 0.56 and CT 13.8 (1.7 to 110.7), P < 0.001). All CTs were clinically appropriate. More ultrasounds were appropriate in the EDS group (cluster adjusted OR (95% CI) of 8.4 (0.39 to 92.3), P = 0.18). Overall investigation costs did not differ between groups (P = 0.83). Some apparent avoidable imaging duplication occurred where patients were subsequently assessed by secondary services. CONCLUSION In the setting of a RCT assessing GP electronic decision support, frequency of GP initiated imaging requests was low and largely appropriate especially in the setting of EDS use. Thus enhanced GP imaging access as part of the EDS tool did not result in inappropriate or excessive GP imaging requests. However, some duplication occurred and practitioners need to ensure that test referrals and results are adequately communicated between sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarei Ranta
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Mark Weatherall
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - John Gommans
- Department of Medicine, Hawke's Bay District Health Board, Hastings, NewZealand
| | - Murray Tilyard
- Department of General Practice and Rural Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Des Odea
- Department of Neurology, Capital & Coast District Health Board, New Zealand
| | - Susan Dovey
- Department of General Practice and Rural Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Reducing time-to-unit among patients referred to an outpatient stroke assessment unit with a novel triage process: a prospective cohort study. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:142. [PMID: 29482544 PMCID: PMC6389093 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-2952-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To evaluate the performance of a novel triage system for Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) units built upon an existent clinical prediction rule (CPR) to reduce time to unit arrival, relative to the time of symptom onset, for true TIA and minor stroke patients. Differentiating between true and false TIA/minor stroke cases (mimics) is necessary for effective triage as medical intervention for true TIA/minor stroke is time-sensitive and TIA unit spots are a finite resource. Methods Prospective cohort study design utilizing patient referral data and TIA unit arrival times from a regional fast-track TIA unit on Vancouver Island, Canada, accepting referrals from emergency departments (ED) and general practice (GP). Historical referral cohort (N = 2942) from May 2013–Oct 2014 was triaged using the ABCD2 score; prospective referral cohort (N = 2929) from Nov 2014–Apr 2016 was triaged using the novel system. A retrospective survival curve analysis, censored at 28 days to unit arrival, was used to compare days to unit arrival from event date between cohort patients matched by low (0–3), moderate (4–5) and high (6–7) ABCD2 scores. Results Survival curve analysis indicated that using the novel triage system, prospectively referred TIA/minor stroke patients with low and moderate ABCD2 scores arrived at the unit 2 and 1 day earlier than matched historical patients, respectively. Conclusions The novel triage process is associated with a reduction in time to unit arrival from symptom onset for referred true TIA/minor stroke patients with low and moderate ABCD2 scores. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-018-2952-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Penn AM, Bibok MB, Saly VK, Coutts SB, Lesperance ML, Balshaw RF, Votova K, Croteau NS, Trivedi A, Jackson AM, Hegedus J, Klourfeld E, Yu AYX, Zerna C, Borchers CH. Verification of a proteomic biomarker panel to diagnose minor stroke and transient ischaemic attack: phase 1 of SpecTRA, a large scale translational study. Biomarkers 2018; 23:392-405. [PMID: 29385837 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2018.1434681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To derive a plasma biomarker protein panel from a list of 141 candidate proteins which can differentiate transient ischaemic attack (TIA)/minor stroke from non-cerebrovascular (mimic) conditions in emergency department (ED) settings. DESIGN Prospective clinical study (#NCT03050099) with up to three timed blood draws no more than 36 h following symptom onset. Plasma samples analysed by multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry (MRM-MS). PARTICIPANTS Totally 545 participants suspected of TIA enrolled in the EDs of two urban medical centres. OUTCOMES 90-day, neurologist-adjudicated diagnosis of TIA informed by clinical and radiological investigations. RESULTS The final protein panel consists of 16 proteins whose patterns show differential abundance between TIA and mimic patients. Nine of the proteins were significant univariate predictors of TIA [odds ratio (95% confidence interval)]: L-selectin [0.726 (0.596-0.883)]; Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 [0.727 (0.594-0.889)]; Coagulation factor X [0.740 (0.603-0.908)]; Serum paraoxonase/lactonase 3 [0.763 (0.630-0.924)]; Thrombospondin-1 [1.313 (1.081-1.595)]; Hyaluronan-binding protein 2 [0.776 (0.637-0.945)]; Heparin cofactor 2 [0.775 (0.634-0.947)]; Apolipoprotein B-100 [1.249 (1.037-1.503)]; and von Willebrand factor [1.256 (1.034-1.527)]. The scientific plausibility of the panel proteins is discussed. CONCLUSIONS Our panel has the potential to assist ED physicians in distinguishing TIA from mimic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Penn
- a Neurosciences, Stroke Rapid Assessment Clinic , Island Health Authority , Victoria , BC , Canada
| | - Maximilian B Bibok
- b Department of Research and Capacity Building , Island Health Authority , Victoria , BC , Canada
| | - Viera K Saly
- a Neurosciences, Stroke Rapid Assessment Clinic , Island Health Authority , Victoria , BC , Canada
| | - Shelagh B Coutts
- c Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Radiology, and Community Health Services , University of Calgary, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, C1242, Foothills Medical Centre , Calgary , AB , Canada
| | - Mary L Lesperance
- d Department of Mathematics and Statistics , University of Victoria , Victoria , BC , Canada
| | - Robert F Balshaw
- e British Columbia Centre for Disease Control , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - Kristine Votova
- b Department of Research and Capacity Building , Island Health Authority , Victoria , BC , Canada.,f Division of Medical Sciences , University of Victoria , Victoria , BC , Canada
| | - Nicole S Croteau
- b Department of Research and Capacity Building , Island Health Authority , Victoria , BC , Canada.,d Department of Mathematics and Statistics , University of Victoria , Victoria , BC , Canada
| | - Anurag Trivedi
- a Neurosciences, Stroke Rapid Assessment Clinic , Island Health Authority , Victoria , BC , Canada
| | - Angela M Jackson
- g University of Victoria - Genome British Columbia Proteomics Centre, Vancouver Island Technology Park , Victoria , BC , Canada
| | - Janka Hegedus
- c Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Radiology, and Community Health Services , University of Calgary, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, C1242, Foothills Medical Centre , Calgary , AB , Canada
| | - Evgenia Klourfeld
- c Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Radiology, and Community Health Services , University of Calgary, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, C1242, Foothills Medical Centre , Calgary , AB , Canada
| | - Amy Y X Yu
- h Department of Medicine , University of Toronto Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Charlotte Zerna
- c Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Radiology, and Community Health Services , University of Calgary, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, C1242, Foothills Medical Centre , Calgary , AB , Canada
| | - Christoph H Borchers
- i Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology , University of Victoria , Victoria , BC , Canada.,j Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology , Jewish General Hospital McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada.,k Proteomics Centre, Segal Cancer Centre, Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada
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Bibok MB, Penn AM, Lesperance ML, Votova K, Balshaw R. Validation of a multivariate clinical prediction model for the diagnosis of mild stroke/transient ischemic attack in physician first-contact patient settings. Health Informatics J 2017; 25:1148-1157. [PMID: 29251055 DOI: 10.1177/1460458217747111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We validate our previously developed (DOI: 10.1101/089227) clinical prediction rule for diagnosing transient ischemic attack on the basis of presenting clinical symptoms and compare its performance with the ABCD2 score in first-contact patient settings. Two independent and prospectively collected patient validation cohorts were used: (a) referral cohort-prospectively referred emergency department and general practitioner patients (N = 877); and (b) SpecTRA cohort-participants recruited as part of the SpecTRA biomarker project (N = 545). Outcome measure consisted of imaging-confirmed clinical diagnosis of mild stroke/transient ischemic attack. Results showed that our clinical prediction rule demonstrated significantly higher accuracy than the ABCD2 score for both the referral cohort (70.5% vs 59.0%; p < 0.001) and SpecTRA cohort (72.8% vs 68.3%; p = 0.028). We discuss the potential of our clinical prediction rule to replace the use of the ABCD2 score in the triage of transient ischemic attack clinic referrals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kristine Votova
- Vancouver Island Health Authority, Canada; University of Victoria, Canada
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Davey AR, Lasserson DS, Levi CR, Tapley A, Morgan S, Henderson K, Holliday EG, Ball J, van Driel ML, McArthur L, Spike NA, Magin PJ. Management of transient ischemic attacks diagnosed by early-career general practitioners: A cross-sectional study. Int J Stroke 2017; 13:313-320. [PMID: 29157195 DOI: 10.1177/1747493017743053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Transient ischemic attack incurs a risk of recurrent stroke that can be dramatically reduced by urgent guideline-recommended management at the point of first medical contact. Aims This study describes the prevalence and associations of new transient ischemic attack presentations to general practice registrars and the management undertaken. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of the Registrar Clinical Encounters in Training cohort study. General practice registrars from five Australian states (urban to very remote practices) collected data on 60 consecutive patient encounters during each of their three six-month training terms. The proportion of problems managed being new transient ischemic attacks and proportion of transient ischemic attacks with guideline-recommended management were calculated. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression established associations of patient, registrar, and practice factors with a problem being a new transient ischemic attack. Results A total 1331 general practice registrars contributed data (response rate 95.8%). Of the 250,625 problems, there were 65 new transient ischemic attacks diagnosed (0.03% [95% confidence interval: 0.02-0.03%]). General practice registrars were more likely to seek help, generate learning goals, and spend more time for a new transient ischemic attack compared to other problems. Compliance with management guidelines was modest: 15.4% ordered brain and arterial imaging, 36.9% prescribed antiplatelet medication, and 3.1% prescribed antihypertensive medication. Conclusions Transient ischemic attack is a very infrequent presentation for general practice registrars, giving little clinical opportunity to reinforce training program education regarding guideline-recommended management. General practice registrars found transient ischemic attacks challenging and management was not ideal. Since most transient ischemic attacks first present to general practice and urgent management is essential, an enhanced model of care utilizing rapid access to specialist transient ischemic attack support and follow-up could improve guideline compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Davey
- 1 School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,2 471481 GP Synergy , Newcastle, Australia
| | - Daniel S Lasserson
- 3 Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,4 Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christopher R Levi
- 5 Centre for Translational Neuroscience, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,6 Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Elizabeth G Holliday
- 1 School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,7 Public Health Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Jean Ball
- 7 Public Health Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- 8 Discipline of General Practice and Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lawrie McArthur
- 9 Rural Clinical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Neil A Spike
- 10 Eastern Victoria GP Training, Hawthorn, Australia.,11 Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Parker J Magin
- 1 School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia.,2 471481 GP Synergy , Newcastle, Australia
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Bentes C, Canhão P, Peralta AR, Viana P, Fonseca AC, Geraldes R, Pinho e Melo T, Paiva T, Ferro JM. Usefulness of EEG for the differential diagnosis of possible transient ischemic attack. Clin Neurophysiol Pract 2017; 3:11-19. [PMID: 30215000 PMCID: PMC6134195 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnp.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE EEG value in possible transient ischemic attacks (TIA) is unknown. We aim to quantify focal slow wave activity (FSWA) and epileptiform activity (EA) frequency in possible TIA, and to analyse its contribution to the final diagnosis of seizures and/or definitive TIA. METHODS Prospective longitudinal study of possible TIA patients evaluated at a tertiary centre during 36 months and with 1-3 months follow-up. EEG was performed as soon as possible (early EEG) and one month later (late EEG). A stroke neurologist established final diagnosis after reassessing all clinical and diagnostic tests. RESULTS 80 patients underwent an early EEG (45.8 h after possible TIA): 52 had FSWA and 6 of them also EA. Early FSWA was associated with epileptic seizure or definitive TIA final diagnosis (p = .041). Patients with these diagnoses had more frequently early FSWA (19/23; 82.6%) than EA (6/23; 26.1%). 6/13 (46.2%) patients with epileptic seizure final diagnosis had EA.In the late EEG, 43 (58.1%) patients demonstrated persistent FSWA and 3 of them also EA. Persistent FSWA in the late EEG was more frequent in seizures than in TIA patients (91.7% vs. 45.5%). FSWA disappearance was associated with acute vascular lesion on neuroimage. CONCLUSIONS FSWA was the commonest EEG abnormality found in the early EEG of patients with possible TIA, but did not distinguish between TIA and seizure patients. In patients with seizures, FSWA was more common than EA and its presence in the late EEG was more likely in patients with epileptic seizures than with TIA. SIGNIFICANCE The majority of possible TIA patients with the final diagnosis of epileptic seizures do not have EA in the early or late EEG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bentes
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisboa, Portugal
- EEG/Sleep Laboratory, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Canhão
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
- Stroke Unit, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Peralta
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisboa, Portugal
- EEG/Sleep Laboratory, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pedro Viana
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Fonseca
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
- Stroke Unit, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ruth Geraldes
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
- Stroke Unit, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa Pinho e Melo
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
- Stroke Unit, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Teresa Paiva
- Centro de Electroencefalografia e Neurofisiologia Clínica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Ferro
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Neurology, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisboa, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
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Lebedeva ER, Gurary NM, Gilev DV, Christensen AF, Olesen J. Explicit diagnostic criteria for transient ischemic attacks to differentiate it from migraine with aura. Cephalalgia 2017; 38:1463-1470. [PMID: 28994605 DOI: 10.1177/0333102417736901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background The diagnosis of transient ischemic attacks is fraught with problems. The inter-observer agreement has repeatedly been shown to be low even in a neurological setting, and the specificity of the diagnosis is modest to low, reflected in a poor separation of transient ischemic attacks and mimics, particularly migraine with aura with its varied symptomatology. In other disease areas, explicit diagnostic criteria have improved sensitivity and specificity of diagnoses. We therefore present novel explicit diagnostic criteria for transient ischemic attacks tested for sensitivity and for specificity against migraine with aura. Methods The proposed criteria were developed using the format of the international headache classification. We drew upon the existing literature about clinical characteristics and diagnosis of migraine with aura and transient ischemic attacks. We tested the criteria for sensitivity in a prospectively-collected material of 120 patients with transient ischemic attacks diagnosed before we developed the criteria using extensive semi-structured interview forms in the acute phase after admission. Eligible patients had focal brain or retinal ischemia with resolution of symptoms within 24 hours without presence of new infarction on magnetic resonance imaging with diffusion weighted imaging (n = 112) or computed tomography (n = 8). These criteria were also tested for specificity against a Danish (n = 1390) and a Russian (n = 152) material of patients with migraine with aura diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders edition 3 (beta). Results The sensitivity of the proposed criteria was 99% in patients with transient ischemic attacks. The specificity was 95% in the Danish material of patients with migraine with aura and 96% in the Russian material. Conclusions Proposed explicit diagnostic criteria for transient ischemic attacks showed both high specificity and sensitivity. They are likely to improve the emergency room diagnosis of transient ischemic attacks. Further testing in unselected materials referred to transient ischemic attacks clinics was beyond the scope of the present study but is recommended for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena R Lebedeva
- 1 Department of Neurology, the Ural State Medical University, Yekaterinburg, Russia.,2 International Headache Center "Europe-Asia", Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | | | - Denis V Gilev
- 4 Department of Econometrics and Statistics, the Graduate school of Economics and Management, the Ural Federal University, Russia
| | - Anne Francke Christensen
- 5 Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jes Olesen
- 5 Danish Headache Center, Department of Neurology, Glostrup Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Yu AYX, Quan H, McRae A, Wagner GO, Hill MD, Coutts SB. Moderate sensitivity and high specificity of emergency department administrative data for transient ischemic attacks. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:666. [PMID: 28923103 PMCID: PMC5604304 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2612-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Validation of administrative data case definitions is key for accurate passive surveillance of disease. Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a condition primarily managed in the emergency department. However, prior validation studies have focused on data after inpatient hospitalization. We aimed to determine the validity of the Canadian 10th International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10-CA) codes for TIA in the national ambulatory administrative database. Methods We performed a diagnostic accuracy study of four ICD-10-CA case definition algorithms for TIA in the emergency department setting. The study population was obtained from two ongoing studies on the diagnosis of TIA and minor stroke versus stroke mimic using serum biomarkers and neuroimaging. Two reference standards were used 1) the emergency department clinical diagnosis determined by chart abstractors and 2) the 90-day final diagnosis, both obtained by stroke neurologists, to calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) of the ICD-10-CA algorithms for TIA. Results Among 417 patients, emergency department adjudication showed 163 (39.1%) TIA, 155 (37.2%) ischemic strokes, and 99 (23.7%) stroke mimics. The most restrictive algorithm, defined as a TIA code in the main position had the lowest sensitivity (36.8%), but highest specificity (92.5%) and PPV (76.0%). The most inclusive algorithm, defined as a TIA code in any position with and without query prefix had the highest sensitivity (63.8%), but lowest specificity (81.5%) and PPV (68.9%). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were overall lower when using the 90-day diagnosis as reference standard. Conclusions Emergency department administrative data reflect diagnosis of suspected TIA with high specificity, but underestimate the burden of disease. Future studies are necessary to understand the reasons for the low to moderate sensitivity. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-017-2612-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Y X Yu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Health Sciences Centre, Office 2935-B, 3300 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Hude Quan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, O'Brien Institute for Public Health, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Heritage Medical Research Building 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Andrew McRae
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Foothills Campus, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Gabrielle O Wagner
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Health Sciences Centre, Office 2935-B, 3300 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Michael D Hill
- Departments of Clinical Neurosciences, Community Health Sciences, Medicine, Radiology, and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Health Sciences Centre, Office 2939, 3300 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Shelagh B Coutts
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Radiology, Community Health Sciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, C1242A, Foothills Medical Centre, 1403 29th St NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 2T9, Canada
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Davey AR, Lasserson DS, Levi CR, Magin PJ. Managing transient ischaemic attacks in Australia: a qualitative study. Fam Pract 2017; 34:606-611. [PMID: 28407069 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmx030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke risk after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) is highest in the first few days. It is greatly reduced by commencing commonly used medications. Current Australian guidelines recommend that all TIAs be managed urgently by secondary-care specialists (mandatory for high-risk TIAs). The majority of TIAs present to general practice which creates a dilemma when specialist care is not readily accessible. There is a lack of evidence relating to the determinants of general practitioners' (GPs) actions in this situation. OBJECTIVE To explore GP management of TIA presentations. METHODS A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews of a maximum variation sample of senior and trainee GPs from New South Wales, Australia. Data collection and thematic analysis were concurrent and iterative, employing constant comparison, co-coding, participant transcript review, reflexivity and continued until thematic saturation was achieved. RESULTS Management of TIA was heterogeneous and depended upon the GP's engagement with the individual case. The level of engagement was predicated on the GP's predisposition toward managing transient neurological presentations generally, the clinical phenotype of the presentation and logistical or health system factors. Management was categorised as triage, guided collaboration, consultative collaboration and independent management. Collaboration with secondary care increased the GP's capability to diagnose and manage future TIAs. CONCLUSION Heterogeneity of TIA management equates with variation from guideline recommendations. However, Australian guidelines may not be practicable due to variability in access to secondary-care specialists. Future models of care should consider systems approaches such as telemedicine to promote collaboration and assist GPs to comply with guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Davey
- Discipline of General Practice, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Daniel S Lasserson
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher R Levi
- Centre for Translational Neuroscience, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.,Department of Neurology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Parker J Magin
- Discipline of General Practice, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.,Centre for Translational Neuroscience, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.,General Practice Training - Valley to Coast, Newcastle, Australia
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Behrouz R. Transient ischemic attack: A diagnosis of convenience. Am J Emerg Med 2017; 35:1979-1981. [PMID: 28673694 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2017.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Réza Behrouz
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, TX, USA.
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42
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Long B, Koyfman A. Vascular Causes of Syncope: An Emergency Medicine Review. J Emerg Med 2017; 53:322-332. [PMID: 28662832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syncope is a common emergency department (ED) complaint, accounting for 2% of visits annually. A wide variety of etiologies can result in syncope, and vascular causes may be deadly. OBJECTIVE This review evaluates vascular causes of syncope and their evaluation and management in the ED. DISCUSSION Syncope is defined by a brief loss of consciousness with loss of postural tone and complete, spontaneous recovery without medical intervention. Causes include cardiac, vasovagal, orthostatic, neurologic, medication-related, and idiopathic, and most cases of syncope will not receive a specific diagnosis pertaining to the cause. Emergency physicians are most concerned with life-threatening causes such as dysrhythmia and obstruction, and electrocardiogram is a primary means of evaluation. However, vascular etiologies can result in patient morbidity and mortality. These conditions include pulmonary embolism, subclavian steal, aortic dissection, cerebrovascular disease, intracerebral hemorrhage, carotid/vertebral dissection, and abdominal aortic aneurysm. A focused history and physical examination can assist emergency physicians in determining the need for further testing and management. CONCLUSIONS Syncope is common and may be the result of a deadly condition. The emergency physician, through history and physical examination, can determine the need for further evaluation and resuscitation of these patients, with consideration of vascular etiologies of syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brit Long
- Department of Emergency Medicine, San Antonio Military Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
| | - Alex Koyfman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Tarnutzer AA, Lee SH, Robinson KA, Wang Z, Edlow JA, Newman-Toker DE. ED misdiagnosis of cerebrovascular events in the era of modern neuroimaging: A meta-analysis. Neurology 2017; 88:1468-1477. [PMID: 28356464 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000003814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE With the emergency department (ED) being a high-risk site for diagnostic errors, we sought to estimate ED diagnostic accuracy for identifying acute cerebrovascular events. METHODS MEDLINE and Embase were searched for studies (1995-2016) reporting ED diagnostic accuracy for ischemic stroke, TIA, or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Two independent reviewers determined inclusion. We identified 1,693 unique citations, examined 214 full articles, and analyzed 23 studies. Studies were rated on risk of bias (QUADAS-2). Diagnostic data were extracted. We prospectively defined clinical presentation subgroups to compare odds of misdiagnosis. RESULTS Included studies reported on 15,721 patients. Studies were at low risk of bias. Overall sensitivity (91.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 90.7-92.0]) and specificity (92.7% [91.7-93.7]) for a cerebrovascular etiology was high, but there was significant variation based on clinical presentation. Misdiagnosis was more frequent among subgroups with milder (SAH with normal vs abnormal mental state; false-negative rate 23.8% vs 4.2%, odds ratio [OR] 7.03 [4.80-10.31]), nonspecific (dizziness vs motor findings; false-negative rate 39.4% vs 4.4%, OR 14.22 [9.76-20.74]), or transient (TIA vs ischemic stroke; false discovery rate 59.7% vs 11.7%, OR 11.21 [6.66-18.89]) symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Roughly 9% of cerebrovascular events are missed at initial ED presentation. Risk of misdiagnosis is much greater when presenting neurologic complaints are mild, nonspecific, or transient (range 24%-60%). This difference suggests that many misdiagnoses relate to symptom-specific factors. Future research should emphasize studying causes and designing error-reduction strategies in symptom-specific subgroups at greatest risk of misdiagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Andrea Tarnutzer
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A.T.), University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurology (S.-H.L.), Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea; Departments of Medicine (K.A.R.), Neurology (D.E.N.-T.), and Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery (D.E.N.-T.), The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Oncology and Department of Biostatistics (Z.W.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; and Department of Emergency Medicine (J.A.E.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Seung-Han Lee
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A.T.), University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurology (S.-H.L.), Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea; Departments of Medicine (K.A.R.), Neurology (D.E.N.-T.), and Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery (D.E.N.-T.), The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Oncology and Department of Biostatistics (Z.W.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; and Department of Emergency Medicine (J.A.E.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Karen A Robinson
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A.T.), University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurology (S.-H.L.), Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea; Departments of Medicine (K.A.R.), Neurology (D.E.N.-T.), and Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery (D.E.N.-T.), The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Oncology and Department of Biostatistics (Z.W.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; and Department of Emergency Medicine (J.A.E.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Zheyu Wang
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A.T.), University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurology (S.-H.L.), Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea; Departments of Medicine (K.A.R.), Neurology (D.E.N.-T.), and Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery (D.E.N.-T.), The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Oncology and Department of Biostatistics (Z.W.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; and Department of Emergency Medicine (J.A.E.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jonathan A Edlow
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A.T.), University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurology (S.-H.L.), Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea; Departments of Medicine (K.A.R.), Neurology (D.E.N.-T.), and Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery (D.E.N.-T.), The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Oncology and Department of Biostatistics (Z.W.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; and Department of Emergency Medicine (J.A.E.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David E Newman-Toker
- From the Department of Neurology (A.A.T.), University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurology (S.-H.L.), Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, South Korea; Departments of Medicine (K.A.R.), Neurology (D.E.N.-T.), and Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery (D.E.N.-T.), The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Department of Oncology and Department of Biostatistics (Z.W.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; and Department of Emergency Medicine (J.A.E.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
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Choi H, Pack A, Elkind MSV, Longstreth WT, Ton TGN, Onchiri F. Predictors of incident epilepsy in older adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study. Neurology 2017; 88:870-877. [PMID: 28130470 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000003662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence, incidence, and predictors of epilepsy among older adults in the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS). METHODS We analyzed data prospectively collected in CHS and merged with data from outpatient Medicare administrative claims. We identified cases with epilepsy using self-report, antiepileptic medication, hospitalization discharge ICD-9 codes, and outpatient Medicare ICD-9 codes. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to identify factors independently associated with incident epilepsy. RESULTS At baseline, 42% of the 5,888 participants were men and 84% were white. At enrollment, 3.7% (215 of 5,888) met the criteria for prevalent epilepsy. During 14 years of follow-up totaling 48,651 person-years, 120 participants met the criteria for incident epilepsy, yielding an incidence rate of 2.47 per 1,000 person-years. The period prevalence of epilepsy by the end of follow-up was 5.7% (335 of 5,888). Epilepsy incidence rates were significantly higher among blacks than nonblacks: 4.44 vs 2.17 per 1,000 person-years (p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, risk of incident epilepsy was significantly higher among blacks compared to nonblacks (hazard ratio [HR] 4.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.99-8.17), those 75 to 79 compared to those 65 to 69 years of age (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.21-3.55), and those with history of stroke (HR 3.49, 95% CI 1.37-8.88). CONCLUSIONS Epilepsy in older adults in the United States was common. Blacks, the very old, and those with history of stroke have a higher risk of incident epilepsy. The association with race remains unexplained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunmi Choi
- From the Department of Neurology (H.C., A.P., M.S.V.E.), Columbia University, New York, NY; Departments of Neurology (W.T.L.) and Epidemiology (W.T.L., F.O.), University of Washington, Seattle; Precision Health Economics (T.G.N.T.), Oakland, CA; and Seattle Children's Research Institute (F.O.), WA.
| | - Alison Pack
- From the Department of Neurology (H.C., A.P., M.S.V.E.), Columbia University, New York, NY; Departments of Neurology (W.T.L.) and Epidemiology (W.T.L., F.O.), University of Washington, Seattle; Precision Health Economics (T.G.N.T.), Oakland, CA; and Seattle Children's Research Institute (F.O.), WA
| | - Mitchell S V Elkind
- From the Department of Neurology (H.C., A.P., M.S.V.E.), Columbia University, New York, NY; Departments of Neurology (W.T.L.) and Epidemiology (W.T.L., F.O.), University of Washington, Seattle; Precision Health Economics (T.G.N.T.), Oakland, CA; and Seattle Children's Research Institute (F.O.), WA
| | - W T Longstreth
- From the Department of Neurology (H.C., A.P., M.S.V.E.), Columbia University, New York, NY; Departments of Neurology (W.T.L.) and Epidemiology (W.T.L., F.O.), University of Washington, Seattle; Precision Health Economics (T.G.N.T.), Oakland, CA; and Seattle Children's Research Institute (F.O.), WA
| | - Thanh G N Ton
- From the Department of Neurology (H.C., A.P., M.S.V.E.), Columbia University, New York, NY; Departments of Neurology (W.T.L.) and Epidemiology (W.T.L., F.O.), University of Washington, Seattle; Precision Health Economics (T.G.N.T.), Oakland, CA; and Seattle Children's Research Institute (F.O.), WA
| | - Frankline Onchiri
- From the Department of Neurology (H.C., A.P., M.S.V.E.), Columbia University, New York, NY; Departments of Neurology (W.T.L.) and Epidemiology (W.T.L., F.O.), University of Washington, Seattle; Precision Health Economics (T.G.N.T.), Oakland, CA; and Seattle Children's Research Institute (F.O.), WA
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Affiliation(s)
- J Dawson
- Acute Stroke Unit, Department of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, Western Infirmary, Dumbarton Road, Glasgow, G11 6NT.
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Attitudes of Canadian and U.S. Neurologists Regarding Carotid Endarterectomy for Asymptomatic Stenosis. Can J Neurol Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1017/s0317167100052203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT:Background:The American Heart Association carotid endarterectomy (CE) guidelines endorse CE for asymptomatic carotid stenosis if the procedure can be performed with low morbidity. However, the Canadian Stroke Consortium has published a consensus against CE for asymptomatic stenosis. The views of practicing neurologists in the two countries on this subject are unclear.Methods:A survey was undertaken of 270 neurologists from either Florida or Indiana and 180 neurologists from either Ontario or Quebec.Results:The survey was returned by 36% of neurologists. Both Florida (65%) and Indiana neurologists (35%) were significantly more likely than Canadian neurologists (11%) to sometimes/often refer patients for surgery(p<0.001). Neurologists from Florida relied more on noninvasive methods of carotid stenosis assessment (36%) than Canadian neurologists (12%, p=0.003), who preferred angiography. Neurologists from Florida more often cited medicolegal concerns as a reason for referring patients for surgery (27%), compared to Canadian neurologists (3%, p=0.0001).Conclusions:Practices pertaining to carotid stenosis evaluation and management differ both regionally and by country. Canadian neurologists refer fewer asymptomatic patients for CE and rely more on angiography as a preoperative diagnostic tool. The potential of medicolegal liability is a greater force in clinical decision-making for certain U.S. neurologists, compared to their Canadian counterparts. These differences may partly explain the variations in CE utilization in the two countries.
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Wilson A, Coleby D, Regen E, Phelps K, Windridge K, Willars J, Robinson T. Service factors causing delay in specialist assessment for TIA and minor stroke: a qualitative study of GP and patient perspectives. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e011654. [PMID: 27188815 PMCID: PMC4874118 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand how service factors contribute to delays to specialist assessment following transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke. DESIGN Qualitative study using semistructured interviews, analysis by constant comparison. SETTING Leicester, UK. PARTICIPANTS Patients diagnosed with TIA or minor stroke, at hospital admission or in a rapid-access TIA clinic (n=42), general practitioners (GPs) of participating patients if they had been involved in the patients' care (n=18). DATA Accounts from patients and GPs of factors contributing to delay following action to seek help from a healthcare professional (HCP). RESULTS The following categories of delay were identified. First, delay in assessment in general practice following contact with the service; this related to availability of same day appointments, and the role of the receptionist in identifying urgent cases. Second, delays in diagnosis by the HCP first consulted, including GPs, optometrists, out-of-hours services, walk-in centres and the emergency department. Third, delays in referral after a suspected diagnosis; these included variable use of the ABCD(2) (Age, Blood pressure, Clinical features, Duration, Diabetes) risk stratification score and referral templates in general practice, and referral back to the patients' GP in cases where he/she was not the first HCP consulted. CONCLUSIONS Primary and emergency care providers need to review how they can best handle patients presenting with symptoms that could be due to stroke or TIA. In general practice, this may include receptionist training and/or triage by a nurse or doctor. Mechanisms need to be established to enable direct referral to the TIA clinic when patients whose symptoms have resolved present to other agencies. Further work is needed to improve diagnostic accuracy by non-specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Wilson
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Dawn Coleby
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Emma Regen
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Kay Phelps
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Kate Windridge
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Janet Willars
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Tom Robinson
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Olsen FJ, Biering-Sørensen T, Krieger DW. An update on insertable cardiac monitors: examining the latest clinical evidence and technology for arrhythmia management. Future Cardiol 2016; 11:333-46. [PMID: 26021639 DOI: 10.2217/fca.15.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring has undergone compelling progress over the past decades. Cardiac monitoring has emerged from 12-lead electrocardiograms being performed at the discretion of the treating physician to in-hospital telemetry, Holter monitoring, prolonged external event monitoring and most recently toward insertable device monitoring for several years. Significant advantages and disadvantages pertaining to these monitoring options will be addressed in this review. Insertable cardiac monitors have several advantages over external monitoring techniques and may signify a clinical turning point in the field of arrhythmia management. However, their role in the detection of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation after cryptogenic strokes has yet to evolve. This will be the main focus of this review. Issues surrounding patient selection, clinical relevance and determination of cost-effectiveness for prolonged cardiac monitoring require further studies. Furthermore, insertable cardiac monitoring has not only the potential to augment diagnostic capabilities but also to improve the management of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flemming J Olsen
- 1Department of Cardiology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tor Biering-Sørensen
- 1Department of Cardiology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Derk W Krieger
- 4Department of Neurology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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49
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Ranta A, Barber PA. Transient ischemic attack service provision. Neurology 2016; 86:947-53. [DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000002339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Schipke JD, Tetzlaff K. Why predominantly neurological decompression sickness in breath-hold divers? J Appl Physiol (1985) 2016; 120:1474-7. [PMID: 26796755 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00840.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J D Schipke
- Research Group Experimental Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf Germany; and
| | - K Tetzlaff
- Sportmedizin Tübingen Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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