Stroke In Individuals Research Articles

Incident stroke in patients with Alzheimer\u2019s disease: systematic review and meta-analysis

Vascular mechanisms are increasingly recognized in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but less is known about the occurrence of stroke in AD patients. We aimed to quantify the risk of stroke in patients with AD and compare the incidence rates (IR) of stroke in individuals without AD. Systematic search of Embase and MEDLINE between 1970 and 2020. Inclusion criteria: reports with ≥ 50 patients with non-familial AD, which reported the occurrence of stroke (all types) and/or ischemic stroke and/or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) during follow-up. Meta-analyses of pooled data using random-effects model were performed. IR were calculated for each study. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated for studies presenting a control-group without AD. Among 5109 retrieved studies, 29 (0.6%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria, reporting a total of 61,824 AD patients. In AD patients the IR were 15.4/1000 person-years for stroke (all types), 13.0/1000 person-years for ischemic stroke and 3.4/1000 person-years for ICH. When compared to controls without AD, incidence rate for ICH in AD patients was significantly higher (IRR = 1.67, 95%CI 1.43–1.96), but similar for ischemic stroke. Incident stroke is not a rare event in AD population. AD is associated with an increased risk of intracerebral hemorrhage which warrants further clarification.

Hypothesis of \u201cstroke-stop\u201d formula: a tool for risk index determination in development of acute cerebrovascular disease in asymptomatic individuals with carotid stenosis

BackgroundExtracranial carotid artery disease is considered a risk factor for developing acute cerebrovascular diseases. The paper suggests the “Stroke-Stop” formula as hypothesis for the determination of the risk of developing stroke in asymptomatic individuals with carotid stenosis. The formula is based on a mathematical calculation of the major risk factors for stroke: the degree of ICA (internal carotid artery) stenosis, the morphological structure of the atherosclerotic plaque and the level of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) concentration.MethodsThe cross sectional study included 70 patients with atherosclerotic ICA stenosis. Among vascular inflammatory markers, Lp-PLA2 was determined with concentration 252.7–328.6 mg/l. The obtained results were evaluated using descriptive statistics (the frequency, percentage ratio) as well as the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square test.ResultsThe risk of stroke development is eminently increasing with the progression of ICA stenosis and elevation of Lp-PLA2 levels. In patients with echolucent plaque, the risk of stroke development was significantly higher in correlation with patients with echogenic plaque. Based on calculations using “Stroke-Stop” formula, three main groups were generated: low (< 70 points), medium (70–100 points) and high (> 100 points) risk of stroke development.ConclusionsHypothesis of “Stroke-Stop” formula is proposed for better selection of patients who should be indicated for surgical treatment and will be evaluated in prospective study. In order to verify this hypothesis, we plan to do prospective study using “Stroke-Stop” formula for ipsilateral annual stroke rate in asymptomatic individuals with carotid stenosis who receive conservative therapy.

IL6 trans-signaling associates with ischemic stroke but not with atrial fibrillation

BackgroundPro-inflammatory processes underlie ischemic stroke, albeit it is largely unknown if they selectively associate with the risk of atherothrombotic or cardioembolic ischemic stroke. Here we analyze whether pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL) 6 trans-signaling, is associated with the risk of ischemic stroke and underlying atrial fibrillation (AF).MethodsDuring a 20-year follow-up, 203 incident ischemic strokes were recorded from national registers in the cohort of 60-year-old men and women from Stockholm (n = 4232). The risk of ischemic stroke associated with circulating IL6 trans-signaling, assessed by a ratio between the pro-inflammatory binary IL6:sIL6R complex and the inactive ternary IL6:sIL6R:sgp130 complex (B/T ratio), was estimated by Cox regression and expressed as hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) in the presence or absence of AF. Risk estimates were adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors and anticoagulant treatment. In a secondary analysis, the association of IL6 trans-signaling with the risk of incident AF (n = 279) was analyzed.ResultsB/T ratio > median was associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke in study participants without AF (adjusted HR 1.49; 95% CI 1.08–2.06), while an association could not be demonstrated in the presence of AF. Moreover, the B/T ratio was not associated with the risk of AF (HR 0.96; 95% CI 0.75–1.24).ConclusionsPro-inflammatory IL6 trans-signaling, estimated by the B/T ratio, is associated with ischemic stroke in individuals without AF. These findings suggest that the B/T ratio could be used to assess the risk of non-AF associated ischemic stroke.

Could the systemic immune-inflammation index be a predictor to estimate cerebrovascular events in hypertensive patients?

Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Inflammatory processes occupy an important place in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Many studies have studied inflammatory markers responsible for the onset of hypertension and organ damage. In this study, we investigated whether the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) (platelet × neutrophil/lymphocyte), - one of the new inflammatory markers - can be used to predict cerebrovascular events in hypertensive patients. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring results between January 2019 and June 2020 of approximately 379 patients followed up with hypertension were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into two groups as with or without a previous cerebrovascular event in the analyzed database. In all patients, complete blood count and biochemistry test results just before the cerebrovascular event were found from the database. SII, atherogenic index, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio were calculated from the complete blood count. Forty-nine patients with stroke (group 1: 12.9%; mean age: 64.3 ± 14.6) and 330 patients without stroke (group 2: 87.1%; mean age: 50.8 ± 14.4). Ambulatory blood pressure measurements were lower in group 1. Lipid parameters were also lower in this group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that SII had a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 84.8 % for stroke in individuals who participated in the study when the cutoff value of SII was 633.26 × 103 (P = 0.0001) area under curve (95%); 0.898 (0.856-0.941). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age and SII were significantly associated with a higher risk of stroke. Age, (hazard ratio:1.067; 95% CI, 1.021-1.115), SII (hazard ratio:1.009; 95% CI, 1.000-1.009), respectively. In conclusion, SII is a simple, useful new inflammatory parameter for predicting stroke from hypertension. We found that the high SII levels increase the risk of stroke in hypertensive patients.

Epidemiology and risk factors for stroke in young individuals: implications for prevention.

Summarize and examine the epidemiology, etiologies, risk factors, and treatment of stroke among young adults and highlight the importance of early recognition, treatment, and primordial prevention of risk factors that lead to stroke. Incidence of stroke, predominantly ischemic, among young adults has increased over the past two decades. This parallels an increase in traditional risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and use of tobacco, and use of illicit substances among young stroke patients. Compared to older patients, there is a much higher proportion of intracerebral and subarachnoid hemorrhage in young adults. The cause of ischemic stroke in young adults is also more diverse compared to older adults with 1/3rd classified as stroke of undetermined etiology due to inadequate effort or time spent on investigating these diverse and rare etiologies. Young premature Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease patients have suboptimal secondary prevention care compared to older patients with lower use of antiplatelets and statin therapy and lower adherence to statins. Among young patients, time-critical diagnosis and management remain challenging, due to atypical stroke presentations, vast etiologies, statin hesitancy, and provider clinical inertia. Early recognition and aggressive risk profile modification along with primary and secondary prevention therapy optimization are imperative to reduce the burden of stroke among young adults and save potential disability-adjusted life years.

The risk of ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke in Chinese adults with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations

BackgroundThe risk of stroke in individuals with very low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations remains high. We sought to prioritize predictive risk factors for stroke in Chinese participants with LDL-C concentrations < 70 mg/dL using a survival conditional inference tree, a machine learning method.MethodsThe training dataset included 9327 individuals with LDL-C concentrations < 70 mg/dL who were free of cardiovascular diseases and did not use lipid-modifying drugs from the Kailuan I study (N = 101,510). We examined the validity of this algorithm in a second Chinese cohort of 1753 participants with LDL-C concentrations < 70 mg/dL from the Kailuan II study (N = 35,856).ResultsDuring a mean 8.5–9.0-year follow-up period, we identified 388 ischemic stroke cases and 145 hemorrhagic stroke cases in the training dataset and 20 ischemic stroke cases and 8 hemorrhagic stroke cases in the validation dataset. Of 15 examined predictors, poorly controlled blood pressure and very low LDL-C concentrations (≤ 40 mg/dL) were the top hierarchical predictors of both ischemic stroke risk and hemorrhagic stroke risk. The groups, characterized by the presence of 2–3 of aforementioned risk factors, were associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke (hazard ratio (HR) 7.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.01–9.85 in the training dataset; HR 4.68, 95%CI 1.58–13.9 in the validation dataset) and hemorrhagic stroke (HR 3.94, 95%CI 2.54–6.11 in the training dataset; HR 4.73, 95%CI 0.81–27.6 in the validation dataset), relative to the lowest risk groups (presence of 0–1 of these factors). There was a linear association between cumulative average LDL-C concentrations and stroke risk. LDL-C concentrations ≤ 40 mg/dL was significantly associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke (HR 2.07, 95%CI 1.53, 2.80) and hemorrhagic stroke (HR 2.70, 95%CI 1.70, 4.30) compared to LDL-C concentrations of 55–70 mg/dL, after adjustment for age, hypertension status, and other covariates.ConclusionIndividuals with extremely low LDL-C concentrations without previous lipid-modifying treatment could still be at high stroke risk.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiCTR-TNRC-11001489. Registered on 24-08-2011.

Differences in Hypercapnia‐Induced Cerebral Vasodilation Between Young, Black Men and Women

In the U.S., stroke prevalence and age-adjusted mortality are greater in the black population than all other racial/ethnic groups. Further, black women (BW) exhibit an ~15% lower age-adjusted stroke mortality than black men (BM), suggesting either cerebrovascular protection in BW or cerebrovascular impairment in BM. While the mechanisms underlying the increased burden of stroke in black individuals remain incompletely understood, vascular dysfunction likely contributes to these negative health outcomes. Our group and others have previously demonstrated impaired vasodilation in the brachial artery, cutaneous microvasculature, and cerebral vasculature in black versus white men and women. However, investigations into gender differences in young, black individuals' cerebral vasodilatory responsiveness remain lacking. Therefore, this study tested the hypothesis that BW and BM exhibit divergent cerebral vasodilatory responses to a rebreathing-induced hypercapnic stimulus. To test this hypothesis, 11 BW and 15 BM (mean ± SD; age: 22 ± 4 vs. 23 ± 3) participated in this study. Each participant was instrumented for the continuous measurement of end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration (PETCO2; capnograph), beat-to-beat mean arterial pressure (MAP; finger photoplethysmography), and middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv; transcranial Doppler ultrasound) at baseline and during rebreathing induced-hypercapnia. Absolute cerebral vascular conductance index (CVCi = MCAv/MAP) and percent change CVCi (ΔCVCi = [CVCiΔPETCO2 – CVCiBL]/CVCiBL • 100) were calculated at baseline and a ΔPETCO2 of 3, 6, 9, and 12 mmHg (only 8 BW were analyzed at 12 mmHg due to some individuals not reaching this stage). No differences in MAP were observed between BW and BM at baseline or any ΔPETCO2 (BL: 91 ± 9 vs. 89 ± 7 mmHg; Δ3: 88 ± 11 vs. 88 ± 9 mmHg; Δ6: 93 ± 8 vs. 89 ± 8 mmHg; Δ9: 94 ± 8 vs. 90 ± 9 mmHg; Δ12: 95 ± 10 vs. 91 ± 9 mmHg; interaction P = 0.11). At baseline, BW had a greater absolute CVCi than BM (0.80 ± 0.10 vs. 0.68 ± 0.13 cm/s/mmHg; P = 0.04). This pattern was also observed at each ΔPETCO2 stage (Δ3: 0.91 ± 0.11 vs. 0.67 ± 0.13 cm/s/mmHg; Δ6: 0.98 ± 0.10 vs. 0.71 ± 0.12 cm/s/mmHg; Δ9: 1.04 ± 0.09 vs. 0.78 ± 0.13 cm/s/mmHg; Δ12: 1.11 ± 0.11 vs. 0.80 ± 0.16 cm/s/mmHg; all P < 0.001). Despite the baseline differences between groups, BW still exhibited a greater ΔCVCi at each stage of ΔPETCO2 than BM (Δ3: 12.9 ± 5.3 vs. 0.1 ± 9.4%; Δ6: 23.0 ± 6.8 vs. 5.5 ± 10.2%; Δ9: 29.9 ± 12.9 vs. 16.0 ± 11.2%; Δ12: 40.7 ± 16.8 vs. 19.0 ± 12.3%; all P < 0.05). These data suggest that young, BW exhibit greater cerebrovascular responsiveness to a hypercapnic stimulus relative to young, BM, which may partially explain the lower age-adjusted stroke mortality in BW. However, the mechanisms responsible for these observed differences remain undetermined and should be the subject of future research.

A Rare Case of Evolocumab Induced Atrial Fibrillation

Evolocumab, a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitor (PCSK9i) is a novel low-density lipoprotein (LDL) lowering agent that has been recently approved by the FDA to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization in individuals with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering agents, and for treatment of patients with primary hyperlipidemia including familial hypercholesterolemia

The impact of parental risk factors on the risk of stroke in type 1 diabetes

BackgroundIndividuals with type 1 diabetes have a markedly increased risk of stroke. In the general population, genetic predisposition has been linked to increased risk of stroke, but this has not been assessed in type 1 diabetes. Our aim was, therefore, to study how parental risk factors affect the risk of stroke in individuals with type 1 diabetes.MethodsThis study represents an observational follow-up of 4011 individuals from the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy Study, mean age at baseline 37.6 ± 11.9 years. All strokes during follow-up were verified from medical records or death certificates. The strokes were classified as either ischemic or hemorrhagic. All individuals filled out questionnaires concerning their parents’ medical history of hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and/or myocardial infarction.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 12.4 (10.9–14.2) years, 188 individuals (4.6%) were diagnosed with their first ever stroke; 134 were ischemic and 54 hemorrhagic. In Cox regression analysis, a history of maternal stroke increased the risk of hemorrhagic stroke, hazard ratio 2.86 (95% confidence interval 1.27–6.44, p = 0.011) after adjustment for sex, age, BMI, retinal photocoagulation, and diabetic kidney disease. There was, however, no association between maternal stroke and ischemic stroke. No other associations between parental risk factors and ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke were observed.ConclusionA history of maternal stroke increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Other parental risk factors seem to have limited impact on the risk of stroke.

CCM2L (Cerebral Cavernous Malformation 2 Like) Deletion Aggravates Cerebral Cavernous Malformation Through Map3k3-KLF Signaling Pathway.

[Figure: see text].

Newly Diagnosed Leptospirosis and Subsequent Hemorrhagic Stroke: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

Preceding infection as an important risk factor for ischemic stroke has been reported but neglected for hemorrhagic stroke, especially in young and middle-aged patients. This study investigates whether newly diagnosed leptospirosis is associated with an increased risk of stroke. We identified 3699 in-patients who were aged ≥18 years and newly diagnosed with leptospirosis. We also randomly selected a comparison cohort 14 796 in-patients from the general population by using a propensity score matching method (at a 1:4 ratio). We analyzed the risks of stroke by using Cox proportional hazard regression models. The adjusted hazard ratio (HR; 95% CI) of stroke for the leptospirosis group was 1.14 (0.93-1.38; P=0.200) as opposed to the comparison group after adjusting sex, age, and comorbidities. However, adjusted HR (95% CI) of ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke was 1.01 (0.80-1.29) and 1.58 (1.12-2.23), respectively. The strength of association between leptospirosis and hemorrhagic stroke remained statistically significant after variation of leptospirosis and stroke definitions. The post hoc subgroup analysis indicated that a patient with leptospirosis had a significantly greater risk of hemorrhagic stroke in male (adjusted HR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.08-2.44]) and individuals between age 18 and 39 (adjusted HR, 3.67 [95% CI, 1.33-10.14]). The risk of hemorrhagic stroke among people with leptospirosis was highest in the first 2 years after diagnosis (adjusted HR, 1.97 [95% CI, 1.15-3.38]). A 2.49-fold risk of stroke was found among the leptospirosis cohort of aged younger than 39 years. Age acted as an effect modifier between the leptospirosis and risk of new-onset stroke.

Weight change during middle age and risk of stroke and coronary heart disease: The Japan Public Health Center–based Prospective Study

Background and aimsThe impact of weight changes in middle age on the incidence of cardiovascular disease has not been well elucidated. We investigated whether a 5-year weight change was associated with risk of stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD) in middle-aged individuals. MethodsWe analyzed data of 74,928 participants aged 40–69 years who provided responses to the baseline and 5-year follow-up questionnaires in the Japan Public Health Center–based Prospective Study. Weight change was calculated by subtracting self-reported weight at baseline from that at 5-year follow-up. Stroke and CHD events were confirmed by reviewing hospital records. ResultsDuring 997,406 person-years of follow-up, we documented 3,975 stroke and 914 CHD events. The multivariable HRs of stroke for losing ≥5 kg compared to stable weight (change ≤2 kg) was 1.17 (95% CI, 1.01–1.37) in men versus 1.33 (1.13–1.57) for losing ≥5 kg and 1.61 (1.36–1.92) for gaining ≥5 kg in women (U-shaped association). These associations did not change after the exclusion of early events. The multivariable HR of CHD for gaining ≥5 kg was 1.22 (0.95–1.58) in men. After exclusion of early events within another 5 years, that positive association became stronger [multivariable HR 1.34 (1.00–1.82)]. ConclusionsWeight gain during middle age was associated with an increased risk of stroke in women and an increased risk of CHD in men. Weight loss was associated with an increased risk of stroke in both men and women.

Metabolically healthy obesity and risk of stroke: a meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies.

BackgroundMetabolic healthy obesity (MHO) is a unique subgroup of overweight and obese individuals with normal metabolic characteristics. Its association with the risk of stroke remains unclear. We aimed to examine the risk of stroke in MHO individuals and the further associations between stroke and metabolic abnormalities under different bodyweight conditions.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library from December 1946 to January 2019, and only included prospective cohort studies. Random effects models were used to evaluate the pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of incident stroke.ResultsA total of eight studies comprising 4,256,888 participants were included in the meta-analysis. MHO individuals had an increased risk of stroke compared with metabolically healthy normal weight (MH-NW) individuals (RR =1.17, 95% CI: 1.11–1.23). However, the stroke risk of metabolically healthy overweight individuals was the same (RR =1.02, 95% CI: 0.84–1.23). All groups with unhealthy metabolism had a similarly elevated risk: normal weight (RR =1.83, 95% CI: 1.57–2.14), overweight (RR =1.93, 95% CI: 1.44–2.58), and obesity (RR =2.00, 95% CI: 1.40–2.87).ConclusionsThe meta-analysis confirms a positive association between MHO phenotype and the risk of stroke. Individuals with metabolic abnormalities under different bodyweight conditions are at elevated risk.

Hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: incidence, risk factors, and pathogenesis - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: In this study, we aimed to determine the global prevalence, chronological order of symptom appearance, and mortality rates with regard to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to discuss possible pathogeneses of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke in individuals with the disease. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for relevant articles published up to November 8, 2020. Data regarding study characteristics, hemorrhagic stroke, ischemic stroke, and COVID-19 were retrieved in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the eligible studies. The pooled prevalence and mortality rate of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke were calculated. Results: The pooled estimate of prevalence of hemorrhagic stroke was 0.46% (95% CI 0.40%-0.53%; I 2 =89.81%) among 67,155 COVID-19 patients and that of ischemic stroke was 1.11% (95% CI 1.03%-1.22%; I 2 =94.07%) among 58,104 COVID-19 patients. Ischemic stroke was more predominant (incidence: 71.58%) than hemorrhagic stroke (incidence: 28.42%) in COVID-19 patients who experienced a stroke. In COVID-19 patients who experienced a stroke, hospital admission with respiratory symptoms was more commonly reported than that with neurological symptoms (20.83% for hemorrhagic stroke and 5.51% for ischemic stroke versus 6.94% for hemorrhagic stroke and 5.33% for ischemic stroke, respectively). The pooled mortality rate of COVID-19 patients who experienced a hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke was 44.72% (95% CI 36.73%-52.98%) and 36.23% (95% CI 30.63%-42.24%), respectively. Conclusions: Although the occurrence of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke is low, the mortality rates of both stroke types in patients with COVID-19 are concerning, and therefore, despite several potential pathogeneses that have been proposed, studies aimed at definitively elucidating the mechanisms of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke in individuals with COVID-19 are warranted. PROSPERO registration: CRD42020224470 (04/12/20).

Association of rs3025058 polymorphism with the development of stroke in patients with cardiovascular pathology

To study the association of single-nucleotide polymorphismrs3025058(5а/6а) with the development of stroke in patients of the East Siberian population with cardiovascular pathology and risk factors for its development. The study involved 260 patients with stroke (age [57.0; 51.062.0]) and 272 patients of the control group (age [55.0; 51.062.0]). Among the patients who underwent stroke, 157 men and 103 women. The control group included 170 men and 102 women. The examination of the main group included: collection of complaints, anamnesis, clinical examination, computed tomography of the brain, electrocardiography, echocardioscopy, ultrasound duplex scanning of the extracranial brachiocephalic arteries, 24-hour monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate, analysis of the blood coagulation system. The patients of the main group had the following cardiovascular pathology and risk factors: arterial hypertension, paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis of extracranial brachiocephalic arteries, disorders of the hemostasis system. The control group was examined within the framework of the international project HAPIEE. Molecular genetic research was carried out by real-time PCR. Statistical processing of the material was carried out using the Statistica for Windows 7.0, Excel and SPSS 22 application software. The study established statistically significant associations between the 5a/5a genotype and the 5a allele and stroke in the general group of patients, as well as in the subgroup of men, subgroups of patients with extracranial brachiocephalic arteries atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia. In the subgroup of patients with cardiac arrhythmias, statistically significant results were obtained only for allele 5a, and in the subgroup of women with stroke, subgroups of patients with arterial hypertension and hypercoagulation, no significant associations ofrs3025058(5a/6a) polymorphism with stroke were found. Genotype 5a/5a and allele 5a of the single-nucleotide polymorphismrs3025058(5а/6а) increase the risk of stroke in individuals from the East Siberian population, including those in the presence of such risk factors as extracranial brachiocephalic arteries atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia.

Stroke epidemiology and COVID-19 pandemic.

The aim of this study was to describe the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the epidemiology, cause and clinical characteristics of incident stroke in different settings and populations. Several studies have shown that there are three main themes in the epidemiology of stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic: COVID-19 seems to be associated with stroke in a significant number of patients. This association has been reported in several clinical series, mainly from China. There is a consistent trend towards a decreased number of hospital admissions of stroke patients during the pandemic. There are no population-based data available on incident stroke in individuals with COVID-19. In this review, we report on increased rates and severe prognosis of ischemic stroke among individuals with COVID-19, probably explained by hypercoagulability and inflammation, documented since the early phase of disease.We confirm the presence of falling rates of new ischemic stroke admissions in hospitals, probably due to social consequences of the pandemic: fear to be infected or not adequately treated in the hospital. This phenomenon is restricted to mild stroke and transient ischemic attacks.Short and long-term consequences of this trend of new strokes in the pandemic need to be evaluated.

Predisposing factors and radiological features in patients with internal carotid artery dissection or vertebral artery dissection

BackgroundCervicocerebral artery dissection is an important cause of ischemic stroke in young and middle-aged individuals. However, very few studies have compared the differential features between internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) and vertebral artery dissection (VAD), including both cervical and intracranial artery dissections. We conducted a study to investigate the predisposing factors and radiological features in patients with ICAD or VAD.MethodsAll cases diagnosed with cervicocerebral artery dissection, ICAD, or VAD were identified through a medical records database, between January 2010 and January 2020. Baseline characteristics, predisposing factors, and radiological features of ICAD versus VAD were compared.ResultsA total of 140 patients with cervicocerebral artery dissection were included in the study, including 84 patients in the ICAD group and 56 in the VAD group. The mean age of patients in the ICAD and VAD groups was 43.37 ± 14.01 and 41.00 ± 12.98 years old, respectively. Patients with ICAD were more likely to be men compared with VAD (85.71% vs. 67.86%, p = 0.012). The frequency of hypertension, diabetes, smoking, drinking, and cervical trauma did not differ between ICAD and VAD. Dissections of ICAD were more frequently at the extracranial portions of the artery compared with those of VAD (70.24% vs. 44.64%, p = 0.003). In contrast, dissections of VAD were more common in the intracranial artery (55.36% vs. 29.76%, p = 0.003). Radiologically, double lumen (36.90% vs. 19.64%, p = 0.029) and intimal flap (11.90% vs. 1.79%, p = 0.029) were more frequently observed in ICAD than in VAD, and dissecting aneurysms were less frequent (13.10% vs. 26.79%, p = 0.041).ConclusionsThe distributions of cervical and intracranial artery dissections were different between ICAD and VAD. The frequencies of radiological features detected in patients with ICAD and VAD also differed.

Plasma Ionized Calcium and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: 106 774 Individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study

Abstract Background Circulating total calcium or albumin-adjusted calcium is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. As the biologically active ionized calcium is a physiologically more relevant measure and its association with cardiovascular disease is poorly understood, we tested the hypothesis that high plasma ionized calcium is associated with higher risk of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke in individuals in the general population. Methods We included 106 774 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study, and defined hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia by the lowest and highest 2.5 percentiles, respectively, using the central 95% reference interval. Information on myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke was from registries and risks calculated using Cox regression and Fine and Gray competing-risks regression. Results During a median follow-up of 9.2 years, 4932 individuals received a diagnosis of either myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. Hypercalcemia was associated with subdistribution hazard ratios of 1.67 (95%CI: 1.05–2.67) for myocardial infarction, 1.28 (0.81–2.02) for ischemic stroke, and of 1.54 (1.10–2.15) for the combined endpoint compared to individuals with plasma ionized calcium within the reference interval; hypocalcemia was not associated with cardiovascular disease. In models using plasma ionized calcium as a continuous variable, the associations were nonlinear; above the median, each 0.1 mmol/L higher plasma ionized calcium was associated with a hazard ratio of 1.31(1.02–1.68) for myocardial infarction, 1.21 (0.95–1.54) for ischemic stroke, and of 1.28 (1.08–1.53) for the combined endpoint. Conclusions High plasma ionized calcium is associated with higher risk of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke compared to plasma ionized calcium within the reference interval.

Risk of stroke in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy is associated with depressed LV function but not with LV myocardial fibrosis or apical aneurysm: a study using cardiovascular magnetic resonance

Abstract Background Chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) is classically related to higher occurrence of thromboembolic events, especially stroke, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). However, risk factors for stroke in patients with CCC but no atrial fibrillation have not been well established. Purpose We aimed to assess the relationship between left ventricular (LV) structure and function, as evaluated with cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), with stroke in individuals with CCC. Methods We prospectively collected data from 141 patients with CCC who underwent CMR from October 2009 to December 2013 and who were thereafter followed for a median period of 6.8 years. The outcome was the occurrence of stroke during the follow-up period. The only exclusion criteria were history of previous stroke, AF or use of oral anticoagulant (OAC) at the time of CMR. CMR-derived LV parameters were: LV ejection fraction (LVEF), extension of LV myocardial fibrosis, assessed by late gadolinium enhancement, and presence of LV apical aneurysm. LVEF was classified as follows: (I) normal ≥55%; (II) mid-range &amp;lt;55% and ≥40%; and (III) reduced &amp;lt;40%. Age and gender were covariates in the adjusted Cox proportional hazard model. Results Of the initial 141 CCC participants, 25 subjects were excluded due to previous stroke (n=2), history of AF (n=11), or use of OAC (n=12). The remaining 116 individuals had a mean age of 56±14 years, 51% women. Normal, mid-range and reduced LVEF were found in 48 (41%), 43 (37%), and 25 (22%) patients, respectively. Myocardial fibrosis was detected in 79 of 111 (71%) subjects in whom the detection method was feasible. The extension of LV fibrosis was evaluated as a median of 4.6% [interquartile range: 0–10]. LV apical aneurysm was identified in 36 (31%) patients. During the follow-up (median 6.8 years), stroke was reported in 9 participants. In the univariate analysis, reduced LVEF was significantly associated with higher risk of stroke compared to normal LVEF (HR: 9.2, 95% CI: 1.8–48.4), while there was no significant difference between mid-range and normal LVEF (HR: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.2–8.2). The association of reduced LVEF and stroke remained significant in the multivariable model, adjusted for age and gender (HR: 12.6, 95% CI: 1.9–83.2). Kaplan-Meier curves are presented in figure 1 (logrank p-value &amp;lt;0.001). Neither the extension of LV myocardial fibrosis (HR: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.9–1.1) nor the presence of LV apical aneurysm (HR: 1.9, 95% CI: 0.5–7.2) was related to higher risk of stroke. Conclusion In patients with CCC, reduced LVEF assessed by CMR, but not LV fibrosis or presence of apical aneurysm, was a significant predictor of stroke. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None

Structural and functional atrial remodelling after transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale

Abstract Introduction Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common abnormality affecting more than 20% of the adult population. For most people they are accidental findings; however, in some the PFO can open widely enabling paradoxical embolisation. Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated in patients with cryptogenic stroke that transcatheter closure of PFO with a septal occluder device is associated with reduced rates of recurrent stroke. However, the impact of atrial septal closure on left atrial (LA) and right atrial (RA) structural and functional remodelling is less known. Methods We prospectively enrolled 53 patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke and PFO eligible for transcatheter PFO closure (mean age 46±11 years, 44% females). National Institute of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS), and the modified Rankin score (mRS) were calculated as markers of clinical severity of the index stroke. Presence of any shunt, atrial volumes and functional parameters were evaluated including LA reservoir, conduit and contraction function before PFO closure and 12 months after procedure. Beyond conventional transthoracic echocardiography (Philips Epiq CVx Ultrasound), two dimensional speckle tracking method was used to assess body surface area-indexed LA maximal volume (LAVmaxi), LA minimal volume (LAVmini), LA volume before left atrial contraction (LApreAi), LA ejection fraction (LAEF), LA reservoir strain (LASres), LA conduit strain (LAScond), LA contraction strain (LAScontr), LA peak systolic strain rates (LASRs), LA peak early diastolic strain rate (LASRe) and LA peak late diastolic strain rate (LASRa) using dedicated software on separate workstation (Cardiac Performance; TomTec Imaging, Unterschleissheim, Germany). Results The index stroke was modest and non-disabling, with an NIHSS 3.37±2.63 and mRS 1.67±1.06. Baseline LA, RA volumes and dimensions were in normal range (LAVi 25.5±9.6 ml/m2; LA length 37.6±6.2 mm; LA width 40.4±7.1 mm; RA length 36.6±6.7 mm; RA width 39.5±8.6 mm). Thirty-seven patient had 12 month clinical follow-up examinations revealing no significant differences (all p values &amp;gt;0.05) in atrial volumes, ejection fraction and strain parameters. LASRa was significantly lower after 12 month (p=0.03; baseline LASRa −1.7±0.7 s–1 vs follow-up LASRa −1.3±0.9 s–1) No new cerebral ischaemic events, aortic erosions, atrial fibrillation, significant residual shunts or device thrombosis and displacement were recorded during the follow-up. Conclusion PFO-associated strokes in young individuals are mainly non-disabling. Our study suggests that transcatheter interatrial closure is effective without promoting unfavourable atrial anatomical remodelling during short-term follow-up, however, it may affect active atrial contraction. Long-term follow-up examinations are needed to investigate the potential late impact of occluders on atrial anatomical, functional remodelling. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None