Establishment and validation of a 3-month prediction model for poor functional outcomes in patients with acute cardiogenic cerebral embolism related to non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Objectives: Cardiogenic cerebral embolism (CCE) poses a significant health risk; however, there is a dearth of published prognostic prediction models addressing this issue. Our objective is to establish prognostic prediction models (PM) for predicting poor functional outcomes at 3 months in patients with acute CCE associated with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) and perform both internal and external validations. Methods: We included a total of 730 CCE patients in the development cohort. The external regional validation cohort comprised 118 patients, while the external time-sequential validation cohort included 63 patients. Multiple imputation by chained equations (MICE) was utilized to address missing values and the least absolute shrink and selection operator (LASSO) regression was implemented through the glmnet package, to screen variables. Results: The 3-month prediction model for poor functional outcomes, denoted as N-ABCD2, was established using the following variables: NIHSS score at admission (N), Age (A), Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer polymers (D), and discharge with antithrombotic medication (D). The model's Akaike information criterion (AIC) was 637.98, and the area under Curve (AUC) for the development cohort, external regional, and time-sequential cohorts were 0.878 (95% CI, 0.854-0.902), 0.918 (95% CI, 0.857-0.979), and 0.839 (95% CI, 0.744-0.934), respectively. Conclusion: The N-ABCD2 model can accurately predict poor outcomes at 3 months for CCE patients with NVAF, demonstrating strong prediction abilities. Moreover, the model relies on objective variables that are readily obtainable in clinical practice, enhancing its convenience and applicability in clinical settings.

The value of combined detection D-dimer and NLR in judging the severity and short-term prognosis of acute cardiogenic cerebral embolism in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of combined neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and D-dimer detection in determining the severity and short-term prognosis of acute cardiogenic cerebral embolism (ACCE) in older adults. METHODS: We selected 202 elderly non-valvular atrial fibrillation patients hospitalized at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from April 1, 2020, to April 1, 2023. They were divided into an observation group (69 cases combined with ACCE) and a control group (133 cases with non-valvular atrial fibrillation alone) based on whether acute cardioembolic cerebral embolism occurred. According to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), the observation group was divided into a mild cerebral infarction group (MICI group), a moderate cerebral infarction group (MOCI group), and a severe cerebral infarction group (SCI group), with 26 cases, 29 cases, and 14 cases, respectively. According to the modified Rankin scale (mRS), after 3 months, 30 cases were divided into the good prognosis group and 39 cases were divided into the poor prognosis group. We detected and compared the differences in D-dimer and NLR levels among different groups of patients, as well as differences in some important laboratory indicators. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing the short-term prognosis of patients with acute cardioembolic cerebral infarction, and ROC curves were plotted to evaluate the value of D-dimer and NLR in predicting the short-term prognosis of patients with acute cardioembolic cerebral infarction. RESULTS: The levels of D-dimer and NLR in peripheral blood in SCI group [1.82 (0.58-6.71) mg/l, 4.55 (3.14,7.21)] were higher than those in MOCI group [1.16 (0.65-1.90) mg/l, 3.84 (2.31,6.68)] and MICI group [0.53 (0.32-0.90) mg/l, 2.46 (2.09-3.79)]. The difference between groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that D-dimer and NLR were independent risk factors for poor prognosis in patients with acute cardiogenic cerebral embolism (OR values were 1.772 and 1.603, and 95 %CI were 1.060-2.963 and 1.100-2.338, respectively, both P < 0.05). The AUC for the prediction of poor prognosis in acute cardioembolic stroke by combining D-dimer and NLR was 0.812 [95 % CI: 0.710-0.914], higher than the individual detections of D-dimer at 0.756 [95% CI: 0.642-0.869] and NLR at 0.733 [95 % CI: 0.613-0.854]. CONCLUSION: Peripheral blood D-dimer combined with NLR detection is helpful for the risk stratification and short-term prognosis assessment of patients with acute cardiogenic cerebral embolism. Clinical detection is of great significance for the prevention and monitoring of disease development.

A Case of Carotid Sinus Reflex Caused by Manual Aspiration Thrombectomy Using a Balloon Guide Catheter.

When starting a mechanical thrombectomy, manual aspiration with balloon guide catheters inserted into the internal carotid artery (ICA) is an efficient method for thrombus aspiration. However, no complications associated with this procedure have been reported. This study describes the case of a 76-year-old man who presented to our hospital with total aphasia and complete right-sided paralysis due to chronic atrial fibrillation and left occlusion of the ICA. When the balloon guide catheter was inserted and inflated at the origin of the left ICA, the patient's systolic blood pressure suddenly decreased from 114 mm Hg to 44 mm Hg. This sudden hypotension may have been caused by the carotid sinus reflex. Hypotension improved following balloon deflation. The procedure was continued, resulting in complete recanalization of the left ICA. The patient died from acute exacerbation of interstitial pneumonia. Although this complication is rare, similar phenomena have been recognized in carotid artery stenting and the use of flow-diverting devices. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a case wherein the carotid sinus reflex was induced by manual aspiration using a balloon guide catheter placed in the ICA. Clinicians should recognize the importance of ensuring that the proximal end of the balloon crosses the carotid sinus when dilating and occluding the ICA with a balloon to avoid the carotid sinus reflex.

Successful endovascular thrombectomy using solitaire FR stent with intermediate catheter assisting technique for acute persistent primitive trigeminal artery and basilar artery occlusion: A case report and literature review.

Background: The persistent primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) is a persistent embryological carotid-basilar connection. Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for hypoplastic PPTA occlusion is a challenge. This case report aims to describe the successful recanalization of simultaneous occlusions in both the PPTA and basilar artery (BA) using the Solitaire FR (RECO SR)/Stent and Intermediate Catheter Assisting (SWIM) technique in a patient with acute cardiogenic cerebral embolism. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such a case. Case Description: We present a case of a 70-year-old female patient who presented with acute right-sided hemiparesis and altered consciousness. Digital subtraction angiography confirmed the occlusion of both the distal portion of the PPTA and the BA. The patient underwent EVT using the SWIM technique, resulting in successful recanalization and significant improvement in the patient's condition. Conclusion: This case report demonstrates the successful application of the SWIM technique in achieving recanalization and improving outcomes in a patient with simultaneous occlusion of the acute PPTA and BA. These findings support the potential use of EVT in similar cases.

Combination of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and D-dimer for the identification of cardiogenic cerebral embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

Background: Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is the most common cause of cardiogenic cerebral embolism (CCE). However, the underlying mechanism between cerebral embolism and NVAF is indefinite, and there is no effective and convenient biomarker to identify potential risk of CCE in patients with NVAF in clinic. The present study aims to identify risk factors for interpreting the potential association of CCE with NVAF and providing valuable biomarkers to predict the risk of CCE for NVAF patients. Methods: 641 NVAF patients diagnosed with CCE and 284 NVAF patients without any history of stroke were recruited in the present study. Clinical data including demographic characteristics, medical history, and clinical assessments, were recorded. Meanwhile, Blood cell counts, lipid profiles, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and coagulation function-related indicators were measured. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was utilized to build a composite indicator model based on the blood risk factors. Results: (1) CCE patients had significantly increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and D-dimer levels as compared with patients in the NVAF group, and these three indicators can distinguish CCE patients from ones in the NVAF group with an area under the curve (AUC) value of over 0.750, respectively. (2) Using the LASSO model, a composite indicator, i.e., the risk score, was determined based on PLR and D-dimer and displayed differential power for distinguishing CCE patients from NVAF patients with an AUC value of over 0.934. (3) The risk score was positively correlated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and CHADS2 scores in CCE patients. (4) There was a significant association between the change value of the risk score and the recurrence time of stroke in initial CCE patients. Conclusions: The PLR and D-dimer represent an aggravated process of inflammation and thrombosis in the occurrence of CCE after NVAF. The combination of these two risk factors can contribute to identifying the risk of CCE for patients with NVAF with an accuracy of 93.4%, and the greater in change of composite indicator, the shorter in the recurrence of CCE for NVAF patients.

Aspiration thrombectomy versus stent retriever thrombectomy as a first-line approach for cardiogenic cerebral embolism and cryptogenic stroke in large vessels of the anterior circulation.

Subject: This study aims to compare the clinical efficacy of aspiration thrombectomy and stent retriever thrombectomy as first-line approaches for anterior circulation large vessel cardiogenic cerebral embolism and cryptogenic stroke. Method: This retrospective observational study included patients with anterior circulation large vessel cardiogenic cerebral embolism and cryptogenic stroke treated with endovascular therapy. Patients were grouped according to the first-line approach they received: aspiration thrombectomy or stent retriever thrombectomy. The primary outcome measure was the change in the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score from preoperative to immediate postoperative and from preoperative to discharge. Secondary indicators included the rate of favorable prognosis at discharge [Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≤ 2], successful vessel recanalization rate [modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia (mTICI) score ≥ 2b], time from successful femoral artery puncture to successful vessel recanalization, and perioperative complications. Result: The study included 127 cases, with 1 case withdrawal after enrollment due to a stroke of another determined cause, with 83 in the aspiration thrombectomy group and 43 cases in the stent retriever thrombectomy group. The change in NIHSS score from preoperative to immediate postoperative was 5 (1, 8) in the aspiration thrombectomy group and 1 (0, 4.5) in the stent retriever thrombectomy group. The change from preoperative to discharge was 8 (5, 12) in the aspiration thrombectomy group and 4 (0, 9) in the stent retriever thrombectomy group. The aspiration thrombectomy group exhibited significantly better prognosis rates and shorter time from successful femoral artery puncture to successful vessel recanalization. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of successful vessel recanalization rates and perioperative complications. Conclusion: As a first-line approach for anterior circulation large vessel cardiogenic cerebral embolism and cryptogenic stroke, aspiration thrombectomy leads to better improvement in neurological functional deficits and prognosis rates compared to stent retriever thrombectomy.

Cardiogenic cerebral embolism due to sinus arrest associated with coronary intervention for the right coronary artery: A case report.

Percutaneous coronary artery intervention (PCI) carries the risk of occlusion of the sinus node branch (SNB) which can lead to sinus arrest (SA). Generally, PCI-related SA recovers spontaneously, with a favorable clinical course. Herein, we describe a case of SNB occlusion after PCI for the right coronary artery which resulted in SA, subsequent left atrial appendage thrombus, and cardiogenic cerebral embolism (CE). Ultimately, the patient died due to cardiogenic CE. We report on the mechanism of intracardiac thrombus formation and discuss CE prevention strategies after PCI. Based on our experience, the possibility of adverse events due to PCI-induced SA must be considered, although PCI-induced SA is generally expected to resolve. .

Contrast agent retention sign in angiography predicts acute internal carotid artery embolic occlusion.

BACKGROUND: Identification of acute internal carotid artery embolism (ICAE) and internal carotid artery atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAAS) in acute ischemic stroke patients is important for selection of treatment. The presence of contrast agent retention on pre-procedural angiographic images is more common in patients with ICA occlusion caused by embolism compared to patients with ICA atherosclerotic stenosis. This study aimed to evaluate effectiveness of contrast agent retention sign for predicting ICAE. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with ICA occlusion who underwent emergency endovascular treatment from September 2014 to September 2020 were included in this retrospective analysis. Patients were divided into ICAE (n = 46) and ICAAS (n = 19) groups. Clinical characteristics, imaging data and ICA contrast agent retention signs of patients were collected. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnosis accuracy of contrast agent retention sign were conducted. RESULTS: The positive ICA contrast agent retention sign was significantly more common in patients with ICAE (60.87% vs 0.00%, P < 0.001) than that of patients with ICAAS, but significantly lower in male patients (53.57% vs 81.08%, P = 0.017). There were significantly more patients with positive sign had occlusion in C6 segment (64.29% vs 13.51%, P < 0.001) and no outflow tract (85.71% vs 5.41%, P < 0.001) compared with negative sign group. There were significantly fewer patients with postive sign had occlusion in C1 segment (0.00% vs 40.54%, P < 0.001) compared with negative sign group. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and diagnosis accuracy of contrast agent retention sign for predicting ICAE occlusion were 60.87%, 100%, 100%, 51.35% and 72.31%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The ICA contrast agent retention sign has very high specificity and moderate sensitivity for detection of acute ICAE.

Factors influencing the outcome of cardiogenic cerebral embolism: a literature review.

OBJECTIVE: The onset of cardiogenic cerebral embolism is sudden, dangerous, and often has high morbidity and mortality. Improving understanding of factors contributing to outcomes of cardiogenic cerebral embolism will improve prognostic and therapeutic capabilities. METHODS: Through PubMed and Google Scholar, this paper examined and analyzed the factors implicated in the outcome of patients with cardiogenic cerebral embolism using the key terms 'cardiogenic cerebral embolism', 'atrial fibrillation', 'stroke related diseases', 'collateral circulation', 'emboli profile', 'epigenetic' up to 28 February 2021. Full texts of the retrieved articles were accessed. In general, in these literatures, National Institute Health of Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score ≥ 17, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≥ 2, stroke recurrence, death caused by stroke are regarded as the criteria of poor prognosis. As long as one of these conditions occurs, it is judged as poor prognosis. RESULTS: Factors influencing patient outcomes including patient outcome include severity of neurological impairment, types and severity of combined heart diseases, establishment of cerebral collateral circulation, treatments, components of emboli causing cardiogenic cerebral embolism, existence and control of other system complications, distribution and expression of inflammatory immune cells and molecules in the course of cardiogenic cerebral embolism, and epigenetic changes related to disease prognosis. CONCLUSION: Regarding to prevention and treatment of cardiogenic cerebral embolism, the related factors, such as clinical setting, emboli pathological profile, and epigenetic changes should be emphasized so that outcomes and recurrence of cardiogenic cerebral embolism can be improvised.

Safety and efficacy of intra-arterial tirofiban infusion in patients with acute cardiogenic cerebral embolism undergoing endovascular reperfusion therapy / 中华内科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intra-arterial tirofiban infusion during endovascular reperfusion therapy in patients with acute cardiogenic cerebral embolism.Methods:Clinical data of 72 patients with acute cardiogenic cerebral embolism caused by large artery occlusion were retrospectively analyzed in Department of Neurology, Strategic Support Force Medical Center from August 2015 to August 2020.Among those, 52 patients were treated with intra-arterial tirofiban, the other 20 patients were treated with control medication. The baseline characteristics, modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score of responsible vessels, modified Rankin scale (mRS) score 90 days after operation, incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality were evaluated and compared in two groups.Results:The proportion of effective recanalization of the offending vessels (mTICI≥2b) in tirofiban group was higher than that in control group (92.3% vs. 75.0%), but the difference was not statistically significant ( P=0.104). At 90 days after operation, the rate of patients with good prognosis (mRS≤2) in tirofiban group (61.5%) was significantly higher than that in control group (35.0%) ( P<0.05). The incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and mortality were comparable between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Intra-arterial tirofiban infusion in patients with acute cardiogenic cerebral embolism is effective and feasible, which improves the prognosis without increasing the risk of intracranial bleeding complications.

Prognostic analysis of different therapeutic regimens in patients with acute cardiogenic cerebral embolism.

BACKGROUND: Few studies focused on the functional outcomes of patients at 3 months after receiving intravenous thrombolysis, anticoagulation, or antiplatelet therapy within 4.5 h of onset of the cardiogenic cerebral embolism (CCE) subtype. METHODS: The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyse the clinical data of patients with acute CCE and compare the 3-month functional prognoses of patients after administration of different antithrombotic therapies within 4.5 h of stroke onset. A total of 335 patients with CCE hospitalized in our institution were included in this study. The patients were stratified according to the hyperacute treatment received, and baseline clinical and laboratory data were analysed. A 3-month modified Rankin scale (mRS) score of 0-2 was defined as an excellent functional outcome. RESULTS: A total of 335 patients were divided into thrombolytic (n = 78), anticoagulant (n = 88), and antiplatelet therapy groups (n = 169). A total of 164 patients had a good prognosis at 3 months (mRS ≤ 2). After adjustments were made for age and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, each group comprised 38 patients, and there were no significant differences in sex composition, complications, lesion characteristics, or Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project (OSCP) classification among the three groups. The plasma D-dimer level (µg/ml) in the thrombolytic group was significantly higher than those in the anticoagulant and antiplatelet groups [3.07 (1.50,5.62), 1.33 (0.95,1.89), 1.61 (0.76,2.96), P < 0.001]. After one week of treatment, the reduction in NIHSS in the thrombolytic group was significantly greater than those in the other two groups [3.00 (1.00, 8.00), 1.00 (0.00, 5.00), 1.00 (0.00, 2.00), P = 0.025]. A total of 47 patients (41.2 %) had an mRS score of ≤ 2 at 3 months, and 23 patients died (20.2 %). There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients with a good prognosis or the mortality rate among the three groups (P = 0.363, P = 0.683). CONCLUSIONS: Thrombolytic therapy is effective at improving short-term and 3-month prognoses. Anticoagulant therapy may be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with the cardiac stroke subtype who fail to receive intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) thrombolysis within 4.5 h in addition to antiplatelet therapy, as recommended by the guidelines.

Open surgical embolectomy for cardiogenic cerebral embolism: Technical note and its advantages.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: In cardiogenic cerebral embolism, early recanalization is the most important factor for good prognosis. However, endovascular thrombectomy often fails to achieve recanalization. We present an open surgical embolectomy technique and discuss its advantages. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 79-year-old woman developed right hemiparesis and severe aphasia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an acute cerebral infarction caused by left middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. We attempted endovascular thrombectomy but failed because it was impossible to guide the catheter to the occlusion site. Hence, we converted to open surgical embolectomy. Sylvian fissure was widely opened. After confirming the range of thrombosis using indocyanine green videoangiography (ICGVAG), the proximal and distal arteries were secured, and a temporary clip was placed on the distal M2 to prevent distal thrombosis migration. MCA was cut approximately 3 mm from the bifurcation, and thrombosis was removed using micro-forceps. The proximal clip was simultaneously inserted but was not clamped because the thrombus was extruded by proximal vascular flow. Immediately after removing the thrombus, intense bleeding occurred from the proximal flow. An assistant clamped the proximal artery using the prepared clip, and the incised area of MCA was sutured using 9-0 threads. We finally confirmed blood flow after recanalization using ICGVAG. The time from skin incision to recanalization was 27 min. After the procedure, the patient developed slight aphasia but had no hemiparesis and was later transferred to a rehabilitation hospital. CONCLUSION: Open surgical embolectomy may be a secondary rescue treatment option in the case of endovascular thrombectomy failure.

Early neurological deterioration in cardiogenic cerebral embolism due to nonvalvular atrial fibrillation: Predisposing factors and clinical implications.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate factors which may predispose patients to early neurological deterioration (END) and explore peripheral biomarkers for the prediction of END in cardiogenic cerebral embolism (CCE) patients. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with CCE within 24 hr of onset between January 2017 and January 2019 were included in this study. END was defined as an increase of ≥2 on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) or the emergence of new neurological symptoms within 3 days of admission. Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the factors associated with END. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were then generated to determine the predictive value of the potential biomarkers and the optimal cutoff values. RESULTS: Of the 129 (male, 55.81%; mean age 71.85 ± 11.99 years) CCE patients, 55 patients with END were identified. Hemorrhage transformation (HT), coronary heart disease (CHD), diastolic blood pressure, cystatin C levels, NIHSS score, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) at admission were independently associated with END. A peripheral cystatin C level ≥ 1.41 mg/L and a PLR ≥ 132.97 were predictive factors for END in CCE patients. The lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) was negatively independently associated with HT, and LMR < 2.31 may predict the occurrence of HT in patients with CCE. CONCLUSIONS: Of the potential predisposing factors considered, increased cystatin C and PLR were associated with END within 3 days of CCE, and a decreased LMR may have predictive value for HT in CCE patients.

Cardiogenic cerebral embolism caused by a severe hypoglycemic attack†:†a case report.

The direct relationship between a hypoglycemic attack and cerebral infarction remains unknown. It has been reported that a hypoglycemic attack can result in takotsubo syndrome, leading to cerebral infarction. We report a case of a cardiogenic cerebral embolism caused by a hypoglycemic attack, with additional literature review. A 71-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital in a semi-comatose state due to a severe hypoglycemic attack ; she developed hemiplegia one day after admission. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cerebral infarction in the area supplied by the left middle cerebral artery. Takotsubo syndrome was suspected based on echocardiography. We diagnosed cerebral embolism due to takotsubo syndrome, caused by the hypoglycemic attack. J. Med. Invest. 67 : 362-364, August, 2020.

[The pathology of the thrombi obtained by endovascular thrombectomy were useful for diagnosis of two cases of cardiogenic cerebral embolism due to infective endocarditis and nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis].

Patient 1 was a 55-year-old male with cerebral infarction due to obstruction of the left middle cerebral artery during treatment for bacteremia, along with a verruca of infectious endocarditis harvested from endovascular thrombectomy. Patient 2 was a 59-year-old female suffering from cerebral infarction at the terminal branch during intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma chemotherapy who thereafter developed cerebral infarction again due to obstruction of the left middle cerebral artery, along with a verruca of nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) harvested from endovascular thrombectomy. In tumor-bearing patients, while NBTE may be more closely related to the development of cerebral infarctions than previously assumed, we also need pay attention to the onset of infectious endocarditis. We need further studies on the effectiveness and safety of thrombolysis therapy and endovascular thrombectomy for cerebral infarctions due to endocarditis in both patients. The harvested emboli may provide clues to the differentiation thereof.

Relationship between initial international normalized ratio and prognosis in patients with cardiogenic cerebral embolism.

BACKGROUND: Cardiogenic cerebral embolism is one of the most common causes of ischemic stroke. In general, cardioembolic stroke is associated with more severe neurological deficits and higher early mortality, as well as a worse functional outcome. Oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy could reduce the risk of stroke significantly. However, several limitations have led to it being underused, which raises the failure of anticoagulant therapy. This study aimed to investigate the patients with atrial fibrillation presented cardioembolic stroke who underwent OAC therapy, and to assess treatment efficacy, and outcomes, especially the international normalized ratio (INR) value in the acute phase. METHODS: Clinical data of 306 patients with cardioembolic stroke and etiology of atrial fibrillation were retrospectively analyzed, and demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, embolic cardiopathy, CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc score, HAS-BLED score, INR value, TOAST subtypes, OCSP classification, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores and prognosis were evaluated. RESULTS: The median score on the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scales was 3 and 4, respectively; The median score on the HAS-BLED scale was 2. Only 33 patients (10.8%) were in therapeutic INR range at the onset of stroke. In the acute phase, 233 patients (76.1%) continued to use OAC therapy, and 73 patients were suspended. Eighteen patients (24.7%) resumed treatment after an average of 32 days. Thirty-nine of 251 survivors with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation were modified to novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs). At 3 months follow-up, patients with INR ≥1.7 had significantly better prognosis than those with INR <1.7, both in the percentage of patients with functional independence (78.9% vs. 41.2%) and in mortality (7.0% vs. 25.0%) (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients presented cardioembolic stroke despite being treated with OAC, especially those with a subtherapeutic INR value, raises the failure of anticoagulant therapy. Despite the ineffectiveness of the OAC, the prognosis is better when the INR ≥1.7 at the initiation of the stroke.

Left atrial size and risk of recurrent ischemic stroke in cardiogenic cerebral embolism.

BACKGROUND: Left atrial enlargement (LAE) was reported to be associated with ischemic stroke and its recurrence. Limited data are available on the relationship of LAE and cardiogenic cerebral embolism (CCE). Our aim is to access the association of left atrial size and the recurrence of ischemic stroke in CCE. METHODS: We prospectively included 303 CCE patients who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Left atrial size was estimated with left atrial diameter (LAD), diameter/height (LAD/H), and left atrial diameter/body surface area (LAD/BSA). The endpoint was one-year recurrent ischemic stroke. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to access the association between left atrial size and recurrent ischemic stroke. RESULTS: During follow-up, 27 patients suffered recurrent ischemic stroke. In multivariate COX regression models adjusted for confounders including age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, and history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), platelet count, fasting blood glucose (FBG), antithrombotic drugs at discharge, stroke volume, and cardiac output, LAD, LAD/H, and LAD/BSA all were independent risk factors of recurrent ischemic stroke [LAD: HR 1.065, 95% CI (1.006-1.128), p = .029; LAD/H: HR 1.157, 95% CI (1.066-1.255), p < .001; LAD/BSA: HR 1.128, 95% CI (1.059-1.202), p < .001]. Receiver-operator characteristic curves showed that LAD/BSA had better predicting effect. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.543 [95%CI (0.444-0.642), p = .461) for LAD, 0.626 [95%CI (0.530-0.723), p = .03] for LAD/H, and 0.655 [95%CI (0.558-0.752), p = .008] for LAD/BSA. CONCLUSION: LAE is an independent risk factor for one-year recurrence of ischemic stroke in patients with CCE.

A Patient Who Underwent Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Occlusion of the Vertebral and Radial Arteries.

Objective: We report a case of acute occlusion of the vertebral artery and radial artery. We performed mechanical thrombectomy for the radial artery following mechanical thrombectomy for the vertebral artery. Case Presentation: A 73-year-old woman developed sudden-onset dizziness and dysesthesia of the left finger, and was taken to our hospital. Atrial fibrillation was observed. Image inspection revealed acute cerebral infarction of the left lateral medulla and left cerebellar hemisphere, and occlusion of the vertebral and radial arteries. Mechanical thrombectomy for the left vertebral artery occlusion was performed after intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA), and then mechanical thrombectomy was performed for the left radial artery occlusion. Conclusion: This case suggests that it is possible to guide the system to the radial artery and to perform thrombectomy using existing intracranial endovascular treatment devices.

Vasospasm as a major complication after acute mechanical thrombectomy with stent retrievers.

OBJECTIVE: Mechanical thrombectomy using a stent retriever for acute large vessel occlusion is indispensable in stroke treatment, however, vasospasm may occur. The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate which cases are more likely to experience vasospasm after thrombectomy with stent retrievers. METHODS: We included 29 patients diagnosed with acute cardiogenic cerebral embolism who were treated with stent retrievers at our facility from December 2014 to December 2017. Atherothrombotic brain infarction cases were excluded because it was difficult to evaluate for vasospasms. Vasospasm was defined as reversible arterial narrowing of <80% of the normal vessel diameter after usage of the stent retriever. The age, sex, type of stent retriever, occlusion site, number of procedures, thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) grade, degree of vasospasm, intracranial hemorrhage by the procedure, and neurological outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 29 cases, 12 (41.4%) resulted in vasospasm; nine cases were mild (20-50% stenosis) and 3 cases were severe (≥50% stenosis). Vasospasm frequently occurred in the distal part of the anterior circulation when compared to the proximal part. In addition, the frequency of vasospasm increased as the number of procedures increased. Pooled analysis showed significant difference in the intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator group (P = 0.029). There was no significant difference in the other groups. CONCLUSION: Stent retrievers appear to cause vasospasm more than expected when including mild cases. Vasospasm tends to occur especially in cases with IV-tPA; prognosis is generally good, and it rarely requires any treatment.

Risk factors and localization of silent cerebral infarction in patients with atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: It is important to identify the risk factors and localization of silent cerebral infarction (SCI), especially in younger patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics and risk factors for SCI in AF patients, with particular attention to localization of SCI. METHODS: The study enrolled 286 consecutive neurologically asymptomatic patients who underwent AF ablation from January 2014 to July 2017 (age 61.7 ± 10.2 [SD] years; 208 male and 78 female). All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before ablation. RESULTS: SCIs were classified independently by 2 radiologists as follows: cardiogenic SCI in 19 (10.6%), lacunar SCI in 13 (8.9%), undetermined causes in 6 (1.6%), and no SCI in 248 (controls, 78.7%). Importantly, no patients with CHA2DS2-VASc score 0 had SCI on MRI. In univariable analysis, significant risk factors for lacunar SCI included age (P = .007), hypertension (P = .037), congestive heart failure (P = .040), left atrial (LA) diameter (P = .013), and cardio-ankle vascular index (P = .004). In multivariable analysis, significant risk factors for cardiogenic SCI were AF duration (odds ratio [OR] 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.02; P = .038), ankle-brachial pressure index (OR 0.002; 95% CI 0-0.68; P = .030), and LA abnormality (OR 8.99; 95% CI 2.78-31.00; P <.001), defined by the presence of spontaneous echo contrast and/or decreased LA appendage emptying velocity. CONCLUSION: The study results indicate that among AF patients, SCIs localized in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum are frequently noted, for which cardiogenic mechanisms may be mainly involved; CHA2DS2-VASc score could be useful for screening SCI; and LA abnormality is the specific marker for cardiogenic SCI, providing useful information for risk stratification of SCI.