Transient Ischemic Events Research Articles

Dual Antiplatelet Therapy with Prasugrel or Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel in Interventional Cardiology

For several years, clopidogrel plus aspirin has been the dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) of choice for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation. More recently, prasugrel and ticagrelor have demonstrated greater efficacy than clopidogrel. In TRITON-TIMI 38, the risk of TIMI major bleeding unrelated to coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery was similar for prasugrel and clopidogrel after excluding subgroups with increased bleeding risk (previous stroke or transient ischemic event; age ≥75 years; weight <60 kg). In the PLATO trial, rates of TIMI major bleeding were similar for ticagrelor and clopidogrel, but ticagrelor was associated with a significantly higher rate of non-CABG-related TIMI major bleeding. Current evidence suggests that prasugrel or ticagrelor plus aspirin should be the DAPT of choice in patients with ACS undergoing PCI unless they are at particularly high risk of bleeding. No studies have yet compared prasugrel and ticagrelor in ACS patients, however prasugrel and ticagrelor have different side effect profiles, and the choice of agent should be made either as a default choice and/or on an individual patient basis. Ongoing trials in ACS patients will increase the evidence base for new P2Y(12) receptor inhibitors and help to establish the most effective DAPT regimens.

Abstract WP408: Patent Foramen Ovale in Childhood Arterial Ischemic Stroke: Prevalence and Stroke Recurrence in a Prospective Cohort

Background and Objectives: The role of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in childhood arterial ischemic stroke (AIS) is poorly understood. We aimed to define the prevalence of PFO in children with first AIS, and its relationship to recurrence. Methods: Subjects (&gt;28 days to &lt;18 years) with AIS between 2006-2012 were identified from a single-center consecutive prospective cohort study. Subjects were excluded with diagnoses of congenital or acquired heart disease, moyamoya, meningitis, brain tumor, surgery of the head or neck, endovascular procedures, metabolic disorder, or hemoglobinopathy. Charts were abstracted for clinical and radiologic features, echocardiogram, and thrombophilia evaluations. Recurrent events included 1) stroke, defined as a new focal deficit with new infarction on imaging, or 2) transient ischemic event (TIA). Incidence of recurrence in children with PFO was compared to those without PFO by survival analysis. Data are given as median (range). Results: Forty-four subjects met eligibility criteria, median age 5.8 years (0.1-17), 77% male. Echocardiogram was obtained in 42 (95%), and disclosed a PFO in 7/42 (17%), of which other stroke risk factors were present in 5. In the entire cohort, primary stroke risk factors other than PFO included cervical arterial dissection (8), intracranial focal cerebral arteriopathy (8), thrombophilia (10), CNS vasculitis (1), other (4), none (11). All subjects received antithrombotic treatment for stroke prevention, and 2 underwent endovascular PFO device closure. Follow-up was available in all subjects at median of 25 months (4-71). Incidence rate of recurrent stroke or TIA was 8/1000 - person-months, and was similar in both groups, affecting 1/7 subjects with PFO at 0.3 months, and in 6/37 subjects without PFO at median of 2.8 months (0.3-36) after first stroke. Conclusions: PFO is present in a small proportion of children with first AIS, often with other risk factors. Recurrence in children with PFO in this small cohort was similar to those without PFO. Outcomes may have been influenced by other stroke risk factors, and secondary stroke preventive treatments including PFO closure and antithrombotic treatment. The role of PFO in initial and recurrent stroke remains uncertain, and deserves further study.

Hepatic inflammation and fibrosis biomarkers are associated with cardiovascular risk factors but not cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes: the Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study

BackgroundBoth cardiovascular disease and liver disease are particularly common in people with type 2 diabetes and it is possible that the two conditions are inter-related. Non-invasive biomarkers are increasingly used to estimate liver inflammation and fibrosis. In this study the association of these biomarkers with cardiovascular risk factors and disease was explored in a large, representative population of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. MethodsCytokeratin 18 (CK18, biomarker of hepatic inflammation) and the European Liver Fibrosis panel (ELF, biomarker of hepatic fibrosis) were measured in a random subgroup of 564 adults, aged 60–75 years at recruitment, participating in the Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study (ET2DS). Data on conventional CV risk factors (body-mass index [BMI], waist circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, smoking status) and prevalent cardiovascular disease (validated myocardial infarction, angina, stroke and transient ischaemic attack events) were also available. FindingsMedian CK18 was 102 U/L [IQR 76–137, range 29–993] and mean ELF was 8·9 U/L [SD 0·8, range 6·9–11·6]. After adjustment for age and sex, increased CK18 was significantly associated with higher triglyceride levels (r=0·157, p=0·002). Increased ELF score was associated with higher BMI (r=0·202, p<0·001), waist circumference (r=0·139, p=0·008), and diastolic blood pressure (r=–0·045, p=0·025). Despite these associations, neither biomarker was significantly associated with prevalent cardiovascular disease (prevalent cardiovascular disease vs no cardiovascular disease, mean CK18 108·1 U/L [SD 26·2] vs 105·5 [22·6], p=0·473 and mean ELF 8·94 [0·77] vs 8·89 [0·76], p=0·442). InterpretationIn people with type 2 diabetes, non-invasive biomarkers of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis are associated with a number of cardiovascular risk factors but do not appear to associate with pre-existing vascular disease. Further investigation is required to determine whether liver biomarkers predict incident cardiovascular disease in this high risk group. FundingDiabetes UK.

Yield of CT perfusion for the evaluation of transient ischaemic attack

Magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging and perfusion-weighted imaging are able to identify ischaemic 'footprints' in transient ischaemic attack. Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) may be useful for patient triage and subsequent management. To date, less than 100 cases have been reported, and none have compared computed tomography perfusion to perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI). We sought to define the yield of computed tomography perfusion for the evaluation of transient ischaemic attack. Consecutive patients with a discharge diagnosis of possible or definite transient ischaemic event who underwent computed tomography perfusion were included in this study. The presence of an ischaemic lesion was assessed on noncontrast computed tomography, automatically deconvolved CTPTMax (Time till the residue function reaches its maximum), and when available on diffusion-weighted imaging and PWITMax maps. Thirty-four patients were included and 17 underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Median delay between onset and computed tomography perfusion was 4·4 h (Interquartile range [IQR]: 1·9-9·6), and between computed tomography perfusion and magnetic resonance imaging was 11 h (Interquartile range: 3·8-22). Noncontrast computed tomography was negative in all cases, while CTPTMax identified an ischaemic lesion in 12/34 patients (35%). In the subgroup of patients with multimodal magnetic resonance imaging, an ischaemic lesion was found in six (35%) patients using CTPTMax versus nine (53%) on magnetic resonance imaging (five diffusion-weighted imaging, nine perfusion-weighted imaging). The additional yield of CTPTMax over computed tomography angiography was significant in the evaluation of transient ischaemic attack (12 vs. 3, McNemar, P = 0·004). CTPTMax found an ischaemic lesion in one-third of acute transient ischaemic attack patients. Computed tomography perfusion may be an acceptable substitute when magnetic resonance imaging is unavailable or contraindicated, and has additional yield over computed tomography angiography. Further studies evaluating the outcome of patients with computed tomography perfusion lesions in transient ischaemic attack are justified at this time.

Three variations in rabbit angiographic stroke models

Purpose: To develop angiographic models of embolic stroke in the rabbit using pre-formed clot or microspheres to model clinical situations ranging from transient ischemic events to severe ischemic stroke. Materials and methods: New Zealand White rabbits (N=151) received angiographic access to the internal carotid artery (ICA) from a femoral approach. Variations of emboli type and quantity of emboli were tested by injection into the ICA. These included fresh clots (1.0-mm length, 3–6h), larger aged clots (4.0-mm length, 3 days), and 2 or 3 insoluble microspheres (700–900μm). Neurological assessment scores (NAS) were based on motor, sensory, balance, and reflex measures. Rabbits were euthanized at 4, 7, or 24h after embolization, and infarct volume was measured as a percent of total brain volume using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). Results: Infarct volume percent at 24h after stroke was lower for rabbits embolized with fresh clot (0.45±0.14%), compared with aged clot (3.52±1.31%) and insoluble microspheres (3.39±1.04%). Overall NAS (including posterior vessel occlusions) were positively correlated to infarct volume percent measurements in the fresh clot (r=0.50), aged clot (r=0.65) and microsphere (r=0.62) models (p<0.001). Conclusion: The three basic angiographic stroke models may be similar to human transient ischemic attacks (TIA) (fresh clot), major strokes that can be thrombolysed (aged clot), or major strokes with insoluble emboli such as atheromata (microspheres). Model selection can be tailored to specific research needs.

Age-dependent differences in cervical artery dissection

The goal of this work was to explore age-dependent differences in cervical artery dissection (CeAD). This study is based on the Cervical Artery Dissection and Ischemic Stroke Patients population comprising 983 consecutive CeAD patients and 658 control patients with a non-CeAD ischemic stroke (IS), frequency-matched for age and gender. Patients were divided into three age categories: ≤33 (for CeAD, n = 150), 34-54 (n = 688), and ≥55 (n = 145) years, and the youngest and oldest groups were compared. The youngest patients were mostly women and the oldest men. The frequency of internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) versus vertebral artery dissection (VAD) increased with age from 44 to 75 %. This age-related shift remained significant after adjustment for sex. The frequency of a transient ischemic event as the CeAD symptom declined from 33 % in the youngest age group, to 19 % in the oldest. Vascular risk factors increased in frequency with advancing age in both groups, but for hypertension the increase was steeper for non-CeAD IS patients. For CeAD patients, but not for patients with non-CeAD IS, preceding infection was more common in the oldest group. The youngest non-CeAD IS patients had better functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-1) than the oldest, while the similar trend was not statistically significant among CeAD patients. Younger age seems to be associated with VAD and female gender, and older age with ICAD and male gender. Age-related changes in the frequencies of hypertension and recent infection were different between the CeAD and non-CeAD IS groups. Age does not seem to be an important outcome predictor in CeAD strokes.

Transient Global Amnesia

In this case report and review of the literature, transient global amnesia (TGA) is discussed. A 72-year-old physician presented to the emergency department with sudden loss of memory. In particular, he was unable to recall recent events. Other neurological examination was intact. The loss of recent memory was completely resolved, during the next 4 hours. This event (TGA) must be distinguished from other neurological events such as transient ischemic attacks, seizures, and cerebral vascular events. A literature review suggested that TGA is related to an acute loss of function in the temporal lobe. It is important for palliative medicine physicians to have this unusual syndrome in their differential diagnosis, as this cause of memory loss must be separated from more aggressive causes of memory loss, for example, stroke and seizure. Transient global amnesia is a self-limiting disorder without late consequences.

Usefulness of Transesophageal Echocardiography to Confirm Clinical Utility of CHA2DS2-VASc and CHADS2 Scores in Atrial Flutter

The CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc and CHADS(2) risk stratification schemes are used to predict thromboembolism and ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. However, limited data are available regarding the utility of these risk stratification schemes for stroke in patients with atrial flutter. A retrospective analysis of 455 transesophageal echocardiographic studies in patients with atrial flutter was performed to identify left atrial (LA) thrombi and/or spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC). The CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years [doubled risk weight], Diabetes mellitus, previous Stroke/transient ischemic attack [doubled risk weight], Vascular disease, Age 65 to 74 years, Sex) and CHADS(2) (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age ≥75 years, Diabetes mellitus, previous Stroke/transient ischemic attack [double risk weight]) scores were calculated to stratify the risk of stroke or transient cerebrovascular ischemic events. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed LA thrombi in 5.3% and SEC in 25.9% of patients. Using CHADS(2), LA thrombus was found in 2.2% of the low-intermediate-risk group and 8.3% of the high-risk group (p = 0.005). SEC was found in 19.8% of the low-intermediate-risk group and 32% of the high-risk group (p = 0.004). Using CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc, LA thrombus was found in 1.7% of the low-intermediate-risk group and 6.5% of the high-risk group (p = 0.053). SEC was found in 11.8% of the low-intermediate-risk group versus 30.9% of the high-risk group (p = 0.004). The sensitivity for LA thrombus/SEC with a high CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score was 64.8% and 88.7%, respectively (p = 0.0001). The specificity for LA thrombus/SEC with high CHADS(2) and CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc scores was 52.6% and 28.9%, respectively (p = 0.0001). In conclusion, both CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc and CHADS(2) scores are useful for stroke risk stratification in patients with atrial flutter. CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc had greater sensitivity for LA thrombus and SEC detection at the cost of reduced specificity.

407 Impact of an Emergency Department Transient Ischemic Attack Clinical Pathway: Preliminary Results of a Prospective Study

Patients with transient ischemic attack are a challenge to appropriately diagnose and disposition in the emergency department (ED). It is known that transient ischemic attack patients are at elevated risk of stroke and that most of that risk occurs in the first few days following their TIA event. This knowledge has led to recommendations for earlier and more aggressive diagnostic evaluations for these patients. This is often a difficult task in the outpatient setting. The purpose of this study is to describe the design and impact of an ED-based TIA clinical pathway to assist clinicians in obtaining recommended diagnostic studies and initiating secondary prevention measures. This is an ongoing prospective, observational study examining the impact of a newly developed ED-based transient ischemic attack clinical pathway. Patients who present to the ED within 24 hours of a transient ischemic attack event are eligible for enrollment. The pathway represents a multi-disciplinary effort between emergency medicine, stroke neurology, and neuro-radiology specialists and incorporates recent American Stroke Association (ASA) recommendations into a computer-based clinical decision support system integrated with computerized physician order entry. The pathway favors magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging of the brain over CT scans, in keeping with those recommendations. Patients with suspected transient ischemic attack undergo an abbreviated workup in the ED. Those who meet specific “low risk” criteria are admitted to the ED observation unit where they undergo diffusion-weighted imaging along with carotid vessel imaging and, if deemed appropriate, echocardiography. Patients are observed for occult atrial fibrillation or any neurologic deterioration. Secondary prevention measures are initiated for discharged patients based on the results of their evaluation: anti-platelet therapy, statins, blood pressure or diabetic control, or anticoagulation. Patients are admitted if further observation or intervention is warranted. Telephone follow-up and electronic medical record review are performed to assess 30- and 90-day outcomes. Since the study period began in September, 2010, 42 patients have been enrolled. Average age at enrollment was 64.8 (SD 17.9). Subjects were predominantly female (59.5%) and Caucasian (85%). Medical comorbidities most commonly included hypertension (52.4%), dyslipidemia (33.3%), prior stroke or transient ischemic attack (26.2%) and diabetes (19.5%). Average ABCD2 score was 3.4 (SD 1.3). One-third of patients were on antiplatelet agents prior to presentation. Atrial fibrillation was identified in 3 patients, all of whom had been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation in the past. Diffusion-weighted imaging was obtained for 36 (86%) of patients while only 11 (26.2%) received CT scans. Diffusion-weighted imaging revealed acute ischemia in 6 patients (16.7%), subacute ischemia in 1 (2.8%), and chronic/old ischemia in 8 (22.2%). Carotid imaging was performed on 40 patients (95.2%) and revealed stenosis >50% in 3 (7.5%). Thirty-two patients (76.2%) were discharged home from the EDOU, 80% on anti-platelet agents and 23.3% on statins. No subsequent stroke events occurred in discharged patients. Expedited transient ischemic attack evaluation in an ED observation unit setting incorporating diffusion-weighted imaging allows for rapid performance of recommended diagnostic studies and safe discharge for a majority of ED transient ischemic attack patients.

Radiolabeled Fucoidan as a P-Selectin Targeting Agent for In Vivo Imaging of Platelet-Rich Thrombus and Endothelial Activation

P-selectin expression is involved in the pathophysiology of biologically active arterial thrombus and endothelial activation after a transient ischemic event. Fucoidan is a polysaccharidic ligand of P-selectin, with a nanomolar affinity. In the present study, we propose a new approach of P-selectin molecular imaging based on radiolabeled fucoidan. Two kinds of experimental models were selected to evaluate the ability of radiolabeled fucoidan to detect P-selectin expression: platelet-rich arterial thrombi (vegetations of infective endocarditis and arterial mural thrombus) and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. These 2 settings were chosen because they were clinically relevant, and both were associated with an important overexpression of platelet and endothelial P-selectin, respectively. (99m)Tc-fucoidan SPECT was able to detect the presence of platelet-rich arterial thrombi in all animals, with a median target-to-background ratio of 5.2 in vegetations of endocarditis and 3.6 in mural aneurysmal thrombus, and to detect a persistent endothelial activation at 2 h after reperfusion. In this latter model, the magnitude of the signal was correlated with the extent of myocardium that underwent transient ischemia. The sensitivity of selectivity of the uptake and retention of (99m)Tc-fucoidan in both settings was excellent. This study supports (99m)Tc-fucoidan as a relevant imaging agent for in vivo detection of biologic activities associated with P-selectin overexpression, such as arterial thrombus and ischemic memory. Given the reported wide availability at a low cost, and its low toxicity, fucoidan seems to overcome some of the limitations of previous P-selectin-targeted imaging agents.

Effect of Catheter Ablation on Progression of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

The objective was to determine the effect of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) on progression of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Progression to persistent AF may occur in up to 50% of patients with paroxysmal AF receiving pharmacological therapy. Hypertension, age, prior transient ischemic event, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart failure (HATCH score) have been identified as independent risk factors for progression of AF. RFA was performed in 504 patients (mean age: 58 ± 10 years) to eliminate paroxysmal AF. A repeat RFA procedure was performed in 193 patients (38%). Clinical variables predictive of outcome and their relation to progression of AF after RFA were assessed using multivariate analysis. At a mean follow-up of 27 ± 12 months after RFA, 434/504 patients (86%) were in sinus rhythm; 49/504 patients (9.5%) continued to have paroxysmal AF; and 14 (3%) were in atrial flutter. Among the 504 patients, 7 (1.5%) progressed to persistent AF. In patients with recurrent AF after RFA, paroxysmal AF progressed to persistent AF in 7/56 (13%, P < 0.001). The progression rate of AF was 0.6% per year after RFA (P < 0.001 compared to 9% per year reported in pharmacologically treated patients). Age >75 years, duration of AF >10 years and diabetes were independent predictors of progression to persistent AF. The HATCH score was not significantly different between patients with paroxysmal AF who did and did not progress to persistent AF (0.7 ± 0.8 vs 1.0 ± 0.5, P = 0.3). Compared to a historical control group of pharmacologically treated patients with paroxysmal AF, RFA appears to reduce the rate of progression of paroxysmal AF to persistent AF. Age, duration of AF, and diabetes are independent risk factors for progression to persistent AF after RFA.

Long-term Angiographic and Clinical Outcome Following Stenting by Flow Reversal Technique for Chronic Occlusions Older Than 3 Months of the Cervical Carotid or Vertebral Artery

Long-term angiographic and clinical outcome following stenting by flow reversal technique (FRT) for chronic occlusions (COs) of the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) or vertebral artery (VA) is unknown. The aim of our retrospective study was to investigate the feasibility, safety, and long-term outcome of stenting by FRT for COs of the cervical ICA or VA. Included for analysis were patients (1) who underwent stenting for COs of the ICA or VA older than 3 months by FRT, and (2) who finished at least 1-year follow-up angiographic and clinical investigation. Criteria of stenting for CO in the ICA or VA were patients (1) who experienced minor strokes, a transient ischemic attack, or transient symptoms probably due to hemodynamic compromise or insufficiency, (2) angiographic complete occlusion of the ICA or VA, and (3) occlusion limited in the cervical area of the affected artery. During the study period, 6 patients underwent stenting by FRT for cervical COs successfully, ICAs in 4 cases and VAs in 2 cases. The prestenting angiographically estimated occlusion length ranged from 50 to 130 mm. Total length of the deployed stents ranged from 30 to 108 mm. No complications occurred during the periprocedural period. Neither transient ischemic events nor restenosis has occurred during the follow-up period. COs of the cervical carotid or vertebral arteries older than 3 months can be opened safely with FRT, and 1-year angiographic and long-term clinical outcome is favorable.

The Use of Antiplatelet Therapy in the Outpatient Setting: Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines

Antiplatelet agents are a cornerstone of therapy for patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease. There is presently a lack of comprehensive guidelines focusing on the use of antiplatelet drugs in patients currently manifesting or at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. The Canadian Antiplatelet Therapy Guidelines Committee reviewed existing disease-based guidelines and subsequently published literature and used expert opinion and review to develop guidelines on the use of antiplatelet therapy in the outpatient setting. This full document has been summarized in an Executive Summary published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology and may be found at http://www.ccs.ca/. Antiplatelet therapy appears to be generally underused, perhaps in part because of a lack of clear, evidence-based guidance. Here, we provide specific guidelines for secondary prevention in patients discharged from hospital following acute coronary syndromes, post–percutaneous coronary intervention, post–coronary artery bypass grafting, patients with a history of transient cerebral ischemic events or strokes, and patients with peripheral arterial disease. Issues related to primary prevention are also addressed, in addition to special clinical contexts such as diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, pregnancy/lactation, and perioperative management. Recommendations are provided regarding pharmacologic interactions that may occur during combination therapy with warfarin, clopidogrel and proton-pump inhibitors, or acetylsalicylic acid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as for the management of bleeding complications.

The Use of Antiplatelet Therapy in the Outpatient Setting: Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines Executive Summary

Antiplatelet agents are a cornerstone of therapy for patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease. There is presently a lack of comprehensive guidelines focusing on the use of antiplatelet drugs in patients currently manifesting or at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. The Canadian Antiplatelet Therapy Guidelines Committee reviewed existing disease-based guidelines and subsequently published literature and used expert opinion and review to develop guidelines on the use of antiplatelet therapy in the outpatient setting. This Executive Summary provides an abbreviated version of the principal recommendations. Antiplatelet therapy appears to be generally underused, perhaps in part because of a lack of clear, evidence-based guidance. Here, we provide specific guidelines for secondary prevention in patients discharged from hospital after acute coronary syndromes, percutaneous coronary intervention, or coronary artery bypass grafting; patients with a history of transient cerebral ischemic events or strokes; and patients with peripheral arterial disease. Issues related to primary prevention are also addressed, in addition to special clinical contexts such as diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, pregnancy or lactation, and perioperative management. Recommendations are provided regarding pharmacologic interactions that may occur during combination therapy with warfarin, clopidogrel, and proton-pump inhibitors, or aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as for the management of bleeding complications. The complete guidelines document is published as a supplementary issue of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology and is available at http://www.ccs.ca/.

Is Investigating for Carotid Artery Disease Warranted in Non-Cortical Lacunar Infarction?

Carotid intervention in severe carotid stenosis after an anterior circulation ischemic event reduces the risk of further infarcts if the surgery is performed soon after the incident event. At present, there is no recommendation to differentiate among subtypes of anterior circulation infarcts or transient ischemic events. However, evidence is mounting that demonstrates a difference in pathophysiology of lacunar and nonlacunar (large artery) infarcts. The natural history of lacunar strokes is different from large artery infarcts for recurrence and mortality. Stroke is a heterogenous disease and consideration needs to be directed to manage different stroke subtypes differently. Lacunar infarcts mostly do not arise from large artery atheromatous disease or by cardioembolic phenomena, and there is a negative predictive value for severe carotid stenosis in lacunar strokes. Thus, current evidence suggests that lacunar strokes may not warrant investigation for carotid stenosis.

Pathophysiology of visual disturbances occurring after foam sclerotherapy

Visual disturbances (VDs) are reported with an average rate of 1.4% after foam sclerotherapy (FS). Some clinical clues indicate that they could correspond to migraine with aura (MA). To validate the hypothesis that VDs occurring after FS correspond to MA and are not transient ischaemic cerebro-vascular events. A prospective multicentre study was carried out by the French Society of Phlebology in collaboration with the Neurology Department of the Marseille University Hospital (France). We included prospectively and consecutively all patients who experienced VDs after FS using air to make the foam. The patients were assessed (1) clinically with a specific form describing procedures of FS and recording neurological symptoms, later analysed by a neurologist specialized in migraine; and (2) by a brain diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (T1, T2, T2*, diffusion) carried out within two weeks and analysed by a neuroradiologist. Twenty patients, 16 women and four men, were included in 11 phlebology clinics. All kinds of veins were treated. VDs occurred in average seven minutes after FS. Clinical assessment showed that VDs presented characteristics of MA in all patients, with headache in 10 and without in 10. Paresthesia was observed in five patients and dysphasic speech disturbance in one. Fifteen patients (75%) had a personal history of migraine. Fifteen MRIs were performed within two weeks (mean: 8 days) and three were late (26 days). All of them were normal. MRI was not performed in two patients. These results show that VDs occurring after FS correspond to MA and are not transient ischaemic cerebro-vascular events. We suggest a pathophysiological hypothesis resting on the release of endothelin that would reach the cerebral cortex through a paten foramen ovale.

The BioSTAR(r) device versus the CardioSEAL(r) device in patent foramen ovale closure: comparison of mid-term efficacy and safety

To compare the mid-term efficacy and safety of the bioabsorbable BioSTAR(r) device with the non-bioabsorbable CardioSEAL(r) device for percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure. All 81 consecutive patients who underwent PFO closure with the CardioSEAL(r) or BioSTAR(r) device between June 2003 and July 2008 were included. The presence of a residual shunt (minimal, moderate or large) was measured in both groups at six months follow-up, using contrast transthoracic echocardiography. Forty-four patients (48.4±11.4 years) received the CardioSEAL(r) device and 37 patients the BioSTAR(r) device (47.9±10.7 years). There were no significant differences in short-term complications. Two patients who received the BioSTAR(r) device developed a recurrent transient cerebral ischaemic event. Overall, atrial arrhythmias occurred in 19%, with no difference between both groups. At six months, a residual shunt was present in 29% (27% minimal, 2% moderate) using the CardioSEAL(r) device compared to 28% (17% minimal, 11% moderate) using the BioSTAR(r) device (p=0.18). A predictor for residual shunt could not be found. There is no difference in safety and efficacy at six months between the CardioSEAL(r) and BioSTAR(r) device used for PFO closure. However, using the BioSTAR(r) device tends to be associated with a higher percentage of moderate shunting.

Risk factors for cerebral ischemic events in patients with atrial fibrillation on warfarin for stroke prevention

Background and purposes Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) on treatment with oral anticoagulants may still suffer ischemic cerebrovascular events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for cerebral ischemic events in warfarin-treated AF patients with an International Normalized Ratios (INR) above 1.8 on admission. Methods In a case–control study, cases were consecutive patients with AF who were on warfarin and who were admitted to four Italian hospitals after an acute cerebrovascular ischemic event (ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack) with an INR above 1.8. Controls were selected from a single anticoagulation clinic and were patients with AF on adequate warfarin treatment who did not suffer cerebrovascular events. Results Cases were identified among 4785 consecutive patients with an ischemic cerebral event. 148 cases (3.1%, 21 with transient ischemic events and 127 with ischemic strokes) had AF and were taking warfarin with an INR above 1.8 on admission. On multivariate analysis, diabetes (OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.09–13.82, p = 0.025), hyperlipidemia (OR 4.5; 95% CI 1.11–18.23, p = 0.035) and carotid/vertebral atherosclerosis on ultrasound (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.13–8.41, p = 0.028) were independent predictors for ischemic cerebral events. The use of statins was inversely correlated with an ischemic event (OR 0.1; 95% CI 0.06–0.47. p = 0.001). Conclusions Carotid/vertebral atherosclerosis, diabetes and hyperlipidemia are associated with an increased risk for ischemic events in patients with AF on adequate warfarin treatment. Statins significantly reduce the risk of ischemic events.

STROKE, ARTERIAL THROMBOSIS AND HYPERTENSION REVEALING MYELOPROLIFERATIVE DISEASE: PP.26.68

Introduction: Hypertension, Stroke and Arterial Thrombosis can reveal or complicate myeloproliferative diseases. Thrombosis implied multiple mechanisms often intricated (stasis, thrombotic state; compression and/or vascular invasion.). The association myeloproliferative disease and thromboembolism is a well established binomial. Objectives: To review one case report to illustrate this subject. Case Report: TNE, 46 years old, tabocosmoker (30 packages / year), treated for recent hypertension witch is complicated by recurrent transient ischemic events justifying an anti-coagulation is investigated for one occlusion of the primitive left carotid (extented up to the carotid fork). A thrombocythemia (platelets estimated at 1000 giga) is noted. Biological investigations (glycemiae, lipid profile, homocysteinemiae, liver tests, thrombophilia tests.) and morphological investigations (ECG, echodoppler heart patients, echodoppler of the lower limb.) are normal. The diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia is established after exclusion from the other causes of thrombocytosis and others myeloproliferative diseases. Hydroxyurea stabilizes the rate of platelets. A surgical vascularization is recussed. Discussion: This case report illustrates the difficulty establishing an imputability of the hemopathy in the thrombotic events because of the association to cardiovascular risks factors (smoking, Hypertension.). The age (young) and the hemogram directs to a myeloproliferative disease. The arterial thrombosis is considered in this context 6 times more numerous than the venous thrombosis. The topography, the extensive and the multifocal character of these thrombosis make all the gravity throught thes hemopathy. Its imperative to detect them and to treat them prematurely and effectively by an etiologic and specific treatment (medical, surgical, vascular) to improve the prognosis.

Évaluation médico-économique de l’unité neurovasculaire du centre hospitalier de Pontoise

Annually, approximately 120,000 people in France have a stroke. Various controlled studies have pointed out the benefits of treatment in a stroke unit (SU). The objective of this study was to evaluate, from a medical point of view, the economic impact of the Pontoise Hospital SU. Based on the national cost study (NCS [étude nationale des coûts: ENC]) we analyzed data of five diagnosis related groups (DRG) which have a principle diagnosis in relation with stroke. This work was limited to strokes and transient ischemic events in adults and excluded sub-arachnoid hemorrhage. Medical and economic parameters were collected over the period from January to October 2006 and compared with those of the same period in 2005, that is to say before the opening of the SU. Three hundred and twenty-three hospital stays occurred between January 1st and October 31st, 2006 and 216 during the same time period before the opening of the SU, an increase of approximately 50% of all stroke-related admissions in our hospital. The number of stays carried out in the neurology unit increased by 29%. There was no significant difference between the two periods regarding age (median 69 versus 70 years) and sex- ratio. Average length of stay (ALS) was the same (9 days). There were no significant differences concerning the death rate (5.6% versus 6.2%) and that of discharge to home (44.6% versus 44.4%). The cost by stay in 2006 was 3534 euros [median; min 664-max 57,542] versus 3541 euros in 2005 [681-35,149] (p=0.57). Analysis by DRG highlighted an increase in the cost for serious strokes, cerebral infarctions and hemorrhages. For transitory ischemic events, the cost and the ALS decreased. After the opening of the SU, there was an increase in the activity without an increase in the total cost. This could be related in part to the limited means allocated to the stroke unit at its opening (in particular medical staff). The NCS can be used to evaluate the activity of a stroke unit. This work could be completed on a larger number of units or in several units of different size.