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Jochmann SL, Sievering EMW, Ernst J, Ringlstetter R, Grosshennig A, Weissenborn K, Grosse GM. Sex-Specific Risk Factors of Nonstenotic Carotid Plaque in Embolic Stroke of Unknown Source: A Case-Control Study. Stroke 2024; 55:296-300. [PMID: 38152961 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.123.044833] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many ischemic strokes are diagnosed as embolic strokes of undetermined source (ESUS). Recent evidence suggests that nonstenotic carotid plaque (nsCP) may be a substantial contributor to the risk for ESUS. We aimed to investigate the risk factor profile associated with nsCP in ESUS and defined stroke etiologies. METHODS In this retrospective case-control study, we investigated consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke due to ESUS, small-vessel disease, or cardioembolism proven by magnetic resonance imaging. The association of vascular risk factors age, arterial hypertension, diabetes, dyslipoproteinemia, body mass index, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, kidney failure, and history of stroke with the presence of nsCP was investigated using binary logistic regression analysis and further stratified by stroke etiology and sex. RESULTS In total, 609 patients (median age, 76 years; 46% women) who were treated from 2018 to 2020 were considered. In patients with ESUS, sex played a more important role for the prevalence of nsCP than in defined etiologies. Female patients with ESUS had lower odds of exhibiting nsCP compared with male patients with ESUS (adjusted odds ratio, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.15-0.86]). In male patients with ESUS, we observed that age (adjusted odds ratio per 10-year increase, 2.55 [95% CI, 1.26-5.17]) and hypertension (adjusted odds ratio, 2.49 [95% CI, 0.56-11.1]) were the main risk factors for nsCP, whereas in female patients with ESUS also tobacco use was particularly relevant (adjusted odds ratio, 3.71 [95% CI, 0.61-22.5]). These results were in line with a sensitivity analysis in nsCP located ipsilateral to the infarct. CONCLUSIONS Sex differences play an important role in nsCP prevalence in patients with ESUS. These findings may have important implications for the management in targeted secondary prevention following ESUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja L Jochmann
- Department of Neurology, (S.L.J., E.M.W.S., J.E., K.W., G.M.G.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Esther M W Sievering
- Department of Neurology, (S.L.J., E.M.W.S., J.E., K.W., G.M.G.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Johanna Ernst
- Department of Neurology, (S.L.J., E.M.W.S., J.E., K.W., G.M.G.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Rieke Ringlstetter
- Institute of Biostatistics (R.R., A.G.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Anika Grosshennig
- Institute of Biostatistics (R.R., A.G.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Karin Weissenborn
- Department of Neurology, (S.L.J., E.M.W.S., J.E., K.W., G.M.G.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Gerrit M Grosse
- Department of Neurology, (S.L.J., E.M.W.S., J.E., K.W., G.M.G.), Hannover Medical School, Germany
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Berdalin AB, Namestnikova DD, Cherkashova EA, Golovin DA, Gubskiy IL, Lelyuk VG. Arterial Hypertension and Its Consequences Are the Main Predictors of Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. DISEASE MARKERS 2023; 2023:3469755. [PMID: 38025665 PMCID: PMC10667056 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3469755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Methods We performed a hospital-based prospective cohort study with 1,317 enrolled participants. We compared patients and healthy volunteers according to the main demographic, anthropometric parameters, stroke risk factors, comorbidities, and data of clinical and instrumental examination. In order to balance the study and the control groups for age and sex, the propensity score matching was performed. In order to generate the overall predictive model, a multivariate analysis was performed using the binary logistic regression method. Results The following predictors of ESUS were identified in current study: arterial hypertension (AH); increased heart rate and pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP); the presence of conduction disturbance; the enlargement of left, right atrium, and left ventricle end-systolic length; increased intima-media thickness (IMT) in right and left common carotid artery (CCA); lowered Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoСA) cognitive scale score; the presence of subcortical microbleeds; central brain atrophy; the larger size of third ventricle; and the higher medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) score. The following risk factors were included in the final predictive model: the presence of AH (p < 0.0005; OR = 12.98 (95% CI: 4.53-37.21)) and PASP (p=0.018; OR = 1.13 (95% CI: 1.02-1.25)) and male sex (p=0.046; OR = 2.771 (95% CI: 1.017-7.555)). The Nagelkerke's pseudo-R-squared value was 0.404 and the significance of the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was 0.733, which indicate the goodness of the final logistic regression model. Conclusions We propose that AH and its consequences are the main predictors of ESUS. The results of this study emphasize the importance of AH control for primary and secondary prevention of ESUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander B. Berdalin
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117513, Russia
| | - Daria D. Namestnikova
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117513, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow 117977, Russia
| | - Elvira A. Cherkashova
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117513, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow 117977, Russia
| | - Denis A. Golovin
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117513, Russia
| | - Ilya L. Gubskiy
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117513, Russia
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow 117977, Russia
| | - Vladimir G. Lelyuk
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 117513, Russia
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Sievering EMW, Grosshennig A, Kottas M, Ernst J, Ringlstetter R, Koch A, Weissenborn K, Grosse GM. Diagnostic value of carotid intima-media thickness and clinical risk scores in determining etiology of ischemic stroke. Eur Stroke J 2023; 8:738-746. [PMID: 37334932 PMCID: PMC10472955 DOI: 10.1177/23969873231182492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the general population, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is associated with atherosclerosis as well as atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the extent to which CIMT might be of diagnostic value in clarifying stroke etiology is currently unclear. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, we included 800 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke. We compared CIMT-values between stroke etiologies. The association between CIMT and cardioembolic stroke was investigated via logistic regression analysis adjusting for vascular risk factors. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted to investigate the diagnostic value of CIMT in comparison to vascular risk factors and clinical AF risk scores (CHA2DS2VASc, HAVOC, and AS5F). RESULTS CIMT-values were highest in patients with cardioembolic or atherosclerotic stroke origin. CIMT was associated with newly diagnosed AF compared against cryptogenic strokes (crude odds ratio (OR) per 0.1 mm-increase of CIMT: 1.26 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13-1.41)). After adjustment for vascular risk factors, the effect of CIMT on AF-diagnosis, however, was weakened (adjusted OR: 1.10 (95% CI: 0.97-1.25)). The diagnostic value of CIMT for detection of AF (AUC: 0.60, 95% CI: 0.54-0.65) was outperformed by AF risk scores. Among the scores investigated, the AS5F-score yielded best accuracy and calibration to predict newly diagnosed AF (AUC: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.65-0.78). CONCLUSIONS CIMT may help in the diagnosis of stroke etiology. However, compared with vascular risk factors or clinical AF risk scores, CIMT does not provide substantial additional information on the risk of newly detected AF. Thus, stratification of AF risk based on scores, such as the AS5F, is advisable.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anika Grosshennig
- Institute of Biostatistics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martina Kottas
- Institute of Biostatistics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Johanna Ernst
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Armin Koch
- Institute of Biostatistics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Gerrit M Grosse
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Ernst J, Ehrenreich H, Weissenborn K, Grosse GM. Unraveling Mechanisms of Cryptogenic Stroke at the Genetic Level: A Systematic Literature Review. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e029843. [PMID: 37489722 PMCID: PMC10492995 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.029843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Background A substantial proportion of ischemic strokes remain cryptogenic, which has important implications for secondary prevention. Identifying genetic variants related to mechanisms of stroke causes may provide a chance to clarify the actual causes of cryptogenic strokes. Methods and Results In a 2-step process, 2 investigators independently and systematically screened studies that reported genetic variants in regard to stroke causes that were published between January 1991 and April 2021. Studies on monogenetic disorders, investigation of vascular risk factors as the primary end point, reviews, meta-analyses, and studies not written in English were excluded. We extracted information on study types, ancestries, corresponding single nucleotide polymorphisms, and sample and effect sizes. There were 937 studies screened, and 233 were eligible. We identified 35 single nucleotide polymorphisms and allele variants that were associated with an overlap between cryptogenic strokes and another defined cause. Conclusions Associations of single variants with an overlap between cryptogenic stroke and another defined cause were limited to a few polymorphisms. A limitation of all studies is a low granularity of clinical data, which is of major importance in a complex disease such as stroke. Deep phenotyping is in supposed contradiction with large sample sizes but needed for genome-wide analyses. Future studies should attempt to address this restriction to advance the promising approach of elucidating the cause of stroke at the genetic level. Especially in a highly heterogenous disease such as ischemic stroke, genetics are promising to establish a personalized approach in diagnostics and treatment in the sense of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Ernst
- Department of NeurologyHannover Medical SchoolHannoverGermany
| | - Hannelore Ehrenreich
- Clinical NeuroscienceMax Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary SciencesGöttingenGermany
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Larson AS, Brinjikji W, Lekah A, Klaas JP, Lanzino G, Huston J, Saba L, Benson JC. Nonstenotic Carotid Plaques and Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source: A Multimodality Review. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2023; 44:118-124. [PMID: 36549844 PMCID: PMC9891333 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Symptomatic nonstenotic carotid artery disease has been increasingly recognized as a thromboembolic source in patients who would otherwise be classified as having embolic stroke of undetermined source. Evidence suggests that certain plaque features seen on sonography, CT, and MR imaging in nonstenotic carotid artery disease may predispose to recurrent stroke in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source. We performed a focused literature review to further study plaque features in the context of embolic stroke of undetermined source and to determine which plaque features may be associated with ipsilateral ischemic events in such patients. Plaque thickness as seen on both ultrasound and CT appears to have a consistent association with ipsilateral stroke in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source across multiple studies. Intraplaque hemorrhage as seen on MR imaging is now understood to have a strong association with ipsilateral stroke in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source. Continued study of various plaque features as seen on different modalities is warranted to uncover other potential associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Larson
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.S.L., W.B., A.L., G.L., J.H., J.C.B.)
| | - W Brinjikji
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.S.L., W.B., A.L., G.L., J.H., J.C.B.)
- Neurosurgery (W.B., G.L.)
| | - A Lekah
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.S.L., W.B., A.L., G.L., J.H., J.C.B.)
| | - J P Klaas
- Neurology (J.P.K.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - G Lanzino
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.S.L., W.B., A.L., G.L., J.H., J.C.B.)
- Neurosurgery (W.B., G.L.)
| | - J Huston
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.S.L., W.B., A.L., G.L., J.H., J.C.B.)
| | - L Saba
- Department of Medical Sciences (L.S.), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - J C Benson
- From the Departments of Radiology (A.S.L., W.B., A.L., G.L., J.H., J.C.B.)
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Grosse GM, Leotescu A, Sieweke JT, Schneppenheim S, Budde U, Ziegler NL, Biber S, Gabriel MM, Ernst J, Schuppner R, Lichtinghagen R, Bavendiek U, Widder J, Weissenborn K. ADAMTS-13 activity in stroke of known and unknown cause: Relation to vascular risk factor burden. Front Neurol 2023; 13:1045478. [PMID: 36703637 PMCID: PMC9871749 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1045478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The identification of the underlying mechanism in ischemic stroke has important implications for secondary prevention. A disintegrin and metalloprotease with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS-13) has antithrombotic properties and was repeatedly implicated in the pathophysiology of stroke. In this study, we, therefore, aimed to investigate whether ADAMTS-13 is associated with stroke etiology and the burden of vascular risk factors. Methods We determined ADAMTS-13 activity in two prospectively recruited stroke cohorts in the long-term course after the event. Cohort 1 (n = 88) consisted of patients who suffered a stroke due to embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), cardioembolic stroke due to atrial fibrillation (AF), large-artery atherosclerosis, or small vessel disease. In cohort 2, patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale (PFO) scheduled for PFO closure (n = 38) were enrolled. As measures of vascular risk factor burden, the CHA2DS2VASC score, the Essen Stroke Risk Score (ESRS), and the Risk of Paradoxical Embolism (RoPE) score were calculated, as appropriate. Results ADAMTS-13 activity was lower in patients with AF-related stroke compared to patients with ESUS (p = 0.0227), which was, however, due to confounding by vascular risk factors. ADAMTS-13 activity inversely correlated with the ESRS (r = -0.452, p < 0.001) and CHA2DS2VASC (r = -0.375, p < 0.001) in cohort 1. In accordance with these findings, we found a positive correlation between ADAMTS-13 activity and the RoPE score in cohort 2 (r = 0.413, p = 0.010). Conclusion ADAMTS-13 activity is inversely correlated with the number of vascular risk factors across different stroke etiologies. Further study is warranted to establish ADAMTS-13 as a mediator of cerebrovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrit M. Grosse
- 1Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany,*Correspondence: Gerrit M. Grosse ✉
| | - Andrei Leotescu
- 1Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | - Ulrich Budde
- 3Medilys Laboratory, Asklepios Klinik Altona, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nora L. Ziegler
- 1Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Saskia Biber
- 1Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maria M. Gabriel
- 1Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Johanna Ernst
- 1Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ramona Schuppner
- 1Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ralf Lichtinghagen
- 4Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Udo Bavendiek
- 2Department of Cardiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julian Widder
- 2Department of Cardiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany,5Medizinische Klinik VI, Kardiologie, Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin, Städtisches Klinikum Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Karin Weissenborn
- 1Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Prevalence of Symptomatic Nonstenotic Carotid Disease Using Simultaneous Non-Contrast Angiography and Intraplaque Hemorrhage Imaging for MR Screen Protocol. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12102321. [PMID: 36292010 PMCID: PMC9600452 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To determine the prevalence of symptomatic nonstenotic carotid disease (SyNC) using simultaneous non-contrast angiography and intraplaque hemorrhage (SNAP) imaging for patients with acute stroke as an MR screen protocol and to assess imaging findings of carotid plaques. Patients and Methods: From May 2020 to October 2021, 2459 patients with suspected acute neurological symptoms were evaluated with brain diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and carotid SNAP imaging. We analyzed the degree of stenosis and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) using SNAP imaging. Prevalence of SyNC and risk factors for stroke in patients with SyNC were determined. We performed subgroup multivariate analysis between SyNC and other etiologies of stroke (non-SyNC). Results: Of 4608 carotid arteries in 2304 patients enrolled in this study, 454 (9.9%) plaques (both lesions in 128 patients) were found on SNAP imaging. Of these plaques, 353 (77.8%) showed stenosis of <50%. Of plaques with <50% stenosis, 47 (13.3%) patients had a territorial acute focal infarction. Seventeen (36.2%) were classified with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) and SyNC. High maximal wall thickness and carotid IPH were identified as influencing factors for SyNC. Conclusion: For patients with <50% stenosis and territorial infarction, SyNC is a relatively important source of stroke. Especially, high maximal wall thickness and carotid IPH are important risk factors for SyNC.
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Holmes DR, Alkhouli MA, Klaas JP, Brinjikji W, Savastano LE, Lanzino G, Benson JC. Change of Heart: The Underexplored Role of Plaque Hemorrhage in the Evaluation of Stroke of Undetermined Etiology. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e025323. [PMID: 35475334 PMCID: PMC9238607 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.025323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the evaluation of embolic strokes of undetermined source, great emphasis is often placed on cardiovascular disease, namely on atrial fibrillation. Other pathophysiologic mechanisms, however, may also be involved. Carotid artery intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH)—the presence of blood components within an atheromatous plaque—has become increasingly recognized as a possible etiologic mechanism in some cryptogenic strokes. IPH is a marker of plaque instability and is associated with ipsilateral neurologic ischemic events, even in nonstenotic carotid plaques. As recognition of carotid IPH as an etiology of embolic strokes has grown, so too has the complexity with which such patients are evaluated and treated, particularly because overlaps exist in the risk factors for atrial fibrillation and IPH. In this article, we review what is currently known about carotid IPH and how this clinical entity should be approached in the context of the evaluation of embolic strokes of undetermined source.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Holmes
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine Mayo Clinic Rochester MN
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Grory BM, Yaghi S, Cordonnier C, Sposato LA, Romano JG, Chaturvedi S. Advances in Recurrent Stroke Prevention: Focus on Antithrombotic Therapies. Circ Res 2022; 130:1075-1094. [PMID: 35420910 PMCID: PMC9015232 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.319947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The past decade has seen significant advances in stroke prevention. These advances include new antithrombotic agents, new options for dyslipidemia treatment, and novel techniques for surgical stroke prevention. In addition, there is greater recognition of the benefits of multifaceted interventions, including the role of physical activity and dietary modification. Despite these advances, the aging of the population and the high prevalence of key vascular risk factors pose challenges to reducing the burden of stroke. Using a cause-based framework, current approaches to prevention of cardioembolic, cryptogenic, atherosclerotic, and small vessel disease stroke are outlined in this paper. Special emphasis is given to recent trials of antithrombotic agents, including studies that have tested combination treatments and responses according to genetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Charlotte Cordonnier
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France
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Tao L, Dai YJ, Shang ZY, Li XQ, Wang XH, Ntaios G, Chen HS. Atrial cardiopathy and non-stenotic intracranial complicated atherosclerotic plaque in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2022; 93:351-359. [PMID: 34872980 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2021-327517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess (1) the association between atrial cardiopathy (AC) and non-stenotic intracranial complicated atherosclerotic plaque (NICAP) in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) or small-vessel disease (SVD), and (2) the performance of previously proposed biomarkers to identify AC as the underlying aetiology in ESUS. METHODS Based on our high-resolution MRI (HR-MRI) cohort, 403 subjects (243 ESUS and 160 SVD) were enrolled in the final analysis. All patients underwent intracranial HR-MRI to assess the presence of ipsilateral NICAP. Biomarkers of AC (ie, P-wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1) on ECG, N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and left atrial diameter) were collected within 24 hours after admission. RESULTS Among patients without ipsilateral NICAP, we found an association between the presence of AC (adjusted OR (aOR): 4.76, 95% CI 2.48 to 9.14), increased PTFV1 (aOR: 5.70, 95% CI: 2.43 to 13.39) and NT-proBNP (aOR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.35) with ESUS. This association was not evident among patients with ipsilateral NICAP. The discrimination between ESUS versus SVD by AC/AC-related biomarkers was significantly improved after excluding ipsilateral NICAP. Similarly, the discrimination between ESUS and SVD by ipsilateral NICAP was notably augmented after excluding AC, PTFV1 and NT-proBNP. INTERPRETATION AC is more prevalent in patients who had ESUS without ipsilateral NICAP compared with patients with, implying that AC and ipsilateral NICAP are two distinct, competing aetiologies of ESUS. Among the AC biomarkers studied in this analysis, PTFV1 seems to be the most informative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Tao
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theatre command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying-Jie Dai
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theatre command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zi-Yang Shang
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theatre command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao-Qiu Li
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theatre command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin-Hong Wang
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theatre command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - George Ntaios
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | - Hui-Sheng Chen
- Department of Neurology, General Hospital of Northern Theatre command, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Unique Clinicopathologic Subclassifiers of Cryptogenic Cerebral Emboli. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2022; 31:106427. [PMID: 35279004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2022.106427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ipsilateral nonstenotic (<50%) internal carotid artery (ICA) plaque, cardiac atriopathy, and patent foramen ovale (PFO) may account for a substantial proportion of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). METHODS Consecutive stroke patients at our center (2019-2021) with unilateral, anterior circulation ESUS were categorized into the following mutually exclusive etiologies: (1) nonstenotic ipsilateral ICA plaque (NSP, ≥3mm in maximal axial diameter), (2) sex-adjusted mod-to-severe left atrial enlargement (LAE), (3) PFO, and (4) "occult ESUS" (patients who failed to meet criteria for these 3 groups). Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used to model group characteristics. RESULTS Of 132 included patients, the median age was 65 (IQR 56-73), 74 (56%) of whom were White, and 54 (41%) were female. Twenty-one patients (16%) had NSP proximal to the infarct territory, 17 (13%) had LAE, 9 (7%) had a PFO, and 85 (64%) had no other mechanism. Patients with LAE were older (p=0.004), and had more frequent intracranial occlusions of the internal carotid and proximal middle cerebral artery (p=0.048), while tobacco use was most commonly found among patients with NSP (75%) when compared to other ESUS groups (p=0.02). Five of 9 patients with LAE who underwent outpatient telemetry had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (56%), while zero patients with PFO or NSP had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (p=0.005). Older age (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.05, 95%CI 1.03-1.07), coronary artery disease (aOR 3.22, 95%CI 1.61-6.44) and hypertension (aOR 2.16, 95%CI 1.14-4.06) were independently associated with LAE, while only tobacco use was associated with NSP when compared to other ESUS subclassifiers (OR 3.18, 95%CI 1.08-0.42). Age and tobacco use were both inversely associated with PFO (aOR 0.93, 95%CI 0.88-0.98, and aOR 0.10, 95%CI 0.02-0.90, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Certain clinical and radiographic features may be useful in predicting the proximal source of occult cerebral emboli, and can be used for cost-effective outpatient diagnostic testing.
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Rimmele DL, Borof K, Jensen M, Behrendt CA, Cheng B, Debus ES, Gerloff C, Thomalla G. Association Between Carotid Atherosclerosis and Atrial Fibrillation, Cardiac, and Renal Function. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2022; 63:641-647. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2022.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Kamtchum-Tatuene J, Nomani AZ, Falcione S, Munsterman D, Sykes G, Joy T, Spronk E, Vargas MI, Jickling GC. Non-stenotic Carotid Plaques in Embolic Stroke of Unknown Source. Front Neurol 2021; 12:719329. [PMID: 34630291 PMCID: PMC8492999 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.719329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Embolic stroke of unknown source (ESUS) represents one in five ischemic strokes. Ipsilateral non-stenotic carotid plaques are identified in 40% of all ESUS. In this narrative review, we summarize the evidence supporting the potential causal relationship between ESUS and non-stenotic carotid plaques; discuss the remaining challenges in establishing the causal link between non-stenotic plaques and ESUS and describe biomarkers of potential interest for future research. In support of the causal relationship between ESUS and non-stenotic carotid plaques, studies have shown that plaques with high-risk features are five times more prevalent in the ipsilateral vs. the contralateral carotid and there is a lower incidence of atrial fibrillation during follow-up in patients with ipsilateral non-stenotic carotid plaques. However, non-stenotic carotid plaques with or without high-risk features often coexist with other potential etiologies of stroke, notably atrial fibrillation (8.5%), intracranial atherosclerosis (8.4%), patent foramen ovale (5-9%), and atrial cardiopathy (2.4%). Such puzzling clinical associations make it challenging to confirm the causal link between non-stenotic plaques and ESUS. There are several ongoing studies exploring whether select protein and RNA biomarkers of plaque progression or vulnerability could facilitate the reclassification of some ESUS as large vessel strokes or help to optimize secondary prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Kamtchum-Tatuene
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Ali Z. Nomani
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sarina Falcione
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Danielle Munsterman
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gina Sykes
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Twinkle Joy
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Elena Spronk
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Maria Isabel Vargas
- Division of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Glen C. Jickling
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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