Association Between the Left Atrial and Left Atrial Appendages Systole Strain Rate in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

The Role of Advanced Echocardiographic Parameters of the Left Atrial Function in the Incidence of Cryptogenic Ischemic Stroke: A Review

Stroke is one of the primary causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, including a large proportion of cryptogenic strokes. Long-term electrocardiographic monitoring is beneficial in prospective studies for detecting atrial fibrillation in patients with cryptogenic stroke. This review aimed to evaluate the advanced echocardiographic parameters and their roles in assessing left atrial (LA) function in the incidence of cryptogenic and ischemic strokes. Main resources, including PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases, were evaluated for articles published in English from 2010 until May 2021. LA echocardiographic parameters such as LA strain and strain rate, isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT), the mean left atrial volume index (LAVI), LA reservoir volume, systole strain rate (SSR) of left atrial appendage, and lack of LA function response to maximal exercise as measured by the LA ejection fraction during rest and exercise could be considered for assessing the risk of cryptogenic strokes and ischemic strokes. The results indicated that increased LA volumes and reduced LA strain rate were correlated with cryptogenic stroke. Advanced parameters of LA function, measured by speckle tracking echocardiography, such as strain and strain rate values in different parts of the cardiac cycle, in addition to standard measures of LA function such as LA ejection fraction and LAVI, will define an excellent understanding regarding LA myopathy and risk assessment of cryptogenic stroke, independent of considering conventional cardiovascular risk factors.

Left Atrial Dynamics Is Altered in Young Adults With Cryptogenic Ischemic Stroke: A Case-Control Study Utilizing Advanced Echocardiography

Background Ischemic stroke in young individuals often remains cryptogenic. Some of these strokes likely originate from the heart, and atrial fibrosis might be one of the etiological mechanisms. In this pilot study, we investigated whether advanced echocardiography findings of the left atrium (LA) of young cryptogenic stroke patients differ from those of stroke-free controls. Methods and Results We recruited 30 cryptogenic ischemic stroke patients aged 18 to 49 years and 30 age- and sex-matched stroke-free controls among participants of the SECRETO (Searching for Explanations for Cryptogenic Stroke in the Young: Revealing the Etiology, Triggers, and Outcome) study (NCT01934725). We measured basic left ventricular parameters and detailed measures of the LA, including 4-dimensional volumetry, speckle tracking epsilon, strain rate, and LA appendix orifice variation. Data were compared as continuous parameters and by tertiles. Compared with controls, stroke patients had smaller LA reservoir volumes (10.2 [interquartile range, 5.4] versus 13.2 [5.4] mL; P=0.030) and smaller positive epsilon values (17.8 [8.5] versus 20.8 [10.1]; P=0.023). In the tertile analysis, stroke patients had significantly lower left atrial appendage orifice variation (3.88 [0.75] versus 4.35 [0.90] mm; P=0.043), lower LA cyclic volume change (9.2 [2.8] versus 12.8 [3.5] mL; P=0.023), and lower LA contraction peak strain rate (-1.8 [0.6] versus -2.3 [0.6]; P=0.021). We found no statistically significant differences in left ventricular measures. Conclusions This preliminary comparison suggests altered LA dynamics in young patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke, and thus that LA wall pathology might contribute to these strokes. Our results await confirmation in a larger sample.

Prediction of New-Onset and Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation by Complete Blood Count Tests: A Comprehensive Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most critical and frequent arrhythmias precipitating morbidities and mortalities. The complete blood count (CBC) test is an important blood test in clinical practice and is routinely used in the workup of cardiovascular diseases. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to determine the strength of evidence for evaluating the association of hematological parameters in the CBC test with new-onset and recurrent AF.

Material/Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies evaluating hematologic parameters in patients with new-onset AF and recurrent AF. A comprehensive subgroup analysis was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.

Results

The literature search of all major databases retrieved 2150 studies. After screening, 70 studies were analyzed in the meta-analysis on new-onset AF and 23 studies on recurrent AF. Pooled analysis on new-onset AF showed platelet count (PC) (weighted mean difference (WMD)=WMD of −26.39×10⁹/L and p<0.001), mean platelet volume (MPV) (WMD=0.42 FL and p<0.001), white blood cell (WBC) (WMD=−0.005×10⁹/L and p=0.83), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (WMD=0.89 and p<0.001), and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (WMD=0.61% and p<0.001) as associated factors. Pooled analysis on recurrent AF revealed PC (WMD=−2.71×10⁹/L and p=0.59), WBC (WMD=0.20×10⁹/L (95% CI: 0.08 to 0.32; p=0.002), NLR (WMD=0.37 and p<0.001), and RDW (WMD=0.28% and p<0.001).

Conclusions

Hematological parameters have significant ability to predict occurrence and recurrence of AF. Therefore, emphasizing the potential predictive role of hematological parameters for new-onset and recurrent AF, we recommend adding the CBC test to the diagnostic modalities of AF in clinical practice.

Predictive Role of Coagulation, Fibrinolytic, and Endothelial Markers in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation, Stroke, and Thromboembolism: A Meta-Analysis, Meta-Regression, and Systematic Review

Background

The pathophysiological mechanism associated with the higher prothrombotic tendency in atrial fibrillation (AF) is complex and multifactorial. However, the role of prothrombotic markers in AF remains inconclusive.

Material/Methods

We conducted a meta-analysis of observational studies evaluating the association of coagulation activation, fibrinolytic, and endothelial function with occurrence of AF and clinical adverse events. A comprehensive subgroup analysis and meta-regression was performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.

Results

A literature search of major databases retrieved 1703 studies. After screening, a total of 71 studies were identified. Pooled analysis showed the association of coagulation markers (D-dimer (weighted mean difference (WMD)=197.67 and p<0.001), fibrinogen (WMD=0.43 and p<0.001), prothrombin fragment 1–2 (WMD=0.53 and p<0.001), antithrombin III (WMD=23.90 and p=0.004), thrombin-antithrombin (WMD=5.47 and p=0.004)); fibrinolytic markers (tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) (WMD=2.13 and p<0.001), plasminogen activator inhibitor (WMD=11.44 and p<0.001), fibrinopeptide-A (WMD=4.13 and p=0.01)); and endothelial markers (von Willebrand factor (WMD=27.01 and p<0.001) and soluble thrombomodulin (WMD=3.92 and p<0.001)) with AF.

Conclusions

The levels of coagulation, fibrinolytic, and endothelial markers have been reported to be significantly higher in AF patients than in SR patients.