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Hellwig S, Krause T, Scheitz JF, Herm J, Grittner U, Jauert N, Fiebach JB, Kasner M, Doehner W, Endres M, Wachter R, Elgeti T, Nolte CH, Haeusler KG. Enhanced diagnostic workup increases pathological findings in patients with acute ischaemic stroke: results of the prospective HEBRAS study. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2024; 9:145-152. [PMID: 37353342 PMCID: PMC11103153 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2022-002179] [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: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke aetiology remains cryptogenic in a relevant proportion of patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). We assessed whether enhanced diagnostic workup after AIS yields a higher rate of prespecified pathological findings compared with routine diagnostic care in-hospital. METHODS Hospitalised patients with AIS were prospectively enrolled in the investigator-initiated observational HEart and BRain Interfaces in Acute Ischaemic Stroke (HEBRAS) study at the Charité, Berlin, Germany. Patients with AIS without known atrial fibrillation (AF) underwent cardiovascular MR imaging (CMR), MR-angiography of the aortic arch and prolonged Holter-ECG monitoring on top of routine diagnostic care. RESULTS Among 356 patients with AIS (mean age 66 years, 37.6% female), enhanced workup yielded a higher rate of prespecified pathological findings compared with routine care (17.7% vs 5.3%; p<0.001). Consequently, fewer patients were classified as cryptogenic after enhanced diagnostic workup (38.5% vs 45.5%, p<0.001). Routine care included echocardiography in 228 (64.0%) patients. CMR was successfully performed in 292 (82.0%) patients and revealed more often a prespecified pathological finding compared with routine echocardiography (16.1% vs 5.3%). Furthermore, study-related ECG monitoring (median duration 162 hours (IQR 98-210)) detected AF in 16 (4.5%) patients, while routine monitoring (median duration 51 hours (IQR 34-74)) detected AF in seven (2.0%) patients. CONCLUSIONS Enhanced diagnostic workup revealed a higher rate of prespecified pathological findings in patients with AIS compared with routine diagnostic care and significantly reduced the proportion of patients with cryptogenic stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02142413.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Hellwig
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Krause
- Department of Neurology, Jüdisches Krankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan F Scheitz
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Juliane Herm
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrike Grittner
- Institute of Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadja Jauert
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Mario Kasner
- Department of Cardiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfram Doehner
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Cardiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Endres
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rolf Wachter
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thomas Elgeti
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian H Nolte
- Department of Neurology with Experimental Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Diseases (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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van der Maten G, Meijs MFL, Timmer JR, Brouwers PJAM, von Birgelen C, Coutinho JM, Bouma BJ, Kerkhoff H, Helming AM, van Tuijl JH, van der Meer NA, Saxena R, Ebink C, van der Palen J, den Hertog HM. Routine transthoracic echocardiography in ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack of undetermined cause: a prospective multicentre study. Neth Heart J 2024; 32:91-98. [PMID: 37870709 PMCID: PMC10834921 DOI: 10.1007/s12471-023-01819-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidelines recommend routine transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) after ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack of undetermined cause; yet, only limited scientific evidence exists. Therefore, we aimed to determine in these patients the prevalence of TTE-detected major cardiac sources of embolism (CSE), which are abnormalities leading to therapeutic changes. METHODS Six Dutch hospitals conducted a prospective observational study that enrolled patients with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack of undetermined cause. Patients underwent TTE after comprehensive diagnostic evaluation on stroke units, including blood chemistry, 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), ≥ 24 h continuous ECG monitoring, brain imaging and cervical artery imaging. Primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients with TTE-detected major CSE. RESULTS From March 2018 to October 2020, 1084 patients, aged 66.6 ± 12.5 years, were enrolled; 456 (42.1%) patients were female and 869 (80.2%) had ischaemic stroke. TTE detected major CSE in only 11 (1.0%) patients. Ten (90.9%) of these patients also had major ECG abnormalities (previous infarction, major repolarisation abnormalities, or previously unknown left bundle branch block) that would have warranted TTE assessment regardless of stroke evaluation. Such ECG abnormalities were present in 11.1% of the total study population. A single patient (0.1%) showed a major CSE despite having no ECG abnormality. CONCLUSIONS This multicentre cross-sectional study in patients who-after workup on contemporary stroke units-were diagnosed with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack of undetermined cause found TTE-detected major CSE in only 1% of all patients. Most of these patients also had major ECG abnormalities. These findings question the value of routine TTE assessment in this clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerlinde van der Maten
- Department of Neurology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Matthijs F L Meijs
- Department of Cardiology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
| | - Jorik R Timmer
- Department of Cardiology, Isala Hospital, Zwolle, The Netherlands
| | | | - Clemens von Birgelen
- Department of Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan M Coutinho
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Berto J Bouma
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Kerkhoff
- Department of Neurology, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Mijn Helming
- Department of Cardiology, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Julia H van Tuijl
- Department of Neurology, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ritu Saxena
- Department of Neurology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Corné Ebink
- Department of Cardiology, Maasstad Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Job van der Palen
- Section Cognition, Data and Education, Faculty of Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
- Medical School Twente, Medisch Spectrum Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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Park SH, Kim Y, Lee M, Lee SH, Bae JS, Lee JH, Kim TJ, Ko SB, Jeong SW, Kim DE, Ryu WS. The usefulness of global longitudinal peak strain and left atrial volume index in predicting atrial fibrillation in patients with ischemic stroke. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1287609. [PMID: 38249733 PMCID: PMC10797101 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1287609] [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: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) is crucial for preventing recurrence in patients with ischemic stroke. We aimed to examine whether the left atrial volume index (LAVI) and global longitudinal peak strain (GLPS) are associated with AF in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods We prospectively analyzed 678 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke. LAVI and GLPS were assessed using three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography with speckle-tracking imaging. Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of AF with LAVI and GLPS. To evaluate the predictive value of LAVI and GLPS for the presence of AF, we used optimism-corrected c-statistics calculated by 100 bootstrap repetitions and the net reclassification improvement (NRI). Results The mean patient age was 68 ± 13 years (men, 60%). Patients with AF (18%) were a higher LAVI (41.7 ml/m2 vs. 74.9 ml/m2, P < 0.001) and a higher GLPS than those without AF (-14.0 vs. -17.3, P < 0.001). Among the 89 patients classified with embolic stroke of unknown source, the probable cardioembolic group had higher GLPS (n= 17, -14.6 vs. -18.6, respectively; P= 0.014) than the other groups (n= 72). Adding GLPS to age, hypertension, and the LAVI significantly improved the NRI, with an overall NRI improvement of 6.1% (P= 0.03). Discussion The LAVI andGLPS with speckle-tracking imaging echocardiography may help identify patients with AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Hyun Park
- Department of Neurology, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yerim Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minwoo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym Neurological Institute, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hwa Lee
- Department of Neurology, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seok Bae
- Department of Neurology, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hun Lee
- Department of Neurology, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Jung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Bae Ko
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Wuk Jeong
- Department of Neurology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Eog Kim
- Department of Neurology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Wi-Sun Ryu
- Department of Neurology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Republic of Korea
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Thong EHE, Kong WKF, Poh KK, Wong R, Chai P, Sia CH. Multimodal Cardiac Imaging in the Assessment of Patients Who Have Suffered a Cardioembolic Stroke: A Review. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 11:13. [PMID: 38248883 PMCID: PMC10816708 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd11010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardioembolic strokes account for 20-25% of all ischaemic strokes, with their incidence increasing with age. Cardiac imaging plays a crucial role in identifying cardioembolic causes of stroke, with early and accurate identification affecting treatment, preventing recurrence, and reducing stroke incidence. Echocardiography serves as the mainstay of cardiac evaluation. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the first line in the basic evaluation of structural heart disorders, valvular disease, vegetations, and intraventricular thrombus. It can be used to measure chamber size and systolic/diastolic function. Trans-oesophageal echocardiography (TOE) yields better results in identifying potential cardioembolic sources of stroke and should be strongly considered, especially if TTE does not yield adequate results. Cardiac computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging provide better soft tissue characterisation, high-grade anatomical information, spatial and temporal visualisation, and image reconstruction in multiple planes, especially with contrast. These techniques are useful in cases of inconclusive echocardiograms and can be used to detect and characterise valvular lesions, thrombi, fibrosis, cardiomyopathies, and aortic plaques. Nuclear imaging is not routinely used, but it can be used to assess left-ventricular perfusion, function, and dimensions and may be useful in cases of infective endocarditis. Its use should be considered on a case-by-case basis. The accuracy of each imaging modality depends on the likely source of cardioembolism, and the choice of imaging approach should be tailored to individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William K. F. Kong
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (W.K.F.K.); (K.-K.P.); (R.W.); (P.C.)
| | - Kian-Keong Poh
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (W.K.F.K.); (K.-K.P.); (R.W.); (P.C.)
| | - Raymond Wong
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (W.K.F.K.); (K.-K.P.); (R.W.); (P.C.)
| | - Ping Chai
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (W.K.F.K.); (K.-K.P.); (R.W.); (P.C.)
| | - Ching-Hui Sia
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (W.K.F.K.); (K.-K.P.); (R.W.); (P.C.)
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5
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Beemsterboer C, Rinkel L, Guglielmi V, Groeneveld NS, Lobé N, Boekholdt S, Bouma B, Muller F, Beenen L, Marquering H, Majoie C, Roos Y, van Randen A, Planken R, Coutinho J. Cardiac thrombus dissolution in acute ischemic stroke: A substudy of Mind the Heart. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20627. [PMID: 37842570 PMCID: PMC10570568 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiac thrombi are an important cause of ischemic stroke but are infrequently detected on cardiac imaging. We hypothesized that this might be explained by early dissolution of these cardiac thrombi after stroke occurrence. Methods We performed a single-center observational pilot study between November 2019 and November 2020, embedded in the larger "Mind-the-Heart" study. We included patients with AIS and a cardiac thrombus in the left atrium or ventricle (filling defect <100 Hounsfield Units) diagnosed on cardiac CT that was acquired during the initial stroke imaging protocol. We repeated cardiac CT within one week to determine if the thrombus had dissolved. Results Five patients (four men, median age 52 years, three with atrial fibrillation and one with anticoagulation therapy at baseline) were included. Median time from symptom onset to first cardiac CT was 383 (range 42-852) minutes and median time from first to second cardiac CT was three days (range 1-7). Two patients received intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). In total, six thrombi were seen on initial CT imaging (one in the left ventricle, four in the left atrial appendage, one in the left atrium). The left atrium thrombus and one left atrial appendage thrombus had dissolved on follow-up cardiac CT, one of which was in a patient with IVT treatment. Conclusion This pilot study illustrates that cardiac thrombi can dissolve within days of stroke occurrence both with and without IVT treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L.A. Rinkel
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, the Netherlands
| | - V. Guglielmi
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, the Netherlands
| | - N.-S. Groeneveld
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, the Netherlands
| | - N.H.J. Lobé
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, the Netherlands
| | - S.M. Boekholdt
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, the Netherlands
| | - B.J. Bouma
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, the Netherlands
| | - F.F. Muller
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, the Netherlands
| | - L.F.M. Beenen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, the Netherlands
| | - H.A. Marquering
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, the Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Physics, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, the Netherlands
| | - C.B.L.M. Majoie
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, the Netherlands
| | - Y.B.W.E.M. Roos
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, the Netherlands
| | - A. van Randen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, the Netherlands
| | - R.N. Planken
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, the Netherlands
| | - J.M. Coutinho
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC, Location AMC, the Netherlands
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Rizos T, Jenetzky E, Nabavi DG, Haeusler KG, Wachter R, Ossenbrink M, Ringleb PA, Busse O. Echocardiography in acute stroke patients: a nationwide analysis in departments with certified stroke units in Germany. Neurol Res Pract 2023; 5:3. [PMID: 36653887 PMCID: PMC9850591 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-022-00229-1] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Echocardiography is highly relevant in patients with ischemic stroke or TIA. Utilization of routine echocardiographic examinations [transthoracic (TTE) or transesophageal (TEE)] on stroke units remains however unknown. To representatively examine echocardiographic rates on stroke units in Germany and to evaluate structural factors that may influence the decision to conduct echocardiography. METHODS A nationwide analysis was performed by using certification audit data of all primary and comprehensive stroke centers (pSC and cSC) in Germany. RESULTS Structural and organizational requirements of 310 departments (cSCs: 42.6%) were extracted. Median TTE rate was 63.3% (IQR 39.3-80.8), median TEE rate 21.3% (IQR 16.4-29.5). A cardiological department on site was present in 74.2%, and they were associated with higher TEE rates. TTE rates decreased with increasing numbers of patients (p = 0.026). Likewise, TEE rates decreased with increasing numbers of patients (p = 0.006), mediated by departments with cSCs (p = 0.008 for cSCs vs p = 0.230 for pSCs). TTE rates were far more inhomogeneously distributed than TEE rates and higher in pSCs (p = 0.011). Overall, 12.9% of centers did not perform any echocardiographic examination in at least 50% of all stroke patients. CONCLUSION More detailed recommendations regarding echocardiography should be included in future guidelines. Moreover, evaluating the impact of echocardiographic examinations on long-term prognosis in stroke patients should be focus of further evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timolaos Rizos
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ekkehart Jenetzky
- grid.412581.b0000 0000 9024 6397Faculty of Health/School of Medicine, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany ,grid.5802.f0000 0001 1941 7111Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Darius Günther Nabavi
- grid.433867.d0000 0004 0476 8412Department of Neurology, Vivantes Klinikum Neukölln, Rudower Str 48, 12351 Berlin, Germany
| | - Karl Georg Haeusler
- grid.8379.50000 0001 1958 8658Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Wachter
- grid.411339.d0000 0000 8517 9062Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Ossenbrink
- grid.469884.f0000 0001 2034 2604LGA InterCert GmbH, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Peter Arthur Ringleb
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Otto Busse
- Deutsche Schlaganfall Gesellschaft, Berlin, Germany
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Association between Low Ankle-Brachial Index and Poor Outcomes in Patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11113073. [PMID: 35683461 PMCID: PMC9181204 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11113073] [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: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the association of low ankle-brachial index (ABI < 0.9) with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) as well as whether the association differed by ESUS subtype. This retrospective single-center study included ESUS patients who underwent transesophageal echocardiography and ABI during hospitalization. ESUS was classified as ESUS with minor cardioembolic source, arteriogenic embolism, two or more causes, or no cause. Arteriogenic embolism was defined and classified as complex aortic or non-stenotic relevant artery plaque. MACE was defined as stroke recurrence, acute coronary syndrome, hospitalization for heart failure, or death. Overall, 829 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 45.8 months. Of these, 42 (5.1%) and 370 (44.6%) had low ABI and arteriogenic embolism, respectively. ABI < 0.9 was independently associated with MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.038, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.093−3.801) and all-cause mortality (HR: 3.608, 95% CI: 1.538−8.465) according to the multivariable Cox regression analysis. Between ESUS subtypes, low ABI was independently associated with MACE (HR: 2.513, 95% CI: 1.257−5.023) and all-cause mortality (HR: 5.681, 95% CI: 2.151−15.008) in arteriogenic embolism patients, especially in those with complex aortic plaque. However, in non-arteriogenic embolism patients, low ABI was not related to MACE and mortality. In ESUS patients, low ABI was linked to MACE and all-cause mortality, especially in those with arteriogenic embolisms from complex aortic plaque.
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Wang WH. Differences in Cardiac Etiologies for Ischemic Stroke in Young and Middle-Aged Patients: A Single-Center Experience in Taiwan. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082120. [PMID: 35456213 PMCID: PMC9031771 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The cardiac etiology of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) plays an important role in young adults; therefore, complete cardiac workups and subsequent prevention methods are important for treating young AIS patients. However, the definition of a young age for AIS patients could be below 45 years old, while in some previous studies, it has been below 55 years old. It remains unclear whether cardiac workups are equally important for AIS patients in the young (the age of 20–45 years old) and middle-aged (46–55 years old) categories. Materials and methods: This prospective study included 103 patients admitted due to a first AIS attack younger than 55 years old during the period from 1 October 2018 to 31 December 2020. All the patients received cardiologist consultations and cardiac workups accordingly. The characteristics of patients, cardiac workups, clinical findings, and management were analyzed. Results: AIS patients in the 46–55-year-old group had a higher prevalence of hypertension (61.4% vs. 39.0%), diabetes mellitus (27.3% vs. 15.3%), a previous history of coronary artery disease (9.1% vs. 1.7%), and atrial fibrillation (9.1% vs. 1.7%) compared to the 20–45-year-old group. After cardiologist consultations, a higher prevalence of newly diagnosed coronary artery disease (6.8% vs. 1.7%) and congestive heart failure (11.4% vs. 1.7%) was noted. Both groups disclosed similar percentages of patent foramen ovale (PFO) (27.3% vs. 22.0%) and valvular disease. These results led to subsequent changes in treatment in both groups. The 20–45-year-old group had higher percentages of receiving PFO occluders (11.9%) compared to the 46–55-year-old group (6.8%). Conclusion: Cardiologist consultations with thorough cardiac workups for AIS patients can reveal many cardiac findings in both young and middle-aged patients. This leads to a subsequent change in treatment, including medical and surgical aspects, which are important as secondary prevention for AIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hwa Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan;
- Health Management Center, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
- Institute of Management, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 840, Taiwan
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Mayerhofer E, Kanz D, Guschlbauer B, Anderson CD, Asmussen A, Grundmann S, Strecker C, Harloff A. Bubble Test and Carotid Ultrasound to Guide Indication of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Young Patients With Stroke. Front Neurol 2022; 13:836609. [PMID: 35309558 PMCID: PMC8931264 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.836609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Indication of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients ≤60 years with brain ischemia is uncertain. Methods This prospective double-blinded study included patients with cryptogenic acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) ≥18 and ≤60 years. After routine diagnostics, all patients underwent patent foramen ovale (PFO) screening by transcranial Doppler (TCD) bubble test, carotid ultrasound for atherosclerosis screening (intima-media-thickness >0.90 mm or plaques), and TEE. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values (PPV), and negative predictive values (NPV) of the combined non-invasive ultrasound to predict therapy-relevant TEE findings. Results We included 240 consecutive patients (median 51 years, 39% women) of which 68 (28.3%) had both a negative bubble test and no carotid atherosclerosis. Of these, 66 (97.1%) had unremarkable TEE findings; in one patient a small PFO was found and closed subsequently, in another patient a 4.9 mm thick aortic atheroma was found, and double platelet inhibition initiated. Of the other 172 (71.7%) patients, 93 (54%) had PFO and 9 (5.2%) complex aortic plaques. No other therapy-relevant findings were present in both groups. Non-invasive ultrasound had a sensitivity of 98.0%, specificity of 47.8%, NPV of 97.1%, and PPV of 58.1% for therapy-relevant TEE findings. Conclusions Bubble test and carotid ultrasound could be used for the individual decision for/against TEE in patients with cryptogenic stroke ≤60 years. If they are unremarkable, TEE can be omitted with high safety regarding secondary prevention. If bubble test is positive and/or carotid ultrasound shows atherosclerosis, TEE should be carried out if PFO or aortic atheroma are potentially relevant for further patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernst Mayerhofer
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dirk Kanz
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Brigitte Guschlbauer
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Asmussen
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology I Heart Center, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Grundmann
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology I Heart Center, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Strecker
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Harloff
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Andreas Harloff
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