Atrial Fibrillation and Cardio-embolic Stroke, Incidence of Haemorrhagic Transformation and Rehabilitation Outcomes

Abstract

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. The prevalence in general population is about 0.4 % and it increases with age. Stroke secondary to AF have high morbidity and mortality. We discuss the retrospective analysis of cardio-embolic strokes, in relation to the incidence of haemorrhagic transformation and its relation to AF along-with rehabilitation outcomes and mortality. 52 patient’s data with diagnosis of cardio-embolic stroke were reviewed. 75% (39) had diagnosis of AF before or on admission. Of all the patients, 82% (43) had diagnosis of HT. Within the HT group of patients, 67% (29) had underlying AF and all 9 patients with ischaemic stroke had underlying AF. Only 3 patients received rt-PA and 61% (32) were taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy at the time of admission. We found a high incidence of haemorrhagic conversion in stroke patients with AF, without thrombolysis, with some association with advancing age and possible antiplatelets. In our limited study group high mortality (32%) was associated