Troponin T, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and incidence of stroke: the atherosclerosis risk in communities study

Increased plasma levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide as biomarker for the diagnosis of cardioembolic ischaemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Despite comprehensive study, the aetiology of stroke is not identified in 35% of cases.

AIMS

We conducted a study to assess the diagnostic capacity of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the identification of ischaemic stroke of cardioembolic origin. The secondary purpose of the study was to evaluate the prognostic value of NT-proBNP for predicting 90-day all-cause mortality.

METHODS

We designed a prospective observational study including patients hospitalised due to stroke between March 2019 and March 2020. Blood samples were collected on admission to the emergency department and serum NT-proBNP levels were determined. Statistical analysis was performed using a bivariate logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and Kaplan-Meier curves. Statistical significance was established at p<.05.

RESULTS

The study included 207 patients with first ischaemic stroke. Plasma NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher (p<.001) in the cardioembolic stroke group (2069pg/mL±488.5). ROC curves showed that NT-proBNP>499pg/mL was the optimum value for diagnosing cardioembolic ischaemic stroke (sensitivity, 82%; specificity, 80%). Moreover, plasma NT-proBNP levels>499pg/mL were independently associated with cardioembolic stroke (OR: 9.881; p=.001). Finally, NT-proBNP>1500pg/mL was useful for predicting 90-day mortality (sensitivity, 70%; specificity, 93%).

CONCLUSIONS

NT-proBNP was independently associated with cardioembolic stroke and should be quantified in blood tests within 24h of stroke onset. High plasma levels (>499pg/mL) may indicate an underlying cardioembolic cause, which should be further studied, while NT-proBNP >1500pg/mL was associated with increased 90-day mortality.

TROPONIN LEVELS IN TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK AND ISCHEMIC STROKE: DOES "TRANSIENT" IN YOUR BRAIN MEAN "BETTER" FOR YOUR HEART?

PURPOSE

transient ischemic attack (TIA) is defined as a transient episode of neurological dysfunction caused by focal brain, spinal cord, or retinal ischemia, with clinical symptoms typically lasting less than one hour, and without evidence of acute infarction. In this type of ischemic event, there are no data about a possible cardiac injury tested with troponin. After a stroke, it is well established the cardiac involvement due to a neuro-inflammatory response (recently defined as Stroke Heart Syndrome). The aim of this study is to compare the troponin elevation after a stroke with TIA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

this is a retrospective, single center study on 565 patients (73 TIAs, 492 stroke). We collected demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, cardiac data such as troponin, NT-proBNP, left atrial dilatation, etiology of the ischemic event (TOAST classification).

RESULTS

we compare IS and TIA for each TOAST subtype. In all groups no substantial differences were found in demographic and past medical history (p>0.05). However, the maximum troponin level reached were significantly lower in TIAs than IS (p<0.05), except in lacunar etiology were troponin elevation was low also in IS group. We found a trend in favor to IS in the rise and fall troponin elevation over 30% in all the TOAST subgroups, but only in the cryptogenic etiology the difference was significant. About the others cardiac markers of injury, a significant higher rate of elevated NT-proBNP was found in the IS cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

troponin level after TIAs is significantly lower than after IS. Troponin elevation after an ischemic event may be more relevant in patients with higher NT-proBNP levels and older age. More studies are needed to better understand the patho-physiology of this phenomenon after an ischemic event.

Thrombectomy in young adults with embolic stroke of undetermined source: Analysis of the Young ESUS study

OBJECTIVES

Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS) is a distinct stroke entity that disproportionately affects young adults. We sought to describe characteristics, workup and outcomes of young adult ESUS patients who underwent thrombectomy, and compare outcomes to those reported in different age groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Young-ESUS is a multicenter longitudinal cohort study that enrolled consecutive patients aged 21-50 years at 41 stroke centers in 13 countries between 2017- 2019. Between-group comparisons were performed using Wilcoxon rank sum test for continuous variables or Fisher's exact test for binary variables. Distribution of functional outcomes after thrombectomy for our young adult cohort versus pediatric and older adult cohorts reported in the literature were described using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

Of 535 patients enrolled in Young-ESUS, 65 (12.1%) were treated with endovascular thrombectomy. Patients who underwent thrombectomy were more likely to undergo in-depth cardiac testing than those who did not, but cardiac abnormalities were not detected more often in this group. Among thrombectomy patients, 35/63 (55.6%) had minimal to no functional disability at follow up. When adjusted for age, stroke severity and IV alteplase, the odds of achieving favorable outcome did not differ between treated versus untreated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Thrombectomy is not rare in young adults with ESUS. Despite extensive workup, cardiac abnormalities were not more prevalent in the thrombectomy group. More research to determine optimal workup, etiologic factors and favorable outcome of stroke across the lifespan is needed.

Distribution of atrial cardiomyopathy markers and association with atrial fibrillation detected after ischaemic stroke in the SAFAS study

BACKGROUND

Atrial cardiomyopathy (AC) is an emerging concept explaining the pathophysiology of cardioembolic strokes in absence of atrial fibrillation (AF). A definition based on the presence of electrical abnormality (P-wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1) >5000 µV×ms), N-Terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro BNP) >250 pg/mL and/or indexed left atrial diameter (LADI) >3 cm/m² is currently tested in the ARCADIA (AtRial Cardiopathy and Antithrombotic Drugs In prevention After cryptogenic stroke) trial. We set out to estimate the prevalence of AC as defined in the ARCADIA trial, its determinants and its association with AF detected after stroke (AFDAS).

METHODS

Stepwise screening for silent Atrial Fibrillation After Stroke (SAFAS) study prospectively included 240 ischaemic stroke patients. AC markers were complete for 192 of them and 9 were not included in this analysis because AF had been diagnosed on admission.

RESULTS

A total of 183 patients were analysed, of whom 57% (104 patients) met the AC criteria (79 NT-proBNP, 47 PTFV1, 4 LADI). In the multivariate logistic regression, C reactive protein >3 mg/L (OR (95% CI) 2.60 (1.30 to 5.21), p=0.007) and age (OR (95% CI) 1.07 (1.04 to 1.10), p<0.001) were found to be independently associated with AC. After 6 months of follow-up, AFDAS was detected in 33% of AC patients and in 14% of the remaining ones (p=0.003). However, AC was not independently associated with AFDAS, contrary to left atrial volume index (>34 mL/m2, OR 2.35 (CI 1.09 to 5.06) p=0029).

CONCLUSION

AC as defined in ARCADIA is mostly based on NT pro BNP elevation (76% of patients) and is associated with age and inflammation. Moreover, AC was not independently associated with AFDAS at follow-up. The ARCADIA trial, which compares aspirin to apixaban in patients with embolic strokes of undetermined source with AC markers and must, therefore be analysed in the light of these limitations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03570060.

The relationship between atrial cardiopathy biomarkers and prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke after endovascular treatment

Thromboembolism is a possible consequence of underlying atrial cardiopathy, which can occur even before the onset of atrial fibrillation. Our objective was to examine the association between biomarkers of atrial cardiopathy and outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) following endovascular treatment (EVT). We conducted a retrospective study that collected data from patients with AIS who underwent EVT and compared the outcomes between those with and without atrial cardiopathy. Neurological function was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), with an mRS score >2 indicating poor function at day 90. Additionally, we evaluated secondary consequences, including symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), early neurological deterioration (END), and malignant cerebral edema (MCE). Our study included 87 patients (77.6 ​% male; mean age 60.93 ​± ​12.47 years). Among these patients, 29 (33.3 ​%) had atrial cardiopathy, while the remaining 58 (66.7 ​%) did not. In the atrial cardiopathy group, 12 patients (41.4 ​%) had poor functional outcomes (mRS>2), compared to 19 (32.8 ​%) in the non-atrial cardiopathy group. We observed sICH in 22 (25.3 ​%) patients, END in 14 (16.1 ​%) patients, MCE in 11 (12.6 ​%) patients, and two (2.3 ​%) patients who died in the hospital. We found that patients with PTFV1>5000 ​μV/ms (OR: 8.39, 95 ​% CI: 1.43-105.95, P ​= ​0.02) and NT-proBNP>250 ​pg/mL (OR: 5.09, 95 ​% CI: 1.20-27.63, P ​= ​0.03) had significantly higher risk of END. After adjusting for covariates in the Firth logistic regression, we further found that atrial cardiopathy was significantly associated with END, as revealed by both univariate (OR: 6.31, 95 ​% CI: 1.42-59.87, P ​= ​0.01) and multivariable firth regression models (Modle 1, OR: 7.10, 95 ​% CI: 1.57-67.38, P ​< ​0.01; Modle 2, OR: 7.82, 95 ​% CI: 1.69, 76.36, P ​< ​0.01; Modle 3, OR: 8.59, 95 ​% CI: 1.72-91.70, P ​< ​0.01). Moreover, we observed that atrial cardiopathy was associated with an increased risk of END in AIS patients with large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) receiving EVT. Therefore, clinicians should consider atrial cardiopathy as a possible underlying cause of AIS in their patients. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the relationship between atrial cardiopathy and AIS's occurrence, progression, and prognosis.

The ABC-Stroke Risk Score and Effects of Atrial Fibrillation Screening on Stroke Prevention: Results From the Randomized LOOP Study

BACKGROUND

The ABC-stroke score is a risk scheme for prediction of stroke or systemic embolism (SE) in atrial fibrillation (AF). This study sought to examine whether the score could be useful in predicting stroke in AF-naïve individuals and risk stratifying for AF screening.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The LOOP (Atrial Fibrillation Detected by Continuous ECG Monitoring Using Implantable Loop Recorder to Prevent Stroke in High-Risk Individuals) study randomized 6004 AF-naïve individuals aged 70 to 90 years with stroke risk factors to either screening with an implantable loop recorder and anticoagulation upon detection of new-onset AF episodes ≥6 minutes, or usual care. A total of 5781 participants had available ABC-stroke score at baseline and were included in this secondary analysis: 4170 (72.1%) with an estimated stroke/SE risk ≤1%/year versus 1611 (27.9%) with an estimated stroke/SE risk >1%/year. Having an annual ABC-stroke risk >1% was associated with stroke/SE, stroke/SE/cardiovascular death, and all-cause death (hazard ratio, 1.82 [95% CI, 1.44-2.21], 2.17 [95% CI, 1.80-2.62], and 2.19 [95% CI, 1.87-2.56], respectively). For screening with implantable loop recorder versus usual care, no significant reduction in these study outcomes was obtained in any ABC-stroke risk groups (P>0.0500 for all), with no signal toward interaction (Pinteraction>0.2500 for all). Similar findings were yielded when assessing the ABC-stroke score as a continuous variable.

CONCLUSIONS

In an elderly, AF-naïve population with additional stroke risk factors, a higher ABC-stroke score could identify individuals with increased stroke risk. However, this risk score may not be useful in pinpointing those more likely to benefit from AF screening and subsequent preventive treatment. These findings should be considered as hypothesis generating and warrant further study.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; unique identifier: NCT02036450.

Apixaban to Prevent Recurrence After Cryptogenic Stroke in Patients With Atrial Cardiopathy: The ARCADIA Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Atrial cardiopathy is associated with stroke in the absence of clinically apparent atrial fibrillation. It is unknown whether anticoagulation, which has proven benefit in atrial fibrillation, prevents stroke in patients with atrial cardiopathy and no atrial fibrillation.

Objective

To compare anticoagulation vs antiplatelet therapy for secondary stroke prevention in patients with cryptogenic stroke and evidence of atrial cardiopathy.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Multicenter, double-blind, phase 3 randomized clinical trial of 1015 participants with cryptogenic stroke and evidence of atrial cardiopathy, defined as P-wave terminal force greater than 5000 μV × ms in electrocardiogram lead V1, serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level greater than 250 pg/mL, or left atrial diameter index of 3 cm/m2 or greater on echocardiogram. Participants had no evidence of atrial fibrillation at the time of randomization. Enrollment and follow-up occurred from February 1, 2018, through February 28, 2023, at 185 sites in the National Institutes of Health StrokeNet and the Canadian Stroke Consortium.

Interventions

Apixaban, 5 mg or 2.5 mg, twice daily (n = 507) vs aspirin, 81 mg, once daily (n = 508).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary efficacy outcome in a time-to-event analysis was recurrent stroke. All participants, including those diagnosed with atrial fibrillation after randomization, were analyzed according to the groups to which they were randomized. The primary safety outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and other major hemorrhage.

Results

With 1015 of the target 1100 participants enrolled and mean follow-up of 1.8 years, the trial was stopped for futility after a planned interim analysis. The mean (SD) age of participants was 68.0 (11.0) years, 54.3% were female, and 87.5% completed the full duration of follow-up. Recurrent stroke occurred in 40 patients in the apixaban group (annualized rate, 4.4%) and 40 patients in the aspirin group (annualized rate, 4.4%) (hazard ratio, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.64-1.55]). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 0 patients taking apixaban and 7 patients taking aspirin (annualized rate, 1.1%). Other major hemorrhages occurred in 5 patients taking apixaban (annualized rate, 0.7%) and 5 patients taking aspirin (annualized rate, 0.8%) (hazard ratio, 1.02 [95% CI, 0.29-3.52]).

Conclusions and Relevance

In patients with cryptogenic stroke and evidence of atrial cardiopathy without atrial fibrillation, apixaban did not significantly reduce recurrent stroke risk compared with aspirin.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03192215.

Association Between Onset of Type 2 Diabetes and Risk of Atrial Fibrillation in New Zealanders With Impaired Glucose Tolerance Over 25 Years

Background The association between the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and atrial fibrillation (AF) risk in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the incident onset of T2D and 5- and 10-year (after the landmark period) risks of AF in people with IGT identified in South and West Auckland primary care settings between 1994 and 2019. Methods and Results We compared AF risk in patients with IGT with and without newly diagnosed T2D within a 1- to 5-year exposure window. Tapered matching and landmark analysis (to address immortal bias) were used to control for confounding variables. The cohorts incorporated 785 patients who had T2D newly diagnosed within 5 years from enrollment (landmark date) and 15 079 patients without a T2D diagnosis. Patients progressing to T2D exhibited significantly higher 5-year (after the landmark period) AF risk (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34 [95% CI, 1.10-1.63]) and 10-year (after the landmark period) AF risk (HR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.02-1.62]) compared with those without incident T2D. The association was more pronounced among men, older patients, socioeconomically deprived individuals, current smokers, those with higher metabolic measures, and lower renal function. New Zealand European ethnicity was associated with a lower 5- and 10-year risk of AF. Conclusions This study found a mediating effect of T2D on the risk of AF in a population with IGT in New Zealand. The development of risk scores and future replication studies can help identify and guide management of individuals with IGT at the highest risk of AF following incident T2D.

Atrial Myopathy and Ischemic Stroke in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Recent studies suggested an association between atrial myopathy and stroke independent of atrial fibrillation (AF). We examined the hypothesis that atrial myopathy may be associated with ischemic stroke in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This is an exploratory, post hoc analysis of the Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist (TOPCAT) trial. Patients with sinus rhythm documented at baseline electrocardiogram and without known AF were included in this analysis. Atrial myopathy was defined by echocardiographic evidence of left atrial (LA) enlargement (LA diameter >46 mm or LA volume index >36 ml/m2) or elevated natriuretic peptides (brain natriuretic peptide >100 pg/ml or N-terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide >400 pg/ml). We used Cox regression to investigate the effect of atrial myopathy on incident ischemic stroke over the study period. In 3,445 patients in the TOPCAT trial, 2,225 (mean age 67.5 ± 4.9 years; female 54.8%) had normal sinus rhythm at baseline and no history of AF. Atrial myopathy was present in 756 patients (34.0%). During a median follow-up of 2 years, 56 patients (2.5%) developed ischemic stroke, including 25 with atrial myopathy. Atrial myopathy was associated with increased risk of stroke (hazard ratio = 1.74, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 2.98, p = 0.04) in multivariate analysis. Diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio = 2.02, 95% confidence interval 1.19 to 3.43 p = 0.01) was the only other independent predictor of stroke. In patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, atrial myopathy increases the risk of ischemic stroke, in the absence of AF. Further investigations are needed to better characterize this association and implement stroke prevention strategies.

Associations of Cardiac Biomarkers With Peripheral Artery Disease and Peripheral Neuropathy in US Adults Without Prevalent Cardiovascular Disease

BACKGROUND

NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-troponin T), and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-troponin I) are increasingly being recommended for risk stratification for a variety of cardiovascular outcomes. The aims of our study were to establish the prevalence and associations of elevated NT-proBNP, hs-troponin T, and hs-troponin I with lower extremity disease, including peripheral artery disease (PAD) and peripheral neuropathy (PN), in the US general adult population without known cardiovascular disease. We also assessed whether the combination of PAD or PN and elevated cardiac biomarkers was associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the associations of NT-proBNP, hs-troponin T, and hs-troponin I with PAD (based on ankle-brachial index <0.90) and PN (diagnosed by monofilament testing) in adult participants aged ≥40 years of age without prevalent cardiovascular disease in NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) 1999 to 2004. We calculated the prevalence of elevated cardiac biomarkers among adults with PAD and PN and used multivariable logistic regression to assess the associations of each cardiac biomarker, modeled using clinical cut points, with PAD and PN separately. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to assess the adjusted associations of cross categories of clinical categories of each cardiac biomarker and PAD or PN with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

In US adults aged ≥40 years, the prevalence (±SE) of PAD was 4.1±0.2% and the prevalence of PN was 12.0±0.5%. The prevalence of elevated NT-proBNP (≥125 ng/L), hs-troponin T (≥6 ng/L), and hs-troponin I (≥6 ng/L for men and ≥4 ng/L for women) was 54.0±3.4%, 73.9±3.5%, and 32.3±3.7%, respectively, among adults with PAD and 32.9±1.9%, 72.8±2.0%, and 22.7±1.9%, respectively, among adults with PN. There was a strong, graded association of higher clinical categories of NT-proBNP with PAD after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. Clinical categories of elevated hs-troponin T and hs-troponin I were strongly associated with PN in adjusted models. After a maximum follow-up of 21 years, elevated NT-proBNP, hs-troponin T, and hs-troponin I were each associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, with higher risks of death observed among adults with elevated cardiac biomarkers plus PAD or PN compared with elevated biomarkers alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study establishes a high burden of subclinical cardiovascular disease defined by cardiac biomarkers in people with PAD or PN. Cardiac biomarkers provided prognostic information for mortality within and across PAD and PN status, supporting the use of these biomarkers for risk stratification among adults without prevalent cardiovascular disease.

Atrial cardiomyopathy and incident ischemic stroke risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Growing evidence suggests that atrial cardiomyopathy may play an essential role in thrombosis and ischemic stroke. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantify the values of cardiomyopathy markers for predicting ischemic stroke risk.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for longitudinal cohort studies evaluating the association between cardiomyopathy markers and incident ischemic stroke risk.

RESULTS

We included 25 cohort studies examining electrocardiographic, structural, functional, and serum biomarkers of atrial cardiomyopathy involving 262,504 individuals. P-terminal force in the precordial lead V1 (PTFV1) was found to be an independent predictor of ischemic stroke as both a categorical variable (HR 1.29, CI 1.06-1.57) and a continuous variable (HR 1.14, CI 1.00-1.30). Increased maximum P-wave area (HR 1.14, CI 1.06-1.21) and mean P-wave area (HR 1.12, CI 1.04-1.21) were also associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Left atrial (LA) diameter was independently associated with ischemic stroke as both a categorical variable (HR 1.39, CI 1.06-1.82) and a continuous variable (HR 1.20, CI 1.06-1.35). LA reservoir strain independently predicted the risk of incident ischemic stroke (HR 0.88, CI 0.84-0.93). N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was also associated with incident ischemic stroke risk, both as a categorical variable (HR 2.37, CI 1.61-3.50) and continuous variable (HR 1.42, CI 1.19-1.70).

CONCLUSION

Atrial cardiomyopathy markers, including electrocardiographic markers, serum markers, LA structural and functional markers, can be used to stratify the risk of incident ischemic stroke.

Current perspectives on the clinical management of cryptogenic stroke

INTRODUCTION

Cryptogenic stroke is a heterogeneous entity defined as an ischemic stroke for which no probable cause is identified despite thorough diagnostic evaluation. Since about a quarter of all ischemic strokes are classified as cryptogenic, it is a commonly encountered problem for providers as secondary stroke prevention is guided by stroke etiology.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors provide an overview of stroke subtype classification schemes and diagnostic evaluation in cryptogenic stroke. They then detail putative cryptogenic stroke mechanisms, their therapeutic implications, and ongoing research. This review synthesizes the available evidence on PubMed up to December 2022.

EXPERT OPINION

Cryptogenic stroke is an evolving concept that changes with ongoing research. Investigations are focused on improving our diagnostic capabilities and solidifying useful constructs within cryptogenic stroke that could become therapeutically targetable subgroups within an otherwise nonspecific entity. Advances in technology may help move specific proposed cryptogenic stroke mechanisms from undetermined to known source of ischemic stroke.

Early atrial remodeling predicts the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with metabolic syndrome: a retrospective cohort study

Background

This study aims to assess the prevalence of atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) in patients with new-onset metabolic syndrome (MetS) and investigate whether ACM could be a predictor of hospital admission for cardiovascular (CV) events.

Methods

Patients with MetS who were free of clinically proven atrial fibrillation and other CV diseases (CVDs) at baseline were included in the present study. The prevalence of ACM was compared between MetS patients with and without left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The time to first hospital admission for a CV event between subgroups was assessed using the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

A total of 15,528 MetS patients were included in the final analysis. Overall, LVH patients accounted for 25.6% of all newly diagnosed MetS patients. ACM occurred in 52.9% of the cohort and involved 74.8% of LVH patients. Interestingly, a significant percentage of ACM patients (45.4%) experienced MetS without LVH. After 33.2 ± 20.6 months of follow-up, 7,468 (48.1%) patients had a history of readmission due to CV events. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that ACM was associated with an increased risk of admission for CVDs in the MetS patients with LVH [hazard ratio (HR), 1.29; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.142-1.458; P < 0.001]. Likewise, ACM was found to be independently associated with hospital readmission due to CVD-related events in MetS patients without LVH (HR, 1.175; 95% CI, 1.105-1.250; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

ACM is a marker of early myocardial remodeling and predicts hospitalization for CV events in patients with MetS.

Stroke risk in older British men: Comparing performance of stroke-specific and composite-CVD risk prediction tools

Stroke risk is currently estimated as part of the composite risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated if composite-CVD risk prediction tools QRISK3 and Pooled Cohort Equations-PCE, derived from middle-aged adults, are as good as stroke-specific Framingham Stroke Risk Profile-FSRP and QStroke for capturing the true risk of stroke in older adults. External validation for 10y stroke outcomes was performed in men (60-79y) of the British Regional Heart Study. Discrimination and calibration were assessed in separate validation samples (FSRP n = 3762, QStroke n = 3376, QRISK3 n = 2669 and PCE n = 3047) with/without adjustment for competing risks. Sensitivity/specificity were examined using observed and clinically recommended thresholds. Performance of FSRP, QStroke and QRISK3 was further compared head-to-head in 2441 men free of a range of CVD, including across age-groups. Observed 10y risk (/1000PY) ranged from 6.8 (hard strokes) to 11 (strokes/transient ischemic attacks). All tools discriminated weakly, C-indices 0.63-0.66. FSRP and QStroke overestimated risk at higher predicted probabilities. QRISK3 and PCE showed reasonable calibration overall with minor mis-estimations across the risk range. Performance worsened on adjusting for competing non-stroke deaths. However, in men without CVD, QRISK3 displayed relatively better calibration for stroke events, even after adjustment for competing deaths, including in oldest men. All tools displayed similar sensitivity (63-73 %) and specificity (52-54 %) using observed risks as cut-offs. When QRISK3 and PCE were evaluated using thresholds for CVD prevention, sensitivity for stroke events was 99 %, with false positive rate 97 % suggesting existing intervention thresholds may need to be re-examined to reflect age-related stroke burden.

Association between high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T levels and incident stroke in the elderly Japanese population: Results from the Tohoku Medical Megabank Community-based Cohort Study

Elevated levels of circulating high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) are associated with cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to examine whether hs-cTnT levels are associated with incident stroke in the elderly population. The Iwate Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization pooled participant data for a community-based cohort study (n = 15,063, 69.6 ± 3.4 years), with a mean follow-up period of 5.23 years for all-cause death and incident stroke. The follow-up revealed 316 incident strokes, including atherothrombotic (n = 98), cardioembolic (n = 54), lacunar (n = 63), hemorrhagic (n = 101), and 178 all-cause deaths. Participants were classified into quartiles according to hs-cTnT levels (Q1 ≦ 4 ng/L, Q2: 5-6 ng/L, Q3: 7-9 ng/L, and Q4 > 9 ng/L). After adjusting for sex, age, smoking, drinking, systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, hemoglobin A1c, and lipid profile, a Cox proportional hazard model showed that higher hs-cTnT levels were associated with ischemic stroke (Q1 vs. Q4, hazard ratio [HR] = 2.24, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.12-4.51, p = 0.023). The incident of total stroke was not associated with hs-cTnT levels (Q1 vs. Q4, HR 1.39, 95 % CI = 0.89-1.74, p = 0.145). Numerical differences were highest regarding incident lacunar stroke subtypes; however, this association was not statistically significant. Higher hs-cTnT concentrations were associated with ischemic stroke in the elderly Japanese population.

Usefulness of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide for Predicting the Risk of Stroke in Patients With Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Background B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a well-known biomarker for prognosis in heart failure with patients with preserved ejection fraction. However, the clinical predictive ability of BNP for the risk of stroke in HFpEF is not clear. Methods and Results A total of 799 patients with HFpEF from the TOPCAT (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure With an Aldosterone Antagonist) trial were included. Association of baseline BNP with risk of stroke was assessed using the Cox proportional hazard model. The discriminatory ability of BNP was expressed using the C index. The improvement in 5-year stroke prediction was assessed by C statistic, categorical net reclassification improvement index, and relative integrated discrimination improvement. A total of 34 (4.3%) patients among the 799 patients with HFpEF experienced stroke events over a median of 2.85 years of follow-up. The stroke group showed a higher BNP level than the nonstroke group (375 pg/mL versus 241 pg/mL, respectively; P=0.006). Higher BNP levels were associated with increased risk of stroke after multivariable adjustment (hazard ratio, 3.29 [95% CI, 1.51-7.16]) and had a moderate performance for stroke prediction (C index, 0.67). Adding BNP to CHADS₂/CHA₂DS₂-VASc/R₂CHADS₂ scores improved their predictive value for stroke (CHADS₂: C index, 0.67; BNP+CHADS₂: C index, 0.77; net reclassification improvement, 40.9%; integrated discrimination improvement, 3.0%; CHA₂DS₂-VASc: C index, 0.64; BNP+CHA₂DS₂-VASc: C index, 0.74; net reclassification improvement, 41.4%; integrated discrimination improvement, 2.2%; R₂CHADS₂: C index, 0.70; BNP+R₂CHADS₂: C index, 0.78; net reclassification improvement, 40.9%; integrated discrimination improvement, 3.2%). Conclusions BNP is associated with an increased risk of stroke in patients with HFpEF and may be a valuable biomarker for stroke prediction in HFpEF.

Embolic stroke of undetermined source: beyond atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION

Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) accounts for 25% of all cerebral infarcts; only 30% are associated with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Various biochemical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic findings may suggest left atrial damage and increased risk of embolism in the absence of clinically documented AF or atrial flutter. In this review, we analyse the available evidence on atrial cardiopathy or atrial disease, its involvement in ESUS, and its identification through electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and serum markers and its possible therapeutic implications.

DEVELOPMENT

A systematic search was conducted on MEDLINE (PubMed) using the following MeSH terms: MeSH [ESUS]+[atrial cardiopathy]+[atrial fibrillation]+[interatrial block]+[treatment]. We selected what we considered to be the most useful original prospective or retrospective studies and systematic reviews. We then read the full texts of the articles and checked the references cited in each article. We analyse epidemiological and demographic variables of patients with ESUS, as well as recent evidence related to presentation and prognosis and factors associated with recurrence and mortality. We review the contribution of atrial cardiopathy diagnosis prior to the detection of AF and the clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic variables and the biochemical markers associated with its development and its potential contribution to cerebral embolism.

CONCLUSIONS

The systematic search of biochemical and electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic alterations can be useful to identify ESUS patients at higher risk of recurrence.

Embolic stroke of undetermined source: Beyond atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION

Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) accounts for 25% of all cerebral infarcts; only 30% are associated with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Various biochemical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic findings may suggest left atrial damage and increased risk of embolism in the absence of clinically documented AF or atrial flutter. In this review, we analyse the available evidence on atrial cardiopathy or atrial disease, its involvement in ESUS, and its identification through electrocardiographic, echocardiographic, and serum markers and its possible therapeutic implications.

DEVELOPMENT

A systematic search was conducted on MEDLINE (PubMed) using the following MeSH terms: MeSH [ESUS]+[atrial cardiopathy]+[atrial fibrillation]+[interatrial block]+[treatment]. We selected what we considered to be the most useful original prospective or retrospective studies and systematic reviews. We then read the full texts of the articles and checked the references cited in each article. We analyse epidemiological and demographic variables of patients with ESUS, as well as recent evidence related to presentation and prognosis and factors associated with recurrence and mortality. We review the contribution of atrial cardiopathy diagnosis prior to the detection of AF and the clinical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic variables and the biochemical markers associated with its development and its potential contribution to cerebral embolism.

CONCLUSIONS

The systematic search of biochemical and electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic alterations can be useful to identify ESUS patients at higher risk of recurrence.

Cardiovascular Biomarkers: Lessons of the Past and Prospects for the Future

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major healthcare burden on the population worldwide. Early detection of this disease is important in prevention and treatment to minimise morbidity and mortality. Biomarkers are a critical tool to either diagnose, screen, or provide prognostic information for pathological conditions. This review discusses the historical cardiac biomarkers used to detect these conditions, discussing their application and their limitations. Identification of new biomarkers have since replaced these and are now in use in routine clinical practice, but still do not detect all disease. Future cardiac biomarkers are showing promise in early studies, but further studies are required to show their value in improving detection of CVD above the current biomarkers. Additionally, the analytical platforms that would allow them to be adopted in healthcare are yet to be established. There is also the need to identify whether these biomarkers can be used for diagnostic, prognostic, or screening purposes, which will impact their implementation in routine clinical practice.

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

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

Atrial Cardiopathy and Cryptogenic Stroke

Recent advances in pathophysiology suggest that a pathological atrial substrate can cause embolic stroke even in patients without atrial fibrillation (AF). This pathological condition is called “atrial cardiopathy”, which indicates atrial structural and functional disorders that can precede AF. The objective of this narrative review was to provide a current overview of atrial cardiopathy and cryptogenic stroke. We searched the PubMed database and summarized the recent findings of the identified studies, including the pathogenesis of atrial cardiopathy, biomarkers of atrial cardiopathy, relationship between atrial cardiopathy and cryptogenic stroke, and therapeutic interventions for atrial cardiopathy. Abnormal atrial substrate (atrial cardiopathy) that leads to AF can result in embolic stroke before developing AF, and may explain the source of cryptogenic stroke in some patients. Although there are several potential biomarkers indicative of atrial cardiopathy, P-wave terminal force in lead V1 (>5,000 μV^* ms), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (>250 pg/ml), and left atrial enlargement are currently promising biomarkers for the diagnosis of atrial cardiopathy. Because the optimal combination and thresholds of biomarkers for diagnosing atrial cardiopathy remain uncertain, atrial cardiopathy represents a spectrum disorder. The concept of atrial cardiopathy appears to be most valuable as a starting point for therapeutic intervention to prevent stroke. Validation of the diagnosis of atrial cardiopathy and whether it can be used as a new therapeutic target for direct oral anticoagulants are currently being covered in the ARCADIA trial.

The Relationship Between Atrial Cardiopathy Biomarkers and Prognosis of Patients With Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source

Objective

To compare the proportion of atrial cardiopathy in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) and other non-cardiac strokes, and to evaluate the prognostic value of atrial cardiopathy biomarkers in patients with ESUS.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled patients with ischemic stroke from January 2018 to April 2020 in a single stroke center, and compared the proportion of atrial cardiopathy in (1) ESUS group, (2) large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) group, and (3) small-vessel occlusion (SVO) group. Then, it compared the baseline characteristics between ESUS patients with atrial cardiopathy and cardioembolism (CE) group. In addition, the relationship was compared between the biomarkers of atrial cardiopathy and prognosis in patients with ESUS.

Results

In total, 316 patients with ischemic stroke were included that included 105 (33.23%) ESUS, 84 (26.58%) LAA, 73 (23.10%) SVO, and 54 (17.09%) CE. Among these patients, patients with ESUS were younger, and had lower triglyceride, lower low-density lipoprotein than non-ESUS group. The proportion of atrial cardiopathy in ESUS group was higher than LAA group or SVO group (42.86 vs. 17.86 vs. 8.22%, p < 0.001). Compared with non-atrial cardiopathy group, patients with atrial cardiopathy were older, had lower EF value, larger left ventricular diameter, and longer PR interval. Among 105 patients with ESUS, 11 (10.78%) cases died, 32 (31.37%) cases had poor functional outcome (mRS >2). In the multivariable model, the risk factor associated with the death risk of patients with ESUS was N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) >250 pg/ml [p = 0.025, hazard ratio (HR) = 4.626, 95% CI: 1.212–17.652] after a 1-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Atrial cardiopathy is more common in patients with ESUS, and the characteristics of ESUS patients with atrial cardiopathy are similar to those in patients with CE. NT-proBNP >250 pg/ml is related to the risk of death in patients with ESUS.

GDF-15, hs-TnT and NT proBNP for Predicting Risk of Venous Thromboembolism in Ambulatory Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15), high-sensitivity cardiac Troponin T (hs-TnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are associated with increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in non-cancer patients. However, the performance of these biomarkers in cancer patients is unknown. Our objective was to assess performance of these biomarkers in predicting VTE in cancer patients at intermediate to high risk for VTE (Khorana Score≥2). We used 1-month plasma samples from AVERT trial patients to determine if GDF-15, NT-proBNP and hs-TnT levels are associated with VTE incidence between one- and 7-months from the start of chemotherapy. The minimal Euclidean distance of the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve was used to derive optimal cut-offs for GDF-15 and NT-proBNP given there was no evidence of a commonly used cut-off. Logistic and Fine and Gray competing risk regression analysis were used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and subdistribution hazard ratios (SHR), respectively, while adjusting for age, sex, anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy. We tested in two groups: all patients (n=476, Model 1) and all patients with non-primary brain cancers (n=454, Model 2). In Model 1 and 2, GDF-15 ≥2290.9pg/mL had adjusted ORs for VTE of 1.65 (95%CI: 0.89-3.08), and 2.28 (95%CI: 1.28-4.09), respectively. hs-TnT ≥14.0pg/mL was associated with higher odds of VTE in Model 1 and 2 [adjusted ORs: 2.26 (95%CI: 1.40-3.65), 2.03 (95%CI: 1.07-3.84), respectively]. For NT-proBNP, levels ≥183.5pg/mL was not associated with VTE. Similar results were observed in the Fine and Gray analysis. Our results indicate that increased GDF-15 and hs-TnT levels predicted increased VTE risk.

Associations of High-Sensitivity Troponin and Natriuretic Peptide Levels With Serious Adverse Events in SPRINT

Background

Assessing the risk of serious adverse events (SAEs) during hypertension treatment is important for understanding the benefit‐harm trade‐offs of lower blood pressure goals. It is unknown whether high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) provide information about SAEs.

Methods and Results

In SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), hs‐cTnT and NT‐proBNP were measured at baseline in 8828 (94.3%) and 8836 (94.4%) participants, respectively. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate hs‐cTnT and NT‐proBNP associations with a composite of SPRINT’s SAEs of interest: hypotension, syncope, bradycardia, acute kidney injury, electrolyte abnormalities, and injurious falls. Elevations in hs‐cTnT and NT‐proBNP were associated with increased composite SAE risk (hazard ratio [HR] per 2‐fold higher hs‐cTnT: 1.15; 95% CI, 1.06‒1.25; HR per 2‐fold higher NT‐proBNP: 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05‒1.14). Compared with both hs‐cTnT and NT‐proBNP in the lower tertiles, both biomarkers in the highest tertile was associated with increased composite SAE risk (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.32‒1.84). Composite SAE risk was higher in the intensive‐treatment group than in the standard‐treatment group for participants with both biomarkers in the lower tertiles, but similar between treatment groups for participants with both biomarkers in the highest tertile (P for interaction=0.008).

Conclusions

Elevations in hs‐cTnT and NT‐proBNP individually and in combination are associated with higher composite SAE risk in SPRINT. The differential impact of blood pressure treatment on SAE risk across combined biomarker categories may have implications for identifying individuals with more favorable benefit‐harm profiles for intensive blood pressure lowering.

Atrial Fibrosis, Ischaemic Stroke and Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrosis is an important component of the arrhythmic substrate in AF. Evidence suggests that atrial fibrosis also plays a role in increasing the risk of stroke in patients with the arrhythmia. Patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), who are suspected to have AF but are rarely shown to have it, frequently demonstrate evidence of atrial fibrosis; measured using late-gadolinium enhancement MRI, this manifests as atrial remodelling encompassing structural, functional and electrical properties. In this review, the authors discuss the available evidence linking atrial disease, including fibrosis, with the risk of ischaemic stroke in AF, as well as in the ESUS population, in whom it has been linked to recurrent stroke and new-onset AF. They also discuss the implications of this association on future research that may elucidate the mechanism of stroke and stroke prevention strategies in the AF and ESUS populations.

Heart-Brain Relationship in Stroke

The patient presenting with stroke often has cardiac-related risk factors which may be involved in the mechanism of the stroke. The diagnostic assessment is predicated on recognition of this potential relationship. Naturally, an accurate history is of utmost importance in discerning a possible cause and effect relationship. The EKG is obviously an important clue as well as it allows immediate assessment for possible cardiac arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation, for possible acute ischemic changes reflective of myocardial ischemia, or there may be indirect factors such as the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, typically seen with longstanding hypertension, which could be indicative of a hypertensive mechanism for a patient presenting with intracerebral hemorrhage. For all presentations in the emergency room, the vital signs are important. An elevated body temperature in a patient presenting with acute stroke raises concern about possible infective endocarditis. An irregular-irregular pulse is an indicator of atrial fibrillation. A markedly elevated blood pressure is not uncommon in both the acute ischemic and acute hemorrhagic stroke setting. One tends to focus on possible cardioembolic stroke if there is the sudden onset of maximum neurological deficit versus the stepwise progression more characteristic of thrombotic stroke. Because of the more sudden loss of vascular supply with embolic occlusion, seizure or syncope at onset tends to be supportive of this mechanism. Different vascular territory involvement on neuroimaging is also a potential indicator of cardioembolic stroke. Identification of a cardiogenic source of embolus in such a setting certainly elevates this mechanism in the differential. There have been major advances in management of acute cerebrovascular disease in recent decades, such as thrombolytic therapy and endovascular thrombectomy, which have somewhat paralleled the advances made in cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, the successful limitation of myocardial damage in acute coronary syndrome, with intervention, does not necessarily mirror a similar salutary effect on functional outcome with cerebral infarction. The heart can also affect the brain from a cerebral perfusion standpoint. Transient arrhythmias can result in syncope, while cardiac arrest can result in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Cardiogenic dementia has been identified as a mechanism of cognitive impairment associated with severe cardiac failure. Structural cardiac abnormalities can also play a role in brain insult, and this can include tumors, such as atrial myxoma, patent foramen ovale, with the potential for paradoxical cerebral embolism, and cardiomyopathies, such as Takotsubo, can be associated with precipitous cardioembolic events.

Factors associated with baseline and serial changes in circulating NT-proBNP and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T in a population-based cohort (Dallas Heart Study)

Aim: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) associate with structural heart disease and heart failure risk in individuals without known cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, few data are available regarding whether factors influencing levels of these two biomarkers are similar or distinct. We performed serial measurement of NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT in a contemporary multiethnic cohort with extensive phenotyping, with the goal of identifying their respective biological determinants in a population without known or suspected CVD. Methods: We evaluated 1877 participants of the Dallas Heart Study who had NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT measured and were free from clinical CVD at the each of its two examinations (2000-2002 and 2007-2009). Variables collected included demographic and risk factors, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, body composition via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, coronary artery calcium by computed tomography, and cardiac dimensions and function by cardiac MRI. Linear regression was used to identify associations of these factors with each biomarker at baseline and with changes in biomarkers over follow-up. Results: NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT were poorly correlated at baseline (Spearman rho 0.083, p = 0.015), with only moderate correlation between change values (rho 0.18, p < 0.001). hs-cTnT positively associated and NT-proBNP inversely associated with male gender and black race. At baseline, both NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT associated with left ventricular end-diastolic volume and wall thickness, but only NT-proBNP associated with left atrial size. Changes in cardiac dimensions between phases were more strongly associated with changes in NT-proBNP than hs-cTnT. NT-proBNP was more strongly associated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and measures of body composition than hs-cTnT. Conclusion: Among individuals without CVD in the general population, NT-proBNP and hs-cTnT are nonredundant biomarkers that are differentially associated with demographic and cardiac factors. These findings indicate that hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP may reflect different pathophysiological pathways.

Clinical value of the combined use of P-wave dispersion and troponin values to predict atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION

P-wave dispersion (PWD) and cardiac troponin levels are independently associated with the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF). We investigated the clinical usefulness of combining PWD and cardiac troponin I to predict AF recurrence in patients presenting to the emergency department with PAF.

METHODS

This study included 65 patients with PAF who were divided into three groups according to baseline troponin I and PWD values (group 1, troponin I<0.11 ng/dl and PWD<44.5 ms; group II, troponin I<0.11 ng/dl and PWD≥44.5 ms, or troponin I≥0.11 ng/dl and PWD<44.5 ms; group III, troponin I≥0.11 ng/dl and PWD≥44.5 ms).

RESULTS

The AF recurrence rate was significantly higher in group III than in groups I and II. Multivariate analysis revealed that the troponin I and PWD values in group III (odds ratio: 7.236, 95% confidence interval: 1.879-27.861, p=0.004) were independent predictors of AF recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined use of PWD and basal troponin I levels is a better predictor of AF recurrence than either value alone.

Atrial Cardiomyopathy: An Emerging Cause of the Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source

Nearly 30% of ischemic strokes have an unknown cause, which are referred to as cryptogenic strokes (CS). Imaging studies suggest that a large proportion of these patients show features that are consistent with embolism, and thus the term embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) was proposed to describe these CS patients. Atrial cardiomyopathy predisposes to thrombus formation and thus embolic stroke even in the absence of atrial fibrillation (AF). This may provide a mechanistic link with ESUS, suggesting that anticoagulant therapy may be more beneficial than antiplatelet therapy in ESUS patients with atrial cardiomyopathy. The present review discusses the concept of atrial cardiomyopathy and ESUS and the relationship between them based on the mechanisms and clinical evidence, suggests that atrial cardiomyopathy may be a potential mechanism of ESUS, and highlights a theoretical basis that supports that anticoagulant therapy may be more applicable to ESUS patients with atrial cardiomyopathy and aims to help us better understand and identify the risk of ESUS, thereby improving the management of these patients in clinical practice.

Multiple Blood Biomarkers and Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation: The REGARDS Study

Background

Atrial fibrillation is associated with increased stroke risk; available risk prediction tools have modest accuracy. We hypothesized that circulating stroke risk biomarkers may improve stroke risk prediction in atrial fibrillation.

Methods and Results

The REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke) study is a prospective cohort study of 30 239 Black and White adults age ≥45 years. A nested study of stroke cases and a random sample of the cohort included 175 participants (63% women, 37% Black adults) with baseline atrial fibrillation and available blood biomarker data. There were 81 ischemic strokes over 5.2 years in these participants. Adjusted for demographics, stroke risk factors, and warfarin use, the following biomarkers were associated with stroke risk (hazard ratio [HR]; 95% CI for upper versus lower tertile): cystatin C (3.16; 1.04–9.58), factor VIII antigen (2.77; 1.03–7.48), interleukin‐6 (9.35; 1.95–44.78), and NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal B‐type natriuretic peptide) (4.21; 1.24–14.29). A multimarker risk score based on the number of blood biomarkers in the highest tertile was developed; adjusted HRs of stroke for 1, 2, and 3+ elevated blood biomarkers, compared with none, were 1.75 (0.57–5.40), 4.97 (1.20–20.5), and 9.51 (2.22–40.8), respectively. Incorporating the multimarker risk score to the CHA₂DS₂VASc score resulted in a net reclassification improvement of 0.34 (95% CI, 0.04–0.65).

Conclusions

Findings in this biracial cohort suggested the possibility of substantial improvement in stroke risk prediction in atrial fibrillation using blood biomarkers or a multimarker risk score.

Left atrial appendage thrombus and cerebrovascular events post-transcatheter aortic valve implantation

AIMS

To elucidate the frequency and clinical impact of left atrial appendage thrombus (LAAT) in patients set for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

All patients undergoing TAVI between January 2014 and June 2020 with analysable multislice computed tomography (MSCT) for LAAT were included. Baseline and procedural characteristics were collected, pre-procedural MSCT's were retrospectively analysed for LAAT presence. The primary endpoint was defined as the cumulative incidence of any cerebrovascular event (stroke or transient ischaemic attack) within the first year after TAVI. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify predictors.A total of 1050 cases had analysable MSCT. Median age was 80 [interquartile range (IQR) 74-84], median Society of Thoracic Surgeons' Predicted Risk Of Mortality (STS-PROM) was 3.4% (IQR 2.3-5.5). Thirty-six percent were on oral anticoagulant therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF). LAAT was present in 48 (4.6%) of cases. Patients with LAAT were at higher operative risk [STS-PROM: 4.9% (2.9-7.1) vs. 3.4% (2.3-5.5), P = 0.01], had worse systolic left ventricular function [EF 52% (35-60) vs. 55% (45-65), P = 0.01] and more permanent pacemakers at baseline (35% vs. 10%, P < 0.01). All patients with LAAT had a history of AF and patients with LAAT were more often on vitamin K antagonist-treatment than patients without LAAT [43/47 (91%) vs. 232/329 (71%), P < 0.01]. LAAT [hazard ratio (HR) 2.94 (1.39-6.22), P < 0.01] and the implantation of more than one valve [HR 4.52 (1.79-11.25), P < 0.01] were independent predictors for cerebrovascular events.

CONCLUSION

Patients with MSCT-identified LAAT were at higher risk for cerebrovascular events during the first year after TAVI.

Cognitive Function and Cardiometabolic-Inflammatory Risk Factors Among Older Indians and Americans

OBJECTIVES

To investigate how cardiometabolic-inflammatory risk factors are related to cognition among older adults in India and the United States.

DESIGN

The Longitudinal Aging Study in India-Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia (LASI-DAD) and the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS-HCAP) in the United States conducted an in-depth assessment of cognition, using protocols designed for international comparison.

SETTING

Cognitive tests were conducted in hospital or household settings in India and in household settings in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Respondents aged 60 years and older from LASI-DAD (N = 1,865) and respondents aged 65 years and older from HRS-HCAP (N = 2,111) who provided venous blood specimen.

MEASUREMENTS

We used total composite scores from the common cognitive tests administered. Cardiovascular risk was indicated by systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (proBNP), and homocysteine. Metabolic risk was measured by body mass index, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein (a) (only in India). Inflammatory risk was indicted by white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, albumin, and uric acid (only in India).

RESULTS

The distribution of both total cognition scores and of cardiometabolic risk factors differed significantly between India and the United States. In both countries, lower cognition was associated with older age, lower education, elevated homocysteine, elevated proBNP, and lower albumin levels. The associations between HbA1c levels and cognitive measures were statistically significant in both countries, but in the opposite direction, with a coefficient of 1.5 (P < .001) in India and -2.4 (P < .001) in the United States for one percentage increase in absolute HbA1c value.

CONCLUSION

Cardiometabolic-inflammatory biomarkers are associated with cognitive functional levels in each country, but the relationships may vary across countries. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:S36-S44, 2020.

Behavioral Factors Mediating the Impact of Educational Attainment on Incident Heart Failure - A Mediation Analysis

BACKGROUND

To examine the association of low educational attainment with incident heart failure (HF) and explore potential behavioral mediators of the causal pathway.Methods and Results:A total of 12,109 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC) were included. Educational attainment was measured at baseline, and the risk of HF across educational attainment groups was assessed by Cox proportional hazards models. Using mediation analysis, we evaluated the mediating role of behavioral factors in the causal pathway between educational attainment and HF. During a median follow-up of 25.1 years, 2,407 cases (19.9%) of HF occurred. Educational attainment showed an inverse association with HF risk (hazard ratio (HR), 1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1,26-1.57 for low educational attainment; HR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02-1.25 for medium educational attainment). In the mediation analysis, the association between educational attainment and HF was partially mediated by income, waist-to-hip ratio, current smoking, body mass index, current drinking, sports and physical activity, which explained 24.3%, 20.2%, 13.8%, 10.1%, 7.7%, 7.3% and 4.5%, respectively, of the relationship. In total, all mediators contributed 56.3% of the total effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Low educational attainment was associated with increased risk for HF. Income, obesity and current smoking mediated a great proportion of the total effect of educational attainment on HF. Our results provide underlying insights for the development of targeted public health interventions to reduce educational disparities on HF incidence.

Cardiac and Echocardiographic Markers in Cryptogenic Stroke with Incidental Patent Foramen Ovale

OBJECTIVE

Some cardiac abnormalities could be a substrate for potential embolic source in cryptogenic stroke (CS). We evaluated whether cardiac and echocardiographic markers were associated with CS in patients with incidental patent foramen ovale (PFO) as defined using the Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Among 677 patients enrolled in a multicenter observational CS registry, 300 patients (44%) had PFOs detected by transesophageal echocardiography. They were classified into probable PFO-related stroke (RoPE score>6, n = 32) and stroke with incidental PFO (RoPE score≤6, n = 268) groups, and clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, cardiac and echocardiographic markers (i.e. brain natriuretic peptide, left atrial [LA] diameter, ejection fraction, early transmitral flow velocity/early diastolic tissue Doppler imaging velocity [E/e'], LA appendage flow velocity, spontaneous echo contrast, atrial septal aneurysm, substantial PFO, and aortic arch plaques), stroke recurrence, and excellent outcome (modified Rankin scale score <2) at discharge were compared. Risk factors for low RoPE scores were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Higher brain natriuretic peptide levels (p = 0.032), LA enlargement (p < 0.001), higher E/e' (p = 0.001), lower LA appendage flow velocity (p < 0.001), non-substantial PFO (p = 0.021), and aortic arch plaques (p = 0.002) were associated with the low RoPE score group. Patients with high RoPE scores had excellent outcomes (58% versus 78%, p = 0.035). LA enlargement (age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio, 1.15; 95 % confidence interval, 1.00-1.32; p = 0.039) was an independent predictor of low RoPE scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal cardiac substrate could be associated with CS occurrence in a subset of patients with PFO. Patients with CS who had incidental PFO may be at risk of cardioembolism.

Clinical value of the combined use of P-wave dispersion and troponin values to predict atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCTION

P-wave dispersion (PWD) and cardiac troponin levels are independently associated with the recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with paroxysmal AF (PAF). We investigated the clinical usefulness of combining PWD and cardiac troponin I to predict AF recurrence in patients presenting to the emergency department with PAF.

METHODS

This study included 65 patients with PAF who were divided into three groups according to baseline troponin I and PWD values (group 1, troponin I<0.11 ng/dl and PWD<44.5 ms; group II, troponin I<0.11 ng/dl and PWD≥44.5 ms, or troponin I≥0.11 ng/dl and PWD<44.5 ms; group III, troponin I≥0.11 ng/dl and PWD≥44.5 ms).

RESULTS

The AF recurrence rate was significantly higher in group III than in groups I and II. Multivariate analysis revealed that the troponin I and PWD values in group III (odds ratio: 7.236, 95% confidence interval: 1.879-27.861, p=0.004) were independent predictors of AF recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined use of PWD and basal troponin I levels is a better predictor of AF recurrence than either value alone.

Atrial cardiopathy in embolic stroke of undetermined source

INTRODUCTION

Atrial cardiopathy is one of the most common potential sources of thromboembolism for embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). The study aims to investigate the incidence of atrial cardiopathy (defined by severe left atrial enlargement (sLAE) or elevated serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) > 250 pg/ml) in patients with ESUS and compare with other stroke subtypes.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected data of 936 consecutive patients with diffusion-weighted imaging-confirmed acute ischemic stroke. The incidence of atrial cardiopathy was examined in ESUS, large artery atherosclerosis (LAA), and small vessel disease (SVD) strokes. Clinical characteristics were compared between ESUS patients with atrial cardiopathy (AC-ESUS) and patients with atrial fibrillation-induced cardioembolism (AF-CE) stroke.

RESULTS

245 patients were diagnosed with ESUS, while others were diagnosed with LAA (n = 312), SVD (n = 258), and AF-CE (n = 121) strokes. The incidence of sLAE in ESUS patients was higher than in LAA or SVD group (5.3% vs. 1.6% and 1.2%, respectively, p = .005) and higher than in combined LAA/SVD group (5.3% vs. 1.4%, p = .001). The incidence of elevated serum NT-proBNP in ESUS patients was not statistically different from that in LAA or SVD group. Compared with patients with AF-CE stroke, AC-ESUS patients had milder manifestations, had less hemorrhagic transformation, had better short-term outcome, and had fewer in-hospital complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of sLAE was higher in ESUS patients than in patients with noncardioembolic strokes. AC-ESUS was milder when compared to AF-CE stroke.

Update on Biomarkers Associated to Cardioembolic Stroke: A Narrative Review

Background: In the last years, several studies were conducted that evaluated biomarkers that could be helpful for cardioembolic stroke diagnosis, prognosis, and the determination of risk of stroke recurrence. Methods: We performed a narrative review of the main studies that evaluated biomarkers related to specific cardioembolic causes: atrial fibrillation, patent foramen ovale, atrial cardiomyopathy, and left ventricular wall motion abnormalities. Results: BNP and NT-proBNP are, among all biomarkers of cardioembolic stroke, the ones that have the highest amount of evidence for their use. NT-proBNP is currently used for the selection of patients that will be included in clinical trials that aim to evaluate the use of anticoagulation in patients suspected of having a cardioembolic stroke and for the selection of patients to undergo cardiac monitoring. NT-proBNP has also been incorporated in tools used to predict the risk of stroke recurrence (ABC-stroke score). Conclusions: NT-proBNP and BNP continue to be the biomarkers most widely studied in the context of cardioembolic stroke. The possibility of using other biomarkers in clinical practice is still distant, mainly because of the low methodological quality of the studies in which they were evaluated. Both internal and external validation studies are rarely performed for most biomarkers.

Blood-Based Cardiac Biomarkers and the Risk of Cognitive Decline, Cerebrovascular Disease, and Clinical Events

[Figure: see text].

Urinary N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide as a biomarker for cardiovascular events in a general Japanese population: the Hisayama Study

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological evidence has shown that serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations, a diagnostic biomarker for heart failure, are positively associated with cardiovascular risk. Since NT-proBNP in serum is excreted in urine, it is hypothesized that urinary NT-proBNP concentrations are correlated with serum concentrations and linked with cardiovascular risk in the general population.

METHODS

A total of 3060 community-dwelling residents aged ≥ 40 years without history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) were followed up for a median of 8.3 years (2007-2015). Serum and urinary concentrations of NT-proBNP at baseline were compared. The hazard ratios (HRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between NT-proBNP concentrations and the risk of developing CVD were computed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

The median values (interquartile ranges) of serum and urinary NT-proBNP concentrations at baseline were 56 (32-104) pg/mL and 20 (18-25) pg/mL, respectively. There was a strong quadratic correlation between the serum and urinary concentrations of NT-proBNP (coefficient of determination [R²] = 0.72): urinary concentrations of 20, 27, and 43 pg/mL were equivalent to serum concentrations of 55, 125, and 300 pg/mL, respectively. During the follow-up period, 170 subjects developed CVD. The age- and sex-adjusted risk of CVD increased significantly with higher urinary NT-proBNP levels (P for trend < 0.001). This association remained significant after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (P for trend = 0.009). The multivariable-adjusted risk of developing CVD almost doubled in subjects with urinary NT-proBNP of ≥ 43 pg/mL as compared to those with urinary NT-proBNP of ≤ 19 pg/mL (HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.20-3.56).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that urinary NT-proBNP concentrations were well-correlated with serum concentrations and were positively associated with cardiovascular risk. Given that urine sampling is noninvasive and does not require specially trained personnel, urinary NT-proBNP concentrations have the potential to be an easy and useful biomarker for detecting people at higher cardiovascular risk.

Date Palm Pollen Extract Avert Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy Fibrosis and Associated Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress, Inflammatory Cascade, and Apoptosis-Targeting Bax/Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 Signaling Pathways

Simple Summary

The use of date palm pollen ethanolic extract (DPPE) is a conventional approach in improving the side-effects induced by Doxorubicin (DOX).DPPE mitigated DOX-induced body and heart weight changes and ameliorated DOX-induced elevated cardiac injury markers. In addition, serum cardiac troponin I concentrations (cTnI), troponin T (cTnT), and N-terminal NBP and cytosolic (Ca⁺²) were amplified by alleviating the inflammatory and oxidative injury markers and decreasing histopathological lesions severity. DPPE decreased DOX-induced heart injuries by mitigating inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis through its antioxidant effect. To reduce DOX-induced oxidative stress injuries and other detrimental effects, a combined treatment of DPPE is advocated.

Abstract

Doxorubicin (DOX) has a potent antineoplastic efficacy and is considered a cornerstone of chemotherapy. However, it causes several dose-dependent cardiotoxic results, which has substantially restricted its clinical application. This study was intended to explore the potential ameliorative effect of date palm pollen ethanolic extract (DPPE) against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and the mechanisms underlying it. Forty male Wistar albino rats were equally allocated into Control (CTR), DPPE (500 mg/kg bw for 4 weeks), DOX (2.5 mg/kg bw, intraperitoneally six times over 2 weeks), and DPPE + DOX-treated groups. Pre-coadministration of DPPE with DOX partially ameliorated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity as DPPE improved DOX-induced body and heart weight changes and mitigated the elevated cardiac injury markers activities of serum aminotransferases, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and creatine kinase-cardiac type isoenzyme. Additionally, the concentration of serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), troponin T (cTnT), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), and cytosolic calcium (Ca⁺²) were amplified. DPPE also alleviated nitrosative status (nitric oxide) in DOX-treated animals, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant molecules as glutathione content, and glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities and inflammatory markers levels; NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. As well, it ameliorated the severity of histopathological lesions, histomorphometric alteration and improved the immune-staining of the pro-fibrotic (TGF-β1), pro-apoptotic (caspase-3 and Bax), and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) proteins in cardiac tissues. Collectively, pre-coadministration of DPPE partially mitigated DOX-induced cardiac injuries via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and anti-apoptotic potential.

Racial Differences in Atrial Cardiopathy Phenotypes in Patients With Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that thrombogenic atrial cardiopathy may be relevant to stroke-related racial disparities, we compared atrial cardiopathy phenotypes between Black vs White patients with ischemic stroke.

METHODS

We assessed markers of atrial cardiopathy in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study, a study of stroke incidence in a population of 1.3 million. We obtained ECGs and reports of echocardiograms performed during evaluation of stroke during the 2010/2015 study periods. Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) or flutter (AFL) were excluded. Investigators blinded to patients' characteristics measured P-wave terminal force in ECG lead V1 (PTFV1), a marker of left atrial fibrosis and impaired interatrial conduction, and abstracted left atrial diameter from echocardiogram reports. Linear regression was used to examine the association between race and atrial cardiopathy markers after adjustment for demographics, body mass index, and vascular comorbidities.

RESULTS

Among 3,426 ischemic stroke cases in Black or White patients without AF/AFL, 2,391 had a left atrial diameter measurement (mean, 3.65 ± 0.70 cm). Black race was associated with smaller left atrial diameter in unadjusted (β coefficient, -0.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.17 to -0.05) and adjusted (β, -0.15; 95% CI, -0.21 to -0.09) models. PTFV1 measurements were available in 3,209 patients (mean, 3,434 ± 2,525 μV*ms). Black race was associated with greater PTFV1 in unadjusted (β, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.21-1.97) and adjusted (β, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.00-1.80) models.

CONCLUSIONS

We found systematic Black-White racial differences in left atrial structure and pathophysiology in a population-based sample of patients with ischemic stroke.

CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE

This study provides Class II evidence that atrial cardiopathy phenotypes differ in Black people with acute stroke compared to White people.

Association of NT-ProBNP, Blood Pressure, and Cardiovascular Events: The ARIC Study

BACKGROUND

Although intensive blood pressure reduction has cardiovascular benefits, the absolute benefit is greater in those at higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined whether N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) helps identify subjects at higher risk for CVD events across systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), or pulse pressure (PP) categories.

METHODS

Participants from the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) study visit 4 (1996 to 98) were grouped according to SBP, DBP, or PP categories and further stratified by NT-proBNP categories. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios for incident CVD (coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, or heart failure hospitalization) and mortality across combined NT-proBNP and/or BP categories, adjusting for CVD risk factors.

RESULTS

There were 9,309 participants (age: 62.6 ± 5.6 years; 58.3% women) with 2,416 CVD events over a median follow-up of 16.7 years. Within each SBP, DBP, or PP category, a higher category of NT-proBNP (100 to <300 or 300 pg/ml, compared with NT-proBNP <100 pg/ml) was associated with a graded increased risk for CVD events and mortality. Participants with SBP 130 to 139 mm Hg but NT-proBNP ≥300 pg/ml had a hazards ratio of 3.4 for CVD (95% confidence interval: 2.44 to 4.77) compared with a NT-proBNP of <100 pg/ml and SBP of 140 to 149 mm Hg.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated NT-proBNP is independently associated with CVD and mortality across SBP, DBP, and PP categories and helps identify subjects at the highest risk. Participants with stage 1 hypertension but elevated NT-proBNP had greater cardiovascular risk compared with those with stage 2 SBP but lower NT-proBNP. Future studies are needed to evaluate use of biomarker-based strategies for CVD risk assessment to assist with initiation or intensification of BP treatment.

Serum NT-proBNP levels are associated with cognitive functions in hemodialysis patients

It has been demonstrated that NT-proBNP and macrophage inhibitor cytokine-1 (MIC-1/GDF-15) are associated with cognitive functions in patients without renal disease. In the present study, we examined the association of these two molecules with cognitive functions in hemodialysis patients for the first time in the literature. A total of 94 patients were enrolled. The Mini-Mental Test and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA) were applied for the purpose of measuring the cognitive functions. The NT-proBNP and MIC-1/GDF-15 levels were examined with the ELISA. The mean age of the patients was 48 ± 12; 58 (61.7%) of them were male and 21.3% were diabetic. We found that in 77% of patients have impaired cognitive functions (MoCA total score <24). The NT-proBNP level had a significant and negative correlation with the MoCA Test Delayed Recall and Total Score. When the patients were divided into two groups according to NT-proBNP levels (above 10.500 and below), it was observed that the Mini-Mental Test Record Memory, MoCA Test Delayed Recall, and MoCA test total scores were significantly different from each other. In the present study, we show, for the first time in the literature, that NT-proBNP levels are associated with cognitive functions in dialysis patients.

Stroke Prevention After Cryptogenic Stroke

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cryptogenic stroke represents a heterogenous but clinically important collection of stroke etiologies for which our understanding continues to grow. Here, we review our current knowledge and most recent recommendations on secondary prevention for common causes of cryptogenic stroke including paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, atrial cardiopathy, patent foramen ovale, and substenotic atherosclerotic disease as well as the under-recognized mechanisms of occult malignancy, heart failure, and, most recently, infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).

RECENT FINDINGS

The results from recent observational studies and randomized clinical trials have provided greater insight into the causal relationship and attributable risk of these suspected etiologies and have identified potential strategies to reduce the rates of recurrence. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm the benefits of specific stroke prevention strategies, including the patient populations most likely to benefit from anticoagulation. There is ongoing research aimed at both reducing the proportion of ischemic strokes classified as cryptogenic and resolving much of the clinical equipoise that still exists. The results of these studies have the potential to provide us with a better understanding of these occult mechanisms and allow for more targeted interventions.

Associations of Cardiac, Kidney, and Diabetes Biomarkers With Peripheral Neuropathy among Older Adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the association of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTnT) and other cardiac, kidney, hyperglycemia, and inflammatory biomarkers with peripheral neuropathy (PN) in a community-based population.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 3056 black and white participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study who underwent standardized monofilament PN testing and had measures of cardiac function (hs-cTnT, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], and growth differentiation factor 15 [GDF15]), kidney function (serum creatinine, cystatin C, β-2 microglobulin, urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio), hyperglycemia (fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c [Hb A1c], fructosamine, glycated albumin, 1,5-anhydroglucitol), and inflammation (C-reactive protein) assessed at visit 6 (2016-2017; age 71-94 years). We used logistic regression to assess the associations of these biomarkers (modeled in diabetes-specific tertiles) with PN in older adults with and without diabetes after adjusting for traditional risk factors.

RESULTS

In total, 33.5% of participants had PN (37.3% with diabetes and 31.9% without diabetes). There was an independent association of hs-cTnT with PN regardless of diabetes status (diabetes T3 vs. T1: odds ratio [OR], 2.15 [95% CI, 1.44-3.22]; no diabetes: OR, 2.31 [95%CI, 1.76-3.03]; P = 0.72 for interaction). Among participants without diabetes, there were also significant associations of NT-proBNP (OR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.08-1.81]) and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (OR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.22-1.97]) with PN. Associations of hyperglycemia biomarkers including Hb A1c (OR, 1.76 [95% CI, 1.22-2.54]), fructosamine (OR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.19-2.46]), and glycated albumin (OR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.03-2.03]) with PN were significant only among participants with diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, hs-cTnT appears to be a global marker of end organ damage, including PN. Laboratory biomarkers may be able to help us identify those individuals with PN.

Atrial fibrillation: villain or bystander in vascular brain injury

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke are inextricably connected, with classical Virchow pathophysiology explaining thromboembolism through blood stasis in the fibrillating left atrium. This conceptualization has been reinforced by the remarkable efficacy of oral anticoagulant (OAC) for stroke prevention in AF. A number of observations showing that the presence of AF is neither necessary nor sufficient for stroke, cast doubt on the causal role of AF as a villain in vascular brain injury (VBI). The requirement for additional risk factors before AF increases stroke risk; temporal disconnect of AF from a stroke in patients with no AF for months before stroke during continuous ECG monitoring but manifesting AF only after stroke; and increasing recognition of the role of atrial cardiomyopathy and atrial substrate in AF-related stroke, and also stroke without AF, have led to rethinking the pathogenetic model of cardioembolic stroke. This is quite separate from recognition that in AF, shared cardiovascular risk factors can lead both to non-embolic stroke, or emboli from the aorta and carotid arteries. Meanwhile, VBI is now expanded to include dementia and cognitive decline: research is required to see if reduced by OAC. A changed conceptual model with less focus on the arrhythmia, and more on atrial substrate/cardiomyopathy causing VBI both in the presence or absence of AF, is required to allow us to better prevent AF-related VBI. It could direct focus towards prevention of the atrial cardiomyopathy though much work is required to better define this entity before the balance between AF as villain or bystander can be determined.