Ischemic Stroke Cases Research Articles

Additive interaction between potentially modifiable risk factors and ethnicity among individuals in the Han, Tujia and Miao populations with first-ever ischaemic stroke

BackgroundAs a country with one-fifth of the global population, China has experienced explosive growth in ischaemic stroke (IS) burden with significant ethnic and geographic disparities. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in potentially modifiable risk factors for ischaemic stroke among the Han population and two ethnic minorities (Tujia and Miao).MethodsA case-control study was conducted with 324 cases of first-ever ischaemic stroke from the hospitals of the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture and 394 controls from communities covering the same area between May 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019. Structured questionnaires were administered, and physical examinations were performed in the same manner for cases and controls. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses with adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to examine the association between risk factors and ischaemic stroke. An additive model was used to study the interaction between the modifiable risk factors and ethnicity with R software.ResultsHigher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (OR 50.54, 95%CI 29.76–85.85), higher monthly family income (4.18, 2.40–7.28), increased frequency of hot pot consumption (2.90, 1.21–6.93), diabetes mellitus (2.62, 1.48–4.62), a higher apolipoprotein (Apo)B/ApoA1 ratio (2.60, 1.39–4.85), hypertension (2.52, 1.45–4.40) and moderate-intensity physical activity (0.50, 0.28–0.89) were associated with ischaemic stroke. There was an additive interaction between the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and ethnicity in the Tujia and Miao populations with first-ever ischaemic stroke (the relative excess risk due to the interaction was 5.75, 95% CI 0.58 ~ 10.92; the attributable proportion due to the interaction was 0.65, 95% CI 0.38 ~ 0.91; the synergy index was 3.66, 95% CI 1.35 ~ 9.93).ConclusionsThis is the first case-control study examining modifiable risk factors for ischaemic stroke among the Han population and two ethnic minorities (Tujia and Miao) in China. Some differences were observed in the impact of risk factors among these ethnic groups. Our results may help interpret health-related data, including surveillance and research, when developing strategies for stroke prevention.

Insulin-Like Growth Factor-II and Ischemic Stroke-A Prospective Observational Study.

Insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) regulates prenatal brain development, but the role in adult brain function and injury is unclear. Here, we determined whether serum levels of IGF-II (s-IGF-II) are associated with mortality and functional outcome after ischemic stroke (IS). The study population comprised ischemic stroke cases (n = 492) and controls (n = 514) from the Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischemic Stroke (SAHLSIS). Functional outcome was evaluated after 3 months and 2 years using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and additionally, survival was followed at a minimum of 7 years or until death. S-IGF-II levels were higher in IS cases both in the acute phase and at 3-month follow-up compared to controls (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). The lowest quintile of acute s-IGF-II was, compared to the four higher quintiles, associated with an increased risk of post-stroke mortality (median follow-up 10.6 years, crude hazard ratio (HR) 2.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56–3.49, and fully adjusted HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.02–2.61). In contrast, crude associations with poor functional outcome (mRS 3–6) lost significance after full adjustment for covariates. In conclusion, s-IGF-II was higher in IS cases than in controls, and low acute s-IGF-II was an independent risk marker of increased mortality.

Mortality of major cardiovascular emergencies among patients admitted to hospitals on weekends as compared with weekdays in Taiwan

BackgroundSeveral studies have found a so-called weekend effect that patients admitted at the weekends had worse clinical outcomes than patients admitted at the weekdays. We performed this retrospective cohort study to explore the weekend effect in four major cardiovascular emergencies in Taiwan.MethodsThe Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) claims database between 2005 and 2015 was used. We extracted 3811 incident cases of ruptured aortic aneurysm, 184,769 incident cases of acute myocardial infarction, 492,127 incident cases of ischemic stroke, and 15,033 incident cases of pulmonary embolism from 9,529,049 patients having at least one record of hospitalization in the NHI claims database within 2006 ~ 2014. Patients were classified as weekends or weekdays admission groups. Dates of in-hospital mortality and one-year mortality were obtained from the Taiwan National Death Registry.ResultsWe found no difference in in-hospital mortality between weekend group and weekday group in patients with ruptured aortic aneurysm (45.4% vs 45.3%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–1.17, p = 0.93), patients with acute myocardial infarction (15.8% vs 16.2%, adjusted OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95–1.00, p = 0.10), patients with ischemic stroke (4.1% vs 4.2%, adjusted OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.96–1.03, p = 0.71), and patients with pulmonary embolism (14.6% vs 14.6%, adjusted OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.92–1.15, p = 0.66). The results remained for 1 year in all the four major cardiovascular emergencies.ConclusionsWe found no difference in either short-term or long-term mortality between patients admitted on weekends and patients admitted on weekdays in four major cardiovascular emergencies in Taiwan.

Temporal Trends in the Incidence of Ischemic Stroke in Young Adults: Dijon Stroke Registry

Introduction: Stroke is associated with major consequences in terms of socioeconomic impact and lost disability-adjusted life in young victims, thus justifying a careful surveillance of epidemiological trends. This study aimed to assess changes in the incidence of ischemic stroke in young adults over a long period. Methods: All cases of first-ever ischemic stroke that occurred among adults aged 18–55 years were prospectively recorded using the population-based Dijon Stroke Registry, from 1985 to 2017. Sex-specific annual incidence rates were calculated and were presented according to 6 time periods. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were determined to assess sex differences in stroke incidence. Results: Over the whole study period, 4,451 patients suffered a first-ever ischemic stroke. Among these patients, 469 (10.5%) were young adults (median age: 46 years, IQR: 39–50; 53.9% men). Incidence rates rose from the study period 2003 to 2007 compared with previous periods and remained stable thereafter, both in men and women. Hence, incidence per 100,000 per year was globally 11.0 (95% CI: 9.4–12.7) before 2003 and 22.9 (20.3–25.6) thereafter. In individuals aged 18–45 years, incidence rates were 5.4 (4.3–6.9) overall, 4.1 (2.7–6.0) in men, and 6.7 (4.9–9.0) in women, before 2003. After 2003, incidence rates rose to 12.8 (10.7–15.1) overall, 12.0 (9.2–15.4) in men, and 13.6 (10.6–17.0) in women. In this age group, the men/women IRR was 0.78 (95% CI: 0.62–1.26, p = 0.08), although sex differences decreased over time (IRR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.36–1.02, p = 0.046 before 2003, vs. IRR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.62–1.26, p = 0.48 after 2003). In individuals aged 45–55 years, incidence rates before 2003 were 47 (37–61) in men and 25 (17–35) in women (IRR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.24–2.97, p < 0.001), and they increased to 82 (67–100) in men and 46 (35–59) in women (IRR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.29–2.49, p < 0.001) after 2003. Conclusions: The incidence of ischemic stroke in young adults increased during the early 2000s and remained stable thereafter. These results highlight the priority need for dedicated prevention strategies for the young to reduce the burden of stroke.

STA-MCA Bypass in Carotid Stenosis after Radiosurgery for Cavernous Sinus Meningioma.

Simple SummaryWe present the case of a patient with a radiation-induced internal carotid artery stenosis after stereotactic radiosurgery for cavernous sinus meningioma. Our case presented with symptomatic vascular insufficiency two years after treatment. We carried out a review of the literature searching for vascular and non-vascular complications following the treatment of cavernous sinus meningiomas with radiosurgery or radiotherapy. As a result, two cases of stroke and one case of asymptomatic stenosis of the internal carotid artery were described, aside from non-vascular complications. We were able to conclude that radiosurgery and radiotherapy carry fewer complications than open surgery, with similar rates of tumor control. Altogether, our case and the associated review emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary, extended follow-up of irradiated cavernous sinus meningiomas.Background: Cavernous sinus meningiomas (CSM) are mostly non-surgical tumors. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or radiotherapy (SRT) allow tumor control and improvement of pre-existing cranial nerve (CN) deficits. We report the case of a patient with radiation-induced internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. We complete the picture with a review of the literature of vascular and non-vascular complications following the treatment of CSMs with SRS or SRT. Methods: After a case description, a systematic literature review is presented, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2015 guidelines. Results: 115 abstracts were screened and 70 titles were retained for full-paper screening. A total of 58 articles did not meet the inclusion criteria. There were 12 articles included in our review, with a follow-up ranging from 33 to 120 months. Two cases of post-SRT ischemic stroke and one case of asymptomatic ICA stenosis were described. Non-vascular complications were reported in all articles. Conclusion: SRS and SRT carry fewer complications than open surgery, with similar rates of tumor control. Our case shows the importance of a follow-up of irradiated CSMs not only by a radio-oncologist, but also by a neurosurgeon, illustrating the importance of multidisciplinary management of CSMs.

Alta frecuencia de trombo endoluminal en pacientes con ictus isquémico tras la infección por coronavirus 2019

BackgroundIschaemic stroke may be a major complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Studying and characterising the different aetiological subtypes, clinical characteristics, and functional outcomes may be valuable in guiding patient selection for optimal management and treatment. MethodsData were collected retrospectively on consecutive patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who developed acute focal brain ischaemia (between 1 March and 19 April 2020) at a tertiary university hospital in Madrid (Spain). ResultsDuring the study period, 1594 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19. We found 22 patients with ischaemic stroke (1.38%), 6 of whom did not meet the inclusion criteria. The remaining 16 patients were included in the study (15 cases of ischaemic stroke and one case of transient ischaemic attack).Median baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 9 (interquartile range: 16), and mean (standard deviation) age was 73 years (12.8). Twelve patients (75%) were men. Mean time from COVID-19 symptom onset to stroke onset was 13 days. Large vessel occlusion was identified in 12 patients (75%).We detected elevated levels of D-dimer in 87.5% of patients and C-reactive protein in 81.2%. The main aetiology was atherothrombotic stroke (9 patients, 56.3%), with the predominant subtype being endoluminal thrombus (5 patients, 31.2%), involving the internal carotid artery in 4 cases and the aortic arch in one. The mortality rate in our series was 44% (7 of 16 patients). ConclusionsIn patients with COVID-19, the most frequent stroke aetiology was atherothrombosis, with a high proportion of endoluminal thrombus (31.2% of patients). Our clinical and laboratory data support COVID-19–associated coagulopathy as a relevant pathophysiological mechanism for ischaemic stroke in these patients.

Factors associated with prognosis after small-vessel occlusion among young and middle-aged patients: a hospital-based follow-up study

ABSTRACT Objective: Small-vessel occlusions are the most common causes of mild strokes and, in China, account for approximately 27.3% of ischemic stroke cases. However, the factors associated with short- and long-term outcomes appear contradictory. Thus, we assessed the factors related to outcomes 3 years after small-vessel occlusion among patients aged 18 to 55 years. Methods: Between 2007 and 2014, we recruited patients who experienced small-vessel occlusion (according to Trial of Org 10,172 in Acute Stroke Treatment [TOAST] classification) aged 18 to 55 years and conducted a hospital-based follow-up study. The assessed outcomes were mortality, recurrence, and dependency within 3 years after the initial stroke. The outcome determinants were assessed using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 276 patients (men, 76.09%) with small-vessel occlusions were enrolled in this study. In addition, 85.1% of the patients had strokes between the ages of 45 and 55 years. The risk of recurrence within 3 years was higher for patients who had moderate strokes than for those who had mild events (relative risk [RR], 3.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–8.34; P < 0.05). Further, the risk of dependency within 3 years was 2.61 times higher in obese patients than in non-obese patients (RR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.00–6.79; P < 0.05). The risks of recurrence and dependency within 3 years increased by 17% and 18%, respectively, for each 1-unit increase in fasting plasma glucose levels (RR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.05–1.30 and RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.06–1.32, respectively; both P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that small-vessel occlusions cause the heaviest disease burden in patients aged 45 to 55 years. To reduce stroke recurrence, young and middle-aged patients with small-vessel occlusions should control their fasting plasma glucose levels and manage their weight.

High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and the Risk of First Ischemic Stroke in a Chinese Hypertensive Population.

Background and PurposeElevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels have displayed protection against cardiovascular disease. However, the association between specific lipoprotein classes and first ischemic stroke (IS) has not been well defined, particularly in higher-risk hypertensive populations. Our study evaluated the associations of HDL-C with first IS in a Chinese hypertensive population.MethodsThe study population was obtained from a community-based cohort study of hypertension in Lianyungang and Rongcheng, China. A nested case-control design was used that included 2463 identified first IS cases and 2463 controls matched by age ± 1 year, sex, and region.ResultsAfter adjusting for potential confounders, HDL-C was inversely associated with first IS (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85–0.98). HDL-C levels of at least 65.4 mg/dL displayed a significant protective effect for first IS (aOR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69–0.98). Conversely, adverse effects of first IS were observed for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels ≥138.1 mg/dL (aOR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.02–1.42) and triglyceride (TG) levels ≥140.8 mg/dL (aOR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.09–1.49). The risk associations of LDL-C and TG with first IS were attenuated in the presence of high HDL-C (≥53.0 mg/dL); an increased risk of first IS was only found in the presence of low HDL-C (<53.0 mg/dL) when LDL-C (aOR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.19–2.31) and TG (aOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.17–1.84) were combined with HDL-C for analysis.ConclusionIn this community-based Chinese hypertensive population, higher HDL-C was a significant protective factor of first IS. These data add to the evidence describing the relationship between lipids and IS and suggest that HDL-C maybe is a marker of IS risk in Chinses hypertensive population.

Pattern, Risk Factors, and Outcome of Acute Stroke in a Nigerian University Teaching Hospital

Background: This study aimed to document the pattern, risk factors, in-hospital outcomes, and stroke mortality in a hospital over one year. Materials and Methods: Acute stroke patients admitted at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital between October 2019 and September 2020 had their records reviewed. Information including age, sex, risk factors, stroke type, access to neuroimaging, and the in-hospital outcome was extracted and analyzed. Results: A total of 230 patient records were included in this study. The proportion of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) was 44.8%, while ischemic stroke was 52.2%. Only 9.1% of ischemic stroke cases had an onset-to-arrival time of fewer than nine hours, with just three thrombolytic therapy given. The 30-day mortality was 28.7%, lesser among younger patients and patients managed in the stroke unit. Conclusion: The hospital incidence of ICH was close to that of ischemic stroke. Mortality data confirms the importance of management in a stroke unit.

COVID-19 with ischemic stroke manifestations

Background: Continuous pandemic caused by coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been associated with high morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 has been linked to a hypercoagulable state that causes cerebrovascular complications. The most common cerebrovascular complication is ischemic stroke.Case Presentations: We report six cases of ischemic stroke with COVID-19, age 51-81 years old, consists of four males and two females. The main risk factors are hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Brain CT scan showed large vessel ischemic stroke in four patients. The patients were treated with Low Molecular Weighted Heparin followed by dual antiplatelet (aspirin and clopidogrel). The outcome was good recovery with minimal sequelae in four patients and death in two patients.Conclusion: Most of the stroke type in COVID-19 is large vessel disease, with main risk factors of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Treatment with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) followed by dual antiplatelet showed promising clinical improvement.

A Machine Learning Approach to First Pass Reperfusion in Mechanical Thrombectomy: Prediction and Feature Analysis

IntroductionNovel machine learning (ML) methods are being investigated across medicine for their predictive capabilities while boasting increased adaptability and generalizability. In our study, we compare logistic regression with machine learning for feature importance analysis and prediction in first-pass reperfusion. MethodsWe retrospectively identified cases of ischemic stroke treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) at our institution from 2012–2018. Significant variables used in predictive modeling were demographic characteristics, medical history, admission NIHSS, and stroke characteristics. Outcome was binarized TICI on first pass (0-2a vs 2b-3). Shapley feature importance plots were used to identify variables that strongly affected outcomes. ResultsAccuracy for the Random Forest and SVM models were 67.1% compared to 65.8% for the logistic regression model. Brier score was lower for the Random Forest model (0.329 vs 0.342) indicating better predictive capability. Other supervised learning models performed worse than the logistic regression model, with accuracy of 56.2% for Naïve Bayes and 61.6% for XGBoost. Shapley plots for the Random Forest model showed use of aspiration, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, use of stent retriever, and time between symptom onset and catheterization as the top five predictors of first pass reperfusion. ConclusionUse of machine learning models, such as Random Forest, for the study of MT outcomes, is more accurate than logistic regression for our dataset, and identifies new factors that contribute to achieving first pass reperfusion. The benefits of machine learning, such as improved predictive capabilities, integration of new data, and generalizability, establish ML as the preferred model for studying outcomes in stroke.

Patent Foramen Ovale Device Closure in a 27 Years Old Young Lady with Cryptogenic Ischaemic Stroke - First Case Report from Bangladesh

A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is highly prevalent in patients with strokes of unknown cause or cryptogenic strokes (CSs). It has been remained an unsolved question as to whether a PFO should be closed or not to prevent recurrent strokes in patients diagnosed with cryptogenic stroke (CS). A paradoxical embolism through a PFO is pointed as a leading cause of CS, especially in younger patients with low risk factors for stroke. It also remains an unsolved matter on type of anti-coagulation therapy, which would be better for patients with CS and a PFO. In addition, surgical and transcutaneous closure of a PFO has been proposed for the secondary prevention of stroke in patients with CS with PFO. Several randomized controlled trials have been conducted in recent years to test whether a PFO closure gives a significant benefit in the management of CS. Many investigators believed that a PFO was an incidental finding in patients with CS. However, meta-analyses and more recent specific trials have eliminated several confounding factors and possible biases and have also emphasized the use of a shunt closure over medical therapy in patients with CS. Therefore, these latest studies can possibly change the treatment paradigm in the near future. We are reporting a case of cryptogenic ischaemic stroke in middle cerebral artery territory due to paradoxical embolism through a PFO which was successfully closed with a device solely by a Bangladeshi Consultant &amp; his team first time in Bangladesh.&#x0D; Cardiovasc. j. 2021; 13(2): 227-234

Management dilemmas in acute ischemic stroke and concomitant acute pulmonary embolism: Case series and literature review.

BackgroundPulmonary embolism (PE) and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are common disorders with high morbidity and mortality, rarely presenting simultaneously. There is a paucity of data regarding the management of this uncommon presentation. The treatment of these two entities is complex in the acute phase due to the concomitant need for thrombolysis in AIS and anticoagulation for PE.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed confirmed ischemic stroke cases to identify patients presented with simultaneous PE from June 2018 to May 2019. Additionally, a literature review was performed. Two reviewers assessed the manuscripts' quality, and relevant data regarding clinical course and management was extracted.ResultsWe reviewed 439 patient charts, identifying two cases of concomitant AIS and PE. Additionally, twelve articles (n = 15 subjects) fulfilled our literature review criteria for a total of 17 cases, including ours. Intravenous anticoagulation (70.5%) was the most frequent intervention targeting both disorders. Therapies such as intravenous thrombolysis (23.53% (n = 4)) and mechanical thrombectomy (23.53% (n = 4)) were specific in AIS. Catheter-directed thrombolysis (5.88%) was used for PE. Clinical outcomes were favorable (asymptomatic or mild disable symptoms) in 47.05% (N = 8) of patients, while 41.17% had poor outcomes (severe disable symptoms or death).ConclusionsAIS and PE stand for a challenge when they present simultaneously. The evaluation of risks and benefits of therapies such as intravenous thrombolysis, mechanical thrombectomy, and catheter-directed-thrombolysis in the clinical context is essential. According to our review, the ischemic stroke burden guides systemic anticoagulation decisions over interventional procedures when the hemodynamic status remains unaffected.

Genetic Variants of lncRNA GAS5 Contribute to Susceptibility of Ischemic Stroke among Southern Chinese Population

Emerging evidence suggests that the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) growth arrest special 5 (GAS5) plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke (IS). The current research is aimed at assessing the correlation between two functional GAS5 variants (rs145204276 and rs55829688) and susceptibility to IS in a Han Chinese population. This study genotyped the two GAS5 variants in 1086 IS patients as well as 1045 age-matched healthy controls by using an improved multitemperature ligase detection reaction (iMLDR-TM) genotyping technology. We observed a considerable change in the frequencies of the rs145204276 allele and genotype among the IS patients and healthy control group. The del-T haplotype was substantially more prevalent in the IS cases compared to the control individuals. When study participants were stratified according to environmental factors, we found that the rs145204276 del allele was correlated with a higher risk of IS in male, smokers, hypertensive, and those ≥65 years old. Additional stratification conforming to IS subtypes exhibited that individuals carrying the rs145204276 del allele conferred a higher risk of expanding a larger artery atherosclerosis stroke subset. Moreover, there was a significant association between the rs145204276 del allele and elevated expression of GAS5 in IS patients. In contrast, the frequency of the allele related to rs55829688 was not statistically correlated with IS in all analysis. Our study supports a model wherein the rs145204276 variant in the GAS5 lncRNA is associated with IS risk, thus representing a potentially viable biomarker for IS prevention and treatment.

Prevalence of delayed diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke in an acute care hospital: A single-center cross-sectional study in Japan.

BackgroundsGiven the short therapeutic window for evidence‐based therapies such as thrombolysis and endovascular treatment, it is important to immediately diagnose ischemic stroke. We investigated the prevalence of missed ischemic stroke diagnoses at initial contact and the proportion of potentially treatable patients without a delayed diagnosis.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted. A total of 408 consecutive patients hospitalized due to acute ischemic stroke were included. The primary outcome was a delayed diagnosis of ischemic stroke at initial contact. A diagnosis of stroke was judged to be delayed unless physicians made a diagnosis and initiated treatment for ischemic stroke during the initial contact. The secondary outcome was ischemic stroke with a missed therapeutic window for effective treatment due to delayed diagnosis.ResultsThe median patient age was 78 years old, and the median time from onset to presentation was nine hours. A diagnosis of stroke was deemed delayed in 49 (12.0%) patients. In the multivariable analysis, presentation 48 hours or more after stroke onset (OR 2.45) and the improvement of neurological symptoms prior to presentation (OR 3.11) were independently associated with delayed diagnosis of ischemic stroke. Opportunities for effective treatment were missed in 18 (36.7%) of the 49 delayed diagnosis cases, although no patients missed opportunities for thrombectomy due to delayed diagnosis.ConclusionsEven in the modern era, one out of every eight ischemic stroke cases was missed at the initial visit, and one‐third of missed stroke cases might be candidates for effective treatment without diagnostic delay.

Acute Ischemic Stroke at High Altitudes in China: Early Onset and Severe Manifestations

The detailed characteristics of strokes at high altitudes in diverse nations have not been extensively studied. We retrospectively enrolled 892 cases of first-ever acute ischemic strokes at altitudes of 20, 2550, and 4200 m in China (697 cases from Penglai, 122 cases from Huzhu, and 73 cases from Yushu). Clinical data and brain images were analyzed. Ischemic strokes at high altitudes were characterized by younger ages (69.14 ± 11.10 vs. 64.44 ± 11.50 vs. 64.45 ± 14.03, p < 0.001) and larger infract volumes (8436.37 ± 29,615.07 mm3 vs. 17,213.16 ± 47,044.74 mm3 vs. 42,459 ± 84,529.83 mm3, p < 0.001). The atherosclerotic factors at high altitude, including diabetes mellitus (28.8% vs. 17.2% vs. 9.6%, p < 0.001), coronary heart disease (14.3% vs. 1.6% vs. 4.1%, p < 0.001), and hyperlipidemia (20.2% vs. 17.2% vs. 8.2%, p = 0.031), were significantly fewer than those in plain areas. Polycythemia and hemoglobin levels (138.22 ± 18.04 g/L vs. 172.87 ± 31.57 g/L vs. 171.81 ± 29.55 g/L, p < 0.001), diastolic pressure (89.98 ± 12.99 mmHg vs. 93.07 ± 17.79 mmHg vs. 95.44 ± 17.86 mmHg, p = 0.016), the percentage of hyperhomocysteinemia (13.6% in Penglai vs. 41.8% in Huzhu, p < 0.001), and the percentage of smoking (33.1% in Penglai vs. 50.0% in Huzhu, p = 0.023) were significantly elevated at high altitudes. We concluded that ischemic stroke occurred earlier and more severely in the Chinese plateau. While the atherosclerotic factors were not prominent, the primary prevention of strokes at high altitudes should emphasize anticoagulation, reducing diastolic pressure, adopting a healthy diet, and smoking cessation.

Frequency of Hypoalbuminemia and In-Hospital Mortality in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Presenting at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Hyderabad.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the frequency of hypoalbuminemia and in-hospital mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients at a tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad.MethodologyThis was a prospective observational study conducted at the Department of Medicine, Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad, from February 17, 2017 to August 18, 2017. A total of 196 consecutive cases of acute ischemic stroke were included. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as serum albumin of <3.5 mg/dL. In-hospital outcome in terms of survival or death within seven days of admission was assessed and recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 20.0. (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US). Chi-square test was applied, and p-value of ≤0.05 was considered significant.ResultsOut of the 196 acute ischemic stroke cases, 146 (74.5%) were males and 50 (25.5%) were females. The mean age was 49.31 ± 10.46 years. A total of 90 (45.9%) cases had hypoalbuminemia. Out of these 196 cases, 22 (11.2%) expired within seven days of presentation of acute ischemic stroke, and out of these 22 expired cases, 18 (81.8%) had hypoalbuminemia. In-hospital mortality was found to be strongly associated with hypoalbuminemia (p < 0.001).ConclusionsFrequency of hypoalbuminemia was significantly higher in ischemic stroke patients and was found to be associated with in-hospital mortality, warranting monitoring at regular intervals, as well as recognizing and treating it early for risk stratification.

Physical activity, sedentary behavior and risk of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study

AimsObservational evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) is inversely and sedentarism positively related with cardiovascular disease risk. We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to examine whether genetically predicted PA and sedentary behavior are related to coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke.Methods and resultsWe used single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with self-reported moderate to vigorous PA (n = 17), accelerometer based PA (n = 7) and accelerometer fraction of accelerations > 425 milli-gravities (n = 7) as well as sedentary behavior (n = 6) in the UK Biobank as instrumental variables in a two sample MR approach to assess whether these exposures are related to coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction in the CARDIoGRAMplusC4D genome-wide association study (GWAS) or ischemic stroke in the MEGASTROKE GWAS. The study population included 42,096 cases of coronary artery disease (99,121 controls), 27,509 cases of myocardial infarction (99,121 controls), and 34,217 cases of ischemic stroke (404,630 controls). We found no associations between genetically predicted self-reported moderate to vigorous PA, accelerometer-based PA or accelerometer fraction of accelerations > 425 milli-gravities as well as sedentary behavior with coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke.ConclusionsThese results do not support a causal relationship between PA and sedentary behavior with risk of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke. Hence, previous observational studies may have been biased.Graphic abstract

Decompressive hemicraniectomy for acute ischemic stroke associated with coronavirus disease 2019 infection: Case report and systematic review

Background: Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DH) has been performed for some cases of acute ischemic stroke in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, but there is little information about the clinical course and outcomes of these patients.Case Description: We report a case of a 36-year-old woman with COVID-19 infection who developed stroke like symptoms while under home quarantine. Cranial CT scan showed an acute left internal carotid artery (ICA) infarct. She subsequently underwent an emergent left DH. Despite timely surgical intervention, she succumbed to chronic respiratory failure. A systematic review of SCOPUS and PubMed databases for case reports and case series of patients with COVID-19 infection who similarly underwent a DH for an acute ischemic infarct was performed. There were eight other reported cases in the literature. The patients’ age ranged from 33 to 70 years (mean 48), with a female predilection (2:1). Respiratory preceded neurologic symptoms in 83% of cases. The ICA was the one most commonly involved in the stroke, and the mean NIHSS score was 20. DH was performed at a mean of 1.8 days post-ictus. Only four out of the nine patients were reported alive at the time of writing. The most common cause of death was respiratory failure (60%).Conclusion: Clinicians have to be cognizant of the neurovascular complications that may occur during the course of a patient with COVID-19. DH for acute ischemic stroke associated with the said infection was reported in nine patients, but the outcomes were generally poor despite early surgical intervention.

148 Lipid Targeting Post-Stroke—Targeting Who?

Abstract Introduction Frailer patients are at high risk of complications from drugs like statins. Other less frail patients may be undertreated. The Treat Stroke to Target trial showed that high risk patients with atherosclerosis and/or ischaemic heart disease (IHD) who were treated to an LDL level of less than 1.8 mmol/L had a 22% relative risk reduction in major cardiovascular events compared to those with a higher target. In our Quality Improvement. Project We estimated the numbers of post-stroke cases who might safely benefit from a targeted, pharmacist led intensive lipid management program. Methods 500 consecutive ischaemic stroke cases with a modified Rankin score (mRS) of 0–3 were identified from the Scottish Stroke Care Audit Database. Those discharged to long term care or dead at the time of data collection were excluded. Data collected was age, evidence of atherosclerosis on vascular imaging, co-morbid IHD, LDL at index admission and between 1 month to 1 year post-stroke, anti-lipid treatment at discharge and up to 1 year post-stroke. Atrial fibrillation patients were included if other risk criteria were met. Results The mean age of the 500 cases was 70. From this group, 297 (60%) met the entry criteria for “Treat to Stroke Target”. 190 (64%) cases had LDL checked post-discharge. 87 cases failed to reach the RCP Stroke Guidance of a 40% reduction in LDL Cholesterol. 66 (22%) of cases had LDL &amp;gt;1.8 mmol/L on most recent check and potentially should have been treated to target. Of the 83 cases excluded due to mRS &amp;gt;3 or significant dependency, 70 cases (84%) were discharged on a statin and importantly 34 (48%) of these died within 1 year of their stroke. Conclusions Based on annual stroke admissions in our health board, around 86–117 high risk patients could benefit from a virtual lipid treatment intensification clinic.