scholarly journals Association between patient outcomes and key performance indicators of stroke care quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 287-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard Urimubenshi ◽  
Peter Langhorne ◽  
Dominique A Cadilhac ◽  
Jeanne N Kagwiza ◽  
Olivia Wu
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Stroke Unit ◽  
Nutritional Assessment ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Key Performance Indicators ◽  
Lipid Management

Purpose Translating research evidence into clinical practice often uses key performance indicators to monitor quality of care. We conducted a systematic review to identify the stroke key performance indicators used in large registries, and to estimate their association with patient outcomes. Method We sought publications of recent (January 2000–May 2017) national or regional stroke registers reporting the association of key performance indicators with patient outcome (adjusting for age and stroke severity). We searched Ovid Medline, EMBASE and PubMed and screened references from bibliographies. We used an inverse variance random effects meta-analysis to estimate associations (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval) with death or poor outcome (death or disability) at the end of follow-up. Findings We identified 30 eligible studies (324,409 patients). The commonest key performance indicators were swallowing/nutritional assessment, stroke unit admission, antiplatelet use for ischaemic stroke, brain imaging and anticoagulant use for ischaemic stroke with atrial fibrillation, lipid management, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis and early physiotherapy/mobilisation. Lower case fatality was associated with stroke unit admission (odds ratio 0.79; 0.72–0.87), swallow/nutritional assessment (odds ratio 0.78; 0.66–0.92) and antiplatelet use for ischaemic stroke (odds ratio 0.61; 0.50–0.74) or anticoagulant use for ischaemic stroke with atrial fibrillation (odds ratio 0.51; 0.43–0.64), lipid management (odds ratio 0.52; 0.38–0.71) and early physiotherapy or mobilisation (odds ratio 0.78; 0.67–0.91). Reduced poor outcome was associated with adherence to swallowing/nutritional assessment (odds ratio 0.58; 0.43–0.78) and stroke unit admission (odds ratio 0.83; 0.77–0.89). Adherence with several key performance indicators appeared to have an additive benefit. Discussion Adherence with common key performance indicators was consistently associated with a lower risk of death or disability after stroke. Conclusion Policy makers and health care professionals should implement and monitor those key performance indicators supported by good evidence.

scholarly journals 036 The impact of a clinical support tool on stroke key performance indicators

2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (e7) ◽  
pp. A12.3-A13
Author(s):  
Khaled Alanati ◽  
James Evans
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Stroke ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Stroke Care ◽  
Key Performance Indicators ◽  
Google Scholar ◽  
Cochrane Database ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionAdherence to key performance indicators (KPIs) in stroke care is associated with better outcomes.1–6 The complexity in management of acute strokes, however, has created barriers towards delivering best care with plateauing of KPIs as measured by The National Stroke Foundation Clinical Audit.We examined the impact on stroke KPIs in our local health district of a web-based decision support stroke platform which provides clinicians with up-to-date information about the patient’s management flagging potential areas for improvement, allowing treatment to be optimised in real time.MethodsSix months following the introduction of the platform we performed a retrospective analysis of Electronic medical records of patients admitted to Gosford hospital with acute stroke between June 2018 and September 2018 assessing access to the stroke unit as well as being discharged on appropriate secondary prophylactics, including antihypertensives and correct antithrombotic therapy. Patients whose direction of care was palliative and patients with documented contraindication to secondary prophylactics were excluded.ResultsOver four months, 136 patients presented with acute ischaemic stroke and 11 patients had a haemorrhagic stroke. 49 ischaemic stroke patients had atrial fibrillation. Stroke unit access was higher following its introduction in 2018 compared to 2017 (97% vs 76%, respectively). Similar findings were noted for patients with atrial fibrillation who received oral anticoagulants on discharge (90% vs 50%) and patients discharged on antihypertensives (95% vs 80%).ConclusionUse of a clinical support platform in managing acute stroke is an intervention that improves stroke care.ReferencesUrimubenshi G, Langhorne P, Cadilhac DA, Kagwiza JN, Wu O. Association between patient outcomes and key performance indicators of stroke care quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Stroke Journal 2017;2(4):287–307. https://doi.org/10.1177/2396987317735426Sandercock P, Gubitz G, Foley P. Antiplatelet therapy for acute ischaemic stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2003;2: CD000029. Google ScholarKwan J, Sandercock P. In-hospital care pathways for stroke. Cochrane Database Syst Rev2004;4: CD002924. Google ScholarSaxena R, Koudstaal PJ. Anticoagulants for preventing stroke in patients with nonrheumatic atrial fibrillation and a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;4: CD000187. Google ScholarGoyal M, Menon BK, van Zwam WH. Endovascular thrombectomy after large-vessel ischaemic stroke: a meta-analysis of individual patient data from five randomised trial. Lancet 2016;387:1723–1731. Google Scholar | Crossref | Medline | ISIMiddleton S, McElduff P, Ward J. Implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols to manage fever, hyperglycaemia, and swallowing dysfunction in acute stroke (QASC): a cluster randomised controlled trial. Lancet 2011;378:1699–1706. Google Scholar | Crossref | Medline | ISI

Abstract P667: Clinical Variables, Electrocardiogram Parameters and Blood Biomarkers Associated With Atrial Fibrillation Detection in the First Year After Ischaemic Stroke - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan Cameron ◽  
Huen Ki Cheng ◽  
Ren Ping Lee ◽  
Pouria Khashayar ◽  
Mark Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Cardiac Monitoring ◽  
First Year ◽  
Blood Biomarkers ◽  
Clinical Variables

Introduction: Cardiac monitoring is performed to detect atrial fibrillation (AF) after stroke. Identifying patients at high or low risk of AF may allow cardiac monitoring approaches to be tailored on a more personalised basis. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify variables associated with AF detection after ischaemic stroke. Methods: We followed the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines and retrieved 8503 studies. After screening, 35 studies were selected and 68 variables were assessed. We assessed 41 clinical variables, 20 ECG parameters and 7 blood biomarkers associated with AF detection >30 seconds duration in the first year after stroke. Comprehensive Meta-analysis software was used to generate an odds ratio and Forest plot for each variable. Studies were assessed for quality using the Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool. Results: The 35 studies included 12010 patients and AF was detected in 1551 patients (13%). Of the 68 variables assessed, 20 were associated with increased odds of AF, 5 were associated with reduced odds of AF and 43 were not associated with AF (Figure 1). The variables most strongly associated with AF detection (odds ratio >3.00) were older age, patients who received IV thrombolytic therapy, maximum P-wave duration, premature atrial complexes, P-wave dispersion, P-wave index, QTc interval and brain natriuretic peptide. Risk of bias was low in 3 studies, moderate in 24 studies and high in 8 studies. Conclusions: We have identified clinically applicable variables that can stratify the probability of AF detection after stroke. Our results will help guide more personalised approaches to cardiac monitoring for AF detection after stroke.

scholarly journals Association Between Atrial Fibrillation and Cognitive Impairment in Individuals With Prior Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 1662-1666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damianos G. Kokkinidis ◽  
Nikos Zareifopoulos ◽  
Christina A. Theochari ◽  
Angelos Arfaras-Melainis ◽  
Christos A. Papanastasiou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Adjusted Analysis ◽  
End Point ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Prior Stroke ◽  
Unadjusted Analysis

Background and Purpose— Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common chronic arrhythmia. Dementia and cognitive impairment (CI) are major burdens to public health. The prevalence of all 3 entities is projected to increase due to population aging. Previous reports have linked AF with a higher risk of CI and dementia in patients without prior stroke. Stroke is known to increase the risk for dementia and CI. It is unclear if AF in patients with history of stroke can further increase the risk for dementia or CI. Our purpose was to evaluate the impact of AF on risk for dementia or CI among patients with history of stroke. Methods— Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. Pubmed, Scopus, and Cochrane central were searched. The outcomes of interest were dementia, CI, and the composite end point of dementia or CI. A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed. Meta-regression analysis was also performed. Publication bias was assessed with the Egger test and with funnel plots. Results— Fourteen studies and 14 360 patients (1363 with AF) were included in the meta-analysis. In the meta-analysis of adjusted odds ratio, AF was associated with increased risk of CI (odds ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.20–2.14]), dementia (odds ratio, 3.11 [95% CI, 2.05–4.73]), and the composite end point of CI or dementia (odds ratio, 2.26 [95% CI, 1.61–3.19]). The heterogeneity for the composite end point of dementia or CI was moderate (adjusted analysis). The heterogeneity for the analysis of the end point of CI only was substantial in the unadjusted analysis and moderate in the adjusted analysis. The heterogeneity for the end point of dementia only was moderate in the unadjusted analysis and zero in the adjusted analysis. Conclusions— Our results indicate that an association between AF and CI or dementia is patients with prior strokes is possible given the persistent positive associations we noticed in the unadjusted and adjusted analyses. The heterogeneity levels limit the certainty of our findings.

scholarly journals Thoracoscopic surgical ablation or catheter ablation for patients with atrial fibrillation? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 763-773
Author(s):  
Shaolei Yi ◽  
Xiaojun Liu ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Lianghua Chen ◽  
Haitao Yuan
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Randomized Controlled Trials ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Invasive Procedure ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Surgical Ablation ◽  
Randomized Controlled

Abstract OBJECTIVES There is an urgent need to understand the difference in the influence of thoracoscopic surgical ablation (TSA) and catheter ablation (CA) on clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of TSA versus CA in patients with AF. METHODS Databases including EMBASE, Clinical Trials, PubMed and Cochrane Central Registered Control System were screened for the retrieval of articles. A direct meta-analysis of TSA versus CA was conducted. The I2 test analysis was performed to evaluate heterogeneity. The Begg–Mazumdar test and the Harbord–Egger test were used to detect publication bias. The primary efficacy outcome was freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia, while the primary safety outcome was severe adverse event (SAE) occurrence. RESULTS Of the 860 identified articles, 6, comprising 466 participants, were finally included. The rate of freedom from AT was higher in the TSA group (75%) than in the CA group (57.1%) (odds ratio 0.41; 95% confidence interval 0.2–0.85; P = 0.02; I2 = 57%). A larger number of SAEs were observed in the TSA group than in the CA group (odds ratio 0.16; 95% confidence interval 0.006–0.46; P = 0.0006; I2 = 44%). The result of the subgroup analysis of 3 studies that enrolled AF patients without a history of ablation showed that the incidence of AT was comparable in both arms. The ablation procedure and hospitalization durations were longer in the TSA arm. CONCLUSIONS In our study, TSA was associated with better efficacy but a higher rate of SAEs compared to CA. In addition, TSA did not show better efficacy results as the first invasive procedure in the sub-analysis of patients with paroxysmal AF or early persistent AF. Therefore, doctors should recommend either TSA or CA to patients with AF after due consideration of the aforementioned findings.

scholarly journals Association of Oral Anticoagulation With Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation or Heart Failure: A Comparative Meta-Analysis

Stroke ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catriona Reddin ◽  
Conor Judge ◽  
Elaine Loughlin ◽  
Robert Murphy ◽  
Maria Costello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Treatment Effect ◽  
Oral Anticoagulation ◽  
Clinical Benefit ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Major Hemorrhage ◽  
Net Clinical Benefit

Background and Purpose: Atrial fibrillation and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are common sources of cardioembolism. While oral anticoagulation is strongly recommended for atrial fibrillation, there are marked variations in guideline recommendations for HFrEF due to uncertainty about net clinical benefit. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the comparative association of oral anticoagulation with stroke and other cardiovascular risk in populations with atrial fibrillation or HFrEF in sinus rhythm and identify factors mediating different estimates of net clinical benefit. Methods: PubMed and Embase were searched from database inception to November 20, 2019 for randomized clinical trials comparing oral anticoagulation to control. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate a pooled treatment-effect overall and within atrial fibrillation and HFrEF trials. Differences in treatment effect were assessed by estimating I 2 among all trials and testing the between-trial-population P -interaction. The primary outcome measure was all stroke. Secondary outcome measures were ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, mortality, myocardial infarction, and major hemorrhage. Results: Twenty-one trials were eligible for inclusion, 15 (n=19 332) in atrial fibrillation (mean follow-up: 23.1 months), and 6 (n=9866) in HFrEF (mean follow-up: 23.9 months). There were differences in primary outcomes between trial populations, with all-cause mortality included for 95.2% of HFrEF trial population versus 0.38% for atrial fibrillation. Mortality was higher in controls groups of HFrEF populations (19.0% versus 9.6%) but rates of stroke lower (3.1% versus 7.0%) compared with atrial fibrillation. The association of oral anticoagulation with all stroke was consistent for atrial fibrillation (odds ratio, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.42–0.63]) and HFrEF (odds ratio, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.47–0.79]; I 2 =12.4%; P interaction=0.31). There were no statistically significant differences in the association of oral anticoagulation with cardiovascular events, mortality or bleeding between populations. Conclusions: The relative association of oral anticoagulation with stroke risk, and other cardiovascular outcomes, is similar for patients with atrial fibrillation and HFrEF. Differences in the primary outcomes employed by trials in HFrEF, compared with atrial fibrillation, may have contributed to differing conclusions of the relative efficacy of oral anticoagulation.

Biomarkers for Atrial Fibrillation Detection After Stroke: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Neurology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 10.1212/WNL.0000000000012769
Author(s):  
Alan Cameron ◽  
Huen Ki Cheng ◽  
Ren-Ping Lee ◽  
Daniel Doherty ◽  
Mark Hall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
P Wave ◽  
Cardiac Monitoring ◽  
Wave Duration ◽  
P Wave Duration ◽  
Selection For

Objective:To identify clinical, ECG and blood-based biomarkers associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) detection after ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) that could help inform patient selection for cardiac monitoring.Methods:We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis and searched electronic databases for cohort studies from 15/01/2000-15/01/2020. The outcome was AF ≥30 seconds within one year after ischaemic stroke/TIA. We used random effects models to create summary estimates of risk. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. PROSPERO registration: CRD42020168307.Results:We identified 8503 studies, selected 34 studies and assessed 69 variables (42 clinical, 20 ECG and seven blood-based biomarkers). The studies included 11569 participants and AF was detected in 1478 people (12.8%). Overall, risk of bias was moderate. Variables associated with increased likelihood of AF detection are older age (OR 3.26, 95%CI 2.35-4.54), female sex (OR 1.47, 95%CI 1.23-1.77), a history of heart failure (OR 2.56, 95%CI 1.87-3.49), hypertension (OR 1.42, 95%CI 1.15-1.75) or ischaemic heart disease (OR 1.80, 95%CI 1.34-2.42), higher modified Rankin Scale (OR 6.13, 95%CI 2.93-12.84) or National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (OR 2.50, 95%CI 1.64-3.81), no significant carotid/intracranial artery stenosis (OR 3.23, 95%CI 1.14-9.11), no tobacco use (OR 1.93, 95%CI 1.48-2.51), statin therapy (OR 2.07, 95%CI 1.14-3.73), stroke as index diagnosis (OR 1.59, 95%CI 1.17-2.18), systolic blood pressure (OR 1.61, 95%CI 1.16-2.22), intravenous thrombolysis treatment (OR 2.40, 95%CI 1.83-3.16), atrioventricular block (OR 2.12, 95%CI 1.08-4.17), left ventricular hypertrophy (OR 2.21, 95%CI 1.03-4.74), premature atrial contraction (OR 3.90, 95%CI 1.74-8.74), maximum P-wave duration (OR 3.19, 95%CI 1.40-7.25), PR interval (OR 2.32, 95%CI 1.11-4.83), P-wave dispersion (OR 7.79, 95%CI 4.16-14.61), P-wave index (OR 3.44, 95%CI 1.87-6.32), QTc interval (OR 3.68, 95%CI 1.63-8.28), brain natriuretic peptide (OR 13.73, 95%CI 3.31-57.07) and HDL-cholesterol (OR 1.49, 95%CI 1.17-1.88) concentrations. Variables associated with reduced likelihood are minimum P-wave duration (OR 0.53, 95%CI 0.29-0.98), LDL-cholesterol (OR 0.73, 95%CI 0.57-0.93) and triglyceride (OR 0.51, 95%CI 0.41-0.64) concentrations.Discussion:We have identified multi-modal biomarkers that could help guide patient selection for cardiac monitoring after ischaemic stroke/TIA. Their prognostic utility should be prospectively assessed with AF detection and recurrent stroke as outcomes.

scholarly journals CHA2DS2-VASc risk factors as predictors of stroke after acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 264-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Guerra ◽  
Lorena Scappini ◽  
Alessandro Maolo ◽  
Gianluca Campo ◽  
Rita Pavasini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Observational Studies ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Ischemic Attack

Background: Stroke is a rare but serious complication of acute coronary syndrome. At present, no specific score exists to identify patients at higher risk. The aim of the present study is to test whether each clinical variable included in the CHA2DS2-VASc score retains its predictive value in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome, irrespective of atrial fibrillation. Methods: The meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. All clinical trials and observational studies presenting data on the association between stroke/transient ischemic attack incidence and at least one CHA2DS2-VASc item in patients with a recent acute coronary syndrome were considered in the analysis. Atrial fibrillation diagnosis was also considered. Results: The whole cohort included 558,193 patients of which 7108 (1.3%) had an acute stroke and/or transient ischemic attack during follow-up (median nine months; 1st–3rd quartile 1–12 months). Age and previous stroke had the highest odds ratios (odds ratio 2.60; 95% confidence interval 2.21–3.06 and odds ratio 2.74; 95% confidence interval 2.19–3.42 respectively), in accordance with the two-point value given in the CHA2DS2-VASc score. All other factors were positively associated with stroke, although with lower odds ratios. Atrial fibrillation, while present in only 11.2% of the population, confirmed its association with an increased risk of stroke and/or transient ischemic attack (odds ratio 2.04; 95% confidence interval 1.71–2.44). Conclusions: All risk factors included in the CHA2DS2-VASc score are associated with stroke/ transient ischemic attack in patients with recent acute coronary syndrome, and retain similar odds ratios to what already seen in atrial fibrillation. The utility of CHA2DS2-VASc score for risk stratification of stroke in patients with acute coronary syndrome remains to be determined.

Direct oral factor Xa inhibitors for the prevention of non-central nervous systemic embolism patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation - a systematic review and meta-analysis

VASA ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 293-298
Author(s):  
Victoria Gandara ◽  
Fernando Vazquez ◽  
Esteban Gandara
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Vitamin K ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Factor Xa ◽  
Factor Xa Inhibitors ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Controlled Trials ◽  
Systemic Embolism

Abstract. Background: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of direct oral factor Xa inhibitors for preventing non-central nervous systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the following databases: Ovid Medline, Europubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, from July 1st 1990 to April 1st, 2015. Randomised controlled trials were included if they reported the outcomes of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation treated with a direct oral factor Xa inhibitors compared to a vitamin K antagonist. The primary outcome was objectively confirmed as non-central nervous systemic embolism and ischaemic stroke was the secondary outcome. The random-effects model odds ratio was used as the outcome measure. Results: Our initial search identified 987 relevant articles, of which three satisfied our inclusion criteria and were included. Compared to vitamin K antagonists targeting an INR between 2 and 3, direct oral factor Xa inhibitors alone did not reduce the incidence of non-central nervous systemic embolism [OR 0.63 (95 % CI 0.30 - 1.35)] or ischaemic stroke [OR 1.06 (95 % CI 0.86 - 1.32)]. Conclusions: As a drug class, direct oral factor Xa inhibitors do not reduce the incidence of non-central nervous systemic embolism (or ischaemic stroke) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Selecting drugs for the prevention of non-central nervous systemic embolism in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation should be based on individual drug efficacy data, rather than class data.

scholarly journals Ischaemic stroke as the initial manifestation of systemic amyloidosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. e228979
Author(s):  
Patrícia Marques ◽  
José Beato-Coelho ◽  
João Durães ◽  
Argemiro Geraldo
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Stroke Unit ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
Systemic Amyloidosis ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Rare Presentation ◽  
Initial Manifestation ◽  
Specific Symptom ◽  
Underlying Disorder

A previously healthy 54-year-old woman was admitted to the stroke unit with an acute ischaemic stroke attributed to atrial fibrillation newly diagnosed at the emergency room. Nevertheless, preliminary investigation on stroke aetiology revealed incidental hypoalbuminaemia in the context of nephrotic syndrome, while clinically, the patient developed progressive signs of cardiac failure raising the suspicion of an underlying disorder. Systemic amyloidosis was histologically confirmed a few weeks after hospital admission. The rare presentation and non-specific symptom constellation contributed to delayed institution of the appropriated treatment regimen at a point where multiorganic involvement was irreversible leading to death only 2 months after the first manifestation. The presented case reminds us of the importance of always keeping in mind this rarer cause of ischaemic stroke since an early diagnosis remains the key to a more hopeful prognosis.

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