scholarly journals External Validation of Stroke Mimic Prediction Scales in the Emergency Department

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian Ming Tu ◽  
Guan Zhong Tan ◽  
Seyed Ehsan Saffari ◽  
Chee Keong Wee ◽  
David Jeremiah Ming Siang Chee ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Acute ischemic stroke is a time-sensitive emergency where accurate diagnosis is required promptly. Due to time pressures, stroke mimics, whom present with similar signs and symptoms as acute ischemic stroke, pose a diagnostic challenge to the emergency physician. With limited access to investigative tools, clinical prediction tools, based only on clinical features, may be useful to identify stroke mimics. We aim to externally validate the performance of 4 stroke mimic prediction scales and aim to derive a novel decision tree, to improve identification of stroke mimics. Methods We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study at a primary stroke centre, served by a telestroke hub. We included consecutive patients whom were administered intravenous thrombolysis for suspected acute ischemic stroke from January 2015 to October 2017. Four stroke mimic prediction tools (FABS, simplified FABS, Telestroke Mimic Score and Khan Score) were rated simultaneously, using only clinical information prior to administration of thrombolysis. The final diagnosis was ascertained by an independent stroke neurologist. Area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) analysis was performed. A classification tree analysis was also conducted using variables which were found to be significant in the univariate analysis. Results Telestroke Mimic Score had the highest discrimination for stroke mimics among the 4 scores tested (AUROC = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.63–0.87), although it was not statistically significantly better. Telestroke Mimic Score had the highest sensitivity (91.3%), while Khan score had the highest specificity (88.2%). All 4 scores had high positive predictive value (88.1–97.5%) and low negative predictive values (4.7–32.3%). A novel decision tree, using only age, presence of migraine and psychiatric history, had a higher prediction performance (AUROC = 0.80). Conclusion Four tested stroke mimic prediction scales performed similarly well to identify stroke mimics in the emergency setting. A novel decision tree may improve the identification of stroke mimics.

2003 ◽  
Vol 49 (10) ◽  
pp. 1733-1739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A Reynolds ◽  
Howard J Kirchick ◽  
Jeffrey R Dahlen ◽  
Joseph M Anderberg ◽  
Paul H McPherson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The diagnosis and management of acute ischemic stroke are limited by the lack of rapid diagnostic assays for use in an emergency setting. Computed tomography (CT) scanning is used to diagnose hemorrhagic stroke but is relatively ineffective (<33% sensitive) in detecting ischemic stroke. The ability to correlate blood-borne protein biomarkers with stroke phenotypes would aid in the development of such rapid tests. Methods: ELISAs for >50 protein biomarkers were developed for use on a high-throughput robotic workstation. These assays were used to screen plasma samples from 214 healthy donors and 223 patients diagnosed with stroke, including 82 patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. Marker assay values were first compared by univariate analysis, and then the top markers were subjected to multivariate analysis to derive a marker panel algorithm for the prediction of stroke. Results: The top markers from this analysis were S-100b (a marker of astrocytic activation), B-type neurotrophic growth factor, von Willebrand factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1. In a panel algorithm in which three or more marker values above their respective cutoffs were scored as positive, these five markers provided a sensitivity of 92% at 93% specificity for ischemic stroke samples taken within 6 h from symptom onset. Conclusion: A marker panel approach to the diagnosis of stroke may provide a useful adjunct to CT scanning in the emergency setting.


Cephalalgia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (14) ◽  
pp. 2068-2078 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Terrin ◽  
Giulia Toldo ◽  
Mario Ermani ◽  
Federico Mainardi ◽  
Ferdinando Maggioni

Background Migraine with aura may mimic an acute ischemic stroke, so that an improper administration of thrombolytic treatment can expose migrainous patients to severe adverse effects. Methods This systematic review quantifies the relevance of migraine with aura among stroke mimics, checking for thrombolysis’ safety in these patients. We reviewed the literature after 1995, distinguishing from studies dealing with stroke mimics treated with systemic thrombolysis and those who were not treated with systemic thrombolysis. Results Migraine with aura is responsible for 1.79% (CI 95% 0.82–3.79%) of all the emergency Stroke Unit evaluations and it represents 12.24% (CI 95% 6.34–22.31%) of stroke mimics in the group not treated with systemic thrombolysis. 6.65% (CI 95% 4.32–9.78%) of systemic thrombolysis administrations are performed in patients without an acute ischemic stroke. Migraine with aura is responsible for 17.91% of these (CI 95% 13.29–23.71%). The reported rate of adverse events seems extremely low (0.01%). Conclusion Migraine with aura is the third most common stroke mimic, following seizures and psychiatric disorders; it is responsible for about 18% of all improper thrombolytic treatments. Despite the absence of strong supporting data, thrombolysis in migraine with aura seems to be a procedure with an extremely low risk of adverse events.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 166-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linghui Deng ◽  
Changyi Wang ◽  
Shi Qiu ◽  
Haiyang Bian ◽  
Lu Wang ◽  
...  

Background: Hydration status significantly affects the clinical outcome of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Blood urea nitrogen-to-creatinine ratio (BUN/Cr) is a biomarker of hydration status. However, it is not known whether there is a relationship between BUN/Cr and three-month outcome as assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score in AIS patients. Methods: AIS patients admitted to West China Hospital from 2012 to 2016 were prospectively and consecutively enrolled and baseline data were collected. Poor clinical outcome was defined as three-month mRS > 2. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between BUN/Cr and three-month outcome. Confounding factors were identified by univariate analysis. Stratified logistic regression analysis was performed to identify effect modifiers. Results: A total of 1738 patients were included in the study. BUN/Cr showed a positive correlation with the three-month outcome (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.03, p=0.04). However, after adjusting for potential confounders, the correlation was no longer significant (p=0.95). An interaction between BUN/Cr and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was discovered (p=0.03), with a significant correlation between BUN/Cr and three-month outcome in patients with higher HDL (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.07, p=0.04). Conclusion: Elevated BUN/Cr is associated with poor three-month outcome in AIS patients with high HDL levels.


2020 ◽  
pp. 028418512098177
Author(s):  
Yu Lin ◽  
Nannan Kang ◽  
Jianghe Kang ◽  
Shaomao Lv ◽  
Jinan Wang

Background Color-coded multiphase computed tomography angiography (mCTA) can provide time-variant blood flow information of collateral circulation for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Purpose To compare the predictive values of color-coded mCTA, conventional mCTA, and CT perfusion (CTP) for the clinical outcomes of patients with AIS. Material and Methods Consecutive patients with anterior circulation AIS were retrospectively reviewed at our center. Baseline collateral scores of color-coded mCTA and conventional mCTA were assessed by a 6-point scale. The reliabilities between junior and senior observers were assessed by weighted Kappa coefficients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and multivariate logistic regression model were applied to evaluate the predictive capabilities of color-coded mCTA and conventional mCTA scores, and CTP parameters (hypoperfusion and infarct core volume) for a favorable outcome of AIS. Results A total of 138 patients (including 70 cases of good outcomes) were included in our study. Patients with favorable prognoses were correlated with better collateral circulations on both color-coded and conventional mCTA, and smaller hypoperfusion and infarct core volume (all P < 0.05) on CTP. ROC curves revealed no significant difference between the predictive capability of color-coded and conventional mCTA ( P = 0.427). The predictive value of CTP parameters tended to be inferior to that of color-coded mCTA score (all P < 0.001). Both junior and senior observers had consistently excellent performances (κ = 0.89) when analyzing color-coded mCTA maps. Conclusion Color-coded mCTA provides prognostic information of patients with AIS equivalent to or better than that of conventional mCTA and CTP. Junior radiologists can reach high diagnostic accuracy when interpreting color-coded mCTA images.


Author(s):  
Amy K Starosciak ◽  
Italo Linfante ◽  
Gail Walker ◽  
Osama O Zaidat ◽  
Alicia C Castonguay ◽  
...  

Background: Recanalization of the occluded artery is a powerful predictor of good outcome in acute ischemic stroke secondary to large artery occlusions. Mechanical thrombectomy with stent-trievers results in higher recanalization rates and better outcomes compared to previous devices. However, despite successful recanalization rates (Treatment in Cerebral Infarction, TICI, score ≥ 2b) between 70 and 90%, good clinical outcomes assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤ 2 is present in 40-50% of patients . We aimed to evaluate predictors of poor outcomes (mRS > 2) despite successful recanalization (TICI ≥ 2b) in the acute stroke patients treated with the Solitaire device of the North American Solitaire Stent Retriever Acute Stroke (NASA) registry. Methods: The NASA registry is a multicenter, non-sponsored, physician-conducted, post-marketing registry on the use of SOLITAIRE FR device in 354 acute, large vessel, ischemic stroke patients. Logistic regression was used to evaluate patient characteristics and treatment parameters for association with 90-day mRS score of 0-2 (good outcome) versus 3-6 (poor outcome) within patients who were recanalized successfully (Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction or TICI score 2b-3). Univariate tests were followed by development of a multivariable model based on stepwise selection with entry and retention criteria of p < 0.05 from the set of factors with at least marginal significance (p ≤ 0.10) on univariate analysis. The c-statistic was calculated as a measure of predictive power. Results: Out of 354 patients, 256 (72.3%) were successfully recanalized (TICI ≥ 2b). Based on 90-day mRS score for 234 of these patients, there were 116 (49.6%) with mRS > 2. Univariate analysis identified increased risk of mRS > 2 for each of the following: age ≥ 80 years (upper quartile of data), occlusion site other than M1/M2, NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥ 18 (median), history of diabetes mellitus (DM), TICI = 2b, use of rescue therapy, not using a balloon-guided catheter (BGC) or intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV t-PA), and time to recanalization > 30 minutes (all p ≤ 0.05). Three or more passes was marginally significant (p=0.097). In multivariable analysis, age ≥ 80 years, site other than M1/M2, initial NIHSS ≥18, DM, absence of IV t-PA, use of rescue therapy and three or more passes were significant independent predictors of poor 90-day outcome in a model with good predictive power (c-index = 0.80). Conclusions: Age, occlusion site, high NIHSS, diabetes, not receiving IV t-PA, use of rescue therapy and three or more passes, were associated with poor 90-day outcome despite successful recanalization.


Stroke ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan-Victor V Giurgiutiu ◽  
Albert J Yoo ◽  
Kaitlin Fitzpatrick ◽  
Zeshan Chaudhry ◽  
Lee H Schwamm ◽  
...  

Background: Selecting patients most likely to benefit (MLTB) from intra-arterial therapy (IAT) is essential to assure favorable outcomes after intervention for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Leukoaraiosis (LA) has been linked to infarct growth, risk of hemorrhage after IV rt-PA, and poor post-stroke outcomes. We investigated whether LA severity is associated with AIS outcomes after IAT. Methods: We analyzed consecutive AIS subjects from our institutional GWTG-Stroke database enrolled between 01/01/2007-06/30/2009, who met our pre-specified criteria for MLTB: CTA and MRI within 6 hours from last known well, NIHSS score ≥8, baseline DWI volume (DWIv) ≤ 100 cc, and proximal artery occlusion and were treated with IAT. LA volume (LAv) was assessed on FLAIR using validated, semi-automated protocols. We analyzed CTA to assess collateral grade; post-IAT angiogram for recanalization status (TICI score ≥2B); and the 24-hour CT for symptomatic ICH (sICH). Logistic regression was used to determine independent predictors of good functional outcome (mRS≤ 2) and mortality at 90 days post-stroke. Results: There were 48 AIS subjects in this analysis (mean age 69.2, SD±13.8; 55% male; median LAv 4cc, IQR 2.2-8.8cc; median NIHSS 15, IQR 13-19; median DWIv 15.4cc, IQR 9.2-20.3cc). Of these, 34 (72%) received IV rt-PA; 3 (6%) had sICH; 21 (44.7%) recanalized; and 23 (50%) had collateral grade ≥3. At 90 days, 15/48 (36.6%) were deceased and 15/48 had mRS≤ 2. In univariate analysis, recanalization (OR 6.2, 95%CI 1.5-25.5), NIHSS (OR 0.8 per point, 95%CI 0.64-0.95), age (OR 0.95 per yr, 95%CI 0.89-0.99) were associated with good outcome, whereas age (OR 1.1, 95%CI 1.01-1.14) and HTN (OR 5.6, 95%CI 1.04-29.8) were associated with mortality. In multivariable analysis including age, NIHSS, recanalization, collateral grade, and LAv, only recanalization independently predicted good functional outcome (OR 21.3, 95%CI 2.3-199.9) and reduced mortality (OR 0.15, 95%CI 0.02-1.12) after IAT. Conclusions: LA severity is not associated with poor outcome in patients selected MLTB for IAT. Among AIS patients considered likely to benefit from IAT, only recanalization independently predicted good functional outcome and decreased mortality.


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kana Ueki ◽  
Asako Nakamura ◽  
Masahiro Yasaka ◽  
Takahiro Kuwashiro ◽  
Seiji Gotoh ◽  
...  

Introduction: Cerebral small vessel diseases (SVDs) i.e. white matter lesion and cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) are related to the patients with stroke more deeply than those without. In general population, in addition to age, hypertension, diabetes chronic kidney diseases (CKD) is well known to be related to SVDs, but it remains unclear in patients with stroke. We investigated the relationship between CKD and the presence of SVDs in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: We enrolled 493 patients with acute ischemic stroke patients or transient ischemic attack patients (mean age 71; 60% male) who had undergone 1.5T MR imaging within a week of the index events from April 2013 to march 2015. We evaluated kidney function by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) with the modification of diet in Renal Disease. CKD was defined as an eGFR less than 60mil/min/1.73m 2 . CMBs were defined as focal areas of very low signal intensity smaller than 10mm. White matter lesion as Periventricular hyper intensity (PVH)>grade 2 and Deep and Subcortical White Matter Hyper intensity (DSWMH)> grade 2 were defied as advanced PVH and advanced DSWMH, respectively. We investigated relationship between CKD and CMBs, advanced PVH and advanced DSWMH using a logistic regression analysis. Results: We noted CMBs in 173 patients (35%), PVH in 81 (16%), and DSWMH in 151 (31%). An univariate analysis revealed that the age, CKD, history of stroke, and antiplatelet agents were associated with presence of CMBs, advanced PVH and severe DSWMH . The multivariate analysis revealed that CMBs, advanced PVH and advanced DSWMH were associated with age (CMBs: odds ratio(OR) ; 1.32 ; 95% confidence interval(CI), 1.10-1.60, p=0.004, advanced PVH : OR ; 3.00 ; 95% CI, 2.17-4.26, p<0.01, advanced DSWMH: OR ; 1.94; 95% CI, 1.56-2.45, p<0.01 ), history of stroke(CMBs : OR ; 2.01 ; 95% CI, 1.21-3.34, p=0.007, advanced PVH : OR ; 2.25 ; 95% CI, 1.18-4.27, p=0.01, advanced DSWMH: OR ; 1.78 ; 95% CI, 1.03-3.06, p=0.038). CKD was associated with CMBs (OR ; 1.62 ; 95% CI, 1.04-2.52, p=0.03), but PVH and DSWMH were not. Conclusions: It seems that age and history of stroke are related to CMBs, advanced PVH and advanced DSWMH, and that CKD is associates with CMBs but not with either advanced PVH or advanced DSWMH.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e29-e29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent L’Allinec ◽  
Marielle Ernst ◽  
Mathieu Sevin-Allouet ◽  
Nathalie Testard ◽  
Béatrice Delasalle-Guyomarch ◽  
...  

BackgroundAnticoagulated patients (APs) are currently excluded from acute ischemic stroke reperfusion therapy with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV-rtPA); however, these patients could benefit from mechanical thrombectomy (MT). Evidence for MT in this condition remains scarce. The aim of this study was to analyze the safety and efficacy of MT in APs.MethodsWe analyzed three patient groups from two prospective registries: APs with MT (AP-MT group), non-anticoagulated patients treated with MT (NAP-MT group), and non-anticoagulated patients treated with IV-rtPA and MT (NAP-IVTMT group). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate treatment efficacy with modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤2 and safety (radiologic intracranial hemorrhage (rICH), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and death rate at 3 months) between groups.Results333 patients were included in the study, with 44 (12%) in the AP-MT group, 105 (31%) in the NAP-MT group, and 188 (57%) in the NAP-IVTMT group. Univariate analysis showed that the AP-MT group was older (P<0.001), more often had atrial fibrillation (P<0001), and had a higher ASPECTS (P<0.006 and P<0.002) compared with the NAP-MT group and NAP-IVTMT groups, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that the AP-MT group had a lower risk of rICH (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.01 to 7.61, P=0.05) but a higher risk of death at 3 months (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.76, P=0.01) compared with the NAP-IVTMT group. No difference was found between the AP-MT and NAP-MT groups.ConclusionsWith regard to intracranial bleeding and functional outcome at 3 months, MT in APs seems as safe and efficient as in NAPs. However, there is a higher risk of death at 3 months in the AP-MT group compared with the NAP-IVTMT group.


Author(s):  
Syed F Ali ◽  
Lee H Schwamm

Introduction: Compared to those who never smoked, a paradoxical effect of smoking on reducing mortality in patients admitted with myocardial ischemia has been reported. We sought to determine if this effect was present in patients hospitalized with ischemic stroke. Methods: Using the local Get with the Guidelines-Stroke registry, we analyzed 4,305 consecutively admitted ischemic stroke patients (Mar 2002-Dec 2011). The sample was divided into smokers vs. ex or non-smokers. The main outcome of interest was the overall inpatient mortality. Multivariable analysis included factors significant at p<0.05 in univariate analysis. Results: Compared to non-smokers, tobacco smokers were younger, more frequently male and presented with fewer stroke risk factors such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, coronary artery disease and atrial fibrillation. Smokers also had a lower median NIHSS and fewer received tPA. Patients in both groups had similar adherence to early antithrombotics, dysphagia screening prior to oral intake and DVT prophylaxis (Table 1). Smoking was associated with lower all cause in-hospital mortality (6.6% vs. 12.4%; unadjusted OR 0.46; CI [0.34 - 0.63]; p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, HTN, DM, HL, CAD, A.fib, NIHSS and tPA at an outside hospital, smoking remained independently associated with lower mortality (adjusted OR 0.66; CI [0.44-0.98]; p < 0.05). (Table 2) Conclusion: Similar to myocardial ischemia, smoking was independently associated with lower mortality in acute ischemic stroke. This effect may be due to tobacco induced changes in cerebrovascular resting tone or vasoreactivity, or may be due in part to residual confounding (e.g., differences in predicted outcome from stroke subtypes, or wishes regarding life sustaining therapies). Larger, multicenter studies are needed to confirm the finding and determine the role of in hospital complications and the effect on 30 day and 1 year mortality.


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Leya ◽  
Elisabeth Donahey ◽  
Megan Rech

Introduction: Early treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) within 4.5 hours of symptom onset is associated with neurologic improvement. A risk of rtPA is hemorrhagic conversion, which has a higher incidence in patients with elevated blood pressure at presentation. Current literature supports the use of blood pressure goals (<185/110 mm Hg) in patients qualifying for rtPA, but the effects of anti-hypertensive (anti-HTN) medications within the first 24 hours of AIS on outcomes has not been evaluated. Hypothesis: AIS patients requiring anti-HTN medications (anti-HTN group) before rtPA have a poorer outcome at 90 days compared to those that do not need anti-HTN medications (control group). Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients >18 years diagnosed with AIS from January 2011 through December 2015 who received one or multiple anti-HTN medication(s) prior to rtPA administration, compared to control patients who did not. Primary endpoint was poor outcome at 90 days, defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) of ≥3. Univariate analysis with Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test or t-test was performed. Multivariate analysis was conducted. Results: Of 235 patients evaluated for AIS, 145 (61.7%) were included. Baseline demographics were well matched, though more patients in the anti-HTN group had a history of HTN (86.7% vs. 62.5%, p<0.01), diabetes (33.3% vs. 17.5%, p=0.04) and chronic kidney disease (20% vs. 7.5%, p=0.04). There was no difference in the primary endpoint of poor outcome (mRS ≥3) between groups who received blood pressure medication versus those who did not (37% anti-HTN group vs. 30% control, p=.374). There was no difference in hemorrhagic conversion (13.3% anti-HTN group vs. 6.3% control, p=.187). Mortality at 90 days did not differ between groups (11% who received anti-HTN vs. 7.5%, p=.508). Conclusion: No difference was observed in poor outcomes, hemorrhagic conversion, or 90-day mortality in patients receiving anti-HTN medications prior to rtPA compared to those that did not. These results suggest that aggressive blood pressure management should be used to control hypertension in AIS who may qualify for rtPA, though larger, randomized trials are needed to confirm this finding.


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