Independent Predictor Of Stroke Recurrence Research Articles

Stroke recurrence and osteoporotic conditions in postmenopausal patients with atherosclerotic ischemic stroke

Recurrence after stroke is common, and associated with a high mortality rate. Degradation of the elastic tissue in the arterial wall has been shown to aggravate atherosclerosis in blood vessels. Considering that type 1 collagen is present in both bone and vascular smooth muscle cells, we explored whether osteoporotic conditions affect the likelihood of stroke recurrence in postmenopausal women following atherosclerotic ischemic stroke. To determine actual bone mineral density (BMD), the Hounsfield unit values in the frontal skull were evaluated using brain computed tomography (CT) scans taken at admission. A multivariate Cox regression analysis was also performed to examine if osteoporosis could independently predict stroke recurrence in postmenopausal patients with large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) or small vessel occlusion (SVO) stroke. This study included 2130 consecutive patients (both males and females aged 50 and older) with acute LAA or SVO strokes. After adjusting for all covariates, hypothetical osteoporosis was identified as an independent predictor of stroke recurrence in female patients ≥50 years with acute LAA or SVO stroke (hazard ratio, 1.84; 95 % confidence interval, 1.05 to 3.24; p = 0.034). Our findings showed that osteoporosis could potentially affect the recurrence of ischemic stroke in postmenopausal patients with LAA or SVO stroke.

Left atrial strain predicts stroke recurrence and death in patients with cryptogenic stroke

Abstract Background Left atrial strain (LAS) has been widely studied as predictor of atrial fibrillation (AF) after cryptogenic stroke (CS). However, the evidence about its prognostic role in terms of stroke recurrence and death in this setting remains scarce. Methods From April 2019 to April 2022, 92 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack with ABCD2 scale ≥4 of unknown etiology were prospectively recruited. Echocardiography, including LAS was performed during admission. The primary outcome was the composite of stroke recurrence or death. Results Mean age was 77.5±7.7 and 58% of patient were female. After a median follow up of 28 months, the primary outcome measure occurred in 15 patients (16%). The primary outcome was more frequent in patients with diabetes (53% vs 21%; p=0.02), chronic kidney disease (33% vs 10%; p=0.034) and history of heart failure (13% vs 0%; p=0.025). LAS reservoir (LASr) and LAS conduct (LAScd) were lower in patients developing the primary outcome (21±7 vs 28.8±11%; p=0.017 and 7.7±3.9 vs 13.7±7%; p=0.007, respectively). On multivariate analysis, diabetes (HR 7.4, 95%CI 1.2-47; p=0.034)), LASr (HR 0.2, 95%CI 0.05-0.8; p=0.023), LAScd (HR 0.17, 95%CI 0.04-0.7; p=0.013) and LAS contraction (HR 0.2, 95%CI 0-05-0.8; p=0.025) were independent predictors of stroke recurrence or all-cause death after CS (Table). On long-rank test (using the discriminatory cut-off values of LASr <23% and LAScd <10%), LASr (p=0.009) (Figure 1) and LAScd (p=0.016) were associated with higher risk of the primary outcome. Conclusion Lower values of LAS reservoir, conduct and contraction are independently associated with higher risk of stroke recurrence or death after CS

Plaque enhancement predicts recurrence in acute ischemic stroke patients with large artery intracranial atherosclerosis

BackgroundThe association between the degree of plaque enhancement and ischemic brain stroke recurrence remains unclear. We aimed to establish models to predict plaque enhancement and stroke recurrence. MethodsSeventy-eight participants with acute ischemic brain stroke due to intracranial arterial stenosis were recruited and divided into high enhancement (HE) and non-HE groups. The relationship between imaging characteristics (degree of stenosis, minimal lumen area, intraplaque hemorrhage, and plaque burden) and the degree of plaque contrast enhancement was analyzed. Inflammatory cytokine expression was examined by flow cytometry. Independent predictors of stroke recurrence were investigated via multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. Nomogram was used to construct a prediction model. Harrell's concordance indices (c-indices) and calibration curves were used to assess the discrimination of the nomogram. A risk prediction nomogram for prognosis was constructed. ResultsThirty-three participants were assigned to the HE group and 45 to the non-HE group. The degree of stenosis and plaque burden in the HE group was higher than that in the non-HE group (P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed the degree of stenosis was associated with HE (β=0.513; P=0.000). After adjusting for confounding factors, age (HR=1.115; 95%CI=1.034–1.203, P=0.005) and HE plaques (HR=10.457; 95%CI=1.176–93.018; P=0.035) were independent risk factors of stroke recurrence, whereas cytokine levels were not statistically significant between two group. ConclusionsHE of intracranial atherosclerosis plaques is an independent factor for ischemic brain stroke recurrence.

Co-existing intracranial and extracranial carotid atherosclerosis predicts large-artery atherosclerosis stroke recurrence: a single-center prospective study utilizing combined head-and-neck vessel wall imaging.

Intracranial and extracranial plaque features on high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI) are associated with large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) stroke recurrence. However, most studies have focused on a single vascular bed, and the prognostic value of combined intracranial and extracranial plaque features has yet to be studied. This study aimed to investigate the roles of plaque features, plaque number, and co-existing atherosclerosis in predicting stroke recurrence, utilizing combined head-and-neck HR-VWI. From September 2016 to March 2020, participants with acute LAA ischemic strokes were prospectively enrolled and underwent combined head-and-neck HR-VWI. The participants were followed for stroke recurrence for at least 12months or until a subsequent event occurred. The imaging features at baseline, including conventional and histogram plaque features, plaque number, and co-existing atherosclerosis, were evaluated. Univariable Cox regression analysis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) method were used for variable screening. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were used to determine the independent risk factors of stroke recurrence. A total of 97 participants (59 ± 12years, 63 men) were followed for a median of 30.9months, and 21 participants experienced recurrent strokes. Multivariable Cox analysis identified co-existing intracranial high signal on T1-weighted fat-suppressed images (HST1) and extracranial carotid atherosclerosis (HR, 6.12; 95% CI, 2.52-14.82; p = 0.001) as an independent imaging predictor of stroke recurrence. Co-existing intracranial HST1 and extracranial carotid atherosclerosis independently predicted LAA stroke recurrence. Combined head-and-neck HR-VWI is a promising technique for atherosclerosis imaging. This prospective study using combined head-and-neck HR-VWI highlighted the necessity of both intracranial culprit plaque evaluation and multi-vascular bed assessment, adding value to the prediction of stroke recurrence. • This study highlighted the necessity of both intracranial culprit plaque evaluation and multi-vascular bed assessment, adding value to the prediction of stroke recurrence. • This prospective study using combined head-and-neck HR-VWI found co-existing intracranial HST1 and extracranial carotid atherosclerosis to be independent predictors of stroke recurrence.

Risk of recurrent stroke and mortality after cryptogenic stroke in diabetic patients.

Diabetes mellitus is a highly prevalent and growing chronic disease that is associated with increased risk of recurrence among several stroke subtypes. However, evidence on the prognostic role of diabetes in the setting of cryptogenic stroke (CS) remains scarce. From April 2019 to November 2021, we recruited prospectively 78 consecutive patients with CS. Patients were classified according to the presence of diabetes. Main outcome was the composite of stroke recurrence and death. Secondary outcome was stroke recurrence. Mean age of the cohort was 78 ± 7.7years and 18 patients (23%) had diabetes. After a median clinical follow-up of 23months the incidence of stroke recurrence and mortality [HR 5.8 (95% CI 1.9-19), p = 0.002] and the incidence of stroke recurrence [HR 16.6 (95% CI 1.8-149), p = 0.012], were higher in patients with diabetes. After adjusting for potential confounders diabetes was identified as an independent predictor of stroke recurrence and death in patients with CS [HR 33.8 (95% CI 2.1-551), p = 0.013]. Other independent predictors of stroke recurrence and mortality were hypertension [HR 31.4 (95% CI 1.8-550), p = 0.018], NTproBNP [HR 1.002 (95% CI 1.001-1.004), p = 0.013] and chronic kidney disease (CKD) [HR 27.4 (95% CI 1.4-549) p = 0.03]. Furthermore, diabetes was an independent predictor of stroke recurrence [HR 103 (95% CI 1.3-8261), p = 0.038]. Diabetic patients with CS are at higher risk of stroke recurrence and death. Hypertension CKD and NTproBNP are also independent predictors of stroke recurrence and death after CS.

Value of Intraplaque Neovascularization on Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography in Predicting Ischemic Stroke Recurrence in Patients With Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque.

Patients with a history of ischemic stroke are at risk for a second ischemic stroke. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between carotid plaque enhancement on perfluorobutane microbubble contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) and future recurrent stroke, and to determine whether plaque enhancement can contribute to risk assessment for recurrent stroke compared with the Essen Stroke Risk Score (ESRS). This prospective study screened 151 patients with recent ischemic stroke and carotid atherosclerotic plaques at our hospital between August 2020 and December 2020. A total of 149 eligible patients underwent carotid CEUS, and 130 patients who were followed up for 15-27 months or until stroke recurrence were analyzed. Plaque enhancement on CEUS was investigated as a possible risk factor for stroke recurrence and as a possible adjunct to ESRS. During follow-up, 25 patients (19.2%) experienced recurrent stroke. Patients with plaque enhancement on CEUS had an increased risk of stroke recurrence events (22/73, 30.1%) compared to those without plaque enhancement (3/57, 5.3%), with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 38.264 (95% confidence interval [CI]:14.975-97.767; P < 0.001) according to a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model analysis, indicating that the presence of carotid plaque enhancement was a significant independent predictor of recurrent stroke. When plaque enhancement was added to the ESRS, the HR for stroke recurrence in the high-risk group compared to that in the low-risk group (2.188; 95% CI, 0.025-3.388) was greater than that of the ESRS alone (1.706; 95% CI, 0.810-9.014). A net of 32.0% of the recurrence group was reclassified upward appropriately by the addition of plaque enhancement to the ESRS. Carotid plaque enhancement was a significant and independent predictor of stroke recurrence in patients with ischemic stroke. Furthermore, the addition of plaque enhancement improved the risk stratification capability of the ESRS.

A study of short term and long term risk of ischemic stroke and other vascular events following early treatment of tia and minor stroke in a tertiary centre in North India

Transient ischemic attack and minor ischemic stroke are associated with early recurrence and deterioration respectively. There is a high risk of stroke after TIA ranging between 10-20% in the ensuing 90 days in the various studies. There are various clinical and imaging factors which predict the early risk of stroke after a TIA. To evaluate the short term and long term risk of ischemic stroke following early treatment of TIA and minor stroke. TIA is defined as sudden focal neurologic deficit of presumed vascular origin lasting less than 24 hours. Minor ischemic stroke is defined as National institute of Health Stroke scale score of ≤5. TIA mimics were excluded from the study. The patients were followed up till 1 year. In patients with minor ischemic stroke, a 2-point worsening in the NIHSS was considered as an event. Modified Rankin score at 3 months was assessed. Total 320 patients were analysed with a mean age of 60.6 ± 13.6 years. Out of the them 20.7% were females, 78% of patients had minor stroke. There is significant association of lacunar stroke in minor stroke patients (p&amp;#60;0.01), whereas most TIA patients, etiology remained undetermined. In multiple regression analysis, both diabetes [p&amp;#60;0.05] and significant vessel stenosis (&amp;#62;50%) [p&amp;#60;0.05] were found to be an independent predictor of recurrent stroke in TIA and minor stroke patients. Urgent treatment after TIA and minor ischemic stroke is associated with reduced risk of ischemic stroke recurrence. Both diabetes mellitus and significant vessel stenosis are independent predictor of stroke recurrence.

Statin treatment and outcomes after embolic stroke of undetermined source.

The association of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering with outcomes in embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) patients is unclear. In these patients we aimed to assess the effect of statin on stroke recurrence, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and death rates. Consecutive ESUS patients in the Athens Stroke Registry were prospectively followed-up to 10years for stroke recurrence, MACE, and death. The Nelson-Aalen estimator was used to estimate the cumulative probability by statin allocation at discharge and cox-regression analyses to investigate whether statin at discharge was a predictor of outcomes. Among 264 ESUS patients who were discharged and followed for 4years, 89 (33.7%) were treated with statin at discharge. Patients who were discharged on statin had lower rates of stroke recurrence (3.58 vs. 7.23/100 patient-years, HR: 0.48; 95% CI 0.26-0.90), MACE (4.98 vs. 9.89/100 patient-years, HR: 0.49; 95% CI 0.29-0.85), and death (3.93 vs. 8.21/100 patient-years, HR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28-0.89). In the multivariate analysis, statin treatment at discharge was an independent predictor of stroke recurrence (adjusted HR: 0.48; 95% CI 0.26-0.91), MACE (adjusted HR: 0.48; 95% CI 0.28-0.82), and death (adjusted HR: 0.50; 95% CI 0.27-0.93). Patients with ESUS discharged on statins have lower rates of stroke recurrence, MACE, and death compared to those not receiving statin therapy.

Serum Phosphate and 1-Year Outcome in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack.

Objective: To determine the association between serum phosphate level and 1-year clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack.Methods: We included 7,353 patients with acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack from the China National Stroke Registry III for analysis. Participants were divided into 4 groups according to serum phosphate quartiles. Composite end point included recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, other ischemic vascular events, and all-cause mortality. Poor functional outcome is defined as modified Rankin Scale score of 3 to 6. Multivariable Cox regression or logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent association of serum phosphate with 1-year all-cause mortality, recurrent stroke, composite end point and poor functional outcome.Results: The mean age of the included 7,353 patients was 62.5 years, and 68.6% of them were men. Plotting hazard ratios over phosphate levels suggested a U-shaped association especially for recurrent stroke and composite end point, and therefore the third quartile group was set as reference group. Compared with the third quartile of phosphate (1.06–1.20 mmol/L), the adjusted hazard ratios/odds ratios (95% CI) of the lowest quartile (<0.94 mmol/L) were 0.98 (0.67–1.42) for all-cause mortality, 1.31 (1.05–1.64) for stroke recurrence, 1.26 (1.02–1.57) for composite end point, and 1.27 (1.01–1.61) for poor functional outcome, and the adjusted odds ratio of the highest quartile (≥1.2 mmol/L) was 1.40 (1.11–1.77) for poor functional outcome.Conclusions: Serum phosphate may be an independent predictor of stroke recurrence, composite end point and poor functional outcome after ischemic stroke.

Prevention after stroke: A quality assurance study.

In 1997, the Copenhagen Stroke Study revealed that stroke was recurrent in 23% of patients admitted with a stroke. Predictors of recurrence were history of transient ischaemic attack, atrial fibrillation, male gender and hypertension. In 2011, the Danish recurrence rate was 25%. With the aim of preventing recurrent stroke, a preventive clinic was established in 2014 at the Department of Neurology, Herlev Hospital. Data from the preventive clinic are analysed in the present study. Data from visits to the clinic from October 2014 to October 2016 were collected from electronic medical records. Data on subsequent admissions with stroke were collected from October 2014 to the end of 2017. Data were collected and analyzed as a means of quality assurance. Data from 1083 patients showed that half of the patients were hypertensive at discharge regardless of admission with first ever or recurrent stroke. Nurses at the clinic initiated or intensified antihypertensive medication in 40% of patients. Blood pressure was at target in 64% of patients at last visit to the clinic. Stepwise Cox proportional hazard regression analysis of 1024 patients admitted with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack showed that tobacco smoking (HR 1.80), admission with a recurrent stroke (HR 1.76) and cholesterol-lowering treatment (HR 1.67) were independent predictors of stroke recurrence. The recurrence rate in Denmark has remained unchanged for two decades. Risk factors for recurrence seem to change over time. Identification and treatment of actual risk factors may be a way to reduce recurrence.

Carotid Intraplaque Neovascularization Predicts Ischemic Stroke Recurrence in Patients with Carotid Atherosclerosis

Introduction: This study aimed to examine whether intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) of carotid plaques, as characterized by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), is associated with ischemic stroke recurrence in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Methods: We conducted a prospective study of consecutive patients with a recent stroke and at least one atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid artery on the side consistent with symptoms. All patients underwent CEUS after their first admission. IPN was graded on the basis of the presence and location of microbubbles within each plaque. Results: We eventually included 155 patients, all of whom underwent IPN analysis. After a follow-up of 24 months, we recorded 25 (16.1%) stroke recurrences in the whole population. All the recurrences occurred in patients presenting IPN. There was significant difference in the IPN between the 2 groups (p = 0.002). In the final Cox proportional-hazards multivariable models, IPN of grade 2 was independently associated with the risk of stroke recurrence (HR = 4.535; 95% CI: 1.892–10.870; p = 0.001). This association remained after adjusting for the degree of carotid stenosis (HR = 3.491; 95% CI: 1.410–8.646; p = 0.007). Conclusions: IPN was an independent predictor of stroke recurrence in patients with a recent ischemic stroke and carotid atherosclerosis. In predicting stroke recurrence, IPN may be an earlier indicator than carotid stenosis and may help stratify the risk of stroke recurrence.

Multiple atrial premature contractions predict stroke recurrence in patients with cryptogenic stroke and concomitant non-sustained atrial tachycardia

Background and objectivesAtrial fibrillation is a known risk factor for cryptogenic stroke and therefore requires early detection and prompt management. We investigated predictors of stroke recurrence in patients with cryptogenic stroke and concomitant non-sustained atrial tachycardia but not atrial fibrillation.Subjects and methodsWe investigated 390 patients (219 men, mean age 67 ± 12 years) diagnosed with stroke and non-sustained atrial tachycardia on 24-h Holter monitoring and recorded the total number of atrial premature contractions identified by the Holter monitor. Multiple atrial premature contractions were defined as atrial premature contractions > 34 beats/day. We analyzed the rates of 5-year freedom from stroke recurrence or atrial fibrillation and investigated independent predictors of stroke recurrence and undiagnosed atrial fibrillation.ResultsThe mean follow-up period was 35 ± 21 months, and the overall stroke recurrence rate was 9.0%. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis revealed that the rate of freedom from stroke recurrence was significantly lower in patients with multiple atrial premature contractions. Also, the patients with multiple atrial premature contractions had higher cumulative incidence rate of new-onset AF (p = 0.019). Multivariate analysis showed that multiple atrial premature contractions (hazard ratio 2.49, 95% confidence interval 1.05–5.88, p = 0.038), cigarette smoking status (hazard ratio 2.66, 95% confidence interval 1.15–6.17, p = 0.022), and the left atrial volume index (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.09, p = 0.020) were significantly associated with stroke recurrence in patients with cryptogenic stroke. However, these factors were not statistically significant predictors of future onset of atrial fibrillation.ConclusionsMultiple atrial premature contractions were significantly correlated with an increased left atrial volume index, which could predict future onset of atrial fibrillation and stroke recurrence. This study showed that multiple atrial premature contractions predict stroke recurrence in patients with cryptogenic stroke without atrial fibrillation.

Influence of Hemoglobin Concentration on Stroke Recurrence and Composite Vascular Events.

Background and Purpose- We evaluated whether hemoglobin concentration at admission was associated with stroke recurrence and composite vascular events (stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death) in acute ischemic stroke. Methods- We collected data from patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack from a multicenter stroke registry database in Korea. The association of hemoglobin concentration with 1-year stroke recurrence and composite vascular events was evaluated with respect to age, presence of cerebral artery stenosis, stroke severity, and stroke subtype. Results- Hemoglobin levels were inversely associated with stroke recurrence and composite vascular events. One-year rates of stroke recurrence and composite vascular events were significantly higher in patients with anemia or moderate anemia. In multivariable analyses, moderate anemia remained an independent predictor of stroke recurrence (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.16-1.75]) and composite vascular events (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.07-1.48]). Moderate anemia increased the risk of composite vascular events in patients with mild-to-moderate stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <16, P=0.01 for interaction). Conclusions- Hemoglobin concentration could be an independent predictor of stroke recurrence and composite vascular events.

A tool to identify patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source at high recurrence risk.

A tool to stratify the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) could be useful in research and clinical practice. We aimed to determine whether a score can be developed and externally validated for the identification of patients with ESUS at high risk for stroke recurrence. We pooled the data of all consecutive patients with ESUS from 11 prospective stroke registries. We performed multivariable Cox regression analysis to identify predictors of stroke recurrence. Based on the coefficient of each covariate of the fitted multivariable model, we generated an integer-based point scoring system. We validated the score externally assessing its discrimination and calibration. In 3 registries (884 patients) that were used as the derivation cohort, age, leukoaraiosis, and multiterritorial infarct were identified as independent predictors of stroke recurrence and were included in the final score, which assigns 1 point per every decade after 35 years of age, 2 points for leukoaraiosis, and 3 points for multiterritorial infarcts (acute or old nonlacunar). The rate of stroke recurrence was 2.1 per 100 patient-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44-3.06) in patients with a score of 0-4 (low risk), 3.74 (95% CI 2.77-5.04) in patients with a score of 5-6 (intermediate risk), and 8.23 (95% CI 5.99-11.3) in patients with a score of 7-12 (high risk). Compared to low-risk patients, the risk of stroke recurrence was significantly higher in intermediate-risk (hazard ratio [HR] 1.78, 95% CI 1.1-2.88) and high-risk patients (HR 4.67, 95% CI 2.83-7.7). The score was well-calibrated in both derivation and external validation cohorts (8 registries, 820 patients) (Hosmer-Lemeshow test χ2: 12.1 [p = 0.357] and χ2: 21.7 [p = 0.753], respectively). The area under the curve of the score was 0.63 (95% CI 0.58-0.68) and 0.60 (95% CI 0.54-0.66), respectively. The proposed score can assist in the identification of patients with ESUS at high risk for stroke recurrence.

Poststroke depression and risk of recurrent stroke: A meta-analysis of prospective studies.

Background:Conflicting results have been reported on the association of poststroke depression with recurrent stroke events. This meta-analysis of prospective studies aims to evaluate whether poststroke depression is an independent predictor of stroke recurrence among stroke patients.Methods:A systematic search of articles in PubMed and Embase databases from their inception to October 2018 was conducted. Prospective studies reporting risk estimates of stroke recurrence by depression status in stroke patients were included and pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of stroke recurrence was calculated for patients with or without poststroke depression.Results:Six studies with 4648 stroke patients were finally included, and the prevalence of poststroke depression was found to from 15.9% to 40.5%. The pooled adjusted RR for stroke recurrence in patients suffering from poststroke depression was 1.48 (1.22–1.79) in a fixed-effect model. Subgroup analyses indicated that poststroke depression significantly increased stroke recurrence (RR 1.64; 95% CI, 1.28–2.10) among ischemic stroke patients but not in total stroke patients (RR 1.28; 95% CI, 0.96–1.73).Conclusions:This meta-analysis suggests that poststroke depression may be an independent predictor of stroke recurrence among ischemic stroke patients. Further studies are required to investigate whether treatment of poststroke depression can reduce the risk of stroke recurrence.

Impact of Functional Status on Noncardioembolic Ischemic Stroke Recurrence Within 1 Year: The Korean Stroke Cohort for Functioning and Rehabilitation Study.

Background and PurposeFew studies have investigated the relationship between the specific functional factors potentially associated with functional level and stroke recurrence. We conducted a study of patients with noncardioembolic ischemic stroke (NCIS) to determine the functional factors affecting recurrence within the first year.MethodsIn total, 568 first-ever NCIS patients (age=65.1±17.4 years, mean±SD) were analyzed in a multicenter, prospective cohort study registered from August 2012. Demographic characteristics, past medical history, comorbidities, laboratory data, stroke features in neuroimaging, acute treatments, and medications at discharge were assessed. Functional factors reflecting gross functional impairment, ambulatory function, motor function, activities of daily living, cognition, language ability, swallowing function, mood, and quality of life were comprehensively evaluated in face-to-face assessments using standardized tools at the time of discharge.ResultsThe cumulative incidence of stroke recurrence in NCIS was 6.0% (n=34) at 1 year. The period from admission to discharge was 34.4±7.0 days. The independent predictors of stroke recurrence within 1 year in multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression analyses were 1) age [per-year hazard ratio (HR)=1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.97–1.06, p=0.048], 2) Charlson Comorbidity Index higher than 2 (HR=1.72, 95% CI=1.26–2.22, p=0.016), 3) modified Rankin Scale score of 3 or more at discharge (HR=1.56, 95% CI=1.22–1.94, p=0.032), and 4) Functional Ambulation Category of 3 or less at discharge (HR=2.56, 95% CI=1.84–3.31, p=0.008).ConclusionsIn addition to patient age, moderate-to-severe functional impairment requiring the help of others (especially for ambulation) at the time of discharge and the severity of comorbidity were independent predictors of stroke recurrence within 1 year of the first NCIS.

The determination of copeptin levels helps management decisions among transient ischaemic attack patients.

Most approaches to transient ischaemic attack (TIA) triage use clinical scores and vascular imaging; however, some biomarkers have been suggested to improve the prognosis of TIA patients. Serum levels of copeptin, adiponectin, neopterin, neuron-specific enolase, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL-6, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, S100β, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and IL-1α as well as clinical characteristics were assessed on consecutive TIA patients during the first 24 h of the onset of symptoms. Among 237 consecutive TIA patients, 12 patients (5%) had a stroke within 7 days and 15 (6%) within 90 days. Among all candidate biomarkers analysed, only copeptin was significantly increased in patients with stroke recurrence (SR) within 7 days (P = 0.026) but not within 90 days. A cut-off point of 13.8 pmol/l was established with a great predictive negative value (97.4%). Large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) [hazard ratio (HR) 12.7, 95% CI 3.2-50.1, P < 0.001] and copeptin levels ≥13.8 pmol/l (HR 3.9, 95% CI 1.01-14.4, P = 0.039) were independent predictors of SR at the 7-day follow-up. LAA was the only predictor of 90-day SR (HR 7.4, 95% CI 2.5-21.6, P < 0.001). ABCD3I was associated with 7- and 90-day SRs (P = 0.025 and P = 0.034, respectively). The association between copeptin levels and LAA had a diagnostic accuracy of 90.3%. Serum copeptin could be an important prognostic biomarker to guide management decisions among TIA patients. Therefore, TIA patients with copeptin levels below 13.8 pmol/l and without LAA have an insignificant risk of 7-day SR and could be managed on an outpatient basis.

Relationship between visible branch arteries distal to the stenosis on magnetic resonance angiography and stroke recurrence in patients with severe middle cerebral artery trunk stenosis: a one-year follow up study.

BackgroundTo evaluate the relationship between the flow signal intensity of branch arteries distal to the stenosis on 3-dimensional (3D) time-of-flight (TOF) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with severe middle cerebral artery (MCA) trunk stenosis.MethodsWe prospectively recruited 153 patients (mean age 62.9 ± 13.0 years, 106 males) with a first ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack caused by a severe MCA trunk stenosis (70 % to 99 %) confirmed by 3D TOF MRA and followed them for one year to determine the stroke recurrence. The MCA branch signal intensity distal to the site of stenosis on 3D TOF MRA was classified as either good (grade A) or poor [mild reduction (grade B) or severe reduction (grade C)] according to the extent to which the MCA could be visualized. The patients were divided into groups A (35), B (58), or C (60) based on the MRA grading of the MCA branch signal intensity distal to the site of stenosis.ResultsPoor MCA branch signal intensity was associated with internal border-zone infarction (p < 0.05). The risk of stroke recurrence in the ipsilateral MCA in the first year was 18.3 %. The 1-year cumulative incidence of recurrence was higher in the patients in group C (30 %) than in groups B (12.1 %) or A (8.6 %) (Log rank, p = 0.007). Multivariate analyses via Cox proportional hazard regression demonstrated that only a grade C classification of the signal intensity of the MCA branches was an independent predictor of stroke recurrence in the ipsilateral MCA (hazard ratio = 3.0, 95 % confidence interval = 1.3-7.4, p = 0.014).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that MCA branch signal intensity as assessed via 3D TOF MRA may be a useful and simple tool to stratify the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with severe MCA trunk stenosis.

Leukoaraiosis and stroke recurrence risk in patients with and without atrial fibrillation.

We aimed to investigate the association between leukoaraiosis and long-term risk of stroke recurrence adjusting for clinical scores developed and validated for the prediction of stroke risk, such as CHADS2 (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, and stroke or TIA) and CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke or TIA, vascular disease, age 65-74 years, sex category). Study population was derived from the Athens Stroke Registry and was categorized in 2 subgroups according to the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Cox proportional hazards analysis was performed to assess the independent predictors of stroke recurrence. To investigate whether leukoaraiosis adds to the prognostic accuracy of CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores, we used the likelihood ratio test. Overall model assessment was performed with Nagelkerke R(2) and Harrell C statistic. Kaplan-Meier analyses were also performed. Among 1,892 patients, there were 320 (16.9%) with leukoaraiosis and 670 (35.4%) with AF. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, there was significant difference in cumulative probability of stroke recurrence between patients with and without leukoaraiosis in the non-AF group (p < 0.01), but not in the AF group (p = 0.46). On Cox multivariate analysis, leukoaraiosis was found to be a significant independent predictor of stroke recurrence only in the non-AF group, in the models adjusting for CHADS2 (hazard ratio: 1.86, 95% confidence interval: 1.35-2.56) and CHA2DS2-VASc (hazard ratio: 1.82, 95% confidence interval: 1.32-2.51) scores. Leukoaraiosis was not a predictor of stroke recurrence in the AF group. Leukoaraiosis did not improve the predictive accuracy of the 2 scores, whether in the non-AF group (Harrell C statistic: 0.56 vs 0.59 [p = 0.31] for the model including CHADS2; 0.56 vs 0.59 [p = 0.44] for the model including CHA2DS2-VASc) or the AF group (Harrell C statistic: 0.63 vs 0.62 for the model including CHADS2; 0.64 vs 0.64 for the model including CHA2DS2-VASc). Leukoaraiosis is an independent predictor of stroke recurrence in non-AF stroke patients. However, leukoaraiosis did not increase the accuracy of the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores to predict stroke recurrence in AF or non-AF stroke patients.

Abstract 213: Cerebral Microbleeds in 1278 Lacunar Stroke Patients: The Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes (SPS3) Trial

Background: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are radiographic markers of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) reported to independently predict recurrent stroke and mortality. However, characterization of CMBs in a large population of pure CSVD is lacking. We aimed to characterize CMBs in a well-defined population of lacunar stroke patients, and assess the relationship between CMBs and recurrent stroke and death. Methods: SPS3 was a randomized trial investigating optimal blood pressure target and antiplatelet regimen in 3020 patients with recent, symptomatic, MRI-confirmed lacunar stroke. CMBs were rated as per the Brain Observer MicroBleed Scale in all participants who had an interpretable axial T2*- GRE sequence available as part of their baseline MRI (n=1278, intra-rater reliability for + CMB 91% agreement, Kappa = 0.82). Results: CMBs were present in 30% of 1278 patients (mean age 63 y, 65% male, 75% history of hypertension). CMBs were lobar in 21%, deep in 44%, and mixed in 35% of cases. Of patients with CMBs, most (57%) had 1-2 CMBs, 31% had 3-10, and 12% &gt;10. Male gender (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.3), history of hypertension (1.6, 1.2-2.3), increased systolic blood pressure (1.2 per 20 mmHg, 1.1-1.4), non-diabetic (1.4, 1.1-1.9), multiple lacunar infarcts (1.9, 1.5-2.5) and moderate (1.7, 1.2-2.3) or severe (4.2, 3.0-5.9) white matter hyperintensities on MRI were independently associated with the odds of having CMBs in multivariable logistic regression. During a mean follow-up of 3.3 y, overall stroke recurrence was 2.5% per patient-y. In comparison to patients without CMBs, those with CMBs had a two-fold increased risk of stroke (HR 2.1, 1.4-3.1), after adjusting for assigned treatments and risk factors, whereas those with &gt;10 CMBs had a four-fold increased risk (HR 4.0, 1.8-8.7). CMBs were not a risk factor for death (HR 1.2, 0.8-2.0). There were no interactions between CMBs and treatment assignments. Conclusions: In this largest reported cohort of lacunar stroke investigating CMBs, CMBs were highly prevalent and an independent predictor of stroke recurrence. Accordingly, patients with lacunar stroke and CMBs likely represent a more aggressive form of CSVD in need of efficacious therapeutic strategies. Further research is warranted in this field.