Cardioembolic stroke in Chagas disease: unraveling the underexplored connection through a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease (CD), triggered by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, is originally endemic across Latin America, affecting millions. While cardiac complications are widely recognized, the association between CD and stroke remains underexplored. This systematic review aims to elucidate the relationship between CD and stroke, highlighting the cardioembolic origins of stroke in CD patients and assessing the elevated stroke risk compared to non-infected individuals. METHODOLOGY: Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive search in PubMed and Scopus databases without date restrictions, including articles in both Spanish and English. This approach enabled the identification and analysis of relevant studies to understand the interplay between CD and stroke risk. RESULTS: Our analysis of 25 selected studies indicates that strokes in CD patients predominantly arise from cardioembolic sources. The data underscore a significant increase in stroke risk among individuals infected with T. cruzi compared to uninfected counterparts. Additionally, CD patients face a higher stroke and mortality risk than those with other heart failure etiologies, irrespective of disease severity. CONCLUSION: The review establishes CD as a critical contributor to stroke incidence, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and diagnosis of CD in stroke patients, particularly in regions with high CD prevalence. Recognizing the increased stroke risk associated with T. cruzi infection is crucial for developing targeted educational and preventive strategies in endemic areas.

Hydroxycarbamide treatment reduces transcranial Doppler velocity in the absence of transfusion support in children with sickle cell anaemia, elevated transcranial Doppler velocity, and cerebral vasculopathy: the EXTEND trial.

EXpanding Treatment for Existing Neurological Disease (EXTEND) investigated whether hydroxycarbamide lowers transcranial Doppler (TCD) velocities in Jamaican children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and elevated TCD velocity with or without previous stroke. Forty-three children (age 2-17 years) with baseline maximum time-averaged mean velocity (TAMV) ≥ 170 cm/s were stratified into three risk categories based on treatment status and stroke history: Group 1 (no history of stroke, on hydroxycarbamide, n = 12); and Groups 2 (no stroke, no hydroxycarbamide, n = 21) and 3 (previous stroke, no hydroxycarbamide, n = 10). Open-label hydroxycarbamide at 20 mg/kg/day was commenced, with escalation to maximum tolerated dose (MTD) based on mild marrow suppression (average dose 25·4 ± 4·5 mg/kg/day). TCD was performed every six months with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) at baseline and after 18-months of hydroxycarbamide. The maximum TAMV decreased significantly compared to baseline (24 ± 30 cm/s, P < 0·0001), with similar declines in all groups. Clinical stroke occurred in five children, one in Group 1, none in Group 2, and four in Group 3, P = 0·0032, comparing group incidence rates. Brain MRI/MRA was stable in children without clinical stroke. EXTEND documents the feasibility and benefits of hydroxycarbamide at MTD to lower TCD velocities and reduce stroke risk in children with SCA and no history of primary stroke in low-resource settings without transfusion management.

Tamaño del infarto cerebral aterotrombótico del territorio carotídeo según sus factores de riesgo / Size of the atherothrombotic cerebral infarction from carotid territory according to its risk factors

Introducción: La mayoría de los infartos cerebrales aterotrombóticos son debidos a aterosclerosis extracraneal y a los factores de riesgo que lo condicionan. Objetivo: Caracterizar a pacientes con ictus aterotrombótico de territorio anterior según tamaño, sexo y factores de riesgo aterotrombótico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal a 63 pacientes que acudieron al Hospital Militar Central "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay" con diagnóstico de infarto cerebral aterotrombótico reciente de territorio carotídeo, a los que se les realizó tomografía de cráneo simple, entre los años 2011 y 2013. Resultados: Predominaron los infartos grandes (57,1 por ciento) en hombres (80,6 por ciento) y de forma general también fue el sexo masculino el más afectado (68,3 por ciento). La mayoría de los pacientes que tuvieron tanto infartos medianos (59,3 por ciento) como infartos grandes (58,3 por ciento), refirieron de 3 a 4 factores de riesgo aterotrombótico (58,7 por ciento). Prevaleció la hipertensión arterial (82,5 por ciento), con mayor coincidencia con los infartos medianos (88,9 por ciento), que con los infartos grandes (77,8 por ciento). Conclusiones: El ictus aterotrombótico reciente de territorio de irrigación carotídeo se caracterizó en esta serie, por infartos grandes y mayor afectación de adultos mayores, hipertensos, del sexo masculino. La existencia de 3 a 4 factores de riesgo en cada paciente prevalece tanto en los que presentan infarto cerebral mediano como grande(AU)

Introduction: Most of atherothrombotic cerebral infarctions are due to extracranial atherosclerosis and the risk factors that condition it. Objective: To characterize patients with atherothrombotic stroke of the anterior territory according to size, sex and atherothrombotic risk factors. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed on 63 patients attended at the "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay" hospital with a diagnosis of recent atherothrombotic cerebral infarction of the carotid territory, who underwent simple skull tomography, between 2011 and 2013. Results: Large infarcts predominated (57.1 percent) in men (80.6 percent) and in general, male sex was also the most affected (68.3 percent). Most of patients who had both moderate infarcts (59.3 percent) and large infarcts (58.3 percent), reported 3 to 4 atherothrombotic risk factors (58.7 percent). Prevalence of arterial hypertension (82.5 percent), with greater coincidence with medium infarcts (88.9 percent), than with large infarcts (77.8 percent). Conclusions: The recent atherothrombotic stroke of the carotid irrigation area was characterized in this series, due to large infarcts and greater involvement of elderly, hypertensive males. The existence of 3 to 4 risk factors in each patient prevails both in those with medium cerebral infarction and large ones(AU)

Avaliação do perfil dos fatores de risco para Acidente Vascular Cerebral: estudo observacional / Evaluation of the profile of risk factors for stroke: observational study

INTRODUÇÃO: Observa-se um crescimento significativo na incidência de casos de Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC). Isto deve-se ao aumento da longevidade estando a idade entre um dos fatores mais relevantes ao desenvolvimento da doença. OBJETIVO: Identificar o perfil dos fatores de risco que predispõe o surgimento do Acidente Vascular Cerebral em frequentadores de um parque em Teresina-PI. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo observacional do tipo transversal realizado com 117 pessoas frequentadores de um parque localizado em Teresina-PI, estipulando os seguintes critérios de inclusão: ter idade igual ou maior a 18 anos; assinar o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido e frequentarem as atividades desse espaço recreativo. A coleta de dados deu-se através de questionário com 18 questões objetivas fechadas sobre os fatores de risco predisponentes ao surgimento de AVC incluindo informações sobre o conhecimento desses fatores e ainda, peso, altura, idade, Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e Pressão Arterial (PA) dos participantes. RESULTADOS: O estudo evidenciou um perfil de pessoas com idade de 18 a 30 anos, sexo feminino com IMC normal, que prevalecem os fatores de risco como estresse (49%), sedentarismo (44%), sexo (43%), consumo de álcool (40%), dislipidemia (12%), obesidade (10%), hipertensão arterial (8%), cardiopatia (6%), diabetes (3%) e o tabagismo (2%). CONCLUSÃO: Observouse um perfil de pessoas com faixa etária de 18 a 30 anos, do sexo feminino e com IMC normal que apresentam fatores de risco vasculares modificáveis que podem estar associados a maus hábitos e falta de informações relacionadas a esses problemas de saúde. Dessa forma, tornam-se necessárias medidas preventivas com o intuito de promover ou intensificar a promoção de saúde visando à informação, o acompanhamento e o controle desses fatores, proporcionando a população em geral um envelhecimento saudável.

INTRODUCTION: There is a significant increase in the incidence of stroke (AVC) cases, due to the increase in longevity, with age being one of the factors most relevant to the development of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To identify the profile of risk factors that predisposes the appearance of stroke in visitors of a park in Teresina-PI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study carried out with 117 people attending a park located in Teresina-PI, stipulating the following inclusion criteria: being 18 years or older; sign the Free and Informed Consent Form and attend the activities of this recreational space. Data were collected through a questionnaire with 18 closed objective questions about risk factors predisposing to the onset of stroke including information on the knowledge of these factors and also, weight, height, age, Body Mass Index (BMI) and Pressure Arterial (PA) of the participants. RESULTS: The study showed a profile of people aged 18 to 30 years, female with normal BMI, which prevails risk factors such as stress (49%), sedentarism (44%), sex (43%), consumption of alcohol consumption (40%), dyslipidemia (12%), obesity (10%), hypertension (8%), heart disease (6%), diabetes (3%) and smoking (2%). CONCLUSION: We observed a profile of people with ages ranging from 18 to 30 years, female and with normal BMI presenting modifiable vascular risk factors that may be associated with poor habits and lack of information related to these health problems. Thus, preventive measures are necessary in order to promote or intensify health promotion aimed at information, monitoring and control of these factors, providing the general population with a healthy aging.

Stroke risk factors in couples. A population-based study in community-dwelling adults living in a remote rural setting (the Atahualpa Project).

PURPOSE: By the use of a population-based design, this study aimed to evaluate the presence of similar stroke risk factors in couples living in a remote rural setting (Atahualpa). METHODS: Atahualpa residents aged ≥40 years were identified by means of door-to-door surveys, and those who signed a comprehensive consent form were enrolled in the Atahualpa Project. Baselines interviews and procedures, aimed to assess stroke risk factors, were collected at the time of admission in all participants. RESULTS: We identified 268 couples among 898 individuals aged ≥40 years enrolled in the Atahualpa Project. Traditional risk factors were defined according to the American Heart Association criteria. Generalized estimating equations, adjusted for age, showed that being married to a spouse with poor physical activity (p = 0.027) and a poor diet (p < 0.001) were associated with the presence of these risk factors in the other partner. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention strategies directed to couples are needed to improve poor healthy styles leading to stroke in underserved populations.

Transcranial Doppler velocity among Jamaican children with sickle cell anaemia: determining the significance of haematological values and nutrition.

This study investigated the association of nutritional and haematological variables with maximum time-averaged mean velocity (TAMV) measured by transcranial Doppler (TCD) velocity and the agreement of classification between two protocols. TCD categories included: normal (<170 cm/s), conditional (170-199 cm/s) and abnormal (≥200 cm/s) based on TAMV in distal internal carotid artery (dICA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), internal carotid bifurcation, anterior and posterior cerebral arteries. Of 358 children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) examined, the mean age (±standard deviation) was 7·4 ± 2·7 years; 13·1% and 6·7% had conditional and abnormal velocities, respectively. Children with abnormal TCD velocities had higher prevalence of prior stroke (P = 0·006). Increased TAMV was associated with younger age (P = 0·001), lower weight (P = 0·001), height (P = 0·007) and oxygen saturation (P = 0·005). There was no association of TAMV with height-age or body mass index (BMI) z-scores. Adjusting for gender, BMI z-score, age, previous stroke and oxygen saturation, mean corpuscular volume (P = 0·005) and reticulocyte count (P = 0·013) were positively associated with TAMV, while haemoglobin concentration (P = 0·009) was negatively associated. There was good agreement [99%; weighted Kappa 0·98 (95% confidence interval 0·89-1), P = 0·0001] in TCD classification using data from five vessels versus two vessels (dICA and MCA). Haematological variables, rather than nutritional status, may be useful markers that identify high-risk children with SCA.

Severe edentulism is a major risk factor influencing stroke incidence in rural Ecuador (The Atahualpa Project).

Background There is no information on stroke incidence in rural areas of Latin America, where living conditions and cardiovascular risk factors are different from urban centers. Aim Using a population-based prospective cohort study design, we aimed to assess risk factors influencing stroke incidence in community-dwelling adults living in rural Ecuador. Methods First-ever strokes occurring from 1 June 2012 to 31 May 2016, in Atahualpa residents aged ≥40 years, were identified from yearly door-to-door surveys and other overlapping sources. Poisson regression models adjusted for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, edentulism and the length of observation time per subject were used to estimate stroke incidence rate ratio as well as factors influencing such incidence. Results Of 807 stroke-free individuals prospectively enrolled in the Atahualpa Project, follow-up was achieved in 718 (89%), contributing 2,499 years of follow-up (average 3.48 ± 0.95 years). Overall stroke incidence rate was 2.97 per 100 person-years of follow-up (95% CI: 1.73-4.2), which increased to 4.77 (95% CI: 1.61-14.1) when only persons aged ≥57 years were considered. Poisson regression models, adjusted for relevant confounders, showed that high blood pressure (IRR: 5.24; 95% CI: 2.55-7.93) and severe edentulism (IRR: 5.06; 95% CI: 2.28-7.85) were the factors independently increasing stroke incidence. Conclusions Stroke incidence in this rural setting is comparable to that reported from the developed world. Besides age and high blood pressure, severe edentulism is a major factor independently predicting incident strokes. Public awareness of the consequences of poor dental care might reduce stroke incidence in rural settings.

Fatores de risco para doença cerebrovascular e função cognitiva em idosos / Risk factors for cerebrovascular disease and cognitive function in the elderly

OBJETIVO: Identificar a concomitância de fatores de risco para acidente vascular cerebral e de disfunção na cognição de idosos acima de 60 anos. MÉTODOS: Idosos com diferentes graus de risco de acordo com a escala de Framinghan para acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) tiveram comparadas suas habilidades cognitivas. O risco de evento isquêmico cerebral foi calculado pela escala de Framingham para AVC. Os instrumentos neuropsicológicos aplicados foram os testes de memória seletiva de Buschke, fluência verbal (animais), desenho do relógio, teste de aprendizado auditivo verbal de Rey, dígito span e vocabulário. O estudo foi feito com uma amostra randômica e representativa de todos os 200 idosos residentes na área de abrangência de uma unidade de atenção primária de saúde (posto Morada das Flores, Porto Alegre). Foi incluído no estudo um número representativo de 46 idosos. RESULTADOS: Os idosos com escore de risco obtiveram um desempenho inferior em testes de memória (SOL com p=0,02) e na capacidade de planejamento (Teste do relogio com p=0,03). A presença de diabetes manteve-se como fator associado ao desempenho da evocação tardia do teste de aprendizado auditivo verbal de Rey (p=0,04). CONCLUSÃO: A presença de fatores de risco para AVC esteve associada com pior performance cognitiva em funções de memória e em funções executivas em idosos.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether stroke risk factors and cognitive dysfunction are concomitant in individuals over the age of 60. METHODS: The cognitive abilities of elderly individuals with different degrees of risk as per the Framingham stroke risk profile were compared. The Framingham stroke risk profile was used to calculate the risk of an ischemic cerebral event. Neuropsychological tests included the Buschke Selective Reminding Test, verbal fluency (animals), clock drawing, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning, digit span and vocabulary. A random and typical population sample was used in the study, selected from the 200 elderly residents in the area surrounding the primary health care facility (Morada das Flores Clinic, Porto Alegre). Forty-six elderly individuals were included in the study. RESULTS: The elderly individuals with a risk profile, had lower memory test performance levels (NF, p=0.02) and planning capacity (clock drawing test, p=0.03). Diabetes proved to be related to delayed recall performance in the Rey auditory verbal learning test (p=0.04). CONCLUSION: The presence of stroke risk factors in the elderly was associated with worse cognitive performance for memory and executive functions.