High Risk Of Recurrent Stroke Research Articles

Interatrial block and its association with an increased risk of ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionSeveral studies have suggested the association between interatrial block (IAB) and ischemic stroke. As no prior collective study has been discerned in this issue, we hence conducted systemic review and meta-analysis to assess the relationship between IAB and ischemic stroke. MethodsWe comprehensively searched the databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PUBMED, and the Cochrane from inception to January 2020. Included studies were published observational studies that compared the risk of ischemic stroke among patients with and without IAB. Data from each study were combined using the random-effects, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird to calculate risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to explore heterogeneity. ResultsTen studies were included in this analysis, involving total 177,249 participants. Our study demonstrated no association between partial IAB and an increased risk of ischemic stroke with OR 1.19 (95% CI 0.99–1.43 p = 0.054),but a statistical correlation with an increased risk of stroke with OR 1.85 (95% CI 1.37–2.50, p < 0.001) in advanced IAB. Interestingly, our subgroup analysis of patients with prior stroke suggested higher risk of recurrent stroke in both advanced IAB (OR 4.73) and partial IAB (OR 1.65). Meta-regression suggested a history of stroke as an effect modifier in the interplay between IAB and risk of recurrent stroke. ConclusionOnly advanced IAB is associated with an increased risk of stroke. However, further studies are warranted to further support this finding to confirm its clinical feasibility in stroke risk stratification.

Endovascular stenting of medically refractory intracranial arterial stenotic (ICAS) disease (clinical and sonographic study)

BackgroundAtherosclerotic intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) is one of the most common causes of stroke worldwide and is associated with a high risk of recurrent stroke. Patients with a recent transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke and severe stenosis (70 to 99% of the diameter of a major intracranial artery) are at particularly high risk for recurrent stroke in the territory of the stenotic artery (approximately 23% at 1 year) despite medical treatment. Therefore, alternative therapies are urgently needed for these patients.ObjectiveTo determine the efficacy and safety of angioplasty with stenting in medically refractory ICAS and to compare its effectiveness with optimal medical treatment.Subjects and methodsFifty patients with symptomatic ICAS despite medical treatment (i.e, recurrent stroke or TIA) were enrolled and equally randomized in a prospective study where twenty-five patients underwent angioplasty with stenting and twenty-five patients received optimal medical treatment. Clinical assessment with NIHSS and mRS were done at 0, 3, and 6 months, and transracial Doppler (TCD) assessment of ICAS was done at 0 and 3 months after treatment.ResultsThe interventional group had a better clinical outcome with mean NIHSS scores (5.2 ± 4.2, 4.43 ± 4.28 and 3.9 ± 4.7) at baseline, 3 and 6 months, respectively, in comparison to the medical group with mean NIHSS (4.5 ± 4.2, 11.42 ± 6.3, and 8.5 ± 5.1) and better functional outcome with mean mRS scores (1.3 ± 0.96, 1.2 ± 1.13, and 1.0 ± 1.13) at baseline, 3 and 6 months, respectively, in comparison to the medical group (0.84 ± 0.75, 2.28 ± 1.2, and 2 ± 1.24). TCD assessment of ICAS showed a marked reduction of the percentage of stenosis on 3 months of follow-up among the interventional groups (only 5.6% had > 70% stenosis) in comparison to the medical group (85.7% had > 70% stenosis). Recurrent ischemic events on 6 months of follow-up were 16% among interventional groups in comparison to 84% among medical groups. The mortality rate was 8% among interventional groups due to subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAH) related to procedure in comparison to 28% among medical groups secondary to ischemic events. The intraoperative success rate was 96% with the failure of stent deployment in 1 patient due to the tortuous anatomy of vessels. Early post interventional complication rate, i.e, SAH was 8%. Late post interventional restenosis and occlusion rates were 8% on 3 months of follow-up.ConclusionEndovascular stenting of medically refractory ICAS is more efficacious and effective with better clinical and functional outcomes than optimal medical treatment; however, its safety is still debatable.Trial registrationDone at ClinicalTrials.gov. Trial ID (NCT Number) NCT04393025.

Procoagulant platelets: Laboratory detection and clinical significance.

Platelets play a critical role in both haemostasis and thrombosis, and it is now evident that not all platelets behave the same when they are called to action. A functionally distinct subpopulation of platelets forms in response to maximal agonist stimulation: the procoagulant platelet. This platelet subpopulation is defined by its ability to expose phosphatidylserine on its surface, allowing for coagulation factor complexes to form and generate bursts of thrombin and fibrin to stabilize platelet clots. Reduced levels of procoagulant platelets have been linked to bleeding in Scott's syndrome and haemophilia A patients, and elevated levels have been demonstrated in many thrombotic disorders, including identifying patients at higher risk for stroke recurrence. One obstacle for incorporating an assay for measuring procoagulant platelets into clinical management algorithms is the lack of consensus on the exact definition and markers for this subpopulation. This review will outline the biological characteristics of procoagulant platelets and the laboratory assays currently used to identify them in research settings. It will summarize the findings of clinical research demonstrating the relevance of measuring the procoagulant platelet levels in patients and will discuss how an appropriate assay can be used to elucidate the mechanism behind the formation of this subpopulation, facilitating novel drug discovery to improve upon current outcomes in cardiovascular and other thrombotic disorders.

Outcome of Stroke Patients with Cancer and Nonbacterial Thrombotic Endocarditis.

Background and PurposeNonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is a cause of stroke in cancer. However, clinical characteristics and outcomes in stroke patients with cancer-associated NBTE are not well known.MethodsWe included consecutive patients with stroke and active cancer over a 9-year period who underwent echocardiography. We retrospectively compared clinical characteristics and presence of metastasis between patients with NBTE, those with cryptogenic etiologies, and those with determined etiologies. We also investigated mortality and stroke events during the 6-month follow-up.ResultsAmong the 245 patients, 20 had NBTE, 96 had cryptogenic etiologies, and 129 had determined etiologies. Metastasis was seen in all 20 patients (100%) with NBTE, 69.8% in patients with cryptogenic etiology, and 48.8% in patients with or determined etiology. During the 6-month follow-up, 127 patients (51.8%) developed stroke and/or died (death in 110 [44.9%] and stroke events in 55 [22.4%]). Patients with NBTE showed significantly higher mortality (80%) and stroke occurrence (50%) than those with cryptogenic etiologies (mortality 54.2%, stroke 25.0%, log-rank P=0.006) and determined etiologies (mortality 32.6%, stroke 16.3%, log-rank P<0.001). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, the presence of NBTE was independently associated with composite outcomes of mortality and stroke events (hazard ratio, 1.941; 95% confidence interval, 1.052 to 3.690).ConclusionsNBTE should be suspected as a potential cause of stroke in patients with metastatic cancer. Patients with NBTE have a high risk of recurrent stroke and mortality. Future studies are necessary to determine strategies to reduce stroke recurrence in patients with NBTE.

Impaired cerebrovascular reactivity is associated with recurrent stroke in patients with severe intracranial arterial stenosis: A C02 BOLD fMRI study

Background and PurposeSevere intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (SIAS) remains at risk of recurrent ischemic events despite intensive medical management. Exhausted cerebrovascular reserve seems to be associated with higher risk of recurrent stroke. Materials and MethodsWe used whole brain MRI to estimate basal perfusion using dynamic susceptibility contrast and cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) to hypercapnic challenge (CO2 inhalation) using BOLD contrast, in 20 patients with symptomatic SIAS (>70%) of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) or the distal internal carotid artery. We studied relationships between individual clinical, biological, radiological baseline characteristics, recurrent ischemic events, basal perfusion parameters (mean transit time, delay, time to peak, cerebral blood flow and volume), and CVR measured in MCA territories (CVRMCA), and reported using laterality indices (LI). ResultsTen patients had an impaired CVR with (|LI| CVRMCA≥0.08). During a mean follow-up of 3.3 years, all recurrent ipsilateral ischemic events occurred within the first year. They were more frequent in impaired CVRMCA group (n=7/10 patients) than in normal CVRMCA group (n=1/10), with different survival curves (log rank, P=0.007). ConclusionImpaired CVR is associated with an increased rate of recurrent stroke in patients with symptomatic SIAS. CVR mapping should be used as a well tolerated method to select higher-risk patients in further therapeutic trials such as endovascular procedures.

Trends in Active Cigarette Smoking Among Stroke Survivors in the United States, 1999 to 2018.

Background and Purpose- Patients who continue to smoke after a stroke face a higher risk of recurrent stroke. While several effective drugs for smoking cessation became available over the past 2 decades, whether active smoking has decreased among stroke survivors is unknown. We, therefore, evaluated trends in active smoking among stroke survivors during this period. Methods- We performed trends analyses using cross-sectional data collected every 1 to 2 years from 2 US health surveys spanning 1999 to 2018. In the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, participants were asked about prior stroke and active tobacco smoking. In NHANES, serum cotinine levels were available as a secondary measure of active smoking. We used multivariable logistic regression models for survey data to assess trends in active smoking among participants with and without prior stroke. Results- Among 49 375 participants in NHANES during 1999 to 2016 and 3 621 741 participants in BRFSS during 2011 to 2018, the prevalence of stroke was ≈3%. The overall prevalence of active smoking among stroke survivors was 24% in NHANES and 23% in BRFSS. Among individuals without prior stroke, the odds of smoking decreased over time in both NHANES (odds ratio, 0.95 per 2 years [95% CI, 0.93-0.96]) and BRFSS (odds ratio, 0.96 per year [95% CI, 0.96-0.96]). In contrast, there was no decrease in smoking among stroke survivors in NHANES (odds ratio, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.93-1.07]) or BRFSS (odds ratio, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.98-1.004]). Results were consistent in secondary analysis using biochemical ascertainment of active smoking in NHANES and in sensitivity analyses accounting for potential demographic changes in stroke epidemiology. Conclusions- In contrast to the general population, the prevalence of active smoking among stroke survivors has not decreased during the past 2 decades.

Atrial Septal Aneurysm, Shunt Size, and Recurrent Stroke Risk in Patients With Patent Foramen Ovale

BackgroundIn patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO)–associated stroke, the presence of large shunt or atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) has been suggested to convey a high risk of stroke recurrence. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to assess the respective influence of PFO size and ASA status on stroke recurrence under medical therapy in patients with recent PFO-associated stroke without alternative cause. MethodsThe authors pooled individual patient data from 2 prospective observational studies and the medical arms of 2 randomized trials, in which shunt size and ASA status was assessed by independent reading of echocardiographic images. Associations between PFO anatomical features and recurrent ischemic stroke were assessed by mixed effects Cox models. ResultsOf 898 patients (mean age 45.3 years), 178 (19.8%) had ASA with large PFO, 71 (7.9%) ASA with nonlarge PFO, 397 (44.2%) large PFO without ASA, and 252 (28.1%) nonlarge PFO without ASA. Over a median follow-up of 3.8 years (interquartile range: 2.6 to 5.5 years), 47 (5.2%) patients experienced a recurrent stroke. There was a heterogeneity across studies for the association between PFO size and stroke recurrence (pinteraction = 0.01). In a model accounting for age, hypertension, antithrombotic therapy, and PFO anatomy, ASA was independently associated with recurrent stroke (adjusted hazard ratio: 3.27; 95% confidence interval: 1.82 to 5.86; p < 0.0001), whereas large PFO was not (average adjusted hazard ratio across studies: 1.43; 95% confidence interval: 0.50 to 4.03; p = 0.50). ConclusionsIn patients with PFO-associated stroke, ASA is a more important predictor of recurrent stroke than shunt size. These results can help to better identify those patients with a high risk of stroke recurrence under medical therapy who may derive the most benefit from PFO closure. (Patent Foramen Ovale Closure or Anticoagulants Versus Antiplatelet Therapy to Prevent Stroke Recurrence [CLOSE]; NCT00562289) (Device Closure versus Medical Therapy in Patients with Cryptogenic Stroke and High-Risk Patent Foramen Ovale [DEFENSE-PFO]; NCT01550588)

General lifestyle interventions on their own seem insufficient to improve the level of physical activity after stroke or TIA: a systematic review

BackgroundInsufficient amounts of physical activity is a risk factor for (recurrent) stroke. People with a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) have a high risk of recurrent stroke and have lower levels of physical activity than their healthy peers. Though several reviews have looked at the effects of lifestyle interventions on a number of risk factors of recurrent stroke, the effectiveness of these interventions to increase the amounts of physical activity performed by people with stroke or TIA are still unclear. Therefore, the research question of this study was: what is the effect of lifestyle interventions on the level of physical activity performed by people with stroke or TIA?MethodA systematic review was conducted following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. Pubmed, Embase and Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), were searched up to August 2018. Randomised controlled trials that compared lifestyle interventions, aimed to increase the amount of physical activity completed by participants with a stroke or TIA, with controls were included. The Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) score was used to assess the quality of the articles, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) method for the best evidence synthesis.ResultsEleven trials (n = 2403) met the inclusion criteria. The quality of the trials was mostly high, with 8 (73%) of trials scoring ≥6 on the PEDro scale. The overall best evidence syntheses showed moderate quality evidence that lifestyle interventions do not lead to significant improvements in the physical activity level of people with stroke or TIA. There is low quality evidence that lifestyle interventions that specifically target physical activity are effective at improving the levels of physical activity of people with stroke or TIA.ConclusionBased on the results of this review, general lifestyle interventions on their own seem insufficient in improving physical activity levels after stroke or TIA. Lifestyle interventions that specifically encourage increasing physical activity may be more effective. Further properly powered trials using objective physical activity measures are needed to determine the effectiveness of such interventions.Trial registrationPROSPERO, CRD42018094437.

Correction to: Atrial Fibrillation-Associated Ischemic Stroke Patients With Prior Anticoagulation Have Higher Risk for Recurrent Stroke.

Correction to: Atrial Fibrillation-Associated Ischemic Stroke Patients With Prior Anticoagulation Have Higher Risk for Recurrent Stroke.

Prevalence, predictors, and prognosis of symptomatic intracranial stenosis in patients with transient ischaemic attack or minor stroke: a population-based cohort study.

SummaryBackgroundSymptomatic intracranial stenosis was perceived to convey a high risk of recurrent stroke, but two previous trials (SAMMPRIS and VISSIT) did not show superiority of intracranial stenosis stenting over intensive medical management alone. These findings were partly due to a lower than expected risk of recurrent stroke without stenting, possibly reflecting the young age of recruits (median age <60 years), and raise questions about generalisability to routine clinical practice. We therefore studied the age-specific prevalence, predictors, and prognosis of symptomatic intracranial stenosis in a population-based cohort of patients with transient ischaemic attack and minor stroke on intensive medical management.MethodsThe Oxford Vascular Study (OXVASC) is a prospective incidence cohort study of all vascular events in a population of 92 728 people residing in Oxfordshire, UK. All patients, irrespective of age, with transient ischaemic attack and minor ischaemic stroke occurring between March 1, 2011, and March 1, 2018 (follow-up to Sept 28, 2018), were ascertained with multiple methods, including assessment in a dedicated daily emergency clinic and daily review of all hospital admissions. Imaging was by MR angiography of the intracranial and cervicocranial arteries, by CT angiography if MR angiography was contraindicated, and by transcranial Doppler and carotid ultrasound if CT angiography was contraindicated. All patients received intensive medical treatment without stenting, and those with intracranial vascular imaging were analysed in our study, which assessed the age-specific prevalence of 50–99% intracranial stenosis and the associated stroke risk of 50–99% and 70–99% stenosis (adjusted for age and vascular risk factors) during follow-up to Sept 28, 2018.FindingsOf 1368 eligible patients with intracranial vascular imaging, 241 (17·6%) had 385 50–99% symptomatic or asymptomatic intracranial stenosis. The prevalence of symptomatic 50–99% intracranial stenosis increased from 29 (4·9%) of 596 at younger than 70 years to 10 (19·6%) of 51 at 90 years or older (ptrend<0·0001). Of 94 patients with 50–99% symptomatic intracranial stenosis, 14 (14·9%) had recurrent strokes (12 ischaemic and two haemorrhagic) during a median follow-up of 2·8 years (IQR 1·5–4·6). Although symptomatic intracranial stenosis conveyed an increased risk of ischaemic stroke compared with no intracranial stenosis (adjusted hazard ratio 1·43, 95% CI 1·04–1·96), the risk of same-territory ischaemic stroke in patients with 70–99% symptomatic intracranial stenosis tended to be less than those reported in the non-stenting groups of the previous trials (1-year risk 5·6% [95% CI 0·0–13·0] vs 9·4% [3·1–20·7] in VISSIT; 2-year risk 5·6% [0·0–13·0] vs 14·1% [10·1–19·4] in SAMMPRIS).InterpretationThe prevalence of 50–99% symptomatic intracranial stenosis increases steeply with age in predominantly Caucasian patients with transient ischaemic attack and minor ischaemic stroke. However, the risk of recurrent stroke on intensive medical treatment of symptomatic intracranial stenosis is consistent with the two previous randomised controlled trials in younger cohorts, supporting the generalisability of the trial results to routine practice.FundingWellcome Trust, Wolfson Foundation, British Heart Foundation, National Institute for Health Research, National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Association of British Neurologists.

Increased recurrent risk did not improve cerebrovascular disease survivors\u2019 response to stroke in China: a cross-sectional, community-based study

BackgroundCerebrovascular disease (CVD) survivors are at a high risk of recurrent stroke. Although it is thought that survivors with higher risk of stroke respond better to stroke onset, to date, no study has been able to demonstrate that. Thus, we investigated whether the intent to call emergency medical services (EMS) increased with recurrent stroke risk among CVD survivors.MethodsA cross-sectional community-based survey was conducted from January 2017 to May 2017, including 187,723 adults (age ≥ 40 years) across 69 administrative areas in China. A CVD survivor population of 6290 was analyzed. According to the stroke risk score based on Essen Stroke Risk Score, CVD survivors were divided into three subgroups: low (0), middle (1–3) and high (4–7) recurrent risk groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the association between the stroke risk and stroke recognition, as well as stroke risk and EMS calling.ResultsThe estimated stroke recognition rate in CVD survivors with low, middle, and high risk was 89.0% (503/565), 85.2% (3841/4509), and 82.5% (1001/1213), respectively, while the rate of calling EMS was 66.7% (377/565), 64.3% (2897/4509), and 69.3% (840/1213), respectively. The CVD survivors’ knowledge of recognizing stroke and intent to call EMS did not improve with recurrent stroke risk, even after adjustment for multiple socio-demographic factors.ConclusionsDespite being at a higher risk of recurrent stroke, Chinese CVD survivors showed poor knowledge of stroke, and their intent to call EMS did not increase with recurrent stroke risk. Enhanced and stroke risk-orientated education on stroke recognition and proper response is needed for all CVD survivors.

Hypertension Severity, Race/Ethnicity and Stroke Recurrence Risk among Oldest Old Intracerebral Hemorrhage Survivors

Background Oldest old (age ≥80 years) survivors of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ICH) may be at higher risk for stroke recurrence, reflecting increasing hypertension severity with aging. Because minority ICH survivors (African American and Hispanic) are at higher risk of stroke recurrence, oldest-old individuals in these racial/ethnic groups are likely to be at even higher risk. We sought to determine whether: 1) oldest old ICH survivors are at higher risk for stroke recurrence; and 2) minority oldest-old ICH survivors are at even higher risk for recurrent stroke than age-matched white counterparts. Methods We analyzed data from survivors of primary ICH, enrolled in two prospective studies (the ICH study at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Longitudinal Extension of the ERICH study). Exposures of interest include patients’ demographics (including self-reported race/ethnicity), medical history, ICH characteristics, Blood Pressure (BP) measurements and medications exposures during follow-up. Outcome of interest was recurrent stroke (i.e. ICH and/or ischemic stroke) during follow-up. Results We enrolled 1938 ICH survivors, including 507 aged ≥80 years (435 white, 38 African American, and 34 Hispanic) and 1431 aged Conclusion Oldest old ICH survivors, and specifically minority survivors age ≥80 years, are at higher risk for stroke recurrence and more likely to demonstrate inadequate blood pressure control. Future ICH studies will benefit from focusing on blood pressure control among oldest old survivors, with specific emphasis on African Americans.

Atrial Fibrillation-Associated Ischemic Stroke Patients With Prior Anticoagulation Have Higher Risk for Recurrent Stroke.

Background and Purpose- Ischemic stroke associated with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) despite prior anticoagulation may indicate underlying problems that nullify the stroke-preventing effects of oral anticoagulants. We aimed to evaluate the risk for recurrent stroke in patients with NVAF with prior anticoagulation, compared with that in patients without prior anticoagulation. Methods- This study comprised pooled individual patient data on NVAF-associated acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack from 2011 to 2014 arising from the Clinical Research Collaboration for Stroke in Korea (15 South Korean stroke centers) and the Stroke Acute Management With Urgent Risk-Factor Assessment and Improvement-NVAF registry (18 Japanese stroke centers). Data on 4841 eligible patients from the Clinical Research Collaboration for Stroke in Korea registry were pooled with data on all patients (n=1192) in the Stroke Acute Management with Urgent Risk-factor Assessment and Improvement-NVAF registry. The primary outcome was recurrent ischemic stroke. The secondary outcomes were hemorrhagic stroke and all-cause death. Outcome events were captured up to 1 year after the index event. Results- Among the 6033 patients in the full cohort, 5645 patients were analyzed, of whom 1129 patients (20.0%) had received prior anticoagulation. Median age was 75 years (interquartile range, 69-81 years), and 2649 patients (46.9%) were women. Follow-up data of 4617 patient-years (median follow-up 365 days, interquartile range 335-365 days) were available. The cumulative incidence of recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with prior anticoagulation was 5.3% (60/1129), compared with the 2.9% (130/4516) incidence in patients without prior anticoagulation. The risk for recurrent ischemic stroke was higher in patients with prior anticoagulation than in those without (multivariable Cox shared-frailty model, hazard ratio 1.50 [95% CI, 1.02-2.21]). No significant differences in the risks for hemorrhagic stroke and mortality were seen between the 2 groups. Conclusions- The risk for recurrent ischemic stroke may be higher in NVAF-associated stroke patients with prior anticoagulation than in those without prior anticoagulation. Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01581502.

A Case of Young Stroke due to Takayasu’s Arteritis

The incidence of ischemic stroke among young adults is rising. Young individuals remain at high risk for recurrent stroke. As these patients generally still have a life expectancy of decades ahead, it is essential to find and educate them about the risk factors and causes of stroke to possibly prevent future vascular disease. One important but often missed cause of stroke in a young adult is Takayasu’s Arteritis. Takayasu’s Arteritis is a rare disease affecting the aorta and its main branches, causing arterial claudication and end-organ ischemia, including stroke. The etiology is unknown but is believed to be autoimmune. Early in the disease course, non-specific constitutional symptoms such as fever, malaise, and weight loss may occur this makes it a diagnostic challenge. Although, Takayasu’s Arteritis generally follows an insidious course, acute presentation with visual loss or stroke may also occur. It can be adequately treated if it is identified early. We describe a case of a 20-year-old officer cadet of Bangladesh Military Academy with no significant medical history who presented with acute ischemic stroke with right sided hemiplegia. He was evaluated as a young stroke case. Clinical examination revealed weak pulse in left upper limb and both carotids. Carotid bruits were also noted. CT angiogram findings revealed classical findings of Takayasu’s Arteritis. He responded well with steroid and immunosuppressive agent (Methotrexate). However, ultimately he could not be retained in service because of extremely strenuous nature of training, residual disability and chronic progressive and incurable nature of the disease.&#x0D; Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.14 (2) 2018: 209-213

Higher early recurrence risk and potential benefit of dual antiplatelet therapy for minor stroke with watershed infarction: subgroup analysis of CHANCE.

The aim was to explore the risk of early stroke recurrence within 3months after watershed infarction and to investigate whether early dual antiplatelet therapy is more effective in decreasing such risk. Patients enrolled in the Clopidogrel in High-risk Patients with Acute Non-disabling Cerebrovascular Events (CHANCE) trial and who had acute infarction on diffusion-weighted imaging were included in this subgroup analysis. All magnetic resonance images were read centrally by two neurologists who were blinded to the patients' baseline and outcome information. The primary outcome was any stroke recurrence within 3months. The hazard ratios were adjusted by known predictors of stroke recurrence. Of the 1089 patients with magnetic resonance imaging data enrolled in CHANCE, 834 (76.58%) patients had acute infarcts on diffusion-weighted imaging. The median and range of duration from randomization to stroke recurrence was 1.5 (1-6) days. Patients with watershed infarction had higher risk of stroke recurrence than those without (17.20% vs. 6.34%) within the first week after initial stroke; the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) was 2.799 (1.536-5.101) adjusted by age, sex, smoking, body mass index, medical history, time to randomization, open-label aspirin dose at first day, single or dual antiplatelet therapy, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score at randomization, in-hospital treatment and white matter lesions, P<0.001. There was no interaction between antiplatelet therapy and the presence of watershed infarction (P=0.544). Minor stroke with watershed infarction has high recurrent risk in the first week. Dual antiplatelet therapy may be safely implemented, yet watershed infarction mechanisms of hypoperfusion and emboli may not be addressed.

The correlation between recurrent risk and CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms in patients with ischemic stroke treated with clopidogrel for prevention.

Background:To explore the correlation between recurrent risk and CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms in patients with ischemic stroke (IS) treated with clopidogrel for prevention.Methods:A total of 289 patients with IS treated with clopidogrel regularly were enrolled in this study, and stroke recurrence of all patients were recorded by follow-up. The correlation between CYP2C19 gene polymorphism and stroke recurrence in patients taking clopidogrel regularly was analyzed.Results:After a mean follow-up period of 6 months, there were 289 patients who took clopidogrel regularly, and 41 of which occurred recurrent stroke. Patients of poor metabolizer and intermediate metabolizer had higher risk of recurrent stroke comparing with patients of extensive metabolize, and the odds ratios were 2.88 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31–6.33, P = .068) and 3.00 (95% CI 1.09–8.22, P = .027), respectively. The recurrence risk of ∗2 (G681A)A allele carriers was 3.30 times that of G allele carriers (P = .0065). The recurrence rate of stroke in patients carrying heterozygous and homozygous ∗2 allele mutant was 1.96 times (P = .071) and 3.30 times (P = .012) that of patients with wild-type genes. Multifactor logistic regression analysis result indicated carrying loss of function (LOF) allele was an independent risk factor of stroke recurrence.Conclusion:For patients with IS treated with clopidogrel regularly for secondary prevention, poor metabolizer, and intermediate metabolizer patients had higher risk of recurrent stroke comparing with extensive metabolize ones. Carrying CYP2C19 LOF allele is an independent risk factor of stroke recurrence in patients with IS.

Intracranial Vertebrobasilar Calcification in Patients with Ischemic Stroke is a Predictor of Recurrent Stroke, Vascular Disease, and Death: A Case-Control Study.

Intracranial artery calcification can be detected on nonenhanced brain computer tomography (NECT) and is a predictor of early vascular events. Here, we assessed the impact of vertebrobasilar artery calcification (VBC) on the long-term risk for recurrent stroke and vascular events. We performed a case-control trial of all consecutive stroke patients admitted to the University Hospital of Maribor, Slovenia over a period of 14 months. VBC was defined as presence of a hyperdense area within vertebrobasilar arteries that exceeds > 90 Hounsfield units as seen on NECT. Clinical follow-up information was obtained from the hospital documentation system and mortality registry of the district and included recurrent stroke, subsequent vascular events (myocardial infarction, heart failure, peripheral arterial occlusive disease), and death. We followed a total of 448 patients for a median of 1505 days (interquartile range, IQR 188-2479). Evidence for VBC was present in 243 (54.2%) patients. Median age was 76 years, recurrent stroke occurred in 33 (7.4%), any vascular events in 71 (15.8%), and death in 276 (61.6%). VBC was associated with a higher risk of recurrent stroke (hazard ratio, HR 3.13, 95% confidence interval (CI 1.35–7.20)) and vascular events (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.21–3.47). Advanced age, male gender, and ischemic stroke involving the entire anterior circulation raised the likelihood for death. We conclude that the presence of VBC in patients with ischemic stroke is a short- and long-term prognostic factor for stroke recurrence and subsequent manifestation of acute vascular disease. Further understanding of the pathophysiology of VBC is warranted.

Assessment of Cognitive Functions in Patients with Carotid Stenosis Undergoing Carotid Intervention

Abstract Background Symptomatic carotid stenosis is commonly defined as stenosis in the internal carotid artery, intracranial or extracranial, leading to symptoms of amaurosis fugax, transient ischemic attacks, or ischemic stroke ipsilateral to the lesion. Degree of stenosis varies among the major therapeutic trials studying treatment of carotid stenosis, but severe stenosis (70–99%) has been demonstrated to confer the highest risk for recurrent stroke or TIA. The number of people suffering from arteriosclerosis with vascular risk factors has been increasing recently due to the westernization of diet patterns and changing living environments, which has led to the increase in the number of patients with carotid stenosis (CS) or cerebral infarction. Severe CS is one of the important culprits underlying cerebral infarction, and can cause cognitive impairments due to continuous perfusion defects. Aim The aim of this study was to detect the effect of revascularization procedures on cognitive functions from baseline to 3 months follow up post-procedure in patients with CS using comprehensive psychometric tests. Methodology A prospective nonrandomized hospital based study was done at Ain Shams University hospitals. The study was conducted over 3 years from January 2015 till March 2018. Eighty patients with CS were enrolled, 34 patients underwent CAS procedure, six patients underwent CEA using standard techniques and the other 40 control patients follow up on conservative medical treatment. Decisions about whether and which method of treatment was applied (CEA, CAS, conservative) were taken independently of the study and were up to the treating physicians and patients. All CEAs and stents were performed under local anesthesia; periprocedural embolization was detected using follow up DW MRI imaging. Results Comparisons of clinical information at baseline between two groups On the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 80 patients were recruited into the present study and received regular follow-up. 2 were lost to follow-up from the control group (died after 2 months of study). The main determinants (age, males/ females ratio, education level, DM, HTN, dyslipidemia, ISHD, smoking, laterality and degree of stenosis by CD and DSA) were compared between patients of the two groups to make sure that both groups were homogenous with no selection bias. There was no significant difference between the two groups except for the age, total number of previous strokes as well as presence of contralateral stenosis which were more prevalent in the intervention group (p &amp;lt; 0.05) and thus may affect their cognitive results. Conclusion that extracranial carotid intervention either CAS or CEA exerts beneficial effects on some of the cognitive functions of symptomatic CS patients at 3 months after treatment, in particular, the visual, working memory and executive functions.

Association of Black Race With Early Recurrence After Minor Ischemic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack

Stroke incidence is higher among black than white individuals in the United States. It is unclear whether black individuals have a higher risk of stroke recurrence after a minor ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), a high-risk setting in which focused preventive efforts can be effective. To examine the association between black race and early ischemic stroke recurrence. This cohort study analyzed data from the Platelet Oriented Inhibition in New TIA and Minor Ischemic Stroke (POINT) trial conducted at 269 sites from May 28, 2010, to December 19, 2017. The trial enrolled 4881 adults within 12 hours of onset of a minor ischemic stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 0-3) or high-risk TIA (ABCD2 score, ≥4). For this analysis, we excluded 598 patients enrolled outside the United States and 239 US patients with missing race/ethnicity data. The primary outcome for this analysis was ischemic stroke within 90 days after randomization. Covariates included age, sex, Hispanic ethnicity, study assignment to take clopidogrel vs placebo, index stroke vs TIA, vascular risk factors, statin use, study drug adherence, and index event etiological subtype. Among 4044 patients included in the analysis, 918 (22.7%) were black. In an adjusted Cox model, black race was associated with a higher risk of recurrence compared with white race (hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1-2.3). Findings were similar in subgroup analyses and in analyses limited to sites that enrolled black patients. Among US participants in the POINT trial, black individuals faced a higher risk of early stroke recurrence after a minor ischemic stroke or TIA. Our findings support research into black-white racial differences in the underlying mechanisms of recurrent stroke. In the meantime, extra effort should be made to ensure that black patients have access to proven secondary prevention measures. clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00991029.

Abstract TP406: Risk of Recurrent Childhood Stroke Differs by Vasculopathy Subtype

Introduction: Head and neck vasculopathies are the most frequent identifiable cause of childhood arterial ischemic stroke, and abnormal vascular imaging is associated with higher risk of stroke recurrence. Despite this, little is known about how vasculopathy subtype impacts risk of both initial and recurrent stroke. In this single-center retrospective analysis, we analyze differences in stroke recurrence by vasculopathy subtype. Methods: Using ICD codes, we identified children treated for a head or neck vasculopathy at our tertiary care center between 2003 and 2019. Inclusion criteria included imaging-confirmed head or neck vasculopathy diagnosed between the ages of 28 days and 18 years. Retrospective chart review was carried out with attention to vasculopathy subtype and occurrence/recurrence of stroke and TIA. Results: Ninety-three patient met inclusion criteria, including 55 who experienced a stroke. Five-year stroke recurrence rates differed significantly by vasculopathy subtype (n=28, p=0.030, Fisher exact test), as patients with moyamoya disease (MMD) and sickle cell, Down syndrome, or neurofibromatosis-related vasculopathy experienced higher recurrence rates. There was a non-significant increased rate of stroke recurrence among patients with secondary versus primary MMD. Conclusions: Children with primary and secondary MMD have a higher risk of stroke recurrence than children with other vasculopathy subtypes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of vasculopathy etiology and other radiographic and clinical characteristics on stroke recurrence risk so that appropriate treatment strategies can be implemented early in these high-risk patients.