High Risk Of Recurrent Stroke Research Articles

Multiple recurrent ischaemic strokes in a patient with cancer: is there a role for the initiation of anticoagulation therapy for secondary stroke prevention?

A 52-year-old woman with a medical history of cervical and thyroid cancer, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, uncontrolled diabetes and heavy smoking was diagnosed with a new metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. While undergoing palliative chemotherapy,...

Stroke Caused by Atherosclerosis of the Major Intracranial Arteries

Our goal in this review is to discuss the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of stroke caused by atherosclerosis of the major intracranial arteries. References for the review were identified by searching PubMed for related studies published from 1955 to June 2016 using search terms intracranial stenosis and intracranial atherosclerosis. Reference sections of published randomized clinical trials and previously published reviews were searched for additional references. Intracranial atherosclerotic disease is a highly prevalent cause of stroke that is associated with a high risk of recurrent stroke. It is more prevalent among blacks, Hispanics, and Asians compared with whites. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, smoking, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle are the major modifiable risk factors associated with intracranial atherosclerotic disease. Randomized clinical trials comparing aggressive management (dual antiplatelet treatment for 90 days followed by aspirin monotherapy and intensive management of vascular risk factors) with intracranial stenting plus aggressive medical management have shown medical management alone to be safer and more effective for preventing stroke. As such, aggressive medical management has become the standard of care for symptomatic patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease. Nevertheless, there are subgroups of patients who are still at high risk of stroke despite being treated with aggressive medical management. Future research should aim to establish clinical, serological, and imaging biomarkers to identify high-risk patients, and clinical trials evaluating novel therapies should be focused on these patients.

Impaired endothelial function in patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale is not affected by closure.

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is associated with cryptogenic stroke (CS) and migraine with aura (MA). Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a risk factor for development of cardiovascular disease, but might also be involved in migraine pathophysiology. Short-term worsening of migraine has been described after closure of PFO. We evaluated endothelial function in patients with CS and PFO, before and after closure of PFO, and in patients with migraine, whether changes in endothelial function was related to a change in migraine frequency. Patients with CS and PFO were included; 20 with planned closure of PFO and seven controls on medical treatment only. Endothelial function was assessed by peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPatR ) and biomarkers of endothelial activation. Patients were followed longitudinally at baseline, day 1, 1 month, and 6 months. A headache diary was used to assess migraine frequency. Mean age of the cohort was 45.4 years, and migraine prevalence was 50% whereof 84.6% had MA. Median EndoPatR index (RHI) at baseline was 1.60 (IQR 1.41-2.00). There was no change in RHI over time, either in closure patients (P = 0.66), nor in controls (P = 0.31), and there was no change in biomarkers of endothelial activation. Three migraine patients experienced worsening of migraine frequency directly after closure. Endothelial function did not change after closure of PFO. Although patients were lacking cardiovascular risk factors, a high proportion had impaired endothelial function. Whether ED can have predictive value, identifying PFO at higher risk for recurrent stroke warrants further investigations.

Impact of MCA stenosis on the early outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients.

BackgroundAsians have higher frequency of intracranial arterial stenosis. The present study aimed to compare the clinical features and outcomes of ischemic stroke patients with and without middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis, assessed by transcranial sonography (TCS), based on the Taiwan Stroke Registry (TSR).MethodsPatients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack registered in the TSR, and received both carotid duplex and TCS assessment were categorized into those with stenosis (≥50%) and without (<50%) in the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) and MCA, respectively. Logistic regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard model were applied to assess relevant variables between groups.ResultsOf 6003 patients, 23.3% had MCA stenosis, 10.1% ICA stenosis, and 3.9% both MCA and ICA stenosis. Patients with MCA stenosis had greater initial NIHSS, higher likelihood of stroke-in-evolution, and more severe disability than those without (all p<0.001). Patients with MCA stenosis had higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Patients with combined MCA and extracranial ICA stenosis had even higher NIHSS, worse functional outcome, higher risk of stroke recurrence or death (hazard ratio, 2.204; 95% confidence intervals, 1.440–3.374; p<0.001) at 3 months after stroke than those without MCA stenosis.ConclusionsIn conclusion, MCA stenosis was more prevalent than extracranial ICA stenosis in ischemic stroke patients in Taiwan. Patients with MCA stenosis, especially combined extracranial ICA stenosis, had more severe neurological deficit and worse outcome.

Clinical Features and Prognosis in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Prior Stroke: Comparing the Fushimi and Darlington AF Registries

BackgroundEthnic differences in clinical characteristics, stroke risk profiles and outcomes among atrial fibrillation (AF) patients may exist. We therefore compared AF patients with previous stroke from Japan and the United Kingdom (UK). MethodsWe compared clinical characteristics, stroke risk and outcomes among AF patients from the Fushimi AF registry who had experienced a previous stroke (Japan; n=688; 19.7%) and the Darlington AF registry (UK; n=428; 19.0%). ResultsAF patients with previous stroke in Fushimi were significantly younger (76.8 and 79.6years of age in Fushimi and Darlington; p<0.01) with a lower proportion of females (37.4% vs. 45.1%; p=0.01) than those from Darlington. Although the CHA2DS2-VASc score was lower in AF patients in Fushimi than those in Darlington (5.18 vs. 5.57; p<0.01), oral anticoagulation (OAC) was prescribed significantly more frequently in Fushimi (68.3%) than Darlington (61.7%) (p=0.02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Japanese ethnicity was associated with a significantly decreased risk of recurrent stroke (OR 0.59. 95% CI 0.36–0.97; p=0.04) but a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.18–2.66; p<0.01) in AF patients with previous stroke. ConclusionsAF patients with previous stroke in the UK were at higher risk of recurrent stroke compared to Japanese patients, but OAC was utilised less frequently. There was a lower risk of recurrent stroke in the secondary prevention cohort from the Fushimi registry, but an increased risk of all-cause mortality.

Commentary: Early Secondary Prevention of Cardioembolic Stroke with Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOAC)

Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOAC) are highly effective for the prevention of systemic embolism and ischemic stroke in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, but the optimal time point of treatment initiation after stroke has not been defined yet. The very early period after stroke bears a particular high risk of stroke recurrence and the timely initiation of secondary prevention at that early stage could therefore be most beneficial for the patient. Contrarily the use of DOAC in the hyperacute phase of stroke might increase the risk of bleeding complications. The prospective trials investigating the use of DOAC versus vitamin K antagonists did not include patients during the first weeks after stroke due to safety concerns. However, preliminary results from smaller cohorts suggest that the use of DOACs in this early time frame is feasible and safe. Larger prospective trials are warranted to confirm these results and investigate the efficacy of early treatment initiation.

Stroke Caused by Atherosclerosis of the Major Intracranial Arteries.

Our goal in this review is to discuss the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of stroke caused by atherosclerosis of the major intracranial arteries. References for the review were identified by searching PubMed for related studies published from 1955 to June 2016 using search terms intracranial stenosis and intracranial atherosclerosis. Reference sections of published randomized clinical trials and previously published reviews were searched for additional references. Intracranial atherosclerotic disease is a highly prevalent cause of stroke that is associated with a high risk of recurrent stroke. It is more prevalent among blacks, Hispanics, and Asians compared with whites. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, smoking, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle are the major modifiable risk factors associated with intracranial atherosclerotic disease. Randomized clinical trials comparing aggressive management (dual antiplatelet treatment for 90 days followed by aspirin monotherapy and intensive management of vascular risk factors) with intracranial stenting plus aggressive medical management have shown medical management alone to be safer and more effective for preventing stroke. As such, aggressive medical management has become the standard of care for symptomatic patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease. Nevertheless, there are subgroups of patients who are still at high risk of stroke despite being treated with aggressive medical management. Future research should aim to establish clinical, serological, and imaging biomarkers to identify high-risk patients, and clinical trials evaluating novel therapies should be focused on these patients.

Abstract WMP58: Blacks Have Higher Risk of 1-Year Recurrent Ischemic Stroke: An Analysis of White and Black Medicare Beneficiaries 1999-2013

Introduction: Blacks have a higher incidence of stroke compared with whites. Most stroke survivors in the United States are 65 years and older but few data are available on racial differences in recurrent stroke risk in this age group. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort of Medicare beneficiaries in the 5% sample from 1999-2013 to compare 1-year recurrent stroke risk in older black and white Americans following hospitalization for ischemic stroke. We studied beneficiaries with Medicare fee-for-service coverage for 182 days before the index stroke hospitalization with no claims for stroke-related events. Patients were divided into two age groups (66-74, 75 years and above) and stratified into 3 calendar periods (1999-2001, 2002-2006, 2007-2013) allowing for implementation of secondary stroke prevention trial findings (PROGRESS, 2001; SPARCL, 2006). Hazard ratios for recurrent ischemic stroke comparing blacks to whites were calculated with adjustment for demographics, risk factors, and the competing risk of death. Results: Of 128,789 ischemic stroke patients (mean age 80 years [SD 8], 11.1% black, 60.4% male), 7.8% of whites and 11.0% of blacks had a recurrent ischemic stroke overall (Table 1). For each time period, blacks had a higher risk of recurrent stroke compared with whites (Figure 1). This disparity increased over time among patients age 66-74 years (p=0.038) but no trend was present for those 75 years and above (p=0.301). Conclusion: The risk of stroke recurrence among older Americans hospitalized for ischemic stroke is higher for blacks than whites, regardless of age group.

Abstract WMP19: Identifying in vivo Luminal Thrombus Within 72 Hours After Stroke Onset: Interim Results of the Stroke Imaging Package Study

Background: The presence of luminal thrombus is associated with a high risk of stroke recurrence. Using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging(HRMRI) and susceptibility-weighted imaging(SWI), luminal thrombus can be identified in vivo. We aimed to investigate the occurrence of luminal thrombus in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: Patients with first ever stroke within 72 hours from onset, confirmed by diffusion weighted imaging, were recruited from 16 medical centers. Conventional MRI, magnetic resonance angiography, HRMRI (including 3-dimentional T1 images and 2-dimentional T2 images), and SWI were performed. Luminal thrombus was identified if isointense/hyperintense signals on 3-dimentional T1 images of HRMRI or susceptibility vessel sign on SWI were observed within the course of intracranial arteries. Results: Six hundred and one patients (70% male, mean age 61±16 years old, mean NIHSS 6± 5) were enrolled. Among them, 112 patients underwent recanalization therapies. Median time from symptom onset to MRI was 44 ± 20 hours. Luminal thrombus was identified in 138 (23%)patients. The occurrence rate of luminal thrombus was non-significantly different between the patients treated with and without recanalization therapies(16% vs.25%, p=0.054). Symptomatic luminal thrombus was more likely observed in large artery atherosclerosis stroke(121/240,50%) and cardicac stroke(11/36,31%) than other stroke subtypes (0/288 in lacunar stroke, 0/6 in stroke of undetermined etiology and 1/31 in cryptogenic stroke, P&lt;0.001). There were five patients with asymptomatic luminal thrombus irrelevant to ischemic lesions. Conclusions: Luminal thrombus is common in patients with acute ischemic stroke within 72 hours from onset. Further studies are required to clarify whether in vivo thrombus imaging can predict early stroke recurrence.

Abstract 207: A Systematic Literature Review of Patients with Carotid Web and Acute Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Carotid Web (CW) is a rare form of focal fibromuscular dysplasia that results in an abnormal shelf-like projection of intimal fibrous tissue into the carotid bulb. It is theorized that CW leads to ischemic stroke secondary to blood flow stasis and subsequent embolization. There is uncertainty in diagnosis, prognosis, and optimal management of this uncommon entity. To address this knowledge gap, we performed a systematic literature review (SLR) of CW. Methods: Our literature search for CW and related terms yielded 1017 results. After a preliminary assessment of all 1017 retrieved manuscripts; 72 manuscripts were reviewed in detail. A total of 31 manuscripts met entry criteria and were included in our SLR. We present the demographics, cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, neuroimaging findings, stroke recurrence or stroke free-duration, and treatment modality of CW patients. Results: Our SLR resulted in 104 patients with CW, (median age at presentation: 45.7 [IQR 45-57], 52.3% female). The majority (68.3%) of CW patients did not have CV risk factors, however, 22.2% of patients were smokers. 47.8% of patients suffered recurrent stroke. The majority of patients were ultimately treated with antiplatelet therapy (94.4%) and 21.2% underwent carotid revascularization (4.8% carotid stenting, 16.3% carotid endarterectomy). None of the patients who underwent revascularization had a reported stroke recurrence. See Table. Conclusions: CW is a rare disease leading to ischemic stroke in younger patients without typical CV risk factors. CW patients in our SLR were at extremely high risk for recurrent stroke (47.8%). Aggressive secondary stroke prevention measures are indicated in this patient population, however, the optimal treatment strategies remain unclear. Carotid revascularization may be the definitive treatment for certain patients with CW, but further studies are needed as incomplete reporting and potential publication bias limit our findings.

Abstract TP112: Mechanism of Recurrent Stroke in Patients with Atherosclerotic Vertebrobasilar Disease in Relation to Hemodynamics

Objectives: Patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic vertebrobasilar disease are at high risk for recurrent stroke and we have demonstrated that distal flow status is independently associated with this risk. Our aim was to assess the mechanism of recurrent strokes in these patients related to their distal flow status. Methods: Patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic vertebrobasilar disease were enrolled in a prospective longitudinal cohort study (VERiTAS) with a median follow-up of 23 months. Large-vessel flow in the posterior circulation distal to the stenosis and/or occlusion was measured on quantitative MR angiography and dichotomized into normal or low flow. Three observers, who were blinded to the distal flow status, independently reviewed the imaging done at the time of the recurrent stroke to classify the most likely stroke mechanism. Results: Ten out of 72 enrolled patients had a recurrent stroke in the posterior circulation. Four patients were determined to have embolic infarcts, four patients had infarcts caused by plaques that occluded a branch or perforating artery (junctional plaques), and two patients had imaging that suggested hemodynamic infarction. Five of the ten patients with recurrent strokes had low distal flow. Of these, two patients had hemodynamic infarcts, one patient had an embolic infarct, and two patients had a junctional plaque. None of the five patients with normal flow had hemodynamic infarcts, three patients had embolic infarcts, and two patients had a junctional plaque. Conclusion: Despite the small numbers, there seems to be a higher risk of hemodynamic infarction in patients with low flow distal to symptomatic vertebrobasilar disease than in the presence of normal distal flow. This would confirm the hypothesis that in addition to embolic strokes and those related to junctional plaque, patients with low distal flow are at risk for hemodynamic infarction. Further studies are required to determine whether flow measurements could be used to select patients who may benefit from endovascular treatment of atherosclerotic vertebrobasilar disease.

Abstract WP124: Signal Intensity Ratio Does Not Predict Recurrent Stroke in Patients with Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease

Background: Symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is associated with high risk for recurrent stroke. Identification of patients remains a challenge using clinical and radiographic markers. Recent research has identified signal intensity ratio (SIR) across stenotic lesions on time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) as a novel noninvasive marker of recurrent stroke risk. We sought to externally validate this approach in a single center analysis. Methods: From a prospective observational stroke registry since August 2012, we identified patients with ischemic stroke due to ICAD causing moderate-severe stenosis of the basilar, intracranial vertebral, intracranial internal carotid, or middle cerebral arteries. Using the method described previously, we calculated SIR values across the stenotic lesions corrected for background signal intensity from TOF-MRA performed within 7 days of index stroke admission. Outcomes were prospectively captured by phone interview at 1 and 3 months after stroke. Recurrent stroke was defined by new infarct in the territory of the stenotic artery or absent imaging confirmation, territory-specific clinical symptoms lasting &gt; 24 hours. We evaluated whether baseline SIR values were different between patients with and without recurrent stroke overall and in subgroups by ICAD location. P-value &lt; 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Among 99 consecutive patients with ICAD, 79 (80%) had interpretable MRAs at baseline (mean age 68.4 +11.2 years, 53.2% male, 53.2% black, median NIHSS score 3; 27.7% posterior circulation stenosis). Recurrent stroke occurred in 21.5% and 25.3% of patients at 1 and 3 months, respectively. Median SIR at baseline was 0.86 (interquartile range 0.56-1.04) and was not different those with vs. without recurrent stroke (1-month: 0.79 vs. 0.86, p=0.93; 3-month: 0.79 vs. 0.86, p=0.68). Results were not different by ICAD location. Discussion: In this single center prospective registry, we were unable to validate SIR on time-of-flight MRA as a marker of early recurrent stroke risk in patients with symptomatic ICAD. Further research is needed to identify novel predictors of recurrence in this high-risk cohort.

Abstract TMP28: Aging Predicts Levels of Antiangiogenic Factors and Stroke in Intracranial Atherosclerosis

Introduction: Stroke risk more than doubles each decade after the age of 55. In patients with intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS), the SAMMPRIS study showed that individuals 60 years or older had a higher risk of recurrent stroke or death (17%) than younger patients (12%) despite intensive medical management (IMM). In prior studies, an antiangiogenic profile has been associated with higher rates of failure to IMM in stroke. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the hypothesis that aging is an independent predictor of higher circulating levels of antiangiogenic factors endostatin and angiostatin in ICAS. Methods: Prospective observational longitudinal study of circulating angiogenic factors in 74 patients with ICAS treated medically. Patients with ICAS greater than 70% had angiostatin and endostatin measured in duplicate via ELISA at baseline and were followed for 6 months. Mixed model analysis was performed for the outcome variables endostatin and angiostatin. Predictor variables included age, gender, smoking history, hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia (HLD), Diabetes 2, obesity, coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis were used to select the threshold age for the longitudinal model. Results: Age was a significant independent predictor of higher levels of endostatin (p=0.002) and angiostatin (p&lt;0.001). Age older than 52 was significantly associated with higher levels of endostatin (p=0.03), and age older than 70 with higher levels of angiostatin (p=0.005). Additional significant factors associated with higher levels of antiangiogenic circulating factors included PAD, HTN, HLD, and obesity. Conclusion: Aging is a significant independent predictor of elevated antiangiogenic circulating factors, which are associated to failure to IMM in ICAS. Antiangiogenesis can potentially represent a common path for multimorbidity of advanced age.

Abstract 1: Dual Antiplatelet Therapy is More Effective for Multiple Acute Infarcts: Subgroup Analysis of Chance

Background and Purpose: TIAregistry.org project showed that TIA and minor stroke patients with multiple acute infarctions (MAIs), which represent mechanisms of embolism, are at higher risk of recurrent stroke as compared to those with none or single acute infarction (SAI). We hypothesis that patient with MAIs may be more susceptible to dual antiplatelet therapy. Methods: We compared clopidogrel plus aspirin with aspirin alone with regard to their effectiveness and safety for prevention of stroke recurrence among non-cardiac TIA and minor ischemic stroke patients with different infarction patterns (no acute infarction, SAI, or MAIs) in the imaging subgroup from the Clopidogrel in High-Risk Patients with Acute Non-disabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE) trial. The efficacy and safety outcome were stroke recurrence and moderate-to-severe bleeding event at 90 days respectively. Results: Overall, 1089 patients at 45 centers in CHANCE trial were included. The rate of recurrent stroke was 14.2%, 8.7%, and 2.0% in patients with MAIs, SAI and no infarction respectively at 90 days. Increased risk of stroke recurrence was observed in patients with MAIs (HR, 5.9; 95% CI, 2.3-15.2) and SAI (HR, 4.1; 95% CI, 1.6-10.7) (Figure A) as compared to those without infarction. The dual antiplatelet treatment was superior to aspirin alone for reducing the risk of recurrent stroke in patients with MAIs (HR 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25- 0.92; P = 0.03) but not in patients with SAI and without acute infarction with P=0.046 for interaction (Figure B-D). The effect of treatment assignment on bleeding did not vary among groups with different infarction patterns ( P &gt;0.05 for all). Conclusions: Patients with MAIs had the highest risk for stroke recurrence among patients with different infarction patterns. Patients with MAIs may benefit the most clinically from dual antiplatelet therapy and dual antiplatelet therapy does not increase the risk of hemorrhage among any groups.

Cerebral Hemodynamics in Carotid or Intracranial Disease

A hemodynamically significant stenosis in the carotid artery constitutes an important cause of ischemic stroke. Carotid stenosis, especially when symptomatic, carries a high risk of stroke recurrence despite the best medical therapy. The presentation would include the role of cerebrovascular ultrasonography in the diagnosis of carotid stenosis. Various advanced applications of neurosonology enable the grading of severity, risk-stratification as well as monitoring the natural course of carotid stenosis. Intracranial stenosis is an important cause of cerebrovascular ischemia, especially among stroke patients of Asian ancestory. Up to 50% of Asian patients with acute ischemic stroke may harbour intracranial atherosclerotic disease. This talk would discuss the role of transcranial Doppler (TCD) in the diagnosis and assessment of the severity of intracranial stenosis. Furthermore, advanced applications of TCD may help in optimizing the best medical therapy as well as identifying patients eligible for various interventional procedures.

Excessive Premature Atrial Complexes and the Risk of Recurrent Stroke or Death in an Ischemic Stroke Population

Our aim was to investigate the association of premature atrial complexes and the risk of recurrent stroke or death in patients with ischemic stroke in sinus rhythm. In a prospective cohort study, we used 24-hour Holter recordings to evaluate premature atrial complexes in patients consecutively admitted with ischemic strokes. Excessive premature atrial complexes were defined as >14 premature atrial complexes per hour and 3 or more runs of premature atrial complexes per 24 hours. During follow-up, 48-hour Holter recordings were performed after 6 and 12 months. Among patients in sinus rhythm, the association of excessive premature atrial complexes and the primary end point of recurrent stroke or death were estimated in both crude and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. We further evaluated excessive premature atrial complexes contra atrial fibrillation in relation to the primary end point. Of the 256 patients included, 89 had atrial fibrillation. Of the patients in sinus rhythm (n = 167), 31 had excessive premature atrial complexes. During a median follow-up of 32 months, 50 patients (30% of patients in sinus rhythm) had recurrent strokes (n = 20) or died (n = 30). In both crude and adjusted models, excessive premature atrial complexes were associated with the primary end point, but not with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation. Compared with patients in atrial fibrillation, those with excessive premature atrial complexes had similarly high risks of the primary end point. In patients with ischemic stroke and sinus rhythm, excessive premature atrial complexes were associated with a higher risk of recurrent stroke or death.

The Carotid and Middle cerebral artery Occlusion Surgery Study (CMOSS): a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BackgroundPatients with symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) or middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion with haemodynamic insufficiency are at high risk for recurrent stroke when treated medically.MethodsThe Carotid or Middle cerebral artery Occlusion Surgery Study (CMOSS) trial is an ongoing, government-funded, prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial. The CMOSS will recruit 330 patients with symptomatic ICA or MCA occlusion (parallel design, 1:1 allocation ratio) and haemodynamic insufficiency. Participants will be allocated to best medical treatment alone or best medicine plus extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass surgery. The primary outcome events are all strokes or deaths occurring between randomisation and 30 days post operation or post randomisation and ipsilateral ischaemic stroke within 2 years. Recruitment will be finished by December 2016. All the patients will be followed for at least 2 years. The trial is scheduled to complete in 2019.DiscussionThe CMOSS will test the hypothesis that EC-IC bypass surgery plus best medical therapy reduces subsequent ipsilateral ischaemic stroke in patients with symptomatic ICA or MCA occlusion and haemodynamic cerebral ischaemia. This manuscript outlines the rationale and the design of the study. CMOSS will allow for more critical reappraisal of the EC-IC bypass for selected patients in China.Trial registration NCT01758614 with ClinicalTrials.gov. Registered on 24 December 2012.

Stroke prevention

Patients who have had a stroke are at high risk for recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death. Prevention of these events should be initiated promptly after stroke, because many recurrent events occur early, and should be tailored to the precise cause of stroke, which may require specific treatment. Lifestyle advice including abstinence from smoking, regular exercise, Mediterranean-style diet, and reduction of salt intake and alcohol consumption are recommended for all patients with stroke. For most patients with ischemic stroke or TIA, control of risk factors, including lowering blood pressure under 140/90mmHg and LDL cholesterol under 1g/L, together with antiplatelet or oral anticoagulant therapy, depending on the cause of stroke, have been shown to decrease the risk of recurrent stroke and cardiovascular events. Aspirin, clopidogrel, or the combination of aspirin and dipyridamole, are all acceptable options for secondary prevention in patients with ischemic stroke or TIA of arterial origin. Dual therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel might be considered for 3weeks after a minor ischemic stroke or TIA and for 3months in patients with stroke due to severe intracranial stenosis. Oral anticoagulants are very effective to prevent cardioembolic stroke. Non-VKA oral anticoagulants have a favorable risk-benefit profile compared with VKAs, with significant reductions in stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, mortality, with similar major bleeding, but increased gastrointestinal bleeding. Carotid endarterectomy reduces the risk of ipsilateral stroke in patients with recent (<6months) non disabling ischemic stroke or TIA in the territory and severe carotid artery stenosis. Carotid stenting is a potential alternative to surgery in patients younger than ≈70years or patients with greater risk of surgery due to anatomic or medical conditions or specific circumstances such as radiation-induced stenosis or restenosis after surgery. For patients with hemorrhagic stroke due to hypertension-associated small vessel disease or cerebral amyloid angiopathy, strict control of blood pressure is essential. Restarting oral anticoagulants in patients after intracranial hemorrhage is a difficult decision that should weigh the risks of recurrent ischemic and hemorrhage stroke with and without oral anticoagulants. Several areas of uncertainty persist including the optimal target of blood pressure in patients with cerebrovascular disease, the benefit of PFO closure in patients with PFO-associated stroke, of stenting procedures in patients with atherosclerotic intracranial artery or extracranial vertebral artery stenosis, and of interventional procedures in patients with brain arteriovenous or cavernous malformations.

Stroke : Highlights of Selected Articles

<i>Stroke</i> : Highlights of Selected Articles

Acute-Phase Blood Pressure Levels Correlate With a High Risk of Recurrent Strokes in Young-Onset Ischemic Stroke.

High blood pressure (BP) in acute stroke has been associated with a poor outcome; however, this has not been evaluated in young adults. The relationship between BP and long-term outcome was assessed in 1004 consecutive young, first-ever ischemic stroke patients aged 15 to 49 years enrolled in the Helsinki Young Stroke Registry. BP parameters included systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure at admission and 24 hours. The primary outcome measure was recurrent stroke in the long-term follow-up. Adjusted for demographics and preexisting comorbidities, Cox regression models were used to assess independent BP parameters associated with outcome. Of our patients (63% male), 393 patients (39%) had prestroke hypertension and 358 (36%) used antihypertensive treatment. The median follow-up period was 8.9 years (interquartile range 5.7-13.2). Patients with a recurrent stroke (n=142, 14%) had significantly higher admission SBP, diastolic BP, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure (P<0.001) and 24-h SBP, diastolic BP, and mean arterial pressure compared with patients without the recurrent stroke. Patients with SBP ≥160 mm Hg compared with those with SBP <160 mm Hg had significantly more recurrent strokes (hazard ratio 3.3 [95% confidence interval, 2.05-4.55]; P<0.001) occurring earlier (13.9 years [13.0-14.6] versus 16.2 [15.8-16.6]; P<0.001) within the follow-up period. In multivariable analyses, higher admission SBP, diastolic BP, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure were independently associated with the risk of recurrent stroke, while the 24-hour BP levels were not. In young ischemic stroke patients, high acute phase BP levels are independently associated with a high risk of recurrent strokes.