Abstract TP24: Indicators Of High Morbidity And Poor Functional Outcome In Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients With Concurrent Covid-19

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page ATP24-ATP24, February 1, 2022. Objectives:Evidence suggests an association of increased cerebrovascular accidents frequency in patients diagnosed with the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19. Coagulopathy resulting from the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection is suspected. This study aims at evaluating thrombotic markers in relation to stroke severity and functional outcomes in a patient cohort of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with concurrent COVID-19.Methods:We performed a retrospective observational cohort study of 28 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 via polymerase chain reaction and concomitant AIS confirmed by brain imaging. We analyzed data regarding initial stroke presentation, markers of coagulopathy, and 90-day functional outcomes.Results:The patient cohort displayed high rate of comorbidities with 78.6% having at least 1 vascular risk factor. NIHSS had a median of 16 at initial presentation and median stroke volume of 52 mL. Median NIHSS at discharge or prior to death was 19, and median 90-day mRS was 4. Highest fibrinogen level recorded showed a median of 759.54 mg/dL (IQR 653.75-940.75), D-dimer and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) showed a median highest recorded value 24,106 ng/mL (IQR 6105.00-80165.00) and 442 ng/mL (IQR 277.00-545.50), respectively. LDH (p=0.0008), D-dimer (p=0.001), and maximum fibrinogen levels (p=0.049) near the time of stroke significantly predicted final NIHSS and functional outcome 90-days after discharge.Conclusions:Adult patients with acute ischemic stroke and concurrent COVID-19 disease exhibited abnormally high markers of coagulopathy, and LDH, D-Dimer, and fibrinogen levels were predictors of morbidity and neurological disability at 90-days in this patient population. Further research is necessary to establish a definitive pattern and assess the ability to use these markers as prognostic elements of 90-day functional outcome.

Leggi
Febbraio 2022

Abstract WMP57: Acute Stroke Interventions And Clinical Outcomes In Patients With Solid Organ Malignancies

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page AWMP57-AWMP57, February 1, 2022. Background:There is limited data regarding the safety of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatments in patients with solid organ malignancy (SOM). We aimed to evaluate the nationwide use of acute stroke interventions and clinical outcomes in this patient population.Methods:Adult hospitalizations with primary diagnosis of AIS were identified from the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2016-2018. Logistic regression was used to compare the differences in interventions and clinical outcomes in patients with and without SOM. Survival analysis was used to evaluate recurrent AIS after discharge.Results:There were 1385840 hospitalizations due to AIS (mean±SD age 70.4±14.0 years, female 50.2%). Of these, 50553 (3.7%) had a concurrent diagnosis of SOM. Patients with SOM were older, more likely to be male, and had a lower prevalence of comorbid cerebrovascular risk factors, except atrial fibrillation and tobacco use. The five most common malignancies were of lung, prostate, breast, pancreas, and colorectal origins. After adjustment for baseline differences, patients with SOM were more likely to have intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) [odds ratio (OR): 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0-1.2], in-hospital mortality (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 2.0-2.2), and discharge disposition other than to home (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.6-1.7). The risk of IPH was higher only in pancreatic cancer, in-hospital mortality in all types except prostate cancer, and adverse discharge disposition in all types except prostate and breast cancers. Patients with SOM were less likely to receive intravenous thrombolysis (tPA) but more likely to undergo endovascular thrombectomy (ET). Among the subgroups of patients treated with tPA or ET, outcomes were comparable between patients with and without SOM, except patients with lung cancer remained at a higher risk of mortality and adverse disposition despite these interventions. Patients with SOM had higher risk of readmission due to recurrent AIS within 1 year of discharge (hazards ratio: 1.2, 95% CI: 1.1-1.3), and this risk was entirely driven by lung and pancreatic cancers.Conclusion:Clinical outcomes of AIS in the setting of SOM vary according to the malignancy site. Acute stroke interventions when performed, appear to be safe in most patients with SOM.

Leggi
Febbraio 2022

Abstract TP29: Physician-driven Dysphagia Screening Protocol For Expedited Medication Delivery In Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page ATP29-ATP29, February 1, 2022. Background:We implemented a multi-disciplinary process improvement (PI) intervention at a Comprehensive Stroke Center in cooperation with speech/language pathology in order to expedite oral medication delivery in patients with dysphagia. Following a failed nurse dysphagia screen, trained neurology providers were able to evaluate dysphagia further and approve the use of oral medications.Methods:We analyzed prospectively collected data from the PI intervention for timing of dysphagia screen, first oral antithrombotic, and aspiration pneumonia in ischemic stroke patients (9/2019-07/2021). Patients were included if they passed a dysphagia assessment by any provider, with comparisons made between patients who passed by physicians (Ph), nurses (RN) or speech/language pathologists (SLP).Results:Of the 789 included patients, 673 were passed by RN, 104 by SLP, and 12 by Ph. Compared to patients passed by SLP, those passed by Ph were younger and had less severe deficits (Table). Patients passed by Ph were screened more quickly than those screened by RN or SLP (median 38 vs. 182 vs. 1330 min after arrival, p=0.0001), and received first oral antithrombotic far more quickly (median 335 vs. 774 vs. 1409 min, p=0.0001). No patients passed by Ph experienced an aspiration pneumonia (0%), although there were non-significantly more pneumonias among patients passed by SLP (5%) and RN (2%, p=0.11).Conclusions:We safely conducted a physician-driven dysphagia screening paradigm which led to faster oral medication delivery, and no signal of patient harm.

Leggi
Febbraio 2022

Abstract WP101: Clinical Utility Of Simultaneous Multislice Diffusion MRI In Acute Stroke Workup

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page AWP101-AWP101, February 1, 2022. Purpose:Rapid and accurate ischemic stroke detection is essential for optimal management. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) trace sequences are highly accurate for acute stroke detection but require long acquisition times. This study aimed to assess the impact of simultaneous-multislice (SMS) acceleration on scan time, image quality, and diagnostic accuracy.Methods:In this IRB-approved study, MRI brain imaging was performed during stroke workup on Siemens 1.5T scanners with a 16-channel head coil. DTI (20 directions, b-value of 2000 sec/mm2) was acquired without and with slice acceleration factor 2 (SMS-2). DTI trace-positivity (stroke or other) was independently assessed by two neuroradiologists, blinded to sequence parameters and clinical data. Average image quality (5-point scale, 5=excellent) was measured between the radiologists for each MRI. Differences in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), coefficient of variation (CV), repetition time (TR), interrater agreement (Kappa), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) areas were determined using a p

Leggi
Febbraio 2022

Abstract WP89: Evaluating Age, Sex, And Racial / Ethnic Representation In Acute Ischemic Stroke Trials, 2010-2020: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page AWP89-AWP89, February 1, 2022. Introduction:Enrollment of populations that bear the real-world burden of ischemic strokes is critical to development of generalizable and clinically relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Despite well-recognized historical patterns of underrepresentation for women, older adults, and certain racial/ethnic minorities, major knowledge gaps remain regarding representation in modern trials. We aimed to determine representativeness by age, sex, and race/ethnicity of participants in acute ischemic stroke RCTs performed in the US or CanadaMethods:We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with PRISMA, and prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021247730). ClincalTrials.gov was searched for ischemic stroke RCTs with acute interventions (

Leggi
Febbraio 2022

Abstract TMP20: Cerebrovascular Injury Associated With COVID-19 And Non-COVID-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page ATMP20-ATMP20, February 1, 2022. Background:Neurologic complications of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be associated with neurotropism of the virus or secondary brain injury from systemic inflammation. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is associated with cerebrovascular injury, including both ischemia and hemorrhage. We aimed to compare brain MRI findings of COVID-19 associated ARDS with non-COVID-19 ARDS.Methods:A registry of patients with COVID-19 from March 2020 through July 2021 from a hospital network was reviewed. Patients who met criteria for ARDS by Berlin definition and underwent MRI during their hospitalization were included. These patients were matched 1:1 by age and sex with patients who underwent MRI from another registry of patients of ARDS in the same hospital between 2010 and 2018. Cerebrovascular injury was classified as either acute cerebral ischemia (ischemic infarct or hypoxic ischemic brain injury) or intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) including intraparenchymal hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hematoma, and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs).Results:Of 13,319 patients with COVID-19 infection, 26 patients had ARDS and MRI. Sixty-six of 678 non-COVID-19 ARDS patients had an MRI and were matched 1:1 by age and sex resulting in 23 matched pairs. The median age was 66 and 59% of patients were male. Patients with COVID-19 ARDS were more likely to have hypertension and chronic kidney disease but otherwise baseline medical characteristics were similar. ARDS severity as determined by PaO2/FiO2 ratio at ICU admission was similar between both groups. No difference was seen in the prevalence of cerebrovascular injury (52% vs 61%, p=0.8), cerebral ischemia (35% vs 43%, p=0.8), ICH (43% vs 48%, p=1.0), or CMBs (43% vs 39% p=1.0) on MRI between the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 cohorts. However, two unique patterns of injury were seen only among COVID-19 patients: hemorrhagic leukoencephalitis (3 patients, 12%) and bilateral cerebral peduncular ischemia with microhemorrhage (2 patients, 8%).Conclusion:Cerebrovascular injury was common in both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ARDS without significant frequency difference. However, COVID-19 ARDS had unique neuroimaging patterns that may indicate distinct patterns of brain injury of COVID-19.

Leggi
Febbraio 2022

Abstract TMP68: Underlying Intracranial Atherosclerosis Disease Is Associated With Worse Outcome In Acute Large Vessel Occlusion Undergoing Endovascular Therapy

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page ATMP68-ATMP68, February 1, 2022. Introduction:Acute large vessel occlusion (LVO) can be secondary to thromboembolism or underlying intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). Data on the management of LVO due to underlying ICAD are scarce.Hypothesis:We hypothesized that patients with ICAD would have worse clinical outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy (MT) than those without ICAD.Methods:We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent MT for LVO in a large academic comprehensive stroke center between 01/2018 and 05/2021. Presence of underlying ICAD at the site of LVO was determined by the treating interventionalist. We compared outcomes including in-hospital mortality and 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) between those with and without underlying ICAD, adjusting for relevant covariates using logistic regression.Results:Among 195 patients (mean age 67.4+15.1 years, 56.9% female, 81% black, median NIHSS score 15), underlying ICAD was present in 39 (20.0%). Stent-retrievers were used 196 patients with only 3 having rescue stent placement. There were no significant differences in baseline factors amongst the two groups except diabetes was more common (69.2% vs. 49.7%, p=0.028) and intravenous thrombolysis provided less often (17.9% vs. 36.5%, p=0.027) in those with ICAD. TICI 2B or higher was achieved in 82.1% of ICAD compared with 94.3% of non-ICAD patients (p=0.012). Mortality was more common (50.0% vs. 30.8%, p=0.025) and good functional outcome (mRS 0-2) at 90 days was less common (10.8% vs. 30.0%, p=0.002) in the ICAD group. Adjusting for age, diabetes, intravenous thrombolysis, baseline NIHSS score, and final TICI score, underlying ICAD was an independent predictor of mRS 0-2 at 90 days (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.4-14.2, p=0.010).Conclusion:Underlying ICAD is associated with 4.5-fold increase in poor functional outcome in patients with LVO undergoing traditional MT. Further research is needed to understand factors associated with poor outcomes investigate alternative interventional approaches and medical management in this high-risk population.

Leggi
Febbraio 2022

Abstract WP7: Critical Importance Of Enrollment Hours For Successful Recruitment In Acute Stroke Trials

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page AWP7-AWP7, February 1, 2022. Introduction:Recruitment into hyperacute stroke trials is challenging but ultimately depends on on-call availability of treating investigators, study coordinators, and pharmacists. These data may not be considered in initial decision-making for site selection and estimates of site recruitment are frequently based upon registry data from sites that includes all clinical cases.Hypothesis:Site recruitment on a per month basis is associated with time open for enrollment.Methods:We surveyed all Multi-arm Optimization of Stroke (MOST) trial centers open for enrollment to determine which were open for trial recruitment during business hours during Monday through Friday only, business hours 7 days a week, extended hours beyond business hours, or 24 hours/7 days a week. We also surveyed about pharmacy availability. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the average monthly enrollment by survey responses.Results:Sites open for enrollment only during business hours, Monday through Friday recruited at a rate of 0.14 participants per month compared to 0.36 per month for sites that enroll 7 days a week (see graphic). Restriction of pharmacy availability to business hours Monday through Friday was associated with decreased recruitment rate as well.Conclusions:Ability to recruit trial participants 7 days a week should be the standard for site selection, successful acute stroke trial recruitment, and estimates of needed sites. Methods to increase financial support for hours outside of week-day business hours is a potential method to enhance recruitment into acute stroke trials.

Leggi
Febbraio 2022

Abstract 41: Functional Outcome Of Patients 85 Years Or Older With Acute Ischemic Stroke Following Endovascular Treatment – A Substudy Of The Hermes Meta-analysis

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page A41-A41, February 1, 2022. Introduction:Previous studies have reported poor outcomes and high rates of mortality following endovascular therapy (EVT) for ischemic stroke in older patients. However, patients ≥85 years were underrepresented in most randomized trials. Our aim was to study the influence of age on outcome and EVT effect for ischemic stroke in patients aged ≥85 years.Methods:Data were from the HERMES collaboration, a meta-analysis of 7 randomized trials that tested the efficacy of EVT. Two multivariable ordinal logistic regression were used to compare the association between EVT and 90-day functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale, primary outcome) in patients ≥85 years old to those who were younger. Secondary outcomes included mortality at 90 days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) at 24 hours.Results:We included 1764 patients in the analysis, of whom 77 (4.4%) were ≥85 years old. While patients ≥85 years had worse outcomes (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.26 (95%CI:0.14-0.48) and higher mortality rates (aOR:3.28, 95%CI:1.54-6.97) compared to those

Leggi
Febbraio 2022

Abstract WMP8: Efficacy Of Combined Use Of Stent Retriever And Aspiration Catheter In Mechanical Thrombectomy For Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page AWMP8-AWMP8, February 1, 2022. Background and Purpose:Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) using a stent retriever (SR) or contact aspiration (CA) has been established as standard therapy. The efficacy of combined use of an SR and aspiration catheter (combined technique: CBT) to achieve successful recanalization has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the safety and efficacy of CBT compared with MT with the single use of an SR or CA.Methods:We analyzed 763 consecutive patients who underwent MT for AIS in the anterior circulation between January 2013 and January 2020 at six comprehensive stroke centers. The patients were divided into two groups based on the technique in the first attempt for thrombus removal: the CBT group and single device (SR/CA) group. The rate of successful recanalization with first pass (SRFP), the rate of final successful recanalization, and other procedural outcomes were compared between the groups.Results:A total of 571 patients (CBT group, 270; SR/CA group, 301 [SR: 128, CA: 173]), were analyzed. The rate of SRFP (mTICI 2c-3, 41.1 % vs. 27.9 %; p = 0.001; mTICI 3, 34.0 % vs. 25.5 %; p = 0.027) and final mTICI 2b-3 recanalization (88.8 % vs. 82.0 %; p = 0.024) was significantly higher, puncture to reperfusion time was shorter (median [IQR], 43 [31.2-69] vs. 55 (38-82.2) min; p = 0.004) and the number of passes were fewer (mean ± SD, 1.74 ± 0.93 vs. 1.99 ± 1.01; p = 0.002) in the CBT group compared with the SR/CA group. Procedural complications did not differ between the two groups. Subgroup analysis revealed that CBT was more effective for women, patients with cardioembolic stroke, internal carotid artery, and M2 occlusion.Conclusions:CBT could increase the rate of SRFP and shorten the puncture to reperfusion time without increasing procedural complications.

Leggi
Febbraio 2022

Abstract 166: Loss Of Endothelial Cell Specific EphA4 Improves Acute Leptomeningeal Collateral Growth Following Ischemic Stroke

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page A166-A166, February 1, 2022. Leptomeningeal anastomoses, or pial collateral vessels, are a major determinant of patient outcome following ischemic stroke. These vessels form in the pia mater of the brain during development and connect distal arterioles of cerebral arteries. Following vascular obstruction, pial collaterals expand through arteriogenesis, an adaptive process that allows for retrograde perfusion into the obstructed artery and its affected tissue. However, acute arteriogenesis following ischemic stroke has been poorly investigated, therefore our research aims to fill this knowledge gap. Our novel pre-clinical murine findings suggest EphA4, a receptor tyrosine kinase, plays a role in restricting arteriogenesis following permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). To investigate the role of endothelial cell-specific EphA4 in acute arteriogenesis, we employed 3-month old conditional endothelial cell (EC)-specific EphA4 knockout (EphA4fl/fl/Cdh5::CreERT2; KO) and wild type (EphA4fl/fl;WT) mice. Compared to WT controls, we find KO mice displayed a significant reduction in infarct volume (24.0±1.8mm3vs 14.3±2.5mm3; n=9) which correlated with larger ipsilateral pial collateral vessels as early as 4.5-hours (27.31±0.6um vs 32.41±0.8um; n=15) and up to 24-hours post-pMCAO (31.14±0.8um vs 36.7±0.9um; n=15). Additionally, our previous work has indicated that EphA4 may exert its inhibitory function on arteriogenesis by hindering Tie2 signaling. To identify gene expression changes in the collateral vessels and connecting cerebral arteries, the pial surface was carefully isolated from four mice per sample and pooled. Analysis of mRNA expression in the pial surface 24-hours post-pMCAO revealed that WT mice had significantly higher fold change ofangiopoietin-2(1.4±0.2 vs 0.8± 0.09; n=5) andTie1(5.3±1.8 vs 0.9±0.2; n=5) compared to KO mice, indicating potential inhibition of Tie2 signaling. These findings demonstrate that EC-specific EphA4 negatively regulates collateral growth and inhibition of this receptor could serve as a novel therapeutic strategy for improving collateral response following ischemic stroke.

Leggi
Febbraio 2022

Abstract TP170: Pediatric Acute Stroke Team Activation: Differentiating Stroke From Mimics

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page ATP170-ATP170, February 1, 2022. Acute pediatric stroke is a medical emergency requiring prompt recognition and treatment because quicker treatment improves neurologic outcomes and reduces excess resource usage on stroke mimics (non-stroke diagnoses). There is a clear need to better differentiate between strokes and their mimics. We performed a single center retrospective cohort study using data from March 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020. We included pediatric patients ( > 1m to < 18y) evaluated in the tertiary children’s hospital ED for a stroke team activation. We compared clinical features for patients with stroke and those with a stroke mimic. Of 179 children included in the study (55% female, mean age 11.2y, SD 5.7y), 38 children (21% of total patients, 50% female, mean age 10.5 SD, 6.2 years) were diagnosed with stroke. Strokes included acute ischemic stroke (AIS) (73.7%), hemorrhagic stroke (HS) (18.4%), and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) (10.5%). The most common stroke mimics were seizure (14.5%), headache (10.5%), Bell's palsy (5.6%), and conversion disorder (2.7%). Compared to mimics, stroke patients were less likely to have a history of neurosurgery (16.3% mimic vs 2.6% stroke, p=0.028) and more likely to have altered level of alertness (7.7% vs 18.4%, p=0.001), abnormal coordination (15.7% vs 36.4%, p=0.036), abnormal muscle strength (33.1% vs 57.9%, p=0.005) and abnormal reflexes (18.9% vs 43.8%, p=0.018). Of note, there were no significant differences in stroke and mimics for: age, sex, race, ethnicity, basic metabolic panel or CBC, and time from last seen well. Differentiating between strokes and mimics remains difficult without comprehensive diagnostic testing. Our study found that stroke patients are more likely present with altered level of alertness as well as abnormal coordination, muscle strength, and reflexes.

Leggi
Febbraio 2022

Abstract 147: Reducing The Workflow Times For Reperfusion Therapy For Acute Ischemic Stroke By Using A Task Management Mobile Application For Stroke Care

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page A147-A147, February 1, 2022. Background:Since the effectiveness of reperfusion therapy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is highly time-dependent, stroke centers are required to carry out quality management (QM) of AIS care and provide treatment promptly. For many hospitals, however, QM are not easy. We have developed a mobile application named Task Calc. Stroke (TCS) to support the hospital’s QM while supporting the staffs task processing. This study aims to evaluate the impact of using TCS on the workflow times of reperfusion therapy and clinical outcomes.Methods:We conducted a prospective cohort study at 4 Japanese comprehensive stroke centers for 33 months from June 2018 to December 2020. Patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV-t PA) / mechanical thrombectomy (MT) were enrolled. The research team visited each facility and trained how to use TCS for AIS care. Each facility begun using TCS after training. We divided the study period into three stages as follows: 1) Pre-intervention stage, 2) Training stage, and 3) Using TCS stage and examined the workflow times such as door-to-needle time (D2N) for IV-tPA and door-to-puncture time (D2P) for MT and clinical outcomes (at discharge modified Rankin Scale score (mRS)).Results:During the study period, 333 cases (165 pre-intervention stage, 80 training stage, and 88 using TCS stage) underwent reperfusion therapy, 250 received IV-tPA, and 156 received MT. For D2N, the geometric mean decreased significantly from 57.7 minutes to 51.3 minutes in the training stage compared to the pre-intervention stage (Exp (β) 0.816: 95% CI 0.691-0.963, P=0.016) and further decreased to 49.7 minutes in the using TCS stage (Exp(β) 0.759: 95% CI 0.65-0. 888, P=0.001). For D2P, it slightly increased from 91.1 to 95.8 minutes in the training stage (Exp(β) 0.939: 95%CI 0.75-01.175, P=0.578), and significantly decreased to 84.2 minutes in the using TCS stage (Exp(β) 0.675: 95%CI 0. 524-0.87, P=0.003). The severity of disability tended to decrease across the mRS range (adjusted common odds ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.22-1.11; P = 0.088) in the TCS using stage.Conclusions:TCS care support hospital’s QM to reduce the workflow times of reperfusion therapy and tends to improve clinical outcomes.

Leggi
Febbraio 2022

Abstract WP110: Infarct Topography On MRI In Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke And Atrial Fibrillation: Subgroup Analysis From PER DIEM Trial

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page AWP110-AWP110, February 1, 2022. Background:Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cause of ischemic stroke; however, it is often difficult to detect. It is unclear whether specific infarct topography on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is associated with underlying AF. We aimed to objectively assess the infarct patterns on MRI in patients with acute ischemic stroke and determine imaging characteristics that are associated with AF.Methods:We conducted a subgroup analysis on patients randomized in Post-Embolic Rhythm Detection with Implantable vs External Monitoring trial (PER DIEM; NCT02428140) who had brain MRI. Two raters blinded to clinical details reviewed the MRI findings. Patients were divided to two groups (AF and non-AF) and descriptive statistics were used to characterize findings. Variables associated with new AF were analyzed using logistic regression and reported as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) andp-values.Results:Of the 300 patients who were randomized in the trial, 249 (83%) patients (59.4% male) with a mean age of 64.3 ± 13.1 years had MRI brain and were included in the analysis. Median (IQR) NIHSS was 0 (0 – 1), number of lesions was 2 (1 – 3), and diameter of lesion (mm) was 10.4 (5.8 – 21.1) mm. In this cohort of patients, imaging characteristics were not significantly associated with the detection of AF.Conclusions:Association between infarct topography and AF detection was not found in this study. Imaging characteristics cannot be relied upon to predict or exclude an underlying AF. Large prospective studies are suggested to examine the link between infarct topography and underlying AF.

Leggi
Febbraio 2022

Abstract 49: Elevation Of Blood Viscosity In Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page A49-A49, February 1, 2022. Objectives:The blood viscosity would quantify the physiological state of abnormal blood flow and hypercoagulability, which are crucial predisposing factors of ischemic stroke. It investigated whether the viscosity increase in the stroke.Methods:It enrolled a series of patients who visited the hospital with any neurologic symptom or sign within 24 h of last well-being. Blood was immediately sampled at the time of hospital arrival as a routine clinical practice along the acute stroke clinical pathway. The viscosity was investigated in a point-of-care test manner using ARS M-200, Rheology Solutions, Korea. It placed the whole blood between the two plates and measured the viscosity by applying a torque of 10 Hz within 5 minutes of taking the blood sample. The primary outcome was an ischemic stroke and other diseases, and the difference in blood viscosity between the two groups was compared.Results:In 2021, it enrolled 47 subjects (age, 69.5 ± 12.9 years-old, male, 51.0%) of whose were diagnosed as ischemic stroke (n = 18) and other diseases (n = 29) consisted of hemorrhagic stroke, metabolic encephalopathy, vertigo, seizure, drug intoxication, and peripheral neuropathy. The viscosity of ischemic stroke with 10 Hz torque was significantly higher than those of non-stroke (22.7 ± 7.4 vs. 18.4 ± 7.0 Ps, P = 0.02). In stroke, the viscosity was significantly different between direct visits (25.5 ± 6.6 Ps) and transferred subjects with intravenous fluids (14.3 ± 1.4) (P = 0.003). In the case of hemorrhagic stroke, traumatic hemorrhage presented the highest values (27.1 ± 5.8), which was different from intracerebral hemorrhage (22.1 ± 7.3 Ps, Figure).Conclusion:The blood viscosity increased in acute ischemic stroke, which would be used as an auxiliary factor in the emergency setting. Also, it may be warranted the following studies for investigating their prognostic roles.

Leggi
Febbraio 2022

Abstract TP71: Characteristics And Demographics Of Patients Using Emergency Medical Services For Suspected Acute Stroke And Its Impact On Long-term Outcomes In A Multi Ethnic Population

Stroke, Volume 53, Issue Suppl_1, Page ATP71-ATP71, February 1, 2022. Introduction:Acute ischemic stroke (IS) patients who receive IV thrombolysis are more likely to have good long-term prognosis. Unfortunately, more than two-third of IS patients present outside the therapeutic window. The use of emergency medical services (EMS) can reduce pre-hospital delay and increase likelihood of treatment with t-PA. We aim to determine the characteristic variations amongst the suspected acute stroke patients using EMS.Methods:In this retrospective observational study, all suspected acute stroke patients admitted to Hamad General Hospital from April 30, 2014 to September 15, 2020 were included. We evaluated demographics, clinical features, impact on treatment and associated factors in EMS versus non-EMS group.Results:During the study period, 11892 patients presented as suspected acute stroke. Of these, 65.1% used EMS (EMS-group). Mean age in EMS group was 53.4+14.1 versus 52.6+14.0 in non-EMS group (p = 0.003). Male to female ratio in both groups was 3:1. The proportion of patients who used EMS were higher in the Asian (66.8%), African (66.8%) and Caucasian (66.6%) population as compared to Arabs (61.9%). EMS use in Qatari population (59.2%) was relatively low. Intracerebral hemorrhage patients (82.4%) had a significantly higher EMS use followed by IS (65.7%) and cerebral venous thrombosis (64.7%); p

Leggi
Febbraio 2022