Atrial cardiopathy: a broadened concept of left atrial thromboembolism beyond atrial fibrillation

Association between atrial cardiopathy and stroke severity in acute ischemic stroke

In this hospital-based cross-sectional analytic study, we retrospectively reviewed clinical data of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) between January 2017 and April 2023. Atrial cardiopathy was defined as any presence of the following: left atrial diameter ≥ 52 mm (males) or ≥ 47 mm (females), elevated P-wave terminal force in V1 > 5000 μV ms, or serum N terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide > 250 pg/ml. Initial stroke severity was defined by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; moderate-to-severe, ≥ 5; and severe, ≥ 15). Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between atrial cardiopathy and stroke severity. Among 662 AIS patients (mean age 70 years [interquartile range 61-78], 31.3% women), 303 (45.8%) had atrial cardiopathy. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of atrial cardiopathy was significantly associated with a higher odd of moderate-to-severe stroke (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.46-3.20, p < 0.001) and severe stroke (adjusted OR 4.89, 95%CI 2.45-9.76, p < 0.001). This association remained significant in a sensitivity analysis excluding those with atrial fibrillation or coronary artery disease. Findings of the current study revealed that the association of atrial cardiopathy was with initial stroke severity independent of atrial fibrillation and was even confirmed in patients without atrial fibrillation; future studies to explore improved stroke prevention strategies for patients with atrial cardiopathy are needed.

Ischemic stroke and the emerging role of left atrial function

INTRODUCTION

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Emerging evidence suggests that left atrial (LA) dysfunction could play a role in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke, as a possible contributor and as a predictive biomarker.

AREAS COVERED

This narrative review details the intricate relationship between LA function, atrial fibrillation (AF), and ischemic stroke. We discuss imaging techniques used to assess LA function, the mechanisms by which impaired LA function may contribute to stroke, and its potential as a prognostic marker of stroke.

EXPERT OPINION

There is a lack of evidence-based treatments of LA dysfunction in both primary and secondary stroke prevention. This is partly due to the lack of a practical clinical definition and unanswered questions concerning the clinical implications of LA dysfunction in patients without AF. Until such questions are resolved, addressing well-known cardiovascular risk factors, like hypertension and obesity, should be prioritized for preventing AF and ischemic stroke. These risk factors are closely tied to atrial remodeling, emphasizing the importance of targeting primary modifiable factors for preventing future morbidity and mortality.

NET burden in left atrial blood is associated with biomarkers of thrombosis and cardiac injury in patients with enlarged left atria

BACKGROUND

Emerging data suggest an association between left atrial (LA) enlargement, thrombus formation, and ischemic stroke. However, it is unknown what may mediate such clot formation in LA dysfunction. Neutrophils promote large vessel occlusion and microthrombosis via neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) release, thus lying at the interface of inflammation, thrombosis, and fibrosis.

APPROACH

We conducted a prospective all-comers cohort study in patients undergoing catheterization procedures with atrial transseptal access (MitraClip, MC; left atrial appendage closure, LAAC; pulmonary vein ablation, PVA; patent foramen ovale closure, PFO). We measured NETs, cytokines, thrombotic factors, and cardiac injury markers in paired blood samples collected from peripheral blood and within the left atrium. We correlated these biomarkers with echocardiographic measures of LA structure and function (including left atrial volume index, LAVI). Data were analyzed by procedure type, and stratified by LAVI or atrial fibrillation (AF) status.

RESULTS

We enrolled 70 patients (mean age 64 years, 53% women). NETs, but not other markers, were elevated in LA compared to peripheral blood samples. Most thrombotic, inflammatory, and cardiac damage markers were elevated in LAs from MC or LAAC compared to PFO patients. Overall, NET biomarkers positively correlated with VWF, LAVI, and markers of cardiac injury and negatively with ADAMTS13 activity. LA enlargement and the presence of AF similarly stratified patients based on thromboinflammation measurements, but this was not limited to AF at the time of sample collection.

CONCLUSION

Elevated NETs and VWF in patients with enlarged LA or AF suggest enhanced thromboinflammation within the LA.

Cardioembolic Stroke: Past Advancements, Current Challenges, and Future Directions

Cardioembolic stroke accounts for over 20% of ischemic strokes and is associated with worse outcomes than other types of strokes. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common risk factor for cardioembolic stroke. In this narrative review, we present an update about cardioembolic stroke mainly related to AF and atrial cardiopathy. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have revolutionized stroke prevention in patients with AF; however, their efficacy in preventing recurrent embolic stroke of unknown source remains uncertain. Various cardiac monitoring methods are used to detect AF, which is crucial for preventing stroke recurrence. DOACs are preferred over warfarin for AF-related stroke prevention; however, the timing of initiation after acute ischemic stroke is debated. Resuming anticoagulation after intracerebral hemorrhage in AF patients requires careful assessment of the risks. While catheter ablation may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events, its effect on stroke prevention is unclear, especially in heart failure patients. Atrial cardiopathy is the emerging cause of embolic stroke of unknown source, which indicates atrial structural and functional disorders that can precede AF. Future research should focus on refining stroke risk prediction models, optimizing AF detection, understanding the roles of ablation and anticoagulation in stroke prevention, and establishing atrial cardiopathy as a therapeutic target, which could significantly reduce the burden of stroke.

Cardiac Blood-Based Biomarkers of Myocardial Stress as Predictors of Atrial Fibrillation Development in Patients With Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source/Cryptogenic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for stroke that can go unnoticed in individuals with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) or cryptogenic stroke (CS). Early detection is critical for stroke prognosis and secondary prevention. This study aimed to determine if blood biomarkers of myocardial stress can accurately predict AF in patients with ESUS/CS, which would allow the identification of those who would benefit from closer monitoring.

METHODS

In February 2023 we performed a systematic date-unrestricted search of three databases for studies on patients with ESUS/CS who were subsequently diagnosed with AF. We examined the relationships between AF and serum myocardial stress markers such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal-pro-BNP (NT-proBNP), midregional proatrial natriuretic peptide, and troponin.

RESULTS

Among the 1,527 studies reviewed, 23 eligible studies involving 6,212 participants, including 864 with AF, were analyzed. A meta-analysis of 9 studies indicated that they demonstrated a clear association between higher NT-proBNP levels and an increased risk of AF, with adjusted and raw data indicating 3.06- and 9.03-fold higher AF risks, respectively. Lower NT-proBNP levels had a pooled negative predictive value of 91.7%, indicating the potential to rule out AF with an 8% false-negative rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research is required to fully determine the potential of biomarkers for AF detection after stroke, as results from previous studies lack homogeneity. However, lower NT-proBNP levels have potential in ruling out AF in patients with ESUS/CS. Combining them with other relevant biomarkers may enhance the precision of identifying patients who will not benefit from extended monitoring, which would optimize resource allocation and patient care.

Deep terminal negative of the P wave in V1 and incidence of ischemic stroke: The atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) study

BACKGROUND

Deep terminal negative of the P wave in V1 (DTNPV1) is a marker of left atrial remodeling. We aimed to evaluate the association of DTNPV1 with incident ischemic stroke.

METHODS

The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study is a prospective community-based cohort study. All participants at visit 4 (1996-1998) except those with prevalent stroke, missing covariates, and missing or uninterpretable ECG were included. DTNPV1 was defined as the absolute value of the depth of the terminal negative phase >100 μV in the presence of biphasic P wave in V1. Association between DTNPV1 as a time-dependent exposure variable and incident ischemic stroke was evaluated. The accuracy of the prediction model consisting of DTNPV1 and CHA2DS2-VASc variables in predicting ischemic stroke was analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 10,605 participants (63 ± 6 years, 56% women, 20% Black), 803 cases of ischemic stroke occurred over a median follow-up of 20.19 years. After adjusting for demographics, DTNPV1 was associated with an increased risk of stroke (HR 1.96, [95% CI 1.39-2.77]). After further adjusting for stroke risk factors, use of aspirin and anticoagulants, and time-dependent atrial fibrillation, DTNPV1 was associated with a 1.50-fold (95% CI 1.06-2.13) increased risk of stroke. When added to the CHA2DS2-VASc variables, DTNPV1 did not significantly improve stroke prediction as assessed by C-statistic. However, there was improvement in risk classification for participants who did not develop stroke.

CONCLUSION

DTNPV1 is significantly associated with higher risk of ischemic stroke. Since DTNPV1 is a simplified electrocardiographic parameter, it may help stroke prediction, a subject for further research.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03570060.

Epicardial Atrial Fat at Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging and AF Recurrence after Transcatheter Ablation

The relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and atrial fibrillation (AF) has gained interest in recent years. The previous literature on the topic presents great heterogeneity, focusing especially on computed tomography imaging. The aim of the present study is to determine whether an increased volume of left atrial (LA) EAT evaluated at routine pre-procedural cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relates to AF recurrences after catheter ablation. A total of 50 patients undergoing AF cryoballoon ablation and pre-procedural cardiac MRI allowing quantification of LA EAT were enrolled. In one patient, the segmentation of LA EAT could not be achieved. After a median follow-up of 16.0 months, AF recurrences occurred in 17 patients (34%). The absolute volume of EAT was not different in patients with and without AF recurrences (10.35 mL vs. 10.29 mL; p-value = 0.963), whereas the volume of EAT indexed on the LA volume (EATi) was lower, albeit non-statistically significant, in patients free from arrhythmias (12.77% vs. 14.06%; p-value = 0.467). The receiver operating characteristic curve testing the ability of LA EATi to predict AF recurrence after catheter ablation showed sub-optimal performance (AUC: 0.588). The finest identified cut-off of LA EATi was 10.65%, achieving a sensitivity of 0.5, a specificity of 0.82, a positive predictive value of 0.59 and a negative predictive value of 0.76. Patients with values of LA EATi lower than 10.65% showed greater survival, free from arrhythmias, than patients with values above this cut-off (84% vs. 48%; p-value = 0.04). In conclusion, EAT volume indexed on the LA volume evaluated at cardiac MRI emerges as a possible independent predictor of arrhythmia recurrence after AF cryoballoon ablation. Nevertheless, prospective studies are needed to confirm this finding and eventually sustain routine EAT evaluation in the management of patients undergoing AF catheter ablation.

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

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

Establishment and validation of a multivariate predictive model for the efficacy of oral rehydration salts in children with postural tachycardia syndrome

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic effectiveness of the empirical and unselected use of oral rehydration salts (ORS) on postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is not satisfactory in children. Therefore, looking for suitable predictors of the therapeutic effects of ORS before treatment is extremely necessary to implement individualised treatment for paediatric patients with POTS.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control analysis of 130 patients (aged 5-18 years) who suffered from POTS with a 3-month treatment of ORS was conducted. A nomogram model was developed in the training set (n = 87) to predict the therapeutic response to ORS. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were applied to select the most useful predictors. ROC curves were applied to evaluate the discriminative performance of the nomogram model. The nomogram was then evaluated by calibration curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) test. The results were further validated using 1000 bootstrap resamples. External validation was performed in an independent validation set (n = 43).

FINDINGS

Among the ten variables with significant differences between the responders and non-responders in univariate analysis, five variables were found to be independently associated factors for ORS therapeutic efficacy among POTS children in the further logistic regression, including mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean arterial pressure (MAP) at the first minute of the upright position, urine specific gravity (SG), and P-wave voltage peaking ratio (PWP). The nomogram model was established in the training set (AUC 0.926 [95% CI: 0.865-0.988], yielding a sensitivity of 87.8% and a specificity of 86.8%). The calibration curves showed good agreement between the prediction of the nomogram and actual observation in both the training and validation sets. The nomogram also effectively predicted the external validation set (sensitivity 82.1%, specificity 73.3%, and accuracy 79.1%).

INTERPRETATION

We established a feasible and high-precision nomogram model to predict the efficacy of ORS, which would help implement individualised treatment for children with POTS.

FUNDING

This study was supported by National High-Level Hospital Clinical Research Funding (Multi-centre Clinical Research Project of Peking University First Hospital) (2022CR59).

New-onset as opposed to established atrial fibrillation as a risk factor for incident stroke

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an established risk factor for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). It remains unclear if new-onset AF confers a higher risk of AIS than longer-standing AF.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all stroke-free patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) in the Henry Ford Health System between March 6 and September 6, 2016. Incident AIS and new-onset AF were ascertained by the presence of new diagnostic codes in the electronic medical record over a follow-up period of up to 5 years. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify risk factors for new-onset AF or AIS.

RESULTS

Of 7310 patients who underwent baseline TTE the mean age was 65 years, 54% were female, 51% were Caucasian, and 46% had left atrial enlargement (LAE). Of at-risk patients, 10.9% developed new-onset AF and 2.9% experienced incident AIS. The risk of new-onset AF among at-risk patients was 3.1 times higher among patients with any degree of LAE compared to those with normal LA size (95% CI 2.6-3.6, P < 0.0001). New-onset AF, more than established AF, in turn had a powerful association with incident AIS. The cumulative 5-year risk of AIS was 3.5% in those without AF, 5.9% in those with established AF prior to TTE, and 20.1% in those with new-onset AF (P < 0.0001). In multivariable analysis new-onset AF had the strongest association with incident AIS (P < 0.0001), followed by increasing age (P = 0.0025), black race (P = 0.0032), and smoking (P = 0.0063).

CONCLUSIONS

New-onset AF has a strong relationship with incident AIS. LAE was present in nearly half of stroke-free patients undergoing TTE, and was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of new-onset AF during follow-up. Vigilant cardiac monitoring for AF in individuals with LAE, coupled with the timely initiation of anticoagulation, may be an important strategy for the primary prevention of AF-related stroke.

Left atrial reservoir strain is a superior discriminator of cardioembolism in ischaemic stroke

Aims

Echocardiographic measures of left heart size and function have long been associated with cardioembolic mechanisms of stroke development, however, the diagnostic performance and comparison of measures of atrial function in this context has not been well studied. We sought to evaluate the diagnostic performance of left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) in identification of cardioembolism in the ischaemic stroke population relative to traditional measures of left heart size and function.

Methods and results

Consecutive patients admitted to our institution with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack were recruited and underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography. Strokes were classified by aetiology with comparison undertaken between cardioembolic and non-cardioembolic types. Four hundred and eighteen consecutive stroke patients with a cardioembolic (n = 229) or non-cardioembolic (n = 189) stroke aetiology were analysed. LASr was impaired in cardioembolic compared with non-cardioembolic strokes (16.7 ± 8.2% vs. 26.0 ± 5.5%, P < 0.01) and provided greatest discrimination [area under the curve (AUC) 0.813, 95%CI 0.773-0.858] in differentiating stroke subtypes when compared with LVEF (AUC difference 0.150, P < 0.01), LAVI (AUC difference 0.083, P < 0.01), and E/e' (AUC difference 0.163, P < 0.01). Inclusion of LASr in a model with conventional left heart echocardiographic factors improved model performance with a net reclassification improvement of 1.083 (95%CI 0.945-1.220, P < 0.01). Further, a proposed user-defined model-based clinical algorithm with LASr demonstrated improved diagnostic accuracy of the identification of cardioembolic stroke subtypes which was best appreciated in patients without atrial fibrillation.

Conclusion

LASr may provide enhanced diagnostic accuracy beyond conventional echocardiographic measures to discriminate cardioembolic from non-cardioembolic stroke mechanisms, in particular amongst those without comorbid atrial fibrillation.

Role of atrial high-rate episodes in stratifying thromboembolic risk: a multiple cut-off diagnostic meta-analysis

Aims

Despite the high prevalence rate of atrial high-rate episodes (AHREs) detected using cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), clinical guidelines and consensus documents have disagreed on a universal AHRE definition and a temporal cut-off related to subsequent thromboembolic events. This diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis aims to derive the optimal temporal threshold of clinically significant AHREs from the available literature.

Methods

The PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were screened for studies on CIED patients reporting the incidence of thromboembolic events related to at least one AHRE temporal cut-off. A total of 23 studies were included: 19 considering the longest single AHRE and four the AHRE burden, respectively. A random-effect diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis with multiple cut-offs was performed. Two analyses were performed according to the AHRE temporal cut-off subtype (longest episode vs. cumulative burden).

Results

The analysis on the longest single AHRE indicated 0.07 min as the optimal duration to differentiate AHRE associated or not with thromboembolic events [sensitivity 65.4% (95% CI 48.8%-79.0%), specificity 52.7% (95% CI 46.0%-59.4%), and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-SROC): 0.62]. The analysis on AHRE burden indicated 1.4 min as the optimal cut-off [sensitivity 58.2% (95% CI 25.6%-85.0%), specificity 57.5% (95% CI 42.0%-71.7%), and AUC-SROC 0.60]. A sensitivity analysis excluding patients with a history of atrial fibrillation and including high-quality studies only yielded similar results.

Conclusion

The presence of AHRE, rather than a specific duration, relates to an increased, albeit low, thromboembolic risk in CIED patients. Any AHRE should constitute an additional element in patient-specific thromboembolic risk assessment.

Predictive value of P wave parameters, indices, and a novel electrocardiographic marker for silent cerebral infarction and future cerebrovascular events

BACKGROUND

Silent cerebral infarction (SCI) is a neuronal injury without a clinically apparent stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Left atrial cardiomyopathy is closely associated with SCI. P wave changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) provide significant information about the development of atrial cardiomyopathy. This study evaluated the role of P wave parameters and indices and a novel ECG parameter in predicting SCI, future cerebrovascular events, and atrial fibrillation/flutter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 272 patients were retrospectively screened and divided into two groups according to SCI. Cerebrovascular events and atrial fibrillation/flutter were defined as the study's outcomes. P wave parameters, indices, and a novel ECG parameter called the P wave ratio (PWR) were calculated from ECGs, and the relationship between SCI and outcomes was investigated.

RESULTS

The maximum P wave duration (PWD), P wave dispersion (PWdisp), PWD measured from the D2 lead (PWDD2), P wave peak time measured from the D2 lead (PWPTD2), PWPT measured from the V1 lead (PWPTV1), and P wave terminal force (PWTFV1) were significantly longer in the SCI group. Both partial and advanced inter atrial block (IAB) were significantly high in the SCI group. The novel parameter P wave ratio (PWR) was significantly longer in the SCI group (0.55 ± 0.08 vs. 0.46 ± 0.09; p < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, PWdisp (OR: 1.101, p < 0.001), PWPTD2 (OR: 1.095, p = 0.017), and PWR (OR: 1.231, p < 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of SCI. Cox regression analysis revealed that the PWR (HR 1.077; 95% CI 1.029-1.128; p = 0.001) was associated with cerebrovascular events and atrial fibrillation/flutter.

CONCLUSION

In our study, we observed that PWR could be a valuable parameter for predicting SCI and future cerebrovascular events.

The Role of Electrocardiographic Markers for Predicting Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: Data from the BIOSIGNAL Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

P-wave abnormalities in the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) have been associated with a higher risk of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) as well as atrial fibrillation (AF). This study aimed to assess pre-determined ECG criteria during sinus rhythm in unselected AIS patients and their value for predicting newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (NDAF) after hospital admission.

METHODS

P-wave alterations were measured on 12-lead ECG on admission in all consecutively enrolled patients without known AF between October 2014 and 2017. The outcome of interest was NDAF, identified by prolonged electrocardiographic monitoring within one year after the index AIS. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was applied to assess the magnitude and independence of the association between pre-selected ECG markers and NDAF. The discriminatory accuracy was evaluated with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and the incremental prognostic value was estimated with the net reclassification index.

RESULTS

NDAF was detected in 87 (10%) of 856 patients during a follow-up of 365 days. Out of the pre-selected ECG parameters, advanced interatrial block (aIAB) and PR interval in lead II were independently associated with NDAF in univariable regression analysis. Only aIAB remained a significant predictor in multivariable analysis. Adding aIAB to the best-performing multivariable regression model improved the discriminatory accuracy to predict NDAF from an AUC of 0.78 (95%-CI 0.77-0.80) to 0.81 (95%-CI 0.80-0.83, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

aIAB is independently and highly associated with NDAF in patients with AIS, has high inter-rater reliability, and therefore may be helpful to refine diagnostic work-up to search for AF in AIS.

Atrial Cardiopathy: Redefining Stroke Risk Beyond Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and ischemic stroke are dual epidemics in society, both associated with poor clinical outcomes, patient disability, and significant healthcare expenditure. The conditions are interrelated and share complex causal pathways. Risk stratification algorithms such as the CHADS₂ and CHA₂DS₂-VASc score offer predictive value in stroke and systemic embolism risk in the AF population, however, have limitations. Recent evidence suggests that an intrinsically prothrombotic atrial substrate may precede and promote AF and lead to thromboembolic events independent of the arrhythmia, allowing for a window of intervention before arrhythmia detection and development of ischemic stroke. Initial work has found incremental value in addition of parameters of atrial cardiopathy to traditional stroke risk stratification algorithms, however, requires evaluation with dedicated prospective randomized studies before use in real-world clinical practice. In this narrative review, we explore current evidence and literature on the use of measures of atrial cardiopathy in stroke risk stratification and management.

The Future of Ischemic Stroke Diagnosis and a Review of Underrecognized Ischemic Stroke Etiologies

Accurate ischemic stroke etiologic determination and diagnosis form the foundation of excellent cerebrovascular care as from it stems initiation of the appropriate secondary prevention strategy as well as appropriate patient education regarding specific risk factors for that subtype. Recurrent stroke rates are highest among those patients who receive an incorrect initial stroke diagnosis. Patient distrust and patient reported depression are also higher. The cause of the ischemic stroke also informs predicted patient outcomes and the anticipated recovery trajectory. Finally, determining the accurate cause of the ischemic stroke provides the patient the opportunity to enroll in appropriate research studies studying mechanism, or targeting treatment approaches for that particular disease process. Advances in ischemic stroke research, imaging techniques, biomarkers, and the ability to rapidly perform genetic sequencing over the past decade have shown that classifying patients into large etiologic buckets may not always be appropriate and may represent one reason why some patients are labeled as cryptogenic, or for whom an underlying etiology is never found. Aside from the more traditional stroke mechanisms, there is new research emerging regarding clinical findings that are not normative, but the contributions to ischemic stroke are unclear. In this article, we first review the essential steps to accurate ischemic stroke etiologic classification and then transition to a discussion of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) and other new entities that have been postulated as causal in ischemic stroke (i.e., genetics and subclinical atherosclerosis). We also discuss the limitations that are inherent in the current ischemic stroke diagnostic algorithms and finally review the most recent studies regarding more uncommon diagnoses and the future of stroke diagnostics and classification.

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Modifies P-Wave Terminal Force in Lead V1-Associated Prognosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke or TIA Patients

Little is known about the role of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in the relationship between P-wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1) and stroke prognosis. We aimed to investigate how hsCRP influences the effect of PTFV1 on ischemic stroke recurrence and mortality. In this study, patients enrolled in the Third China National Stroke Registry, which enrolled consecutive patients who had suffered an ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in China, were analyzed. After excluding patients with atrial fibrillation, 8271 patients with PTFV1 and hsCRP measurements were included in this analysis. Cox regression analyses were used to assess the association between PTFV1 and stroke prognosis according to different inflammation statuses stratified by an hsCRP level of 3 mg/L. A total of 216 (2.6%) patients died, and 715 (8.6%) patients experienced ischemic stroke recurrence within 1 year. In patients with hsCRP levels ≥ 3 mg/L, elevated PTFV1 was significantly associated with mortality (HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.05-2.92; p = 0.03), while in those with hsCRP levels < 3 mg/L, such an association did not exist. In contrast, in patients with hsCRP levels < 3 mg/L and those with hsCRP levels ≥ 3 mg/L, elevated PTFV1 remained significantly associated with ischemic stroke recurrence. The predictive role of PTFV1 towards mortality but not ischemic stroke recurrence differed in terms of hsCRP levels.

Reclassification and risk stratification of embolic stroke of undetermined source by ASCOD phenotyping

BACKGROUND

Common vascular diseases underlying stroke, including atherosclerosis, small-vessel disease (SVD), and cardioembolic pathology, can be present in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), although these are not direct causes of stroke.

AIMS

To describe the frequency and degree of the three major diseases using atherosclerosis, SVD, cardiac pathology, other causes, and dissection (ASCOD) phenotyping and to assess their prognostic implications in ESUS.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, 221 patients with ESUS within 1 week of onset were consecutively enrolled and followed up for 1 year. Vascular diseases associated with stroke were assessed using the ASCOD classification. The primary outcome was a composite of nonfatal stroke, nonfatal acute coronary syndrome, and vascular death.

RESULTS

Among 221 patients (mean age, 69.6 years; male, 59.7%), 135 (61.1%), 102 (46.2%), and 107 (48.4%) had any grade of atherosclerosis (A2 or A3), SVD (S3), and cardiac pathology (C2 or C3), respectively. ESUS patients graded as A2 or A3 (i.e. ipsilateral atherosclerotic plaque, contralateral ⩾ 50% stenosis, or aortic arch plaque) were at a significantly higher risk of composite vascular events than those graded as A0 (i.e. no atherosclerotic disease) (adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval), 2.40 (1.01-5.72). No differences were observed in the event risk between patients with S3 (i.e. magnetic resonance imaging evidence of SVD) and S0 (i.e. no SVD) and between those with C2 or C3 (i.e. presence of any cardiac pathology) and C0 (i.e. no cardiac abnormalities).

CONCLUSIONS

Atherosclerotic diseases corresponding to ASCOD grade A2 or A3 were predictive of recurrent vascular events in ESUS patients. Reclassification of ESUS using ASCOD phenotyping provides important clues for risk prediction and may guide optimal management strategies.

Trimethylamine-N-oxide is associated with cardiovascular mortality and vascular brain lesions in patients with atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVE

Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is a metabolite derived from the microbial processing of dietary phosphatidylcholine and carnitine and the subsequent hepatic oxidation. Due to its prothrombotic and inflammatory mechanisms, we aimed to assess its role in the prediction of adverse events in a susceptible population, namely patients with atrial fibrillation.

METHODS

Baseline TMAO plasma levels were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in 2379 subjects from the ongoing Swiss Atrial Fibrillation cohort. 1722 underwent brain MRI at baseline. Participants were prospectively followed for 4 years (Q1-Q3: 3.0-5.0) and stratified into baseline TMAO tertiles. Cox proportional hazards and linear and logistic mixed effect models were employed adjusting for risk factors.

RESULTS

Subjects in the highest TMAO tertile were older (75.4±8.1 vs 70.6±8.5 years, p<0.01), had poorer renal function (median glomerular filtration rate: 49.0 mL/min/1.73 m² (35.6-62.5) vs 67.3 mL/min/1.73 m² (57.8-78.9), p<0.01), were more likely to have diabetes (26.9% vs 9.1%, p<0.01) and had a higher prevalence of heart failure (37.9% vs 15.8%, p<0.01) compared with patients in the lowest tertile. Oral anticoagulants were taken by 89.1%, 94.0% and 88.2% of participants, respectively (from high to low tertiles). Cox models, adjusting for baseline covariates, showed increased total mortality (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.32, p<0.01) as well as cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.21 to 2.88, p<0.01) in the highest compared with the lowest tertile. When present, subjects in the highest tertile had more voluminous, large, non-cortical and cortical infarcts on MRI (log-transformed volumes; exponentiated estimate 1.89, 95% CI 1.11 to 3.21, p=0.02) and a higher chance of small non-cortical infarcts (OR 1.61, 95% CI 1.16 to 2.22, p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of TMAO are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and cerebral infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02105844.

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.

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

Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusion

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

Atrial cardiomyopathy: Diagnosis, clinical implications and unresolved issues in anticoagulation therapy

Atrial cardiomyopathy (AC) is an evolving pathophysiological entity that has expanded our understanding regarding the atrium and its role in arrhythmogenesis and cardiac thromboembolism. The pathological myocardium in AC promotes arrhythmogenesis through mechanical dysfunction (hypocontractility, fibrosis), adverse alterations of the endothelium and secretion of prothrombotic factors (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-a). 'Red flags', indicative of AC, can be recognized either non-invasively by electrocardiography, echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging or invasively by high-density electroanatomical mapping as low bipolar voltage areas of the affected myocardium. Signs of AC have been strongly associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, even embolic strokes of undetermined source, regardless of the coexistence of atrial fibrillation (AF). The underlying existence of AC has been negatively correlated with the success rate of catheter ablation of AF. The clinical value of AC is the provision of a novel pathway regarding the potential mechanisms of cerebrovascular events of cardiac thromboembolic origin. In addition, AC may serve as a risk stratification tool to predict the long-term responders of AF catheter ablation.

Atrial cardiopathy in young adults with embolic stroke of undetermined source: a myocardial deformation imaging analysis

Background

Atrial cardiopathy (AC) has emerged as a potential pathological thrombogenic atrial substract of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), even in the absence of atrial fibrillation. Left atrium (LA) myocardial deformation analysis may be of value as a subclinical marker of AC and a predictor of ESUS.

Aims

To compare LA mechanical function between ESUS cases and age and sex-matched controls.

Methods

A single-center analytical study with case-control design was performed. Case group was composed by young patients admitted in the Neurology department from January 2017 to June 2021. Control group was composed by age and sex matched controls recruited from the community. All participants performed echocardiogram and a smaller sample underwent cardiac magnetic resonance.

Results

We recruited 31 ESUS patients aged between 18 and 65 years and 31 age and sex matched controls. ESUS patients had a significantly higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and patent foramen ovale (PFO). The prevalence of AC was not different between groups. Echocardiogram parameters, including strain analysis, were similar between groups, except for LA appendage (LAA) ostium variation which was significantly lower in ESUS patients (absolute: 6.5vs8.7mm, p<0.001; relative: 44.5%vs53.4%, p=0.002). After exclusion of patients with PFO, all the results were statistically similar. Regarding cardiac magnetic resonance analysis, there were no statistically significant differences between groups.

Conclusion

This study shows that in our population atria cardiopathy and atrial function was not associated with ESUS.LAA structural and functional abnormalities may play a major role. The role of LAA in ESUS warrants further studies.

Predicting stroke in heart failure and reduced ejection fraction without atrial fibrillation

AIMS

Patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are at significant risk of stroke. Anticoagulation reduces this risk in patients with and without atrial fibrillation (AF), but the risk-to-benefit balance in the latter group, overall, is not favourable. Identification of patients with HFrEF, without AF, at the highest risk of stroke may allow targeted and safer use of prophylactic anticoagulant therapy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a pooled patient-level cohort of the PARADIGM-HF, ATMOSPHERE, and DAPA-HF trials, a previously derived simple risk model for stroke, consisting of three variables (history of prior stroke, insulin-treated diabetes, and plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level), was validated. Of the 20 159 patients included, 12 751 patients did not have AF at baseline. Among patients without AF, 346 (2.7%) experienced a stroke over a median follow up of 2.0 years (rate 11.7 per 1000 patient-years). The risk for stroke increased with increasing risk score: fourth quintile hazard ratio (HR) 2.35 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.60-3.45]; fifth quintile HR 3.73 (95% CI 2.58-5.38), with the first quintile as reference. For patients in the top quintile, the rate of stroke was 21.2 per 1000 patient-years, similar to participants with AF not receiving anticoagulation (20.1 per 1000 patient-years). Model discrimination was good with a C-index of 0.84 (0.75-0.91).

CONCLUSION

It is possible to identify a subset of HFrEF patients without AF with a stroke-risk equivalent to that of patients with AF who are not anticoagulated. In these patients, the risk-to-benefit balance might justify the use of prophylactic anticoagulation, but this hypothesis needs to be tested prospectively.

Prognostic significance of atrial cardiopathy in patients with acute ischemic stroke

Introduction:

Whether atrial cardiopathy is associated with stroke prognosis remains unclear. We evaluated the association between atrial cardiopathy markers and outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke using a nationwide prospective registry.

Patients and methods:

Based on the Third China National Stroke Registry, we evaluated different atrial cardiopathy markers including increased P-wave terminal force in V1 (PTFV1), advanced interatrial block (aIAB), prolonged P-wave duration, prolonged P-wave dispersion, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia, premature atrial contractions, prolonged PR interval, and severe left atrial enlargement in ischemic stroke patients. The outcomes were death and ischemic stroke recurrence at 1 year. The association between atrial cardiopathy markers and outcomes was analyzed using Cox regression models.

Results:

At 1-year follow-up, 486 (3.4%) patients had died and 1317 (9.3%) patients had experienced ischemic stroke recurrence. After adjustment for clinical risk factors including atrial fibrillation, PTFV1 > 5000 μV·ms (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–2.45, p = 0.004) and aIAB (adjusted HR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.14–1.91, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with mortality. PTFV1 > 5000 μV·ms was significantly associated with ischemic stroke recurrence (adjusted HR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.22–1.96, p = 0.0004). This association was observed although we excluded patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.

Discussion and Conclusion:

Atrial cardiopathy markers, especially PTFV1 and aIAB, are significantly associated with a higher risk of poor prognosis in patients with ischemic stroke.

A nomogram for predicting atrial fibrillation detected after acute ischemic stroke

Background

Atrial fibrillation detected after stroke (AFDAS) is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke (IS) recurrence and death. Early diagnosis can help identify strategies for secondary prevention and improve prognosis. However, there are no validated predictive tools to assess the population at risk for AFDAS. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model for assessing the incidence of AFDAS after acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

This study was a multicenter retrospective study. We collected clinical data from 5332 patients with AIS at two hospitals between 2014.01 and 2021.12 and divided the development and validation of clinical prediction models into a training cohort (n = 3173) and a validation cohort (n = 2159). Characteristic variables were selected from the training cohort using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm and multivariable logistic regression analysis. A nomogram model was developed, and its performance was evaluated regarding calibration, discrimination, and clinical utility.

Results

We found the best subset of risk factors based on clinical characteristics and laboratory variables, including age, congestive heart failure (CHF), previous AIS/transient ischemia attack (TIA), national institutes of health stroke scale (NIHSS) score, C-reactive protein (CRP), and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). A predictive model was developed. The model showed good calibration and discrimination, with calibration values of Hosmer-Lemeshow χ² = 4.813, P = 0.732 and Hosmer-Lemeshow χ² = 4.248, P = 0.834 in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.815, 95% CI (0.777–0.853) and 0.808, 95% CI (0.770–0.847). The inclusion of neuroimaging variables significantly improved the performance of the integrated model in both the training cohort (AUC. 0.846 (0.811–0.882) vs. 0.815 (0.777–0.853), P = 0.001) and the validation cohort (AUC: 0.841 (0.804–0.877) vs. 0.808 (0.770–0.847), P = 0.001). The decision curves showed that the integrated model added more net benefit in predicting the incidence of AFDAS.

Conclusion

Predictive models based on clinical characteristics, laboratory variables, and neuroimaging variables showed good calibration and high net clinical benefit, informing clinical decision-making in diagnosing and treating patients with AFDAS.

Advanced interatrial block predicts recurrence of embolic stroke of undetermined source

BACKGROUND

Advanced interatrial block (IAB) is an independent risk factor for ischaemic stroke. This study aimed to analyse whether advanced IAB predicts recurrence of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS).

METHODS

104 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ESUS were followed up for a median period of 15 months (interquartile range, 10-48). We recorded data on clinical variables, P-wave characteristics, and presence of IAB on the electrocardiogram. Electrocardiogram findings were interpreted by a blinded, centralised rater at (XXXX2). ESUS recurrence was the primary outcome variable.

RESULTS

Median age was 47 years (range, 19-85); 50% of patients were women. IAB was detected in 36 patients (34.6%); IAB was partial in 29 cases (27.9%) and advanced in 7 (6.7%). Sixteen patients (15.4%) presented stroke recurrence; of these, 5 had partial and 4 had advanced IAB (P = .01; odds ratio [OR] = 9.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.88-47.46; relative risk [RR] = 4.62; 95% CI, 2.01-10.61). Median P-wave duration was longer in patients with stroke recurrence (P = .009). The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following independent risk factors for stroke recurrence: advanced IAB (P < .001; OR = 10.86; 95% CI, 3.07-38.46), male sex (P = .028; OR = 4.6; 95% CI, 1.18-17.96), and age older than 50 years (P = .039; OR = 3.84; 95% CI, 1.06-13.88). In the Cox proportional hazards model, the risk variables identified were age older than 50 years (P = .002; hazard ratio, 7.04; 95% CI, 2.06-23.8) and P-wave duration (per ms) (P = .007; hazard ratio, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced IAB and age older than 50 years predict ESUS recurrence.

The Right Atrial Area as a New Factor to Predict Successful Pulmonary Vein Isolation: an Emergent Predictor Variable

Up to now, few factors have been identified to predict successful pulmonary vein isolation, none of which with high predictive values. The objective of our study was to compare different predictive factors of atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation,including new parameters of the right atrium (area and index volume). We retrospectively analysed data from 66 patients and included echocardiogram parameters performed within 18 months prior to the ablation procedure. We excluded patients with left ventricular dysfunction (defined as a left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%); previous diagnostic of cardiomyopathy; severe valvular heart disease; severe pulmonary hypertension; or those with poor image quality in the echocardiogram. We considered atrial fibrillation recurrence to be the presence of atrial fibrillation of 30 seconds or longer demonstrated by a standard electrocardiogram or in a 24-hour Holter electrocardiogram within a year after the ablation procedure. We found that the right atrium area (odds ratio = 1.52; 95% confidence interval 0.95–2.43, P = 0.08) and a previous pulmonary vein isolation procedure (odds ratio = 0.21; 95% confidence interval 0.04–1.01, P = 0.05) were nearly statistically significant predictors of successful atrial fibrillation ablation at one year. Although our study was limited because of a low number of patients and because it is a retrospective analysis, we found that a higher right atrial area may be related to the late recurrence of atrial fibrillation. This tendency may be useful in predicting patient outcomes.

Atrial cardiopathy is associated with cerebral microbleeds in ischemic stroke patients

Objective

Cerebral microbleeds (CMB) are small accumulations of hemosiderin associated with cerebrovascular risk factors, but whether they are associated with atrial cardiopathy is not known. The goal of this study is to determine, among ischemic stroke patients, the association between study-defined atrial cardiopathy and CMB presence, location, and number.

Methods

Ischemic stroke patients admitted to Johns Hopkins (2015–2019) with transthoracic echocardiography and electrocardiography were included. Cerebral microbleeds were defined as small, round hypo-intensities on T2* susceptibility weighted imaging or gradient recalled echo magnetic resonance imaging sequences. Atrial cardiopathy was defined as the presence of ≥1: left atrium diameter &gt;4.0 cm (males) or &gt;3.8 cm (females), PR interval &gt;200 ms, or N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide &gt;250 pg/ml. Binary/Ordinal logistic regression models were used to determine the association between atrial cardiopathy, and cerebral microbleed presence, location (lobar/deep), or number, each, adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Patients (N = 120) were mean age 60 years (range 22–98), 46% female, 62% black, and 39% were on anti-thrombotic medication at time of admission. 39 (32%) participants had ≥1 cerebral microbleeds. Forty-six (38%) patients had atrial cardiopathy. Atrial cardiopathy was associated with higher odds of having cerebral microbleeds (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.02–6.15). Atrial cardiopathy was associated with lobar cerebral microbleeds (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.01–5.37) in univariate analysis but not with deep cerebral microbleeds (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.13–1.54), with neither association significant after adjustment. There was no difference in risk of having 1 vs. no cerebral microbleeds (RRR 2.51, 95% CI 0.75–8.37) and &gt;1 cerebral microbleed vs none (RRR 2.57, 95% CI 0.87–7.60) among those with atrial cardiopathy.

Conclusions

Atrial cardiopathy is associated with the presence, but not burden, of cerebral microbleeds in ischemic stroke patients. We cautiously suggest that atrial cardiopathy, either directly or through shared vascular risk, may contribute to the presence of CMB.

Cardiac CT for intra-cardiac thrombus detection in embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS)

INTRODUCTION

Embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) is a common medical challenge regarding secondary prevention strategy. Cardiac imaging is the cornerstone of embolic stroke workup, in an effort to diagnose high risk cardio-embolic sources. Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is an emerging imaging modality with high diagnostic performance for intra-cardiac thrombus detection. The yield of CCTA implementation in addition to standard care in ESUS workup is unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the utility of CCTA in detecting intra-cardiac thrombi in the routine ESUS workup.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective observational analysis of ESUS cases managed in vascular neurology unit between 2019 and 2021. Within this ESUS registry, consecutive patients undergoing CCTA were included and carefully analyzed.

RESULTS

During the study period 1066 Ischemic stroke (IS) cases were treated and evaluated. 266/1066 (25%) met ESUS criteria and 129/266 (48%) underwent CCTA. Intra-cardiac thrombus was detected by CCTA in 22/129 (17%; 95% CI, 11.5%-23.5%) patients: left ventricular thrombus (LVT) in 13 (10.1%) patients, left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus in 8 (6.2%) patients, and left atrial (LA) thrombus in 1 (0.8%) patient. Only 5/22 (23%) of these thrombi were suspected, but could not be confirmed, in trans-thoracic echocardiogram (TTE). Among CCTA-undergoing patients, 27/129 (21%; 95% CI, 14%-28%) were found to have an indication (including pulmonary embolism) for commencing anticoagulation (AC) treatment, rather than anti-platelets. In favor of CCTA implementation, 22/266 (8.2%; 95% CI, 4.9%-11.5%) patients within the entire ESUS cohort were diagnosed with intra-cardiac thrombus, otherwise missed.

CONCLUSION

CCTA improves the detection of intra-cardiac thrombi in addition to standard care in ESUS patients. The implementation of CCTA in routine ESUS workup can change secondary prevention strategy in a considerable proportion of patients.

Risk of Dementia Associated With Atrial Cardiopathy: The ARIC Study

Background The contribution of atrial cardiopathy to dementia risk is uncharacterized. We aimed to evaluate the association of atrial cardiopathy with incident dementia and potential mediation by atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke. Methods and Results We conducted a prospective cohort analysis of participants in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study attending visit 5 (2011-2013). We used Cox regression to determine the association between atrial cardiopathy and risk of dementia. Structural equation modeling methods were used to determine potential mediation by AF and/or stroke. Atrial cardiopathy was defined if ≥1 of the following at visit 5: P-wave terminal force >5000 mV·ms in ECG lead V1, NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide) >250 pg/mL or left atrial volume index ≥34 mL/m2 by transthoracic echocardiography. We repeated our analysis necessitating ≥2 markers to define atrial cardiopathy. The prevalence of atrial cardiopathy was 34% in the 5078 participants (mean age 75 years, 59% female, 21% Black adults), with 763 participants developing dementia. Atrial cardiopathy was significantly associated with dementia (adjusted HR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.16-1.58]), with strengthening of the effect estimate when necessitating ≥2 biomarkers (adjusted HR, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.25-1.89]). There was an increased risk of dementia among those with atrial cardiopathy when excluding those with AF (adjusted HR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.12-1.55]) or stroke (adjusted HR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.09-1.52]). The proportion of the effect mediated by AF was 4% (P=0.005), and 9% was mediated by stroke (P=0.048). Conclusions Atrial cardiopathy was significantly associated with an increased risk of dementia, with only a small percent mediation of the effect by AF or stroke.

Evaluation of Left Atrium/Left Atrial Appendage Function in Cases with Systemic Embolization in the Setting of Normal Transthoracic Echocardiography and Normal Sinus Rhythm

Background

Various left atrium (LA) and left atrial appendage (LAA) anatomies and functions could be associated with embolic events.

Aims and Objectives

We aimed to investigate the impact of variation in LAA and LA functions on the occurrence of systemic embolization in normal sinus rhythm and normal echocardiography findings.

Materials and Methods

This cross-sectional study was performed on 22 patients with documented peripheral emboli versus 32 control subjects.

Results

LA area, LAA area, ejection fraction (EF) of LA/LAA, LAA velocity and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) of LA walls, left ventricular diastolic function, and EF were determined. There were statistically significant differences between LAA area, LAA EF, TDI of lateral LA wall, and TDI of anterior LA wall in cases versus controls.

Conclusion

Echocardiography findings in LAA and LA functions could help to identify high-risk patients for embolic events in normal sinus rhythm cases.

Prevalence of markers of atrial cardiomyopathy in embolic stroke of undetermined source: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests the potential role of atrial cardiomyopathy (AC) as a direct thromboembolic determinant in embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS).

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to quantify the prevalence of potential AC markers among ESUS, non-cardioembolic (NCE) and cardioembolic (CE) stroke patients.

METHODS

PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched for publications from inception to October 2021, with duplicate data extraction and risk of bias assessment. The Newcastle-Ottawa assessment scale was used to evaluate study quality.

RESULTS

Among 398 screened studies, 11 observational studies with 2009 ESUS patients (mean age 66.5 years) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of electrocardiographic markers, increased P-wave terminal force in lead V1 was more prevalent in ESUS vs NCE (OR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.40-3.66). Of imaging markers, left atrial volume index (LAVI) and left atrial diameter (LAd) were higher in ESUS vs NCE (OR=1.04, 95%CI: 1.02-1.06 and OR=3.41, 95%CI: 1.35-8.61 respectively). Non-chicken wing morphology of the left atrial appendage was more frequent in ESUS compared to NCE patients in the majority of studies. Of serum biomarkers, the prevalence of NT-proBNP >250 pg/ml did not differ among ESUS vs NCE (OR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.39 -1.35).

CONCLUSIONS

Electrocardiographic, echocardiographic markers and advanced imaging modalities able to assess the morphologic characteristics of left atrial appendage and left atrial function may be important tools to discriminate AC among ESUS vs NCE stroke patients. Prospective studies exploring the association of potential AC markers with ESUS occurrence are warranted to validate their clinical utility.

A critical assessment of the current pharmacotherapy for the treatment of embolic strokes of undetermined source

INTRODUCTION

"Embolic stroke of undetermined source" (ESUS) is a term coined to identify non-lacunar stroke whose mechanism is likely to be embolic, and the source remains unidentified. The best antithrombotic treatment for preventing stroke recurrence in this population has not been delineated.

AREAS COVERED

The authors summarize and critically appraise the currently available evidence about the antithrombotic treatment for preventing stroke recurrence in patients with ESUS. Randomized trials addressing this topic were identified through MEDLINE (accessed by PubMed, as of November 2021, week 4).

EXPERT OPINION

Recent randomized trials have failed to demonstrate a significant benefit of direct oral anticoagulants over aspirin in reducing the recurrence of cerebral infarctions in unselected cohorts of patients with ESUS. The heterogeneity and often overlap of embolic sources may be possible explanations for the overall absence of a benefit of oral anticoagulants in ESUS as a single homogeneous entity. The results of these trials and their subgroup analyses have provided important cues to understand the pathophysiology of ESUS. They have, furthermore, increased in the interest in researchers in identifying distinct etiological phenotypes within this stroke population. There is a good rationale for ongoing and future investigations in order to tailor antithrombotic treatment according to individual features of patients with ESUS.

Classification of patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source in cardioembolic and non-cardioembolic profiles

BACKGROUND

It is currently thought that embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) patients have diverse underlying hidden etiologies, of which cardioembolism is one of the most important. This subgroup of patients could theoretically benefit from oral anticoagulation, but it remains unclear if these of patients can be correctly identified from other ESUS-subgroups and which markers should be used. We aimed to determine whether a machine learning (ML) model could discriminate ESUS patients into cardioembolic and non-cardioembolic profiles using baseline demographic and laboratory variables.

METHODS

Based on a prospective registry of consecutive ischemic stroke patients submitted to acute revascularization therapies, a ML model was trained using data on age, sex and 11 selected baseline laboratory parameters of patients with known stroke etiology with the aim of correctly identifying patients with cardioembolic and non-cardioembolic etiologies. The resulting model was used to classify ESUS patients into either cardioembolic or non-cardioembolic profiles.

RESULTS

The ML model was able to distinguish patients with known stroke etiology into cardioembolic or non-cardioembolic with excellent accuracy (area under the curve = 0.82). When applied to ESUS patients, the model classified 40.3% of them as having cardioembolic profiles. ESUS patients with cardioembolic profiles were older, more frequently female, more frequently had hypertension, less frequently were active smokers, had higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores, and had more premature atrial complexes per hour.

CONCLUSIONS

A ML model based on baseline demographic and laboratory parameters was able to classify ESUS patients in cardioembolic and non-cardioembolic profiles and predicted that 40% of the ESUS patients have a cardioembolic profile.

Frequent premature atrial contractions as a signalling marker of atrial cardiomyopathy, incident atrial fibrillation and stroke

Premature atrial contractions are a common cardiac phenomenon. Although previously considered a benign electrocardiographic finding, they have now been associated with a higher risk of incident atrial fibrillation and other adverse outcomes such as stroke and all-cause mortality. Since premature atrial contractions can be associated with these adverse clinical outcomes independently of atrial fibrillation occurrence, different explanations have being proposed. The concept of atrial cardiomyopathy, where atrial fibrillation would be an epiphenomenon outside the causal pathway between premature atrial contractions and stroke has received traction recently. This concept suggests that structural, functional and biochemical changes in the atria lead to arrhythmia occurrence and thromboembolic events. Some consensus about diagnosis and treatment of this condition have been published, but this is based on scarce evidence, highlighting the need for a clear definition of excessive premature atrial contractions and for prospective studies regarding antiarrhythmic therapies, anticoagulation or molecular targets in this group of patients.

P Wave Parameters and Indices: A Critical Appraisal of Clinical Utility, Challenges, and Future Research-A Consensus Document Endorsed by the International Society of Electrocardiology and the International Society for Holter and Noninvasive Electrocardiology

Atrial cardiomyopathy, characterized by abnormalities in atrial structure and function, is associated with increased risk of adverse cardiovascular and neurocognitive outcomes, independent of atrial fibrillation. There exists a critical unmet need for a clinical tool that is cost-effective, easy to use, and that can diagnose atrial cardiomyopathy. P wave parameters (PWPs) reflect underlying atrial structure, size, and electrical activation; alterations in these factors manifest as abnormalities in PWPs that can be readily ascertained from a standard 12-lead ECG and potentially be used to aid clinical decision-making. PWPs include P wave duration, interatrial block, P wave terminal force in V₁, P wave axis, P wave voltage, P wave area, and P wave dispersion. PWPs can be combined to yield an index (P wave index), such as the morphology-voltage-P-wave duration ECG risk score. Abnormal PWPs have been shown in population-based cohort studies to be independently associated with higher risks of atrial fibrillation, ischemic stroke, sudden cardiac death, and dementia. Additionally, PWPs, either individually or in combination (as a P wave index), have been reported to enhance prediction of atrial fibrillation or ischemic stroke. To facilitate translation of PWPs to routine clinical practice, additional work is needed to standardize measurement of PWPs (eg, via semiautomated or automated measurement), confirm their reliability and predictive value, leverage novel approaches (eg, wavelet analysis of P waves and machine learning algorithms), and finally, define the risk-benefit ratio of specific interventions in high-risk individuals. Our ultimate goal is to repurpose the ubiquitous 12-lead ECG to advance the study, diagnosis, and treatment of atrial cardiomyopathy, thus overcoming critical challenges in prevention of cardiovascular disease and dementia.

Left Atrial Diameter in the Prediction of Thromboembolic Event and Death in Atrial Fibrillation

Background: This study aimed to determine the predictive value of left atrial diameter (LAD), and the incremental prognostic value of LAD in combination with CHA2DS2-VASc score for predicting thromboembolic event and all-cause death in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods: This is a prospective study from 27 hospitals during 2014−2017. LADi is LAD data indexed by body surface area, and LADi in the 4th quartile (LADi Q4) was considered high. Results: A total of 2251 patients (mean age 67.4 years, 58.6% male) were enrolled. Mean follow-up duration was 32.3 months. Rates of thromboembolic events and all-cause death were significantly higher in LADi Q4 patients than in LADi Q1−3 patients (2.89 vs. 1.11 per 100 person-years, p < 0.001, and 7.52 vs. 3.13 per 100 person-years, p < 0.001, respectively). LADi Q4 is an independent predictor of thromboembolic events and all-cause death with an adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval of 1.94 (1.24−3.05) and 1.81 (1.38−2.37), respectively. LADi has incremental prognostic value on top of the CHA2DS2-VASc score with the increase in global chi-square for thromboembolism (p = 0.005) and all-cause death (p < 0.001). Conclusions: LADi is an independent predictor of thromboembolic event and has incremental prognostic value in combination with CHA2DS2-VASc score in AF patients.

Association of Atrial Fibrillation Detected after Stroke with Cardiac Dysfunction and Features of Neurogenic Cardiac Injury

OBJECTIVES

Understanding the link between markers of cardiac injury and atrial fibrillation (AF) detected after stroke (AFDAS) may help refine stroke risk stratification and therapeutic approaches in AFDAS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 988 adult patients admitted for acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack, who presented within 4.5 h from last known well. Pertinent clinical variables including features of neurogenic cardiac injury (so-called stroke heart syndrome [SHS]) as well as electrocardiographic and echocardiographic markers of cardiac dysfunction, and AF status (no AF n = 574; known AF n = 311; AFDAS; n = 103) were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the independent associations of variables with AFDAS.

RESULTS

A total of 264 (26.7%) subjects fulfilled criteria for SHS. Of these, 174 of had SHS features other than AFDAS (non-AF SHS). Among 677 subjects without known AF, presence of non-AF SHS was associated with a 5-fold odds of AFDAS (OR 5.0, 95%-CI 3.1-8.0, p < 0.001). After adjustment, non-AF SHS (OR 3.2, 95%-CI 1.6-6.4, p = 0.001) and the left atrial volume index (OR 1.04, 95%-CI 1.01-1.08, p = 0.004) remained independently associated with AFDAS.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of non-AF SHS features and the left atrial volume index were independently associated with AFDAS indicating diverse mechanisms relating to new onset AF. A better understanding of the links between these markers and AFDAS may help uncover potentially modifiable risk factors for AFDAS as well as aid treatment decisions in patients at risk for new onset AF and ischemic stroke.

Atrial Cardiopathy and Cryptogenic Stroke

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

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

Objective

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

Use of Prolonged Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring to Identify Atrial Fibrillation After Cryptogenic Stroke

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Prolonged cardiac monitoring (PCM) improves detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cryptogenic stroke. We summarize current research supporting the use of PCM as part of the cryptogenic stroke evaluation, while highlighting areas that require more investigation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite increased AF detection with longer durations of PCM, more definitive research is needed to demonstrate how PCM improves clinical outcomes. The optimal type, timing, and length of cardiac monitoring after cryptogenic stoke remains unknown. Clinical calculators will be important to risk stratify which cryptogenic stroke patients are most likely to benefit from PCM. Currently, AF detection after cryptogenic stroke should prompt consideration of anticoagulation, but it is unclear if all durations and timing of AF after stroke should be treated the same. PCM remains an important part of the cryptogenic stroke work up, and detection of AF allows for anticoagulation initiation. Additional research is needed to further refine our application of PCM to cryptogenic stroke.

Anticoagulation after stroke: persistent uncertainties

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are the mainstay of anticoagulant therapy for stroke prevention in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. Persistent uncertainties remain in different areas, and this review discusses current dilemmas based on selected studies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Optimal timing of DOAC initiation after a recent ischaemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation is currently unknown and subject of ongoing randomized controlled trials. Ischaemic stroke despite anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation is frequent, constitutes heterogeneous causes (competing stroke cause, medication error and cardioembolism despite anticoagulation) and optimal treatment is currently unknown. Thorough etiological work-up is justified. Recent randomized controlled trials found no beneficial effect of DOAC therapy in unselected patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Currently ongoing trials targeting subgroup of ESUS patients with additional atrial cardiopathy will provide novel data. Cerebral mircobleeds combined in a novel risk score (MICON score) provide good predictive value to stratify the risk of intracranial haemorrhage in patients taking anticoagulants. Use of DOAC after intracerebral haemorrhage in patients with atrial fibrillation is subject of ongoing trials.

SUMMARY

There are still significant uncertainties in anticoagulant management in patients with stroke. Ongoing trials will soon provide novel data to improve management of these patients.

Utility of transesophageal echocardiography in the identification and treatment of occult mechanisms of cerebral infarction

Cryptogenic stroke comprises approximately 25% of all cases of ischemic stroke. The diagnostic evaluation of these patients remains a challenge in clinical practice. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has been shown to have superior diagnostic accuracy in identifying potential cardioembolic sources of ischemic stroke when compared to transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). However, there has been inconsistent data on the management implications of these new cardiac findings. The addition of TEE to the comprehensive stroke evaluation will better identify potential cardiac sources of embolism (CSE) and will result in significant management changes. A prospective registry of consecutively admitted patients with acute ischemic stroke (1/1/2015-8/10/2020) was retrospectively queried. Patients 18 to 60 years of age with stroke due to mechanisms other than large or small vessel disease, or atrial fibrillation were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome was any high-risk CSE identified on TEE following unrevealing TTE. Of the 2,404 consecutive stroke patients evaluated during the study period, 263 (11%) met inclusion criteria and the median age was 53 (IQR 46-57). TEE was performed in 108 patients (41%). A high-risk CSE was identified in 36 patients (33%), the majority of which were PFOs (n = 29). TEE led to a clinical management change in 14 patients (39%) after identification of a high-risk CSE; 6 underwent PFO closure and 8 had adjustment to their antithrombotic therapy. The addition of TEE to the comprehensive stroke evaluation led to the identification of a high-risk CSE in one in three patients resulting in significant management changes.

Left atrial evaluation by cardiovascular magnetic resonance: sensitive and unique biomarkers

Left atrial (LA) imaging is still not routinely used for diagnosis and risk stratification, although recent studies have emphasized its importance as an imaging biomarker. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance is able to evaluate LA structure and function, metrics that serve as early indicators of disease, and provide prognostic information, e.g. regarding diastolic dysfunction, and atrial fibrillation (AF). MR angiography defines atrial anatomy, useful for planning ablation procedures, and also for characterizing atrial shapes and sizes that might predict cardiovascular events, e.g. stroke. Long-axis cine images can be evaluated to define minimum, maximum, and pre-atrial contraction LA volumes, and ejection fractions (EFs). More modern feature tracking of these cine images provides longitudinal LA strain through the cardiac cycle, and strain rates. Strain may be a more sensitive marker than EF and can predict post-operative AF, AF recurrence after ablation, outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, stratification of diastolic dysfunction, and strain correlates with atrial fibrosis. Using high-resolution late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), the extent of fibrosis in the LA can be estimated and post-ablation scar can be evaluated. The LA LGE method is widely available, its reproducibility is good, and validations with voltage-mapping exist, although further scan-rescan studies are needed, and consensus regarding atrial segmentation is lacking. Using LGE, scar patterns after ablation in AF subjects can be reproducibly defined. Evaluation of 'pre-existent' atrial fibrosis may have roles in predicting AF recurrence after ablation, predicting new-onset AF and diastolic dysfunction in patients without AF. LA imaging biomarkers are ready to enter into diagnostic clinical practice.

The profile of patients with atrial fibrillation scheduled for cardioversion or catheter ablation hospitalized in a Romanian rehabilitation hospital

Objectives - Structural cardiac, mainly atrial remodeling in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) creates conditions for thromboembolic complications, despite the optimization of oral anticoagulant treatment over the past years. This study aims to provide a comparative analysis of patients with NVAF, with and without atrial thrombotic masses, in an integrated approach using clinical, electrocardiographic, anatomohemodynamic cardiac findings assessed by echocardiography, as well as an evaluation of the inflammatory status based on the usual screening blood markers. Methods – The study was based on the anonymous analysis of the medical records of 50 patients with NVAF monitored in a center of cardiology in Cluj-Napoca between March 2019 – February 2020, who received optimal oral anticoagulant treatment, all undergoing transesophageal ultrasound prior to cardioversion or ablation therapy. The statistical data processing methods were based on the “chi square” test and overall model fit logistic regression. Results – Atrial thrombotic complications were found in 7 (14%) patients with NVAF. These had, compared to patients without thrombotic masses, a mean CHA2DS2-VASc scale of 3 versus 2.76 (p=0.05), more frequently other atrial tachyarrhythmias (p<0.01), a more expressed inflammatory reaction (p=0.02), as well as a reduction of LVEF (p<0.01) and the peak left atrial appendage emptying velocity (p<0.01). Conclusions – In addition to a high CHA2DS2-VASc score, left anatomohemodynamic cardiac alteration, atrial arrhythmic complexity and background inflammatory status create conditions for high thromboembolic risk in patients with NVAF. Keywords: non-valvular atrial fibrillation, cardiac thrombosis, left ventricular ejection fraction, inflammatory status, peak left atrial appendage velocity,