Left atrial mechanics for secondary prevention from embolic stroke of undetermined source

Author(s):  
Leyla Elif Sade ◽  
Suzan Keskin ◽  
Ufuk Can ◽  
Ayşe Çolak ◽  
Deniz Yüce ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims  Anticoagulation is not justified unless atrial fibrillation (AF) is detected in cryptogenic stroke (CS) patients. We sought to explore whether left atrial (LA) remodelling is associated with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Methods and results  In this prospective study, we evaluated consecutively 186 patients in sinus rhythm who presented with an acute ischaemic stroke (embolic and non-embolic) and sex- and age-matched controls. We performed continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring to capture paroxysmal AF episodes as recommended by the guidelines. After 12 months of follow-up, continuous ECG monitoring was repeated in patients with undetected AF episodes. We quantified LA reservoir and contraction strain (LASr and LASct) by speckle-tracking, LA volumes by 3D echocardiography. Out of 186 patients, 149 were enrolled after comprehensive investigation for the source of ischaemic stroke and divided into other cause (OC) (n = 52) and CS (n = 97) groups. CS patients were also subdivided into AF (n = 39) and ESUS (n = 58) groups. Among CS patients, LA strain predicted AF independently from CHARGE-AF score and LA volume indices. ESUS group, despite no captured AF, had significantly worse LA metrics than OC and control groups. AF group had the worst LA metrics. Moreover, LASr predicted both CS (embolic stroke with and without AF) and ESUS (embolic stroke with no detected AF) independently from LAVImax and CHA2DS2-VASc score. LASr >26% yielded 86% sensitivity, 92% specificity, 92% positive, and 86% negative predictive values for the identification of ESUS (areas under curve: 0.915, P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval: 0.86–0.97). Conclusion  Echocardiographic quantification of LA remodelling has great potential for secondary prevention from ESUS.

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Sebasigari ◽  
Alexander Merkler ◽  
Guo Yang ◽  
Benjamin Kummer ◽  
Gino Gialdini ◽  
...  

Background: In population-based studies, biomarkers of atrial dysfunction or “cardiopathy” have been shown to be associated with embolic stroke risk. However, it is unclear if this risk is mediated by undiagnosed paroxysmal atrial fibrillation or flutter (AF). We aim to determine whether atrial cardiopathy biomarkers predict atrial fibrillation on continuous heart-rhythm monitoring after embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study including all patients who met consensus criteria for ESUS and who underwent 30 days of ambulatory heart-rhythm monitoring looking for AF between Jan 1 st , 2013 and Dec 31 st , 2015. We reviewed medical records for clinical, radiographic, and cardiac variables. The primary outcome was new diagnosis of AF detected during heart-rhythm monitoring. The primary predictors were atrial biomarkers: left atrial diameter on echocardiography, P-wave terminal force in ECG lead V1 , and PR interval on ECG. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between atrial biomarkers and AF detection. Results: Among 196 eligible patients, 23 (11.7%) were diagnosed with AF. In unadjusted analyses, patients with AF were older (72.4 vs. 61.4 years, p < 0.001) and had larger left atrial diameter (39.2 vs. 35.7 mm, p = 0.03). In a multivariable model including variables significant on univariate analyses, the only predictor of AF was age ≥ 60 years (odds ratio, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.06-8.5; p = 0.04). Atrial biomarkers were not associated with AF detection. Conclusion: Atrial biomarkers were not associated with AF after ESUS. This suggests that previously reported associations between these markers and stroke may reflect independent cardiac pathways leading to stroke. Prospective studies are needed to investigate these mechanisms and study anticoagulation versus antiplatelet treatment for secondary stroke prevention in patients with ESUS and atrial cardiopathy.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_G) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriella Bufano ◽  
Francesco Radico ◽  
Carolina Maria D’Angelo ◽  
Francesca Pierfelice ◽  
Maria Vittoria De Angelis ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Cryptogenic stroke (CS) is associated with high rate of recurrences and adverse outcomes at long-term follow-up, especially in light of its unknown etiology that often leads to ineffective secondary prevention. In such scenario, asymptomatic misdiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) episodes could play an important pathophysiological role. Some studies have pointed left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction as surrogate markers of AF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between echocardiographic parameters of LA and LV function, and the occurrence of AF revealed by continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring in a cohort of CS patients. Methods and results This is a single-centre prospective cohort study. Seventy-two CS patients with continuous ECG monitoring with insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). TTE was focused on LA and LV function, including both standard and longitudinal strain-derived parameters. All detected AF episodes lasting more than 2 min were considered. Patients with and without AF were homogeneous in all baseline characteristics, except for CHA2DS2-VASc score, which was significantly higher in AF group, and prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia, that was significantly higher in no-AF group. ICM revealed AF in 23 patients (32%), on average 196 days after ICM implantation. Among echocardiographic parameters, LV ejection fraction (LVEF, P = 0.007), LA end systolic area (LAES area, P = 0.006), LA volume index (LAVI, P = 0.008), total LA emptying fraction (LATEF, P = 0.013), E velocity (P = 0.042), pulmonary veins AR duration (P = 0.01), septal and median TDI E/e′ (respectively, P = 0.045 and P = 0.039), peak atrial longitudinal strain (PALS) in 4-chamber and in 2-chamber view (respectively, P &lt; 0.001 and P = 0.011), peak atrial contraction strain (PACS, P &lt; 0.001), LA conduit strain (P = 0.005), and LV longitudinal strain (LVLS, P = 0.001) were significantly associated to the occurrence of AF, suggesting worst atrial function in AF group. Furthermore, multivariable regression analysis revealed that PACS and LV strain were the only echocardiographic parameters independently associated with AF [confidence interval (CI) 95%: 0.48–0.90, P = 0.005 and CI 95%: 0.46–0.95, P = 0.041 respectively]. Conclusions In a cohort of CS patients, continuous ECG monitoring with ICM revealed subclinical AF episodes in about one-third of patients. In such population, LA and LV strain analysis add predictive value for occurrence of AF over clinical and morpho-functional echocardiographic parameters. Impaired booster pump strain and LVLS strain are strong and independent predictors of AF.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e051563
Author(s):  
Huan Thanh Nguyen ◽  
Hai Van Be Nguyen ◽  
Huy Quang Nguyen ◽  
Hung Quoc Le

ObjectiveThrombi originating in the left atrial appendage (LAA) mainly form because of atrial fibrillation (AF) and are a known cause of cardioembolic stroke. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of LAA thrombus in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and sinus rhythm on 12-lead ECG.MethodsFrom June 2019 to February 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional study wherein we performed transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients with AIS and sinus rhythm on 12-lead ECG who were referred for detection of LAA thrombus. After TEE, all patients underwent 24-hour ECG monitoring to screen for paroxysmal AF. Predictors of LAA thrombus were determined using logistic regression analysis.ResultsOverall, 223 patients (age: 66.2±11.3 years, men: 61.4%) were included in the study. LAA thrombus was detected in 15 patients (6.7%). Paroxysmal AF was detected in 14 of the 15 patients during 24-hour ECG monitoring. Compared with the non-thrombus group, the thrombus group had a statistically significant higher rate of spontaneous echo contrast (SEC), longer LAA, lower peak LAA emptying velocity and predominantly bilateral stroke. In the adjusted model, the presence of SEC increased the probability of LAA thrombus (OR 9.04; 95% CI 2.12 to 38.54; p=0.003).ConclusionsIn patients with AIS and sinus rhythm on 12-lead ECG, our study revealed that the prevalence of LAA thrombus was 6.7% with the most prevalent aetiology being paroxysmal AF. The presence of SEC can be a predictor of LAA thrombus in these patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 14-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. A. Kulesh ◽  
V. E. Drobakha ◽  
V. V. Shestakov

The paper considers the epidemiology and general etiological characteristics of cryptogenic stroke (CS). It discusses the concept of embolic stroke with an unknown source of embolism. It also characterizes the most significant causes of CS, such as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, atrial cardiopathy, aortic atheroma, non-stenotic cerebral atherosclerotic plaques, and malignant neoplasms. The paper describes approaches to the diagnosis and secondary prevention of CS and proposes etiological and neuroimaging diagnostic algorithms for CI. Clinical cases are also presented.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Vera Sainz ◽  
A Cecconi ◽  
P Martinez Vives ◽  
A Ximenez Carrillo ◽  
C Aguirre ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. onbehalf DECRYPTORING study Introduction Cryptogenic stroke (CS) represents up to 30% of all stroke types.  In one third of CS, atrial fibrillation (AF) is identified as the underlying cause. Predictors of AF in the setting of CS have been described, however these findings were based on retrospective studies and with maximum ECG monitoring of 72 hours. To overcome these limitations, we designed the prospective Decryptoring study whose objective is to create a comprehensive predictive model for AF in patients with CS. Methods From April 2019, 41 consecutive patients with a CS and age &gt; 60 years were included. On admission, a transthoracic echocardiogram with 3D volume and left atrial (LA) strain was performed. All patients were monitored with a 15-day ECG-Holter after discharge. Patients were classified according to AF detection. Results AF was detected in 9 patients (22%). Patients with AF were older (75.9 ± 8 vs. 81.9 ± 4.3 years, p = 0.041). There was no difference in T-troponin levels. NTproBNP was higher in the group with AF (350 ± 586 pg / ml vs. 1084 ± 1416 pg / ml, p = 0.018). Regarding LA strain, patients with AF presented reservoir LA strain (25.5 ± 8.2% vs 17.4 ± 4.3%; p = 0.006) and conduct LA strain (12 ± 5.2% vs 7.2 ± 1.5%; p = 0.01) lower than patients without AF. There were no differences in contraction LA strain or other echocardiographic variables. The risk of developing AF was higher in patients with NTproBNP&gt; 165 pg / ml (OR 11.3 [95% CI 1.2-102.9] p = 0.031), LA reservoir strain &lt;19.1% (OR 7.7 [IC 95 % 1.5-40.0] p = 0.016) and LA conduct strain &lt;9.1% (OR 7.8 [95% CI 1.3-45.0] p = 0.022) (Table). Conclusions This prospective study, demonstrates that high NTproBNP, low reservoir LA strain and low conduct LA strain are associated with underlying AF in patients with cryptogenic stroke. No AF (n = 32) AF (n = 9) P value Age (years) 75.9 ± 8 81.9 ± 4.3 p = 0.041 NTPROBNP (pg/ml) 350 ± 586 1084 ± 1416 P = 0.018 LA indexed diastolic volume (ml/m2) 30 ± 11.8 33.8 ± 9.8 P = 0.35 LA EF (%) 45 ± 16.7 45 ± 12.8 P = 1 Reservoir LA strain (%) 25.5± 8.2 17.4± 4.3 P = 0.006 Conduct LA strain (%) 12 ± 5.2 7.2 ± 1.5 P = 0.01 Contraction LA strain (%) 13.5 ±5.3 10.2± 3.9 P = 0.10 NTPROBNP &gt; 165 pg/ml 12 (41%) 8 (89%) OR 11.3 [IC 95% 1.2-102.9]; p = 0.031 Reservoir LA strain &lt;19.1% 6 (20%) 6 (67%) OR 7.7 [IC 95% 1.5-40.0]; p = 0.016 Conduct LA strain &lt;9.1% 9 (31%) 7 (78%) OR 7.8 [IC 95% 1.3-45.1]; p = 0.022


Author(s):  
Hiroshi Kawakami ◽  
Satish Ramkumar ◽  
Faraz Pathan ◽  
Leah Wright ◽  
Thomas H Marwick

Abstract Aims Although both left atrial (LA) and ventricular (LV) dysfunction has been accepted as an important risk factor of atrial fibrillation (AF), usefulness of LA and LV strain has not been fully compared for prediction of AF. The aims of this study were to clarify the associations of both LA and LV strain with AF and to compare their predictive values in the risk stratification for AF. Methods and results We evaluated 531 consecutive patients (median age 67 years, 56% male), with no history of AF who underwent echocardiography after cryptogenic stroke. Standard echocardiographic parameters were measured, and speckle-tracking was used to measure LA (reservoir, pump, and conduit strain) and LV strain (global longitudinal strain, GLS). The baseline clinical and echocardiographic parameters of the patients who developed AF and those who did not were compared. Median 36 months of follow-up, 61 patients (11%) had newly diagnosed AF. LA pump strain and GLS were significantly and independently associated with AF and provided incremental predictive value over clinical and standard echocardiographic parameters. Areas under the receiver-operating curves for GLS (0.841) were comparable to LA pump (0.825) and reservoir (0.851) strain. However, predictive value of both strains was different between patients with and without LA enlargement at the time of transthoracic echocardiography screening. LA strain was more useful than LV strain in patients with normal LA volumes, while LV strain was more useful than LA strain in patients with abnormal LA volumes. Conclusion Both LA and LV strain are significantly and independently associated with AF and provide incremental predictive value over clinical and standard echocardiographic parameters. However, priorities of strain assessment are different depends on patients’ condition at the time of echocardiography.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Keisuke Tokunaga ◽  
Go Hashimoto ◽  
Tadataka Mizoguchi ◽  
Kota Mori ◽  
Masahiro Shijo ◽  
...  

<b><i>Background:</i></b> To validate the hypothesis that cryptogenic stroke with multiple infarcts included embolic stroke due to left atrial appendage (LAA) dysfunction, the present retrospective observational study was aimed to clarify the association between LAA flow velocity (LAA-FV) and multiple infarcts in patients with cryptogenic stroke. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> From consecutive patients with cryptogenic stroke admitted to our hospital within 7 days after onset, patients without brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on admission or without transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during acute hospitalization were excluded, and the remaining patients were enrolled. Multiplicity of fresh infarcts was assessed using diffusion-weighted images from brain MRI. LAA-FV was defined as LAA peak emptying flow velocity on TEE. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 786 enrolled patients, 522 patients (66%) had a single infarct, and the remaining 264 patients (34%) had multiple infarcts. The percentage of multiple infarcts decreased with increasing quartiles of LAA-FV (<i>p</i> for trend &#x3c;0.001). The adjusted odds ratio for multiple infarcts decreased with increasing quartiles of LAA-FV (adjusted odds ratio in the fourth quartile, 0.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.60; compared with the first quartile). LAA-FV as a continuous variable was negatively associated with multiple infarcts (adjusted odds ratio per 10 cm/s, 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.81–0.92). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Reduced LAA-FV on TEE was associated with multiple infarcts in patients with cryptogenic stroke. The present findings indicate that cryptogenic stroke with multiple infarcts includes embolic stroke due to LAA dysfunction.


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yukio Sugiyama ◽  
Nobuyuki Ohara ◽  
Kotaro Watanabe ◽  
Junya Kobayashi ◽  
Daisuke Takahashi

Introduction and Hypothesis: Clinical categorization of ischemic stroke is very important to select the antithrombotic therapy for preventing the recurrent stokes. However, about 25% of ischemic stroke is the stroke for undetermined cause, termed as cryptogenic stroke. Recently, proactive detecting of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in cryptogenic stroke has gained attention. P-wave terminal force in lead V1 (PTFV1) of electrocardiography (ECG) is a specific indicator of left atrial abnormality. In this study, we tested PTFV1 for the utility of PAF detection and further clinical categorization in acute ischemic stroke. Methods: One hundred forty eight consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients were admitted to our hospital from September 2014 to March 2016. We included 105 patients (mean age 72.8±13.4 years), who had sinus rhythm on admission 12-lead ECG without atrial fibrillation, or cardiac pacing. PTFV1 (mmхsec) of participants was assessed, and had analyzed the association with PAF detection in a 24-hour ECG monitoring and clinical categories of ischemic stroke. Results: PTFV1 was significantly higher in the patients with PAF (n=11) than in those without PAF (0.049±0.024 vs 0.031±0.027; p<0.05). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that PTFV1 was an independent predictor for PAF detection (odds ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.08; p<0.05). According to the clinical categorization, PTFV1 of cardioembolic stroke (0.061±0.022) was significantly higher, compared to lacunar stroke (0.018±0.019; p<0.01), atherothrombotic stroke (0.035±0.026; p<0.05), and cryptogenic stroke (0.031±0.029; p<0.05). The proportion of patients with left atrial abnormality defined by PTFV1 (≧0.04), was 10 out of 11 (91%) for cardioembolic stroke, and 10 out of 27 (37%) for cryptogenic stroke. Conclusions: PTFV1 on admission ECG in acute ischemic stroke was a strong predictor for PAF detection and cardioembolic stroke diagnosis. Extended ECG monitoring may be useful in cryptogenic stroke with left atrial abnormality defined by PTFV1.


Author(s):  
P. I. Merkureva ◽  
J. D. Bogatenkova ◽  
I. A. Voznyuk ◽  
V. A. Sorokoumov ◽  
E. A. Popov

Background. The article considers with the current problem of cryptogenic stroke and embolic stroke of undetermined source.The objective was to analyzed the results of follow-up of patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source in a specialized outpatient center.Methods and materials. The data of 169 patients who completed a two-year follow-up period with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) and cardioembolic stroke were analyzed.Results. We presented comparative results on the structure of incidence rate, age differences, comorbid pathology, as well as on the frequency of repeated cardiovascular events in groups with cardioembolic stroke and embolic stroke of undetermined source.Conclusions. Patients with ESUS are an extremely difficult category of patients for diagnostic search, for whom the actual task is to develop an examination algorithm for the earliest possible detection of the cause of stroke and to determine the optimal methods of secondary prevention.


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