Pharmacological preclinical comparison of tenecteplase and alteplase for the treatment of acute stroke.

Alteplase (rtPA) remains the standard thrombolytic drug for acute ischemic stroke. However, new rtPA-derived molecules, such as tenecteplase (TNK), with prolonged half-lives following a single bolus administration, have been developed. Although TNK is currently under clinical evaluation, the limited preclinical data highlight the need for additional studies to elucidate its benefits. The toxicities of rtPA and TNK were evaluated in endothelial cells, astrocytes, and neuronal cells. In addition, their in vivo efficacy was independently assessed at two research centers using an ischemic thromboembolic mouse model. Both therapies were tested via early (20 and 30 min) and late administration (4 and 4.5 h) after stroke. rtPA, but not TNK, caused cell death only in neuronal cultures. Mice were less sensitive to thrombolytic therapies than humans, requiring doses 10-fold higher than the established clinical dose. A single bolus dose of 2.5 mg/kg TNK led to an infarct reduction similar to perfusion with 10 mg/kg of rtPA. Early administration of TNK decreased the hemorrhagic transformations compared to that by the early administration of rtPA; however, this result was not obtained following late administration. These two independent preclinical studies support the use of TNK as a promising reperfusion alternative to rtPA.

New Perspectives in Neuroprotection for Ischemic Stroke.

The constant failure of new neuroprotective therapies for ischemic stroke has partially halted the search for new therapies in recent years, mainly because of the high investment risk required to develop a new treatment for a complex pathology, such as stroke, with a narrow intervention window and associated comorbidities. However, owing to recent progress in understanding the stroke pathophysiology, improvement in patient care in stroke units, development of new imaging techniques, search for new biomarkers for early diagnosis, and increasingly widespread use of mechanical recanalization therapies, new opportunities have opened for the study of neuroprotection. This review summarizes the main protective agents currently in use, some of which are already in the clinical evaluation phase. It also includes an analysis of how recanalization therapies, new imaging techniques, and biomarkers have improved their efficacy.

Resultados de un programa de ecocardioscopia realizada por neurólogos en el proceso integrado en red de atención al ictus en unidades de imagen cardiaca / Results of a focused cardiac ultrasound program conducted by neurologists within a stroke care network with cardiac imaging units

Introducción y objetivos Recientemente los neurólogos han comenzado a realizar ecocardioscopia para la detección de cardiopatías en pacientes con ictus isquémico, lo cual requiere un proceso previo de formación acreditada. Se diseñó un estudio prospectivo con el objetivo de analizar la incidencia de cardiopatías detectadas por ecocardioscopia en una unidad de ictus integrada en red con una Unidad de Imagen Cardiaca y el pronóstico de la detección de cardiopatía estructural a 1 año de seguimiento. Métodos Se incluyeron los casos que ingresaron por ictus isquémico o accidente isquémico transitorio en un hospital clínico universitario de 2017 a 2021 y fueron evaluados mediante ecocardioscopia. Se estudió la presencia de cardiopatía estructural y cardiopatía embolígena. Se analizaron los eventos cardiovasculares (ECV) durante el primer año de seguimiento. Resultados Se realizó ecocardioscopia a 706 pacientes. Se detectó cardiopatía estructural en el 52,1% de los casos y cardiopatía embolígena en el 31,9%. El 5,49% había sufrido ECV al año de seguimiento. La presencia de cardiopatía estructural de novo se asoció de manera independiente con una mayor probabilidad de ECV (HR=1,72; IC95%, 1,01-2,91; p=0,046). Conclusiones La ecocardioscopia dentro de un proceso integrado en red de atención al ictus con unidades de imagen cardiaca es una técnica accesible y de alta rentabilidad diagnóstica. Su uso permite actuaciones clínicas y terapéuticas directas en la prevención de nuevas embolias cerebrales y otros ECV en este grupo de pacientes. (AU)

Introduction and objectives Recently, neurologists have begun to perform focused cardiac ultrasound for the detection of a cardiac source of embolism in stroke patients, requiring them to undergo a prior accredited training process. We designed a prospective study to analyze the incidence of heart disease detected by a focused cardiac ultrasound program within a stroke care network with cardiac imaging units and to identify the outcomes of detected structural heart disease at 1 year of follow-up. Methods We included patients admitted to a university hospital for ischemic stroke or a transient ischemic attack between 2017 and 2021 who were evaluated by focused cardiac ultrasound. We studied the presence of structural heart disease and cardioembolic sources. We analyzed cardiovascular events (CVE) during the first year of follow-up. Results Focused cardiac ultrasound was performed in 706 patients. Structural heart disease was detected in 52.1% and a cardioembolic source in 31.9%. Adverse CVE occurred in 5.49% of the patients in the first year of follow-up. The presence of de novo structural heart disease was independently associated with a higher probability of adverse CVE (HR, 1.72; 95%CI, 1.01- 2.91; P=.046). Conclusions Focused cardiac ultrasound within a stroke care network with cardiac imaging units is an accessible technique with high diagnostic yield. Its use allows clinical and therapeutic actions in the prevention of stroke recurrences and other CVEs in this group of patients. (AU)

Results of a focused cardiac ultrasound program conducted by neurologists within a stroke care network with cardiac imaging units.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, neurologists have begun to perform focused cardiac ultrasound for the detection of a cardiac source of embolism in stroke patients, requiring them to undergo a prior accredited training process. We designed a prospective study to analyze the incidence of heart disease detected by a focused cardiac ultrasound program within a stroke care network with cardiac imaging units and to identify the outcomes of detected structural heart disease at 1 year of follow-up. METHODS: We included patients admitted to a university hospital for ischemic stroke or a transient ischemic attack between 2017 and 2021 who were evaluated by focused cardiac ultrasound. We studied the presence of structural heart disease and cardioembolic sources. We analyzed cardiovascular events (CVE) during the first year of follow-up. RESULTS: Focused cardiac ultrasound was performed in 706 patients. Structural heart disease was detected in 52.1% and a cardioembolic source in 31.9%. Adverse CVE occurred in 5.49% of the patients in the first year of follow-up. The presence of de novo structural heart disease was independently associated with a higher probability of adverse CVE (HR, 1.72; 95%CI, 1.01- 2.91; P=.046). CONCLUSIONS: Focused cardiac ultrasound within a stroke care network with cardiac imaging units is an accessible technique with high diagnostic yield. Its use allows clinical and therapeutic actions in the prevention of stroke recurrences and other CVEs in this group of patients.

Carotid web: the challenging diagnosis of an under-recognized entity.

BACKGROUND: Determining the cause of acute ischemic stroke is crucial for patient management, particularly for preventing future stroke. In recent years, carotid web (CW), a non-atherosclerotic disorder of the carotid wall, has been found to be an underestimated source of cerebral emboli. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to analyze the clinical, radiological, and pathological findings, along with the treatments performed in patients with CW and ipsilateral ischemic events. METHODS: Patients with anterior circulation ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack and ipsilateral CW were prospectively included from January 2019 to December 2021. RESULTS: Nine patients were enrolled. The median age was 55 (43-62) years, with a female-to-male ratio of 3.5:1. Of the total, seven patients (78%) consulted for recurrent ipsilateral ischemic events. Despite medical treatment, 44% of the patients experienced new episodes. Computed tomographic angiography was suggestive of CW in all cases in which it was performed. The interval between the first ischemic event and diagnosis of CW was of 13 (6-68) months. After ruling out any other possible etiology, every patient underwent carotid revascularization, one underwent stenting and eight underwent carotidectomy. No severe or long-term complications were noted. Histological studies confirmed the diagnosis of CW. There were no recurrences after carotid revascularization during a follow-up of 24 (13-35) months. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of CW and differentiating it from atheroma plaques is essential, as medical management seems to be insufficient in many cases. Revascularization, which has been shown to be safe and effective, might be the best treatment modality.

Observational multicentre prospective study to assess changes in cognitive function in patients treated with PCSK9i. Study protocol.

OBJECTIVE: PCSK9 inhibitors have been shown to reduce LDLc by up to about 60% and 85% when used with high doses of statins and ezetimibe (2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines). These therapies may lead to very low levels of LDLc and have been associated with possible cognitive deterioration. No significant differences were found in the only specific  study (EBBINGHAUS). The objective is to prospectively evaluate cognitive  deterioration and its repercussion on quality of life and changes in LDLc in  patients starting treatment with PCKS9 inhibitors. METHOD: It is a postauthorization, multicentre, non-randomized, prospective study. Patients starting treatment for the first time with PCSK9 inhibitors will be recruited in 11 Galician Hospitals over a period of 12 months and with 24 months of follow-up. The primary outcome will be to evaluate changes in cognitive function using the Montreal  Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) questionnaire. The secondary outcome will be to evaluate changes in quality of life using the EuroQol-5D. Changes in LDLc will be assessed. The sample size will be 275 patients, taking into account a loss to follow-up of no more than 10%. The primary outcome  will be studied through the dichotomous variable cognitive deterioration (0/1). Cognitive changes over the follow-up period will be analysed using  the McNemar test. In addition, an analytical approach using logistic regression will be followed to identify patients at risk of cognitive deterioration. As a result, this analysis will obtain a frequency measurement: the odds ratio (OR). The specific objectives will be studied  using bivariate analysis. Continuous contrast variables will be studied using the t-test or ANOVA and categorical variables will be studied using the chi- square test. CONCLUSIONS: The MEMOGAL study will provide information on safety in  terms of cognitive deterioration in patients starting treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors.

Objetivo: Los inhibidores de proproteína convertasa subtilisina/kexina de tipo 9 (PCSK9) han demostrado reducir hasta un 60% el colesterol  transportado por lipoproteínas de baja densidad (c-LDL) y hasta el 85%  asociado a estatinas de alta intensidad y ezetimibe (2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines). Estas terapias pueden dar lugar a muy bajos niveles de c-LDL y se ha especulado sobre su posible relación con deterioro cognitivo. En el  único estudio específico, EBBINGHAUS, no se encontraron diferencias  significativas. El objetivo es evaluar prospectivamente el deterioro  cognitivo y la repercusión en términos de calidad de vida y variaciones de  c-LDL en pacientes que inician tratamiento con inhibidores de PCSK9. Método: Se trata de un estudio postautorización, multicéntrico, no aleatorizado de seguimiento prospectivo. Se reclutarán pacientes que  inicien tratamiento por primera vez con iPCSK9 en 11 hospitales gallegos  durante un periodo de 12 meses y un seguimiento de 24 meses. El  endpoint primario será evaluar los cambios en la función cognitiva a través del cuestionario Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA), y como endpoints secundarios se valorarán cambios en la calidad de vida a través del  EuroQol­5D y variación de los niveles de LDL. El tamaño muestral, teniendo en cuenta un porcentaje de pérdidas no superior al 10%, será de  275 individuos. El objetivo general se estudiará a través de la variable  dicotómica deterioro cognitivo (0/1). El estudio del deterioro cognitivo a lo  largo del seguimiento se realizará con el test McNemar. Además, se  pretende realizar un planteamiento analítico con una regresión logística que explore si existe algún perfil de paciente con riesgo de sufrir deterioro cognitivo. Este análisis obtendrá como resultado una medida de  frecuencia, la odds ratio (OR). Los objetivos específicos se estudiarán planteando análisis bivariados. Para las variables de contraste continuas se empleará el test T o el ANOVA, si las variables son de naturaleza  categórica se aplicará el test de chi cuadrado.Conclusiones: El estudio MEMOGAL intentará aportar información sobre  la seguridad en términos de deterioro cognitivo en pacientes que inicien  tratamiento con inhibidores de PCSK9 (real-world evidence).

Oral Anticoagulation and Risk of Symptomatic Hemorrhagic Transformation in Stroke Patients Treated With Mechanical Thrombectomy: Data From the Nordictus Registry.

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate if prior oral anticoagulation (OAC) and its type determines a greater risk of symptomatic hemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) subjected to mechanical thrombectomy. Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients with AIS included in the prospective reperfusion registry NORDICTUS, a network of tertiary stroke centers in Northern Spain, from January 2017 to December 2019 were included. Prior use of oral anticoagulants, baseline variables, and international normalized ratio (INR) on admission were recorded. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome was the relation between INR and sICH, and we evaluated mortality and functional outcome at 3 months by modified Rankin scale. We compared patients with and without previous OAC and also considered the type of oral anticoagulants. Results: About 1.455 AIS patients were included, of whom 274 (19%) were on OAC, 193 (70%) on vitamin K antagonists (VKA), and 81 (30%) on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Anticoagulated patients were older and had more comorbidities. Eighty-one (5.6%) developed sICH, which was more frequent in the VKA group, but not in DOAC group. OAC with VKA emerged as a predictor of sICH in a multivariate regression model (OR, 1.89 [95% CI, 1.01-3.51], p = 0.04) and was not related to INR level on admission. Prior VKA use was not associated with worse outcome in the multivariate regression model nor with mortality at 3 months. Conclusions: OAC with VKA, but not with DOACs, was an independent predictor of sICH after mechanical thrombectomy. This excess risk was associated neither with INR value by the time thrombectomy was performed, nor with a worse functional outcome or mortality at 3 months.

Regulatory T cells participate in the recovery of ischemic stroke patients.

BACKGROUND: Recent preclinical studies have shown that regulatory T cells (Treg) play a key role in the immune response after ischemic stroke (IS). However, the role of Treg in human acute IS has been poorly investigated. Our aim was to study the relationship between circulating Treg and outcome in human IS patients. METHODS: A total of 204 IS patients and 22 control subjects were recruited. The main study variable was good functional outcome at 3 months (modified Rankin scale ≤2) considering infarct volume, Early Neurological Deterioration (END) and risk of infections as secondary variables. The percentage of circulating Treg was measured at admission, 48, 72 h and at day 7 after stroke onset. RESULTS: Circulating Treg levels were higher in IS patients compared to control subjects. Treg at 48 h were independently associated with good functional outcome (OR, 3.5; CI: 1.9-7.8) after adjusting by confounding factors. Patients with lower Treg at 48 h showed higher frequency of END and risk of infections. In addition, a negative correlation was found between circulating Treg at 48 h (r = - 0.414) and 72 h (r = - 0.418) and infarct volume. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that Treg may participate in the recovery of IS patients. Therefore, Treg may be considered a potential therapeutic target in acute ischemic stroke.

Intra- and extra-hospital improvement in ischemic stroke patients: influence of reperfusion therapy and molecular mechanisms.

Neuroprotective treatments in ischemic stroke are focused to reduce the pernicious effect of excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and inflammation. However, those cellular and molecular mechanisms may also have beneficial effects, especially during the late stages of the ischemic stroke. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the clinical improvement of ischemic stroke patients and the time-dependent excitotoxicity and inflammation. We included 4295 ischemic stroke patients in a retrospective study. The main outcomes were intra and extra-hospital improvement. High glutamate and IL-6 levels at 24 hours were associated with a worse intra-hospital improvement (OR:0.993, 95%CI: 0.990-0.996 and OR:0.990, 95%CI: 0.985-0.995). High glutamate and IL-6 levels at 24 hours were associated with better extra-hospital improvement (OR:1.13 95%CI, 1.07-1.12 and OR:1.14, 95%CI, 1.09-1.18). Effective reperfusion after recanalization showed the best clinical outcome. However, the long term recovery is less marked in patients with an effective reperfusion. The variations of glutamate and IL6 levels in the first 24 hours clearly showed a relationship between the molecular components of the ischemic cascade and the clinical outcome of patients. Our findings suggest that the rapid reperfusion after recanalization treatment blocks the molecular response to ischemia that is associated with restorative processes.

NT-pro-BNP: A novel predictor of stroke risk after transient ischemic attack.

BACKGROUND: Elevated levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and NT-pro-BNP can predict an increased risk of cardiovascular events and ischemic stroke. The limited reliability to predict the risk of stroke after a transient ischemic attack (TIA) justifies the objective of our study to determine the role of NT-pro-BNP in patients with TIAs. METHODS: From our prospective stroke registry, we performed a retrospective study in all patients with the diagnosis of TIA admitted to the Stroke Unit of our Hospital between January 2008 and March 2018. NT-pro-BNP was determined in the first hours after TIA. The endpoint was the development of stroke during the follow-up. RESULTS: 381 patients were included. Mean time of follow-up was 36.8 (±16.4) months. 224 patients were hospitalized due to a stroke during the follow-up, and 157 were not. NT-pro-BNP serum levels were higher in patients who suffered a stroke compared to those who did not (p ≪ 0.001). We also found greater levels of this marker the earlier the stroke happened (p = 0.024). A cut-off point of 800 pg/mL of NT-pro-BNP predicted a stroke with a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 79% (p ≪ 0.001), and was independently associated with higher risk of stroke after a TIA (OR: 6.65, p ≪ 0.001). This association persisted for different etiopathogenic TIA groups (cardioembolic: OR 26.12, p ≪ 0.001; undetermined: OR 4.87, p = 0.006; atherothrombotic: OR 1.67, p = 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: The early determination of NT-pro-BNP is a simple and very useful alternative to predict the prognosis after TIA regardless of the etiopathogenesis of the TIA.

Obesity Paradox in Ischemic Stroke: Clinical and Molecular Insights.

It has recently emerged the concept of "obesity paradox," a term used to describe the unexpected improved prognosis and lower mortality rates found in several diseases in patients with higher body weight. Concerning stroke, few clinical studies have assessed this obesity paradox showing contradictory results. Therefore, our aim was to compare clinical evolution and inflammatory balance of obese and non-obese patients after ischemic stroke. We designed a prospective case-control study in patients with acute ischemic stroke categorized into obese (body mass index, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and non-obese (BMI < 30 kg/m2). We compared clinical, anthropometric, radiological, and laboratory variables. The main outcome variable was the functional outcome at 3 months. We included 98 patients (48 non-obese and 50 obese). No differences in functional outcome at 3 months were found (p = 0.882) although a tendency of a greater recovery on neurological impairments was seen in obese subjects. Importantly, obese patients (p = 0.007) and patients who experienced poor outcome (p = 0.006) exhibited a higher reduction in body weight at 3 months after stroke. Moreover, pro-inflammatory IL-6 levels (p = 0.002) were higher in the obese group. However, IL-6 levels decreased over the first week in obese while increased in non-obese. On the contrary, levels of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 rose over the first week in obese patients, whereas remained stable in non-obese. In summary, despite exhibiting several factors associated with poor outcome, obese patients do not evolve worse than non-obese after ischemic stroke. Obesity may counterbalance the inflammatory reaction through an anti-inflammatory stream enhanced in the first moments of stroke.

Trends in stroke outcomes in the last ten years in a European tertiary hospital.

BACKGROUND: Studying the impact of demographic changes and progress in the management of stroke patients is necessary in order to organize care structures for the coming years. Consequently, we analyzed the prognostic trends of patients admitted to the Stroke Unit of a tertiary hospital in the last ten years. METHODS: The University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela is the referral hospital for stroke in a catchment area that accounts for 16.5% of the population of Galicia. Data from patients admitted to the Stroke Unit were registered prospectively. A multinomial logistic regression was performed to determine the influence of new trends in demographic factors and in the management of patients with acute stroke. For the expected trend of progression, a 2008-2011 and 2012-2017 time series model was made by selecting the most appropriate model. RESULTS: In the last 10 years, the age of stroke onset has only increased in women (from 74.4 ± 2.2 years in 2008 to 78.8 ± 2.1 years in 2017; p = 0.037), and the same happens with the severity of neurological symptoms (ischemic stroke (IS), p < 0.0001; from 14 [10, 19] in 2008 to 19 [15, 26] in 2017), with a higher percentage of cardioembolic strokes (40.7% vs. 32.2% of cardioembolic strokes in women vs. men, p < 0.0001). In a multiple linear regression model, hospital improvement was mainly associated with the use of reperfusion treatment (B 53.11, CI 95% 49.87, 56.36, p < 0.0001). A differentiated multinomial logistic regression analysis conducted for the whole sample with ischemic strokes in the two time periods (2008-2011 and 2012-2017) showed no differences in the influence of factors associated with higher morbidity and mortality. The modeling of time series showed a distinct falling trend in mortality, with a slight increase in good outcome as well as morbidity in both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that mortality decreased in the entire sample; however, although outcome at discharge improved in ischemic stroke, severe disability also increased in these patients. Importantly, this tendency towards increased morbidity seems to be confirmed for the coming years.

[Rapidly progressing paraparesis secondary to a fibrosarcoma]. / Paraparesia rápidamente progresiva secundaria a un fibrosarcoma.

TITLE: Paraparesia rapidamente progresiva secundaria a un fibrosarcoma.

Paraparesia rápidamente progresiva secundaria a un fibrosarcoma / Rapidly progressing paraparesis secondary to a fibrosarcoma

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High pro-BNP levels predict the occurrence of atrial fibrillation after cryptogenic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Antiplatelets are recommended for secondary prevention in patients with cryptogenic stroke; however, some patients may present with a cardioembolic source that has not been detected, which may modify the treatment. Because high pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are associated with cardioembolic stroke, our objective was to determine whether pro-BNP levels in the acute phase of stroke predict the development of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with cryptogenic stroke. METHODS: A prospective study including patients with cryptogenic stroke was conducted. Demographic data, medical history, and stroke characteristics were assessed at admission. A blood sample was obtained within the first 24 hours from stroke onset to determine pro-BNP levels. Patients were followed by a neurologist at 3 and 6 months and later by a primary care physician for 2 years to evaluate the development of AF. RESULTS: One thousand fifty patients with ischemic stroke were evaluated. Three hundred seventy-two patients (35%) had cryptogenic stroke. One hundred eight patients were excluded from the study, so 264 patients were valid for the analysis. AF was detected in 15 patients (5.6%) during the follow-up. Patients who developed AF were older, had hypertension more frequently, and showed higher levels of pro-BNP. In the logistic regression model, we found that pro-BNP ≥360 pg/mL was the only variable independently associated with the risk of developing AF (odds ratio 5.70, 95% confidence interval 1.11-29.29, p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Pro-BNP ≥360 pg/mL increases by 5-fold the possibility of detecting AF during follow-up in patients with cryptogenic stroke.

[Is necessary to perform a transthoracic echocardiogram in all the patients with cryptogenic stroke during hospitalization?]. / Es necesaria la realizacion de un ecocardiograma transtoracico a todos los pacientes con ictus isquemico indeterminado durante el ingreso?

INTRODUCTION: From 15 to 30% of all ischemic strokes are cardioembolic. Transthoracic echocardiography plays a key role in the evaluation, diagnosis and management of the embolic source. The absence of official recommendations for the use of echocardiography in patients with ischemic stroke leads to a universal application showing low diagnostic efficiency. AIM: To analyze the diagnostic accuracy of echocardiograpm in patients with ischemic stroke in two situations: with universal indication and after the application of risk clinical criteria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Analysis of the echocardiograms performed on patients with acute ischemic stroke from the stroke unit during the years 2009-2011. We study the diagnostic and etiological contribution to the etiological study. Apply a selection criteria: 'high risk patient with need of test performance during admission' (age < 60 years, abnormal baseline electrocardiogram, cardiomegaly on chest radiograph or baseline history of heart disease, suspected endocarditis and/or active neoplasia) and analyzed their validity. RESULTS: From 930 inpatients, 201 (21.6%), underwent echocardiogram. Cardioembolic source was detected in 9.95%. After application of selection criteria, only 97 patients (10.4%) should have undergone it. The proposed criteria have a sensitivity 95%, specificity 56.9%, positive predictive value 19.6% and negative predictive value of 99%. CONCLUSIONS: The application of our criteria in undetermined stroke patients help us to identify with high efficiency cardioembolic sources postponing the test to an ambulatory scenario in the rest of the patients.

TITLE: Es necesaria la realizacion de un ecocardiograma transtoracico a todos los pacientes con ictus isquemico indeterminado durante el ingreso?Introduccion. El 15-30% de los ictus isquemicos son de origen cardioembolico. El ecocardiograma transtoracico desempena un papel fundamental en la evaluacion, diagnostico y manejo de la fuente embolica. La ausencia de recomendaciones oficiales para el empleo del ecocardiograma en pacientes con ictus isquemico lleva a una solicitud universal de la prueba, presentando una baja rentabilidad diagnostica. Objetivo. Analizar la rentabilidad diagnostica del ecocardiograma transtoracico en pacientes con ictus isquemico indeterminado tras la aplicacion de criterios clinicos predefinidos de riesgo. Pacientes y metodos. Se analizan los ecocardiogramas realizados a pacientes con ictus isquemico agudo solicitados durante 2009-2011 desde el servicio de neurologia. Se estudia la rentabilidad diagnostica y su aportacion al estudio etiologico. Se aplican unos 'criterios de seleccion de paciente de alto riego con necesidad de realizacion de la prueba durante el ingreso' (edad < 60 anos, alteraciones en el ecocardiograma basal, cardiomegalia en la radiografia de torax basal, antecedentes de cardiopatia, sospecha clinica de endocarditis o neoplasia activa) y se analiza su validez. Resultados. De 930 pacientes, se realizo ecocardiograma a 201 (21,6%) y se detecto una fuente cardioembolica en el 9,95%. Tras la aplicacion de criterios de seleccion, el numero de ecocardiogramas paso a 97 (10,4%). Los criterios propuestos presentan: sensibilidad, 95%; especificidad, 56,9%; valor predictivo positivo, 19,6%, y valor predictivo negativo, 99%. Conclusiones. La aplicacion de nuestros criterios a pacientes con ictus indeterminado identifica con alta eficiencia la fuente cardioembolica, lo que permite la realizacion del ecocardiograma transtoracico ambulatorio en el resto de los pacientes.

¿Es necesaria la realización de un ecocardiograma transtorácico a todos los pacientes con ictus isquémico indeterminado durante el ingreso? / Is necessary to perform a transthoracic echocardiogram in all the patients with cryptogenic stroke during hospitalization?

Introducción. El 15-30% de los ictus isquémicos son de origen cardioembólico. El ecocardiograma transtorácico desempeña un papel fundamental en la evaluación, diagnóstico y manejo de la fuente embólica. La ausencia de recomendaciones oficiales para el empleo del ecocardiograma en pacientes con ictus isquémico lleva a una solicitud universal de la prueba, presentando una baja rentabilidad diagnóstica. Objetivo. Analizar la rentabilidad diagnóstica del ecocardiograma transtorácico en pacientes con ictus isquémico indeterminado tras la aplicación de criterios clínicos predefinidos de riesgo. Pacientes y métodos. Se analizan los ecocardiogramas realizados a pacientes con ictus isquémico agudo solicitados durante 2009-2011 desde el servicio de neurología. Se estudia la rentabilidad diagnóstica y su aportación al estudio etiológico. Se aplican unos ‘criterios de selección de paciente de alto riego con necesidad de realización de la prueba durante el ingreso’ (edad < 60 años, alteraciones en el ecocardiograma basal, cardiomegalia en la radiografía de tórax basal, antecedentes de cardiopatía, sospecha clínica de endocarditis o neoplasia activa) y se analiza su validez. Resultados. De 930 pacientes, se realizó ecocardiograma a 201 (21,6%) y se detectó una fuente cardioembólica en el 9,95%. Tras la aplicación de criterios de selección, el número de ecocardiogramas pasó a 97 (10,4%). Los criterios propuestos presentan: sensibilidad, 95%; especificidad, 56,9%; valor predictivo positivo, 19,6%, y valor predictivo negativo, 99%. Conclusiones. La aplicación de nuestros criterios a pacientes con ictus indeterminado identifica con alta eficiencia la fuente cardioembólica, lo que permite la realización del ecocardiograma transtorácico ambulatorio en el resto de los pacientes (AU)

Introduction. From 15 to 30% of all ischemic strokes are cardioembolic. Transthoracic echocardiography plays a key role in the evaluation, diagnosis and management of the embolic source. The absence of official recommendations for the use of echocardiography in patients with ischemic stroke leads to a universal application showing low diagnostic efficiency. Aim. To analyze the diagnostic accuracy of echocardiograpm in patients with ischemic stroke in two situations: with universal indication and after the application of risk clinical criteria. Patients and methods. Analysis of the echocardiograms performed on patients with acute ischemic stroke from the stroke unit during the years 2009-2011. We study the diagnostic and etiological contribution to the etiological study. Apply a selection criteria: ‘high risk patient with need of test performance during admission’ (age < 60 years, abnormal baseline electrocardiogram, cardiomegaly on chest radiograph or baseline history of heart disease, suspected endocarditis and/or active neoplasia) and analyzed their validity Results. From 930 inpatients, 201 (21.6%), underwent echocardiogram. Cardioembolic source was detected in 9.95%. After application of selection criteria, only 97 patients (10.4%) should have undergone it. The proposed criteria have a sensitivity 95%, specificity 56.9%, positive predictive value 19.6% and negative predictive value of 99%. Conclusions. The application of our criteria in undetermined stroke patients help us to identify with high efficiency cardioembolic sources postponing the test to an ambulatory scenario in the rest of the patients (AU)