Spontaneous Hemorrhagic Transformation Research Articles

Serum microRNA miR-491-5p and miR-206 as indicators for unfavorable outcomes and spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation after ischemic stroke

Serum microRNA miR-491-5p and miR-206 as indicators for unfavorable outcomes and spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation after ischemic stroke

Carotid artery stenting or carotid endarterectomy for residual significant stenosis after thrombectomy in acute tandem occlusion stroke?

AbstractA 82‐year‐old male presented with right‐sided hemiplegia and aphasia. CT‐scan showed hyperdensity of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA). CT‐angiography revealed occlusion of the left MCA and intra‐cranial internal carotid artery (ICA) in combination with occlusion of the left extra‐cranial ICA. Complete recanalization of intra‐cranial vessels was obtained after thrombectomy within 6 h from symptom onset, but residual significant extra‐cranial stenosis remained. Non‐contrast CT‐scan after thrombectomy revealed large hyperdensities secondary to contrast extravasation in the left MCA territory. Residual extra‐cranial ICA stenosis was not treated with emergent stenting. At 24 h, NIHSS score was 0, but follow‐up CT‐scan showed an ischemic lesion with spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation. A single antiplatelet treatment was reintroduced after 24 h and carotid endarterectomy was done without complications after 2 weeks.

In-Hospital Aspirin Dose as a Risk Factor for Hemorrhagic Transformation in Patients Not Treated With Thrombolysis.

Aspirin is widely used as secondary prophylaxis for acute ischemic stroke. However, its influence on the risk of spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is still unclear. Predictive scores of HT have been proposed. We hypothesized that an increased aspirin dose might be harmful in patients at a high risk of HT. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between in-hospital daily aspirin dose (IAD) and HT in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to our comprehensive stroke center between 2015 and 2017. The attending team defined IAD. All included patients underwent either computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging within 7 days of admission. The risk of HT was assessed using the predictive score of HT in patients not undergoing reperfusion therapies. Regression models were used to evaluate the correlations between HT and IAD. A total of 986 patients were included in the final analysis. The prevalence of HT was 19.2%, and parenchymatous hematomas type-2 (PH-2) represented 10% (n=19) of these cases. IAD was not associated with HT ( P =0.09) or PH-2 ( P =0.06) among all patients. However, in patients at a higher risk for HT (patients not undergoing reperfusion therapies ≥3), IAD was associated with PH-2 (odds ratio 1.01,95% CI 1.001-1.023, P =0.03) in an adjusted analysis. Taking 200 versus 300mg aspirin was protective against PH-2 (odds ratio 0.102, 95% CI 0.018-0.563, P =0.009). An increased in-hospital aspirin dose is associated with intracerebral hematoma in patients at a high risk of HT. Stratifying the risk of HT may lead to individualized daily aspirin dose choices. However, clinical trials on this topic are required.

Sex-dependent association analysis between serum uric acid and spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation in patients with ischemic stroke.

The association between serum uric acid (UA) and spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation (HT) has been seldom studied, and the role of UA in spontaneous HT remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the sex-dependent association between UA and spontaneous HT in patients with ischemic stroke. We retrospectively included patients with ischemic stroke in a tertiary academic hospital between December 2016 and May 2020. Patients were included if they presented within 24 h after the onset of symptoms and did not receive reperfusion therapy. Spontaneous HT was determined by an independent evaluation of neuroimaging by three trained neurologists who were blinded to clinical data. A univariate analysis was performed to identify factors related to spontaneous HT. Four logistic regression models were established to adjust each factor and assess the association between UA and spontaneous HT. A total of 769 patients were enrolled (64.6% were male patients and 3.9% had HT). After adjusting the confounders with a P < 0.05 (model A) in the univariate analysis, the ratio of UA and its interquartile range (RUI) was independently associated with spontaneous HT in male patients (OR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.07-3.19; P = 0.028), but not in female patients (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.28-6.82; P = 0.685). In models B-D, the results remain consistent with model A after the adjustment for other potential confounders. Higher serum UA was independently associated with a higher occurrence of spontaneous HT in male patients who were admitted within 24 h after the stroke onset without receiving reperfusion therapy.

Roles of Bilirubin in Hemorrhagic Transformation of Different Types and Severity.

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a severe complication in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This study was performed to explore and validate the relation between bilirubin levels and spontaneous HT (sHT) and HT after mechanical thrombectomy (tHT). The study population consisted of 408 consecutive AIS patients with HT and age- and sex-matched patients without HT. All patients were divided into quartiles according to total bilirubin (TBIL) level. HT was classified as hemorrhagic infarction (HI) and parenchymal hematoma (PH) based on radiographic data. In this study, the baseline TBIL levels were significantly higher in the HT than non-HT patients in both cohorts (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the severity of HT increased with increasing TBIL levels (p < 0.001) in sHT and tHT cohorts. The highest quartile of TBIL was associated with HT in sHT and tHT cohorts (sHT cohort: OR = 3.924 (2.051-7.505), p < 0.001; tHT cohort: OR = 3.557 (1.662-7.611), p = 0.006). Our results suggest that an increased TBIL is associated with a high risk of patients with sHT and tHT, and that TBIL is more suitable as a predictor for sHT than tHT. These findings may help to identify patients susceptible to different types and severity of HT.

Serum microRNA miR-491-5p/miR-206 Is Correlated with Poor Outcomes/Spontaneous Hemorrhagic Transformation after Ischemic Stroke: A Case Control Study.

Background: It is unclear whether miR-491-5p, miR-206, miR-21-5p or miR-3123 are associated with functional outcomes and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between these four microRNAs and functional outcomes, as well as spontaneous HT after AIS; Methods: We included 215 AIS patients and retrospectively assayed for miR-21-5p, miR-206, miR-3123 and miR-491-5p levels in serum. Poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≥ 3. Spontaneous HT referred to hemorrhage detected in follow-up brain imaging but not on admission, without reperfusion therapies. Logistic regression, generalized additive model and 2-piecewise regression model were used to explore the independent, non-linear correlation between miRNA expression levels and outcomes; Results: We included 215 AIS patients. Higher miR-491-5p level independently reduced the risk of poor functional outcomes at 1 year (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82–0.98, corrected p value = 0.044). Higher miR-206 level significantly increased the risk of spontaneous HT (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.17–2.30, corrected p value = 0.016). There was a nonlinear correlation found between miR-491-5p level and 1 year outcome with an inflection point of 2.180, while an approximately linear correlation was observed with an inflection point of 2.037 between miR-206 level and spontaneous HT; Conclusions: Higher serum miR-491-5p level independently reduced risk of 1-year poor functional outcome of AIS patients. Higher serum miR-206 level independently increased the risk of spontaneous HT in AIS patients. These two miRNAs may be as the potential biomarkers for improving prognosis after AIS.

Development and Validation of a Predictive Model for Spontaneous Hemorrhagic Transformation After Ischemic Stroke.

Background: Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has been well studied; however, there is scarce research focusing on spontaneous HT (sHT). Spontaneous HT is no less important with a relatively high incidence and could be associated with neurological worsening. We aimed to develop and validate a simple and practical model to predict sHT after AIS (SHAIS) and compared the predictive value of the SHAIS score against the models of post-Reperfusion HT for sHT.Methods: Patients with AIS admitted within 24 h of onset were prospectively screened to develop and validate the SHAIS score. The primary outcome was sHT during hospitalization (within 30 days after onset), and the secondary outcomes were symptomatic sHT and parenchymal hematoma (PH). Clinical information, laboratory, and neuroimaging data were screened to construct the SHAIS score. We selected six commonly used scales for predicting HT after reperfusion therapy and compared their predictive ability for sHT with the SHAIS score using Delong's test.Results: The derivation cohort included 539 patients (mean age, 68.1 years; men, 61.4%), of whom 91 (16.9%) patients developed sHT with 25.3% (23/91) being symptomatic sHT and 62.6% (57/91) being PH. Five variables (atrial fibrillation, NIHSS score ≥ 10, hypodensity > 1/3 of middle cerebral artery territory, hyperdense artery sign, and anterior circulation infarction) composed the SHAIS score, which ranged from 0 to 11 points. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.86 (95% CI 0.82–0.91, p < 0.001) for the overall sHT, 0.85 (95% CI 0.76–0.92, p < 0.001) for symptomatic sHT, and 0.89 (95% CI 0.85–0.94, p < 0.001) for PH. No evidence of miscalibration of the SHAIS score was found to predict the overall sHT (p = 0.19), symptomatic sHT (p = 0.44), and PH (p = 0.22). The internal (n = 245) and external validation cohorts (n = 200) depicted similar predictive performance compared to the derivation cohort. The SHAIS score had a higher AUC to predict sHT than any of the six pre-Existing models (p < 0.05).Conclusions: The SHAIS score provides an easy-to-use model to predict sHT, which could help providers with decision-making about treatments with high bleeding risk, and to counsel patients and families on the baseline risk of HT, aligning expectations with probable outcomes.

Triple threat: pancreatic cystic lesion presenting with spontaneous hemorrhage is found to harbor three distinct neoplasms

BackgroundPancreatic serous cystadenoma (SCA) is a benign, cystic lesion with an indolent growth pattern. Complications such as spontaneous hemorrhage or malignant transformation from SCA are extremely rare. Our case report describes an unusual presentation of a patient with a previously diagnosed SCA, made unique by the presence of three separate neoplasms in the final specimen.Case presentationA 74-year-old male with a previous diagnosis of SCA presented emergently with epigastric pain and non-bilious vomiting. Laboratory results were notable for a hemoglobin of 8.3 g/dl. CT scan of the abdomen demonstrated a complex, solid-cystic mass in the pancreatic head with a large hematoma and questionable focus of active hemorrhage. Surgical resection was recommended due to the risk of malignancy, possibility of re-bleeding, and symptoms of severe duodenal compression. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed, and final pathology demonstrated three separate neoplasms: serous cystadenoma, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, and neuroendocrine tumor.ConclusionWhile pancreatic SCA are benign tumors that can be observed safely in the majority of cases, surgical intervention is often indicated in patients with large, symptomatic cysts or when diagnosis is unclear. When undergoing surveillance, it is crucial for both the patient and the care team to be aware of the possibility of rare, but life-threatening complications, such as hemorrhage. Likewise, the possibility of misdiagnosis or concurrent neoplasia should be considered.

Association Between Coagulation Function and Spontaneous Hemorrhagic Transformation in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) has an adverse effect on the prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke, and it is currently known associated with coagulation system. But the conclusion is not consistent and remains to be identified. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between coagulation function and spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation. Patients within 7 days from the onset of ischemic stroke who did not receive reperfusion therapy (thrombolysis or endovascular treatment) were included between January 2016 and October 2017. Coagulation function indicators, including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), international normalized ratio (INR), thrombin time (TT) and fibrinogen (FIB), were tested within 24 h after admission. HT was defined as hemorrhage presented on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) but not on baseline CT. We performed binary logistic regression to examine the association between coagulation function and HT. The coagulation indicators were entered into logistic regression analysis as continuous variables (per 1-unit/L increase) and four-categorized variables (with data collapsed into quartiles), respectively. A total of 1141 patients were included (mean age, 64 ± 15 years; 63.7% males). 102 patients experienced HT (8.9%), of whom 14 patients experienced symptomatic HT (sHT, 1.2%). After adjustment for confounders, TT in the highest quartile is inversely associated with risk of HT (as continuous variable, odds ratio [OR] 0.85; 95% confidence level [CI] 0.73-0.99, P = 0.042; as four-categorized variable, OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.18 - 0.7, P = 0.003). Whether as continuous variables or four-categorized variables, PT, INR, APTT and FIB had no association with HT. Not the whole process of coagulation function is associated with spontaneous HT. Prolonged TT, which may indicate an extension of the last step of the coagulation process, is independently and inversely associated with spontaneous HT in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Is a Therapeutic Biomarker for Spontaneous Hemorrhagic Transformation.

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio Is a Therapeutic Biomarker for Spontaneous Hemorrhagic Transformation.

Elevated homocysteine may result in an increased risk of spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation in patient with acute ischemic stroke

Elevated homocysteine may result in an increased risk of spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation in patient with acute ischemic stroke

Cerebral Microbleeds are Associated with Higher Mortality Among Ischemic Stroke Patients

Several studies have shown that cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) increase the risk of long-term stroke-related mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine if the existence and burden of CMBs are a predictor of in-hospital death among patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We studied consecutive ischemic stroke patients who admitted to our tertiary center over a 2-year period (2013-2014). Patients who underwent thrombolysis were excluded. Baseline characteristics of patients, number and topography of CMBs, white matter lesions, and spontaneous symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation were recorded. Outcome measure in our study was in-hospital death. Out of 1126 consecutive AIS patients evaluated in this study, 772 patients included in the study (mean age 61.9 ± 14.2years [18-95 years], 51.6% men, and 58.2% African American). CMBs were present on the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences of 124 (16.1%) patients. The overall rate of in-hospital mortality was 4.1%. The presence or absence of CMBs was not predictive of in-hospital mortality (P = .058). After adjusting for potential confounders, the presence of ≥4 CMBs on T2*-weighted MRI was independently (P = .004) associated with a higher likelihood of in-hospital death (odds ratio: 6.6, 95% confidential interval: 2.50 and 17.46) in multivariable logistic regression analyses. Older age, higher National Institute of Health stroke scale, and history of atrial fibrillation were also associated with greater chance of in-hospital death. The presence or absence of CMBs was not predictive of in-hospital mortality. However, the presence of multiple CMBs was associated with a higher in-hospital mortality rate among AIS patients.

Abstract TP327: Predictors of Spontaneous Hemorrhagic Transformation in Patients Not Treated With Recanalization Therapies

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is an important complication after ischemic stroke and might be associated with a worse clinical prognosis. Predictors of (HT) in patients treated with recanalization therapies were extensively evaluated, however predictors of spontaneous HT are less well described. Hypothesis: we evaluated the hypothesis that clinical and neuroimaging variables can predict spontaneous HT in patients with ischemic stroke. Methods: We evaluated patients admitted with ischemic stroke and not treated with recanalization therapies to a tertiary stroke center. The rates of hemorrhagic transformation were evaluated in follow up CT scans (within at least 24 hours), using the ECASS II criteria. Univariate predictors of HT were identified. We used logistic regression analysis to investigate independent predictors of HT. Results: A total of 258 patients were evaluated (mean age 64 ± 14,=6 years, 59.3% males.) The overall prevalence of HT was 21.3% (n = 55), with 45.5% (n = 25) of symptomatic HT. Patients with HT had higher NIHSS at admission (13 [10-15,5] versus 8 [4-17], p &lt;0.01), lower ASPECTS scores (7 [6-8] 9 [8-9] p&lt;0.01) and a trend towards being more hypertensive at admission (76.1% versus 68.1%, p=0.2). Cardio-aortic embolism was more frequent among patients with HT (39,3% versus 23,2%, p= 0.02). ASPECTS scores at admission (OR 0.60 (0.44-0.82) ≤0.01), admission glucose levels (OR 1.01 (1.01-1.01) p≤0.01), being hypertensive at admission (OR 3.03 (1.08-8.48) p=0.03) and having a previous history of coronary artery disease (OR 4.01 (1.24-12.93) p=0.02) were independent predictors of HT. Previous use of antithrombotic medications was not associated with HT. Patients with HT had a lower frequency of independence at discharge (mRS&lt;=2), p=0.03. Symptomatic and asymptomatic HT were associated with a higher chance of death during hospitalization (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1-11.20, p= 0.05 and OR 4.61, 95% CI 1.35-15, 71, p = 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: In conclusion, HT is not uncommon in acute ischemic stroke not treated with recanalization therapies. Clinical, neuroimaging and laboratorial data characteristics can be used to identify patients at higher risk for HT. Even asymptomatic HT seems to be associated with worse clinical outcomes

Frequency and determinants for hemorrhagic transformation of posterior cerebral stroke

Backgroundhemorrhagic transformation is a threatening ischemic stroke complication. Frequency of hemorrhagic transformation differs greatly among studies, and its risk factors have been usually studied in patients with anterior ischemic stroke who received thrombolytic therapy. We evaluated, in a hospital-based series of patients with posterior ischemic stroke not treated with thrombolysis, frequency and risk factors of hemorrhagic transformation. Patients with posterior circulation stroke were seen in our Department during the period January 2004 to December 2009. Demographic and clinical information were collected. We estimated risk for spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation by means of uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses.Results119 consecutive patients were included (73 males, 61.3%). Hemorrhagic transformation was observed in 7 patients (5.9%). Only clinical worsening was significantly associated with hemorrhagic transformation (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.3–34.5).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that patients with posterior have a low risk of spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation, suggesting that these patients might have greater advantage from intravenous thrombolysis.

Hemorrhagic transformation of acute ischemic stroke is limited in hypertensive patients with cardiac hypertrophy

BackgroundIt has been clearly demonstrated that hypertension and one of its main evoked effects, cardiac hypertrophy, are independent risk factors for ischemic stroke. However, the ischemic brain lesions can further be affected by a second wave of injury characterized by hemorrhagic transformation (HT) of the primary ischemic lesion, which significantly aggravates the clinical outcome. So far, the risk factors that could affect such a transition in hypertensive patients are still unclear. MethodsIn this study, we investigated whether in hypertensive patients the concomitant presence of cardiac hypertrophy can affect the transition of ischemic brain lesions toward HT. ResultsOur analysis was focused on a population of hypertensive patients admitted to our Acute Stroke Unit. The hypertensives with acute ischemic stroke suffering of HT were 18% of the sample. In these latter, the prevalence of cardiac hypertrophy was significantly lower than in those spared by HT as also shown by the levels of left ventricular mass index (LVMI) that were significantly higher in patients spared by HT. More important, cardiac hypertrophy was protective even from symptomatic HT. ConclusionHere we show that hypertensive patients with cardiac hypertrophy have less probability to develop HT during an acute episode of ischemic stroke. These results could help to identify patients with lower risk of spontaneous HT and that could have better beneficial effects from thrombolytic therapy during acute ischemic stroke.

Frequency and risk factors of spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation following ischemic stroke on the initial brain CT or MRI: data from the China National Stroke Registry (CNSR)

Objectives: There are few studies of spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after ischemic stroke (IS), and those that are available do not preclude the use of antithrombotic therapy after admission. We aimed to investigate the frequency and risk factors of spontaneous HT in patients who received no therapy between IS onset and the first instance of neurological imaging.Methods: We studied spontaneous HT using the China National Stroke Registry. Spontaneous HT was diagnosed on an initial computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan within 14 days of IS onset. The risk factors associated with spontaneous HT were assessed using univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression.Results: A total of 12,415 patients were diagnosed with IS, and among them, 114 (0.92%) had spontaneous HT. Multivariate analysis revealed that being female odds ratio (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.52–3.44, p < 0.0001), excess alcohol consumption (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.20–3.94, p = 0.0109), atrial fibrillation (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.26–3.66, p = 0.0051), and a prolonged period between IS onset and initial imaging (1–7 days: OR, 1.64, 95% CI, 1.11–2.42, p = 0.0131; 7–14 days: OR, 3.12, 95% CI, 1.53–6.40, p = 0.0018) were positively associated with spontaneous HT.Discussion: Spontaneous HT occurred in 0.92% of the patients with IS in the acute stage. Being female, excess alcohol consumption, atrial fibrillation, and a prolonged period between IS onset and initial imaging were associated with an increased risk of spontaneous HT.

Hepatic adenoma among adult survivors of childhood cancer.

117 Background: Hepatic adenoma is a rare and poorly understood benign epithelial neoplasm. Because of the potential for spontaneous hemorrhage, rupture, or malignant transformation; hepatic adenoma over 5 cm require resection. In the general population, the prevalence of hepatic adenoma is estimated at 1 in 100,000 and identified predominantly in obese females on oral contraceptives. An increased risk for hepatic adenoma among adult survivors of childhood and young adult cancer has not been previously reported Methods: Cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as demographic factors, medications, and comorbidities, were collected from the medical chart among patients with pathological confirmation of hepatic adenoma. All cases were patients diagnosed with a non-hepatic cancer before the age of 40 and seen at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Results: Twelve cases of hepatic adenoma were pathologically confirmed; seven patients (58%) had more than one adenoma. Eleven (92%) cases were female. The most common preceding cancer diagnosis was leukemia (N = 4; 33%). Five (42%) had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant with total body irradiation (TBI) as part of their preconditioning regimen. Cases were not as a rule obese; median body mass index was 22.2 kg/m2 (range, 17.6-31.0 kg/m2). All eleven females had a history of current or prior hormone therapy with estrogen and progesterone; the single male case was hypogonadal as a result of radiation therapy to the testes during treatment for acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and was receiving testosterone therapy at the time of chart review. Eight patients (67%) had hypothyroidism and two (17%) were taking anti-epileptic drugs. Only two patients (17%) were monitored radiographically following biopsy; seven patients (58%) underwent hepatic resection and three (25%) underwent embolization. No patient had significant blood loss or has been observed to undergo malignant transformation, although follow-up is ongoing. Conclusions: Adult survivors of childhood and young adult cancer, particularly females with a history of current or prior hormone therapy, may be at increased risk for hepatic adenoma. Further investigation of this potentially morbid condition is warranted.

Reduction in Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) Results in an Increased Risk of Spontaneous Hemorrhagic Transformation in Patients with Large-artery Atherosclerosis Stroke.

The association between chronic kidney disease and spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke is seldom reported. We performed this study to identify whether reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is associated with spontaneous HT in acute ischemic stroke patients, and examine whether the association depends on stroke etiology. Patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke whose serum creatinine levels at admission were available were consecutively and prospectively enrolled in the Chengdu Stroke Registry Database. All were analyzed on admission by cranial computed tomography (CT) scanning, followed by regular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 2-3 days later and afterwards CT scan if neurological symptoms deteriorated. HT was defined based on the MRI or later CT, and eGFR was calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed to determine whether reduced eGFR, defined as < 60 ml/min/1.73m2, was associated with spontaneous HT. The association was also assessed in subgroups of patients classified according to the criteria of the Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST). Of the 1,645 patients enrolled, 123 (7.5%) developed spontaneous HT and 215 (13.1%) had reduced eGFR. Reduced eGFR was significantly associated with increased risk of spontaneous HT in all ischemic stroke patients (OR 1.821, 95% CI 1.081 to 3.06, P=0.024), and in the subgroup of large artery atherosclerosis, not in the cardio-embolism stroke group (OR 1.588, 95% CI 0.642 to 3.782, P=0.327). Reduced eGFR did not increase the risk of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (OR 0.937, 95%CI 0.247 to 3.577, P=0.924). In conclusion, reduced eGFR was significantly associated with increased risk of spontaneous HT in all ischemic stroke patients, and in large artery atherosclerosis, not in cardio-embolism stroke. Reduced eGFR did not increase the risk of symptomatic HT.

“Cardioembolic Profile” in Patients with Ischemic Stroke: Data from the Analysis of 1037 Cases

Basing on easily available clinical and instrumental data, we aimed to define an "atrial fibrillation profile" able to discriminate cases of stroke due to atrial fibrillation from cases due to atherothrombosis of large vessels or small-vessel disease. A total of 1037 consecutive patients with ischemic stroke were enrolled. Cases with undetermined stroke, rare causes, and cardioembolic sources of emboli other than atrial fibrillation were excluded from further analysis. Thus, 653 patients were evaluated, dividing them into 2 groups for comparison (164 with stroke due to atrial fibrillation and 489 with atherothrombotic/lacunar stroke). Clinical, echocardiography, and neuroradiologic data were considered to characterize such groups. Atrial fibrillation and atherothrombotic-lacunar group presented a differential phenotypic profile. Binary multiple logistic regression identified age older than 75years, female sex, left atrial dilation, cortical-subcortical cerebral index infarct, ischemic lesions in multiple vascular grounds, and spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation of brain infarction as significant predictors of cardioembolic stroke due to atrial fibrillation. A simple profile, based on commonly available data, seems suitable to characterize patients with stroke due to atrial fibrillation. If further validated, it may be useful to identify patients with undetermined stroke (or other well-defined causes of stroke) at high risk of being affected by undetected subclinical paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, prompting further diagnostic work-up and with potential therapeutic implication.

Incidence and risk factors of spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation in cardioembolism and large artery atherosclerotic infarction

To explore the incidence and risk factors for spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation (HT) of cardioembolism (CE, n=150) and large artery atherosclerotic infarction (LAA, n=370). The incidence of HT was 29.3% in CE. And it was significantly higher than 9.7% (P<0.05). Infarct size, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score were independent predictors of spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation in LAA. OR values were 3.92, 2.96 and 1.45 respectively. Infarct size, admission NIHSS score and random blood glucose level were independent predictors of spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation in CE. OR values were 4.86, 2.42 and 1.42 respectively. As compared with LAA, CE was more prone to HT. LAA and CE-related factors of hemorrhagic transformation are not completely identical. Key words: Cerebral infarction; Spontaneous hemorrhagic transformation; Risk factors