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Xiao J, Poblete RA, Lerner A, Nguyen PL, Song JW, Sanossian N, Wilcox AG, Song SS, Lyden PD, Saver JL, Wasserman BA, Fan Z. MRI in the Evaluation of Cryptogenic Stroke and Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. Radiology 2024; 311:e231934. [PMID: 38652031 PMCID: PMC11070612 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.231934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Cryptogenic stroke refers to a stroke of undetermined etiology. It accounts for approximately one-fifth of ischemic strokes and has a higher prevalence in younger patients. Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) refers to a subgroup of patients with nonlacunar cryptogenic strokes in whom embolism is the suspected stroke mechanism. Under the classifications of cryptogenic stroke or ESUS, there is wide heterogeneity in possible stroke mechanisms. In the absence of a confirmed stroke etiology, there is no established treatment for secondary prevention of stroke in patients experiencing cryptogenic stroke or ESUS, despite several clinical trials, leaving physicians with a clinical dilemma. Both conventional and advanced MRI techniques are available in clinical practice to identify differentiating features and stroke patterns and to determine or infer the underlying etiologic cause, such as atherosclerotic plaques and cardiogenic or paradoxical embolism due to occult pelvic venous thrombi. The aim of this review is to highlight the diagnostic utility of various MRI techniques in patients with cryptogenic stroke or ESUS. Future trends in technological advancement for promoting the adoption of MRI in such a special clinical application are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Xiao
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.X., A.L., A.G.W., Z.F.),
Neurology (R.A.P., P.L.N., N.S., P.D.L.), Physiology and Neuroscience (P.D.L.),
Biomedical Engineering (Z.F.), and Radiation Oncology (Z.F.), University of
Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, CSC Room 104, Los Angeles, CA 90033;
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pa (J.W.S.); Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,
Los Angeles, Calif (S.S.S.); Comprehensive Stroke Center and Department of
Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los
Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (J.L.S.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology and
Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland–Baltimore, Baltimore, Md
(B.A.W.); and Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Md (B.A.W.)
| | - Roy A. Poblete
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.X., A.L., A.G.W., Z.F.),
Neurology (R.A.P., P.L.N., N.S., P.D.L.), Physiology and Neuroscience (P.D.L.),
Biomedical Engineering (Z.F.), and Radiation Oncology (Z.F.), University of
Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, CSC Room 104, Los Angeles, CA 90033;
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pa (J.W.S.); Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,
Los Angeles, Calif (S.S.S.); Comprehensive Stroke Center and Department of
Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los
Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (J.L.S.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology and
Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland–Baltimore, Baltimore, Md
(B.A.W.); and Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Md (B.A.W.)
| | - Alexander Lerner
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.X., A.L., A.G.W., Z.F.),
Neurology (R.A.P., P.L.N., N.S., P.D.L.), Physiology and Neuroscience (P.D.L.),
Biomedical Engineering (Z.F.), and Radiation Oncology (Z.F.), University of
Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, CSC Room 104, Los Angeles, CA 90033;
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pa (J.W.S.); Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,
Los Angeles, Calif (S.S.S.); Comprehensive Stroke Center and Department of
Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los
Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (J.L.S.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology and
Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland–Baltimore, Baltimore, Md
(B.A.W.); and Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Md (B.A.W.)
| | - Peggy L. Nguyen
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.X., A.L., A.G.W., Z.F.),
Neurology (R.A.P., P.L.N., N.S., P.D.L.), Physiology and Neuroscience (P.D.L.),
Biomedical Engineering (Z.F.), and Radiation Oncology (Z.F.), University of
Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, CSC Room 104, Los Angeles, CA 90033;
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pa (J.W.S.); Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,
Los Angeles, Calif (S.S.S.); Comprehensive Stroke Center and Department of
Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los
Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (J.L.S.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology and
Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland–Baltimore, Baltimore, Md
(B.A.W.); and Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Md (B.A.W.)
| | - Jae W. Song
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.X., A.L., A.G.W., Z.F.),
Neurology (R.A.P., P.L.N., N.S., P.D.L.), Physiology and Neuroscience (P.D.L.),
Biomedical Engineering (Z.F.), and Radiation Oncology (Z.F.), University of
Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, CSC Room 104, Los Angeles, CA 90033;
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pa (J.W.S.); Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,
Los Angeles, Calif (S.S.S.); Comprehensive Stroke Center and Department of
Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los
Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (J.L.S.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology and
Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland–Baltimore, Baltimore, Md
(B.A.W.); and Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Md (B.A.W.)
| | - Nerses Sanossian
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.X., A.L., A.G.W., Z.F.),
Neurology (R.A.P., P.L.N., N.S., P.D.L.), Physiology and Neuroscience (P.D.L.),
Biomedical Engineering (Z.F.), and Radiation Oncology (Z.F.), University of
Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, CSC Room 104, Los Angeles, CA 90033;
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pa (J.W.S.); Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,
Los Angeles, Calif (S.S.S.); Comprehensive Stroke Center and Department of
Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los
Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (J.L.S.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology and
Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland–Baltimore, Baltimore, Md
(B.A.W.); and Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Md (B.A.W.)
| | - Alison G. Wilcox
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.X., A.L., A.G.W., Z.F.),
Neurology (R.A.P., P.L.N., N.S., P.D.L.), Physiology and Neuroscience (P.D.L.),
Biomedical Engineering (Z.F.), and Radiation Oncology (Z.F.), University of
Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, CSC Room 104, Los Angeles, CA 90033;
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pa (J.W.S.); Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,
Los Angeles, Calif (S.S.S.); Comprehensive Stroke Center and Department of
Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los
Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (J.L.S.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology and
Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland–Baltimore, Baltimore, Md
(B.A.W.); and Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Md (B.A.W.)
| | - Shlee S. Song
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.X., A.L., A.G.W., Z.F.),
Neurology (R.A.P., P.L.N., N.S., P.D.L.), Physiology and Neuroscience (P.D.L.),
Biomedical Engineering (Z.F.), and Radiation Oncology (Z.F.), University of
Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, CSC Room 104, Los Angeles, CA 90033;
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pa (J.W.S.); Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,
Los Angeles, Calif (S.S.S.); Comprehensive Stroke Center and Department of
Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los
Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (J.L.S.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology and
Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland–Baltimore, Baltimore, Md
(B.A.W.); and Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Md (B.A.W.)
| | - Patrick D. Lyden
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.X., A.L., A.G.W., Z.F.),
Neurology (R.A.P., P.L.N., N.S., P.D.L.), Physiology and Neuroscience (P.D.L.),
Biomedical Engineering (Z.F.), and Radiation Oncology (Z.F.), University of
Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, CSC Room 104, Los Angeles, CA 90033;
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pa (J.W.S.); Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,
Los Angeles, Calif (S.S.S.); Comprehensive Stroke Center and Department of
Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los
Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (J.L.S.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology and
Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland–Baltimore, Baltimore, Md
(B.A.W.); and Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Md (B.A.W.)
| | - Jeffrey L. Saver
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.X., A.L., A.G.W., Z.F.),
Neurology (R.A.P., P.L.N., N.S., P.D.L.), Physiology and Neuroscience (P.D.L.),
Biomedical Engineering (Z.F.), and Radiation Oncology (Z.F.), University of
Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, CSC Room 104, Los Angeles, CA 90033;
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pa (J.W.S.); Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,
Los Angeles, Calif (S.S.S.); Comprehensive Stroke Center and Department of
Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los
Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (J.L.S.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology and
Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland–Baltimore, Baltimore, Md
(B.A.W.); and Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Md (B.A.W.)
| | - Bruce A. Wasserman
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.X., A.L., A.G.W., Z.F.),
Neurology (R.A.P., P.L.N., N.S., P.D.L.), Physiology and Neuroscience (P.D.L.),
Biomedical Engineering (Z.F.), and Radiation Oncology (Z.F.), University of
Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, CSC Room 104, Los Angeles, CA 90033;
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pa (J.W.S.); Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,
Los Angeles, Calif (S.S.S.); Comprehensive Stroke Center and Department of
Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los
Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (J.L.S.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology and
Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland–Baltimore, Baltimore, Md
(B.A.W.); and Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Md (B.A.W.)
| | - Zhaoyang Fan
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.X., A.L., A.G.W., Z.F.),
Neurology (R.A.P., P.L.N., N.S., P.D.L.), Physiology and Neuroscience (P.D.L.),
Biomedical Engineering (Z.F.), and Radiation Oncology (Z.F.), University of
Southern California, 2250 Alcazar St, CSC Room 104, Los Angeles, CA 90033;
Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia, Pa (J.W.S.); Department of Neurology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,
Los Angeles, Calif (S.S.S.); Comprehensive Stroke Center and Department of
Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California–Los
Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif (J.L.S.); Department of Diagnostic Radiology and
Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland–Baltimore, Baltimore, Md
(B.A.W.); and Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins
University, Baltimore, Md (B.A.W.)
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Sohn JH, Kim C, Sung JH, Han SW, Minwoo Lee, Oh MS, Yu KH, Kim Y, Park SH, Lee SH. Effect of pre-stroke antiplatelet use on stroke outcomes in acute small vessel occlusion stroke with moderate to severe white matter burden. J Neurol Sci 2024; 456:122837. [PMID: 38141530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.122837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral small vessel disease is characterized by white matter hyperintensities (WMH) and acute small vessel occlusion (SVO) stroke. We investigated the effect of prior antiplatelet use (APU) on stroke outcome in 1151 patients with acute SVO stroke patients and moderate to severe WMH. METHODS Using a multicenter database, this retrospective study used quantitative WMH volume measurements and propensity score matching (PSM) for comparisons between patients with prior APU and without APU. Primary outcomes were stroke progression and poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale>2) at 3 months. Logistic regression analyses assessed associations between prior APU, WMH burden, and stroke outcomes. RESULTS Stroke progression was lower in the prior APU group in both the total cohort (14.8% vs. 6.9%, p < 0.001) and the PSM cohort (16.3% vs. 6.9%, p < 0.001). The proportion of poor functional outcomes at 3 months was not significantly different in the total cohort, but the PSM cohort showed a lower proportion in the prior APU group (30.8% vs. 20.2%, p = 0.002). Logistic regression analysis confirmed that prior APU was associated with a reduced risk of stroke progression (OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.22-0.70; p = 0.001) and poor functional outcome at 3 months (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.23-0.59; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Prior APU is associated with reduced stroke progression and improved functional outcome at 3 months in acute SVO stroke patients with moderate to severe WMH. Early treatment of WMH and acute SVO stroke may have potential benefits in improving stroke outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Hee Sohn
- Department of Neurology, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea; Institute of New Frontier research Team, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Chulho Kim
- Department of Neurology, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea; Institute of New Frontier research Team, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Joo Hye Sung
- Department of Neurology, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Sang-Won Han
- Department of Neurology, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Minwoo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Hallym Sacred Heart Hospital Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, South Korea
| | - Mi Sun Oh
- Department of Neurology, Hallym Sacred Heart Hospital Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, South Korea
| | - Kyung-Ho Yu
- Department of Neurology, Hallym Sacred Heart Hospital Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, South Korea
| | - Yerim Kim
- Department of Neurology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soo-Hyun Park
- Department of Neurology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Hwa Lee
- Department of Neurology, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, South Korea; Institute of New Frontier research Team, Hallym University, Chuncheon, South Korea.
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Wolfe J, Kamen S, Koneru M, Vigilante N, Rana A, Penckofer M, Hester T, Oak S, Patel K, Thau L, Sprankle K, Kim K, Thomas K, Zhang L, Siegler JE. Subcortical infarcts in patients with nonstenotic cervical atherosclerotic disease. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 32:107264. [PMID: 37586218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2023.107264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies have elucidated a relationship between nonstenotic plaque in patients with cryptogenic embolic infarcts with a largely cortical topology, however, it is unclear if nonstenotic cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) plaque is relevant in subcortical cryptogenic infarct patterns. METHODS A nested cohort of consecutive patients with anterior, unilateral, and subcortical infarcts without an identifiable embolic source were identified from a prospective stroke registry (September 2019 - June 2021). Patients with extracranial stenosis >50% or cardiac sources of embolism were excluded. Patients with computed tomography angiography were included and comparisons were made according to the infarct pattern being lacunar versus non-lacunar. Prevalence estimates for cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) plaque presence were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and differences in plaque thickness and features were compared between sides. RESULTS Of the 1684 who were screened, 141 met inclusion criteria (n=80 due to small vessel disease, n=61 cryptogenic). The median age was 66y (interquartile range, IQR 58-73) and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 3 (IQR 1-5). There was a higher probability of finding excess plaque ipsilateral to the stroke (41.1%, 95% CI 33.3-49.3%) than finding excess contralateral plaque (29.1%, 95% CI 22.2-37.1%; p=0.03), but this was driven by patients with non-lacunar infarcts (excess ipsilateral vs. contralateral plaque frequency of 49.2% vs. 14.8%, p<0.001) rather than lacunar infarcts (35.0% vs. 40.0%, p=0.51). CONCLUSIONS The probability of finding ipsilateral, nonstenotic carotid plaque in patients with subcortical cryptogenic strokes exceeds the probability of contralateral plaque and is driven by larger subcortical infarcts, classically defined as being cryptogenic. Approximately 1 in 3 unilateral anterior subcortical infarcts may be due to nonstenotic ICA plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared Wolfe
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States.
| | - Scott Kamen
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Manisha Koneru
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | | | - Ankit Rana
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Mary Penckofer
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Taryn Hester
- Cooper Neurological Institute, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Solomon Oak
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Karan Patel
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Lauren Thau
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Kenyon Sprankle
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Kelly Kim
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Kavya Thomas
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - Linda Zhang
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States
| | - James E Siegler
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, United States; Cooper Neurological Institute, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ, United States
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Pezawas T. ECG Smart Monitoring versus Implantable Loop Recorders for Atrial Fibrillation Detection after Cryptogenic Stroke-An Overview for Decision Making. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:306. [PMID: 37504563 PMCID: PMC10380665 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10070306] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Up to 20% of patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack have a prior history of known atrial fibrillation (AF). Additionally, unknown AF can be detected by different monitoring strategies in up to 23% of patients with cryptogenic or non-cardioembolic stroke. However, most studies had substantial gaps in monitoring time, especially early after the index event. Following this, AF rates would be higher if patients underwent continuous monitoring early after stroke, avoiding any gaps in monitoring. The few existing randomized studies focused on patients with cryptogenic stroke but did not focus otherwise specifically on prevention strategies in patients at high risk for AF (patients at higher age or with high CHA2DS2-VASC scores). Besides invasive implantable loop recorders (ILRs), external loop recorders (ELRs) and mobile cardiac outpatient telemetry (MCOT) are non-invasive tools that are commonly used for long-term ECG monitoring in cryptogenic-stroke patients in the ambulatory setting. The role of MCOT and hand-held devices within ECG smart monitoring in the detection of AF for the prevention of and after cryptogenic stroke is currently unclear. This intense review provides an overview of current evidence, techniques, and gaps in knowledge and aims to advise which patients benefit most from the current available devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Pezawas
- Department of Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Kumar M, Hu S, Beyea S, Kamal N. Is improved access to magnetic resonance imaging imperative for optimal ischemic stroke care? J Neurol Sci 2023; 446:120592. [PMID: 36821945 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Neuroimaging, including CT and MRI, is integral to ischemic stroke (IS) treatment, management, and prevention. However, the use of MRI for IS patients is limited despite its potential to provide high-quality images that yield definitive information related to the management of IS. MRI is beneficial when the information provided by CT is insufficient for decisions related to the diagnosis, etiology, or treatment of IS. In the emergency setting, MRI can improve the diagnostic accuracy of CT-negative acute ischemic strokes (AIS) and ensure a better selection of patients for reperfusion therapies with thrombolysis and/or thrombectomy. Moreover, MR imaging may help avoid hospital admissions for patients with stroke mimics, facilitate earlier discharge, and reduce overall hospital costs. MRI in the in-patient setting can help determine stroke etiology to aid in stroke prevention management upon discharge. Furthermore, early access to MRI in IS out-patients can aid in diagnosing, risk stratifying, and determining optimal management strategies for patients with a TIA or a minor stroke. Recent technological advances, particularly low-to-mid-field MR scanners, can improve access to MRI. These MR scanners provide faster protocols, cost-effectiveness, smaller footprints, safety, and lower power requirements. In conclusion, MRI use for IS treatment, management, and prevention is imperative and justifiable, and the latest technological advancements in MR scanners hold the potential to enhance access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukesh Kumar
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
| | - Sherry Hu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Steven Beyea
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada; IWK Health, Halifax, Canada
| | - Noreen Kamal
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada; Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
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Shoamanesh A, Mundl H, Smith EE, Masjuan J, Milanov I, Hirano T, Agafina A, Campbell B, Caso V, Mas JL, Dong Q, Turcani P, Christensen H, Ferro JM, Veltkamp R, Mikulik R, De Marchis GM, Robinson T, Lemmens R, Stepien A, Greisenegger S, Roine R, Csiba L, Khatri P, Coutinho J, Lindgren AG, Demchuk AM, Colorado P, Kirsch B, Neumann C, Heenan L, Xu L, Connolly SJ, Hart RG. Factor XIa inhibition with asundexian after acute non-cardioembolic ischaemic stroke (PACIFIC-Stroke): an international, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b trial. Lancet 2022; 400:997-1007. [PMID: 36063821 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01588-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asundexian (Bayer AG, Leverkusen, Germany), an oral small molecule factor XIa (FXIa) inhibitor, might prevent thrombosis without increasing bleeding. Asundexian's effect for secondary prevention of recurrent stroke is unknown. METHODS In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2b dose-finding trial (PACIFIC-Stroke), patients with acute (within 48 h) non-cardioembolic ischaemic stroke were recruited from 196 hospitals in 23 countries. Patients were eligible if they were aged 45 years or older, to be treated with antiplatelet therapy, and able to have a baseline MRI (either before or within 72 h of randomisation). Eligible participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1), using an interactive web-based response system and stratified according to anticipated antiplatelet therapy (single vs dual), to once daily oral asundexian (BAY 2433334) 10 mg, 20 mg, or 50 mg, or placebo in addition to usual antiplatelet therapy, and were followed up during treatment for 26-52 weeks. Brain MRIs were obtained at study entry and at 26 weeks or as soon as possible after treatment discontinuation. The primary efficacy outcome was the dose-response effect on the composite of incident MRI-detected covert brain infarcts and recurrent symptomatic ischaemic stroke at or before 26 weeks after randomisation. The primary safety outcome was major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding as defined by International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis criteria. The efficacy outcome was assessed in all participants assigned to treatment, and the safety outcome was assessed in all participants who received at least one dose of study treatment. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04304508, and is now complete. FINDINGS Between June 15, 2020, and July 22, 2021, 1880 patients were screened and 1808 participants were randomly assigned to asundexian 10 mg (n=455), 20 mg (n=450), or 50 mg (n=447), or placebo (n=456). Mean age was 67 years (SD 10) and 615 (34%) participants were women, 1193 (66%) were men, 1505 (83%) were White, and 268 (15%) were Asian. The mean time from index stroke to randomisation was 36 h (SD 10) and median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 2·0 (IQR 1·0-4·0). 783 (43%) participants received dual antiplatelet treatment for a mean duration of 70·1 days (SD 113·4) after randomisation. At 26 weeks, the primary efficacy outcome was observed in 87 (19%) of 456 participants in the placebo group versus 86 (19%) of 455 in the asundexian 10 mg group (crude incidence ratio 0·99 [90% CI 0·79-1·24]), 99 (22%) of 450 in the asundexian 20 mg group (1·15 [0·93-1·43]), and 90 (20%) of 447 in the asundexian 50 mg group (1·06 [0·85-1·32]; t statistic -0·68; p=0·80). The primary safety outcome was observed in 11 (2%) of 452 participants in the placebo group versus 19 (4%) of 445 in the asundexian 10 mg group, 14 (3%) of 446 in the asundexian 20 mg group, and 19 (4%) of 443 in the asundexian 50 mg group (all asundexian doses pooled vs placebo hazard ratio 1·57 [90% CI 0·91-2·71]). INTERPRETATION In this phase 2b trial, FXIa inhibition with asundexian did not reduce the composite of covert brain infarction or ischaemic stroke and did not increase the composite of major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding compared with placebo in patients with acute, non-cardioembolic ischaemic stroke. FUNDING Bayer AG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashkan Shoamanesh
- Division of Neurology, McMaster University, Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Hardi Mundl
- TA Thrombosis and Vascular Medicine, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Eric E Smith
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Radiology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jaime Masjuan
- Neurology Department, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain; Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Alcalá, IRYCIS, RICORS-ICTUS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ivan Milanov
- Medical University, University Hospital for Neurology and Psychiatry "St Naum", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Teruyuki Hirano
- Department of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyorin University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alina Agafina
- Clinical Research Department, City Hospital #40, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Bruce Campbell
- Department of Medicine and Neurology, Melbourne Brain Centre at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Valeria Caso
- Stroke Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Jean-Louis Mas
- Department of Neurology, GHU Paris, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, Université Paris-Cité, Inserm U1266, Paris, France
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peter Turcani
- 1st Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Hanne Christensen
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Bispebjerg, Denmark
| | - Jose M Ferro
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Roland Veltkamp
- Neurology Department, Alfried-Krupp Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Robert Mikulik
- International Clinical Research Center and Neurology Department, St Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic; Medical Faculty, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gian Marco De Marchis
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, University Hospital of Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Robin Lemmens
- Department of Neurosciences, Experimental Neurology, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain and Disease Research, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adam Stepien
- Department of Neurology, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Risto Roine
- Division of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Laszlo Csiba
- DE Clinical Center (DEKK), Health Service Units, Clinics, Department of Neurology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Pooja Khatri
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan Coutinho
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Arne G Lindgren
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund (Neurology), Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Neurology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andrew M Demchuk
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Radiology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | | | - Bodo Kirsch
- Statistics and Data Insights, Bayer AG, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Laura Heenan
- Department of Statistics, McMaster University, Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lizhen Xu
- Department of Statistics, McMaster University, Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Stuart J Connolly
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Robert G Hart
- Division of Neurology, McMaster University, Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Embolic infarct topology differs between atrial fibrillation subtypes and embolic stroke of undetermined source. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2022; 31:106782. [PMID: 36130470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2022.106782] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lack of superiority of anticoagulation over antiplatelet therapy in embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) may be in part due to the misclassification of radiographic ESUS patterns as cardioembolic. In this imaging analysis, we sought to differentiate clinical and radiographic patterns of ESUS patients from patterns in patients with a highly probable cardioembolic source. MATERIALS & METHODS A prospective registry of consecutive adults with acute infarction on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was queried. Patients with infarctions due to small vessel disease, large vessel disease, and other causes were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of two potentially embolic patterns: (1) multifocal and (2) cortical lesions, comparing patients with ESUS against those with atrial fibrillation (AF). RESULTS Among 1243 screened patients, 343 (27.6%) experienced strokes due to ESUS or AF. Prior to the index stroke, patients with AF as compared to ESUS were older (median 75 vs. 65, p<0.01) and had more heart failure (25.9% vs. 8.4%, p<0.01). The odds of multifocal infarction were the same between patients with ESUS and both AF subtypes (p>0.05), however, cortical involvement was more associated with both AF versus ESUS (77.7% vs. 65.7%, P=0.02). A higher Fazekas grade of white matter disease was inversely associated with cortical infarction among included patients (aOR 0.77, 95% CI 0.62-0.96). CONCLUSION Cortical infarctions were twice as common among patients with AF versus ESUS. Subcortical infarct topography was strongly associated with chronic microvascular ischemic changes and therefore may not represent embolic phenomena. Larger-scale investigations are warranted to discern whether large or multifocal subcortical infarcts ought to be excluded from the ESUS designation.
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Kim JG, Boo K, Kang CH, Kim HJ, Choi JC. Impact of Neuroimaging Patterns for the Detection of a Trial Fibrillation by Implantable Loop Recorders in Patients With Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. Front Neurol 2022; 13:905998. [PMID: 35769362 PMCID: PMC9234145 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.905998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a well-known etiology of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), although the optimal detection strategy of AF was not been fully evaluated yet. We assessed AF detection rate by implantable loop recorder (ILR) in patients with ESUS and compared the clinical characteristics and neuroimaging patterns between the patients with AF and AF-free patients. Methods We reviewed clinical characteristics and neuroimaging patterns of consecutive patients with who were admitted to our comprehensive stroke center for ESUS and underwent ILR insertion between August 1, 2019, and January 31, 202. The inclusion criteria were (1) 18 years of age or older; (2) classified as having cryptogenic stroke extracted from the group with undetermined stroke according to ESUS International Working Group; and (3) underwent ILR insertion during or after admission due to index ischemic events. Ischemic stroke pattern was classified as (1) tiny-scattered infarction, (2) whole-territorial infarction, (3) lobar infarction and (4) multiple-territorial infarction. Interrogations of data retrieved from the ILR were performed by cardiologists in every month after the implantation. Results In this study, 41 ESUS patients who received an ILR implantation were enrolled (mean age, 64 years; male sex, 65.9%). The rate of AF detection at 6 months was 34% (14 patients), and the mean time from ILR insertion to AF detection was 52.5 days [interquartile range (IQR), 45.0–69.5]. The median initial NIH stroke scale scores were significantly greater in patients with AF than those without AF (6.5 vs. 3.0, p = 0.019). Whole-territorial infarction pattern was significantly more frequent in patients with AF than in those without AF (64.3% vs.11.1%, p = 0.002). Conclusions Higher covert AF detection rates within the ESUS patients were most often associated with higher NIHSS and whole-territorial infarction patterns on brain imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joong-Goo Kim
- Department of Neurology, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Kiyung Boo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Chul-Hoo Kang
- Department of Neurology, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Hong Jun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Jay Chol Choi
- Department of Neurology, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Jay Chol Choi
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