Abstract P81: SARS-CoV-2 and Stroke Characteristics a Report From the Multinational COVID-19 Stroke Study Group

Objective and Design: We conducted a multinational observational study on features of consecutive acute ischemic stroke (AIS), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and cerebral venous or sinus thrombosis (CVST) among SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. Main Outcome Measures: We investigated the association of demographics, clinical data, geographical regions, and countries’ health expenditure among AIS patients with the risk of large vessel occlusion (LVO), stroke severity as measured by National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), and stroke subtype as measured by the TOAST criteria. Additionally, we applied unsupervised machine learning algorithms to uncover possible similarities among stroke patients. Results: Among the 136 tertiary centers of 32 countries who participated in this study, 71 centers from 17 countries had at least one eligible stroke patient. Out of 432 patients included, 323(74.8%) had AIS, 91(21.1%) ICH, and 18(4.2%) CVST. Among 23 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, 16(69.5%) had no evidence of aneurysm. A total of 183(42.4%) patients were women, 104(24.1%) patients were younger than 55 years, and 105(24.4%) patients had no identifiable vascular risk factors. Among 380 patients who had known interval onset of the SARS-CoV-2 and stroke, 144(37.8%) presented to the hospital with chief complaints of stroke-related symptoms, with asymptomatic or undiagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among AIS patients 44.5% had LVO; 10% had small artery occlusion according to the TOAST criteria. We observed a lower median NIHSS (8[3-17], versus 11[5-17]; p=0.02) and higher rate of mechanical thrombectomy (12.4% versus 2%; p<0.001) in countries with middle to high-health expenditure when compared to countries with lower health expenditure. The unsupervised machine learning identified 4 subgroups, with a relatively large group with no or limited comorbidities. Conclusions and Relevance: We observed a relatively high number of young, and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections among stroke patients. Traditional vascular risk factors were absent among a relatively large cohort of patients. The stroke severity was lower and rate of mechanical thrombectomy was higher among countries with middle to high-health expenditure.

SARS-CoV-2 and Stroke Characteristics: A Report from the Multinational COVID-19 Stroke Study Group

Background: Stroke is reported as a consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, there is a lack of regarding comprehensive stroke phenotype and characteristics Methods: We conducted a multinational observational study on features of consecutive acute ischemic stroke (AIS), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and cerebral venous or sinus thrombosis (CVST) among SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. We further investigated the association of demographics, clinical data, geographical regions, and countrie's health expenditure among AIS patients with the risk of large vessel occlusion (LVO), stroke severity as measured by National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS), and stroke subtype as measured by the TOAST criteria. Additionally, we applied unsupervised machine learning algorithms to uncover possible similarities among stroke patients. Results: Among the 136 tertiary centers of 32 countries who participated in this study, 71 centers from 17 countries had at least one eligible stroke patient. Out of 432 patients included, 323(74.8%) had AIS, 91(21.1%) ICH, and 18(4.2%) CVST. Among 23 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage, 16(69.5%) had no evidence of aneurysm. A total of 183(42.4%) patients were women, 104(24.1%) patients were younger than 55 years, and 105(24.4%) patients had no identifiable vascular risk factors. Among 380 patients who had known interval onset of the SARS-CoV-2 and stroke, 144(37.8%) presented to the hospital with chief complaints of stroke-related symptoms, with asymptomatic or undiagnosed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among AIS patients 44.5% had LVO; 10% had small artery occlusion according to the TOAST criteria. We observed a lower median NIHSS (8[3-17], versus 11[5-17]; p=0.02) and higher rate of mechanical thrombectomy (12.4% versus 2%; p<0.001) in countries with middle to high-health expenditure when compared to countries with lower health expenditure. The unsupervised machine learning identified 4 subgroups, with a relatively large group with no or limited comorbidities. Conclusions: We observed a relatively high number of young, and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections among stroke patients. Traditional vascular risk factors were absent among a relatively large cohort of patients. Among hospitalized patients, the stroke severity was lower and rate of mechanical thrombectomy was higher among countries with middle to high-health expenditure.

Sleep breathing disorders in ischemic stroke: relationship with the localization and toast classification subtypes

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, despite successful strategies to manage the main risk factors for ischemic stroke (hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus and others). Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is poorly studied, but potentially significant and modifiable risk factor for stroke, so it draws attention of investigators. In this review we have focused on some aspects and analyzed the relationship of different variants of SBD with the lesions localization and the type of acute ischemic stroke according to TOAST criteria. During the analysis, it was shown that in the early period after cerebrovascular accident, the frequency and severity of respiratory disturbances in sleep were higher, mainly due to the presence of central apnea, which develops when the vertebro-basilar pool is involved in the blood supply zone. However, impaired cerebral circulation of supratentorial localization can also be a factor contributing to the appearance or exacerbation of respiratory failure in a dream. With regard to the relationship of respiratory disorders in a dream with a type of cerebrovascular accident according to the TOAST classification, we can talk about the likely relationship of obstructive sleep apnea with a cerebrovascular accident of cardioembolic and atherothrombotic origin.

Abstract TP124: 90-Day Disability Outcomes and Stroke Etiology: An ALIAS 2 Secondary Analysis

Background: Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) treatment remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality despite advancements in therapeutic options. Cardioembolic AIS had previously been associated with the greatest long-term disability and mortality. Our aim is to provide an updated perspective of 90-day disability outcomes with regard to stroke etiology. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the ALIAS 2 trial. The primary outcome was the 90-day mRS. Stroke etiology was defined based on TOAST criteria. Spearman’s Rho is used to determine correlation between etiology and mRS. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models are fit to a binary stratification of our outcome (mRS 0-1 vs 2-6). Results: A total of 776 patients were enrolled between 2009 and 2012 with a mean (SD) age of 64.7 (12.7) years. The median (IQR) NIHSS was 11 (8, 17) with 55.3% being male, 76.7% white, and 89.7% having received IV TPA. Large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) (201/776, 25.9%), cardioembolism (271/776, 34.9%) and cryptogenic (196/776, 25.3%) were the most common AIS etiologies. The 90-day mRS had significant differences by TOAST category (rho = 0.013, p<0.001). Individuals with LAA had the highest mean 90-day mRS (Figure 1). LAA was associated with lower odds of good outcome in both univariate analysis (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.48-0.96) and in a multivariate model (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.45-0.97) adjusted for age, NIHSS, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, sex, white race and administration of IV TPA. Conclusion: Our secondary analysis revealed that AIS with a NIHSS greater than 8 of LAA origin purported a worse 90-day disability outcome. This data may serve to remind clinicians that AIS from LAA may yield comparable or greater disability than cardioembolic AIS. Figure 1: Mean 90-day disability outcome based on TOAST classification. LAA purported worse mean disability outcomes compared to other grouped etiologies.

Abstract TP80: Imaging Characteristics of Methamphetamine-Associated Ischemic Strokes

Objective: To examine the clinical and neuroimaging characteristics in patients with acute ischemic stroke and concurrent methamphetamine (meth) use. Introduction: Meth is a highly addictive stimulant with harmful effects that lead to cardiovascular disease and stroke. Despite a strong association between meth use and increased cerebrovascular risk, detailed descriptions of clinical and neuroradiologic characteristics in larger cohorts are lacking. Methods: Single-center retrospective analysis of consecutive adults admitted for acute ischemic stroke and meth-positive toxicology between 2016 and 2019. Stroke imaging characteristics, including suspected etiologic mechanism as defined by Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria, were documented. Results: Ninety patients were admitted with radiologically confirmed acute ischemic stroke and meth exposure. The average age was 55 years (range, 36-77 years) and 69% were male. Although 47% were Caucasian, nearly half were from an underrepresented minority ethnic/racial group (24% Black, 8% Hispanic/Latino, 9% Asian/Pacific Islander). A multiplicity of strokes was seen in the majority of cases (57%), and 31% affected the bilateral hemispheres. Although 91% of all cases had subcortical involvement, only 34% were purely subcortical of which one-half had brainstem infarctions. The middle cerebral artery distribution was affected most commonly (71%) while multiple vascular territories were involved in 30% of cases. The most frequently encountered stroke subtypes were small vessel occlusion (27%) and a cardioembolic source (26%) as defined by the TOAST criteria. A substantial proportion of patients (31%) were discharged to a rehabilitation or nursing facility, dispositions with high predictive value for unfavorable post-stroke outcomes. Moreover, 15% of patients died during their hospitalization. Conclusion: Meth-associated acute ischemic stroke is a multicultural problem with variable widespread effects throughout the cerebrum. Although small vessel vasculopathy is suspected in most, a significant proportion is due to proximal embolic sources. Long-term care is often required in survivors, and nearly 1 in 6 died during their hospitalization.

Transient Ischaemic Attack Rarely Precedes Stroke in a Cohort with Low Proportions of Large Artery Atherosclerosis: A Population-Based Study

Background: Ischaemic stroke is reportedly preceded by transient ischaemic attack (TIA) in 15–30% of all cases. The risk of stroke following TIA is highest in the presence of unstable atherosclerotic plaques in large arteries. The recent population-based Adelaide Stroke Incidence Study describes a population with a low proportion (16%) of stroke attributable to large artery atherosclerosis (LAA). We hypothesized that this population-based ischaemic stroke cohort would have a lower rate of preceding TIA than previously reported. Methods: This paper is a prospective ascertainment of all suspected TIAs and strokes in a 12-month period from 2009 to 2010. Ischaemic stroke pathogenesis was classified by the TOAST criteria. Details of preceding TIA events were scrutinised. Results: In this 12-month period, 318 stroke events in 301 individuals were recorded. Of the total 258 ischaemic strokes, 16% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12–22) were from LAA. Of 258 ischaemic stroke patients, only 11 (4%; 95% CI 2–7) reported symptoms in the preceding 90 days consistent with TIA. Nine (82%) sought medical attention. The median ABCD2 score in this group was 4.5 (IQR: 3–7), and the median time of event prior to stroke was 20 days (IQR: 4–32). Conclusion: In our population-based cohort, rates of TIA preceding ischaemic stroke were much lower than previously reported, probably reflective of effective secondary prevention (active TIA clinics) and primary prevention (limiting LAA prevalence). In our population, further enhancements in TIA care will be of limited yield.

Stroke Epidemiology in an Australian Rural Cohort (SEARCH)

Background Stroke rates in Australia and New Zealand have been declining since 1990 but all studies have been completed in large urban centers. Aim We report the first Australasian stroke incidence study in a rural population. Methods The authors applied the principle of complete ascertainment, used the WHO standard definition of stroke and classified ischemic stroke by the TOAST criteria. Data were collected from five rural centers defined by postcode of residence, over a 2-year period with 12 months of follow up of all cases. Results There were 217 strokes in 215 individuals in a population of 96,036 people, over 2 years, giving a crude attack rate of 113 per 100,000 per year. The 181 first-ever strokes (83% of total), standardized to the WHO world population, occurred at a rate of 50/100,000 (95% CI: 43–58). The 28-day fatality for first-ever strokes was 24% (95% CI: 18–31) and 77% (95% CI: 71–83) were classified as ischemic (140/181), 15% (95% CI: 10–21) intracerebral hemorrhage, 3% (95% CI: 1–6) due to subarachnoid hemorrhage and 5% (95% CI: 2–9) were unknown. A high proportion of first-ever ischemic strokes (44%) were cardioembolic, mostly (77%) due to atrial arrhythmias. Of the 38 with known atrial arrhythmias prior to stroke, only six (16%) were therapeutically anticoagulated. Conclusions This rural companion study of a recent Australian urban stroke incidence study confirms the downward trend of stroke incidence in Australia, and reiterates that inadequate anticoagulation of atrial arrhythmia remains a preventable cause of ischemic stroke.

Association between Interleukin-1 Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Ischemic Stroke Classified by TOAST Criteria in the Han Population of Northern China

Increasing evidence suggests that IL-1β(C-511T) and IL-1α(C-889T) genes polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to cardiocerebral vascular disease. In this paper, we investigated the relationships between these polymorphisms and the risk of ischemic stroke (IS) classified by TOAST criteria in the north Chinese Han population. 440 cases of IS and 486 age- and gender-matched controls of Chinese Han population were enrolled. Association study showed that the TT genotype and T allele of IL-1α-889 C/T were significantly associated with IS of a large artery atherosclerosis (LAA) (TT: OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.34–3.0, andP<0.001; T: OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.18–1.78, andP=0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the distribution of IL-1α-889 C/T genotypes and allele frequencies between the two subgroups (small-artery occlusion (SVD) and cardioembolism (CE)) of IS and control groups. No significant association was also found between the IL-1β-511 TT genotype and T allele (TT: OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.56–1.11, andP=0.175; T: OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.68–1.01, andP=0.066) and IS as well as subgroups of CE and SVD. Our results implicated that IL-1α-889 C/T gene polymorphism might be associated with the susceptibility to IS, especially to IS with LAA, in a north Chinese Han population.