Cardioembolic ischemic stroke associated with undertreated atrial fibrillation: an observational study / Accidente cerebrovascular isquémico cardioembólico asociado con fibrilación auricular no tratada: estudio observacional

Objectives: To describe the characteristics of patients and to determine the risk factors associated with second Emergency Department visits at 30 and 180 days in sick people admitted to the Emergency Department for cardioembolic stroke with a previous diagnosis of atrial fibrillation.Methods: Retrospective, observational study of adult patients admitted to the Emergency Department at our institution for cardioembolic stroke from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. All study participants had a previous diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation, CHADs2-VASc ≥2, and no contraindications for anticoagulants. The patients were retrospectively identified through a database search. A univariate analysis was performed to assess variables potentially associated with readmission (any cause) at 30 and 180 days. All variables with a p<0.2 were included in a multivariate analysis.Results: During the study period, 547 patients presented to the ED with ischemic stroke and 113 (20.6%) met the study inclusion criteria. Of these, 53 patients (46.9%) did not receive anticoagulant therapy before the stroke and 28 (24.7%) were taking doses lower than recommended in the technical data sheet. The pharmacological stroke prevention strategy was modified in 44 patients (38.9%) at discharge. On the multivariate analysis, diabetes was the only risk factor significantly associated with early readmission to the ED.Conclusions: Most patients (71.6%) with a previous diagnosis of AF who presented to the emergency department for cardioembolic stroke had not received optimal anticoagulant preventive treatment before the event. Diabetes was the only risk factor associated with early readmission to the Emergency Department. (AU)

Objetivos: Describir las características de los pacientes y determinar los factores de riesgo asociados a las segundas visitas al Servicio de Urgencias a los 30 y 180 días en los enfermos ingresados en el Servicio de Urgencias por ictus isquémico cardioembólico con diagnóstico previo de fibrilación auricular.Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo y observacional de pacientes adultos ingresados en el Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau (HSP) por un ictus cardioembólico desde el 1 de enero de 2019 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2019. Todos los participantes en el estudio tenían un diagnóstico previo de fibrilación auricular, CHADs2-VASc ≥2, y no tenían contraindicaciones para los anticoagulantes. Los pacientes fueron identificados retrospectivamente mediante una búsqueda en una base de datos del hospital. Se realizó un análisis univariante para evaluar las variables potencialmente asociadas al reingreso (cualquier causa) a los 30 y 180 días. Todas las variables con una p <0,2 se incluyeron en un análisis multivariante.Resultados: Durante el periodo de estudio, 547 pacientes acudieron a urgencias con ictus isquémico y 113 (20,6%) cumplieron los criterios de inclusión del estudio. De ellos, 53 pacientes (46,9%) no recibían tratamiento anticoagulante antes del ictus y 28 (24,7%) tomaban dosis inferiores a las recomendadas en la ficha técnica. La estrategia de prevención farmacológica del ictus se modificó en 44 pacientes (38,9%) al alta. En el análisis multivariante, la diabetes fue el único factor de riesgo que se asoció significativamente con el reingreso temprano en urgencias.Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes (71,6%) con diagnóstico previo de FA que acudieron a urgencias por ictus cardioembólico no habían recibido un tratamiento preventivo anticoagulante óptimo antes del evento. La diabetes fue el único factor de riesgo asociado al reingreso temprano en el servicio de urgencias. (AU)

European Stroke Organisation (ESO) standard operating procedure for the preparation and publishing of guidelines.

The first European Stroke Organization (ESO) standard operating procedure (SOP) published in 2015 aimed at the implementation the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology to provide evidence-based guidelines for stroke management. This second ESO-SOP is aiming at further increase of the practicability of ESO guidelines and its technical implications. Authors comprised of the members of the ESO guideline Board and ESO Executive Committee. The final document was agreed on by several internal reviews. The second SOP comprises of the following aspects: rational for the SOP, the introduction of expert consensus statements, types of guideline documents, structures involved and detailed description of the guideline preparation process, handling of financial and intellectual conflicts of interest (CoI), involvement of ESO members in the guideline process, review process, authorship and publication policy, updating of guidelines, cooperation with other societies, and dealing with falsified data. This second SOP supersedes the first SOP published in 2015.

Fiabilidad del coagulómetro portátil en pacientes con ictus isquémico agudo tratados con fibrinólisis intravenosa / Reliability of point-of-care coagulometer measurements in patients with acute ischaemic stroke receiving intravenous fibrinolysis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La eficacia de la fibrinólisis intravenosa como tratamiento en el ictus isquémico agudo depende de la rapidez en su administración. Para reducir el riesgo de complicaciones hemorrágicas existen contraindicaciones, como una INR ≥ 1,7. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la fiabilidad del valor de INR obtenido mediante el coagulómetro portátil (CP) CoaguChek XS ® (CPINR) frente al resultado del laboratorio (LINR). MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo observacional de pacientes consecutivos con ictus isquémico tratados con fibrinólisis intravenosa en nuestro centro durante 4 años. La INR fue medida con CP y en el laboratorio. Se compararon ambos valores mediante t de Student para datos apareados y, tomando como referencia la LINR, se realizó análisis ROC para determinar la CPINR con mayor valor predictivo. RESULTADOS: Analizamos a 210 pacientes, con edad media 74,3 ± 11,5 años, y 18 (8,6%) tomaban anticoagulantes orales antivitamina K. Se compararon LINR y CPINR sin evidenciarse diferencias significativas (diferencia LINR-CPINR -0,001 ± 0,085; p = 0,82). En el análisis por subgrupos: para pacientes con anticoagulantes orales (diferencia LINR-CPINR 0,001 ± 0,081; p = 0,42) y para LINR ≤ 1,2 (diferencia LINR-CPINR -0,008 ± 0,081; p = 0,16) ambas técnicas fueron concordantes, mientras que para LINR >1,2, CPINR infraestimó la INR (diferencia LINR-CPINR 0,058 ± 0,095; p = 0,01). Mediante análisis ROC una CPINR < 1,6 fue el punto de corte más sensible y específico para seleccionar pacientes tratables con fibrinólisis intravenosa (LINR < 1,7). CONCLUSIONES: El CP en el código ictus tiene una buena concordancia con el laboratorio. Este estudio indica que en nuestro centro una CPINR < 1,6 es el mejor umbral para predecir una LINR < 1,7. La validación de la CPINR en cada centro es recomendable para su uso protocolizado

BACKGROUND: Speed of administration conditions the effectiveness of intravenous fibrinolysis in treating acute ischaemic stroke. To reduce the risk of haemorrhagic complications, the intervention is contraindicated in certain cases, such as where the International Normalised Ratio (INR) is ≥ 1.7. This study aimed to determine the reliability of point-of-care INR readings (POC-INR) taken using the CoaguChek ® XS portable coagulometer compared to laboratory results (L-INR). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of consecutive patients admitted to our centre with acute ischaemic stroke and who were treated with intravenous fibrinolysis, over a period of 4 years. Patients' INR was measured with a portable coagulometer and in the laboratory. Results were compared using the paired-sample t test; using L-INR results as a reference value, ROC analysis was performed to determine POC-INR with greater predictive value. RESULTS: The study included 210 patients with a mean age of 74.3 ± 11.5 years old; 18 (8.6%) were taking vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (OAC). There were no significant differences between the 2 INR measurements in the population as a whole (POC-INR-L-INR difference: 0.001 ± 0.085; P=.82). In subgroup analysis, the results coincided for patients taking OACs (0.001 ± 0.081; P=.42) and those with L-INR ≤ 1.2 (0.008 ± 0.081; P=.16). For L-INR>1.2, however, the portable coagulometer underestimated INR (0.058±0.095; P=.01). Through ROC analysis, POC-INR < 1.6 was found to be the cut-off point with greatest sensitivity (100%) and specificity (98.97%) for identifying patients eligible for intravenous fibrinolysis (L-INR < 1.7). CONCLUSIONS: POC-INR shows a good correlation with L-INR. Our results suggest that the best threshold to predict an L-INR < 1.7 is POC-INR < 1.6. Internal validation studies for POC-INR should be considered in all treatment centres

Rivaroxaban versus aspirin for secondary prevention of ischaemic stroke in patients with cancer: a subgroup analysis of the NAVIGATE ESUS randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cancer is a frequent finding in ischaemic stroke patients. The frequency of cancer amongst participants in the NAVIGATE ESUS randomized trial and the distribution of outcome events during treatment with aspirin and rivaroxaban were investigated. METHODS: Trial participation required a recent embolic stroke of undetermined source. Patients' history of cancer was recorded at the time of study entry. During a mean follow-up of 11 months, the effects of aspirin and rivaroxaban treatment on recurrent ischaemic stroke, major bleeding and all-cause mortality were compared between patients with cancer and patients without cancer. RESULTS: Amongst 7213 randomized patients, 543 (7.5%) had cancer. Of all patients, 3609 were randomized to rivaroxaban [254 (7.0%) with cancer] and 3604 patients to aspirin [289 (8.0%) with cancer]. The annual rate of recurrent ischaemic stroke was 4.5% in non-cancer patients in the rivaroxaban arm and 4.6% in the aspirin arm [hazard ratio (HR) 0.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78-1.24]. In cancer patients, the rate of recurrent ischaemic stroke was 7.7% in the rivaroxaban arm and 5.4% in the aspirin arm (HR 1.43, 95% CI 0.71-2.87). Amongst cancer patients, the annual rate of major bleeds was non-significantly higher for rivaroxaban than aspirin (2.9% vs. 1.1%; HR 2.57, 95% CI 0.67-9.96; P for interaction 0.95). All-cause mortality was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our exploratory analyses show that patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source and a history of cancer had similar rates of recurrent ischaemic strokes and all-cause mortality during aspirin and rivaroxaban treatments and that aspirin appeared safer than rivaroxaban in cancer patients regarding major bleeds. www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02313909).

Cierre de orejuela en pacientes con hemorragia intracraneal y fibrilación auricular / Left atrial appendage closure in patients with intracranial haemorrhage and atrial fibrillation

INTRODUCCIÓN: El uso de anticoagulantes orales es controvertido en pacientes con antecedentes de fibrilación auricular (FA) y hemorragia intracraneal (HIC), por riesgo de recurrencia de ictus hemorrágico. Presentamos la experiencia de nuestro centro en relación con la seguridad y la eficacia del cierre percutáneo de orejuela (CPO), una alternativa a la anticoagulación en dicho contexto. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo y unicéntrico. El CPO se realizó en pacientes con antecedentes de HIC y FA no valvular. El riesgo de eventos isquémicos y hemorrágicos se estimó usando las escalas CHA2DS2Vasc y HAS-BLED. Se registraron: complicaciones periprocedimiento, recurrencia de HIC, embolismo cerebral/sistémico, mortalidad tras el cierre y al seguimiento y uso de antitrombóticos tras el procedimiento. RESULTADOS: El CPO se realizó en 9 pacientes (7 hombres, 2 mujeres). Se utilizó en 7 casos el dispositivo Amplatzer Amulet y en 2 el Amplatzer Cardiac Plug. La media de edad fue 72,7 ± 8,2 años. El tiempo entre la HIC y el CPO fue menor de un mes en 5 pacientes y mayor en 4. La mediana y el rango intercuartil para la escala CHA2DS2Vasc fueron de 4 y 2,5, respectivamente, siendo de 3 y 0 para la escala HAS-BLED. No hubo complicaciones periprocedimiento. Todos recibieron antiagregación simple tras el procedimiento (5 clopidogrel y 4 aspirina); en 5 se mantuvo 6 meses, en 4 indefinidamente. Durante el seguimiento (15 meses de promedio) no se registraron eventos isquémicos ni hemorrágicos. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestra serie, el CPO supone una alternativa segura y eficaz en pacientes que han presentado HIC y que precisan ser anticoagulados por FA

INTRODUCTION: The use of oral anticoagulants in patients with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) and intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) is controversial on account of the risk of haemorrhagic stroke recurrence. This study presents our experience regarding the safety and efficacy of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), an alternative to anticoagulation in these patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, single-centre, observational study. LAAC was performed in patients with a history of ICH and non-valvular AF. Risk of ischaemic and haemorrhagic events was estimated using the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scales. We recorded periprocedural complications, IHC recurrence, cerebral/systemic embolism, mortality and use of antithrombotic drugs following the procedure. RESULTS: LAAC was performed in 9 patients (7 men, 2 women) using the AMPLATZER Amulet device in 7 cases and the AMPLATZER Cardiac Plug device in 2. Mean age was 72.7 ± 8.2 years. Time between ICH and LAAC was less than one month in 5 patients and more than one month in 4 patients. Median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4 (interquartile range of 2.5). Median HAS-BLED score was 3 (interquartile range of 0). No periprocedural complications were recorded. All patients received single anti-platelet therapy (clopidogrel in 5 patients, aspirin in 4) after the procedure; 5 patients received this treatment for 6 months and 4 received it indefinitely. No ischaemic or haemorrhagic events were recorded during follow-up (mean duration of 15 months). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, LAAC was found to be safe and effective in patients with a history of ICH who required anticoagulation due to AF

Plaque neovascularization detected with contrast-enhanced ultrasound predicts ischaemic stroke recurrence in patients with carotid atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Plaque neovascularization is a hallmark of carotid plaque vulnerability. With contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) it is possible to visualize plaque neovessels in vivo. Our aim was to determine if CEUS-detected neovessels were associated with stroke recurrences in patients with a recent stroke and carotid atherosclerosis. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of consecutive patients with a recent stroke and at least one atherosclerotic plaque in the internal carotid artery on the side consistent with symptoms. All of our patients underwent a carotid ultrasound examination including a CEUS study. Neovascularization was graded into three categories according to the extent of neovessels. During the follow-up, we recorded stroke recurrences. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of recurrence. RESULTS: We included 78 patients whose mean age was 74.3 ± 10.4 years. There were 29 (37.2%) patients with a low-grade stenosis (<50%). The remainder presented moderate (50%-69%) or high-grade (≥70%) stenosis. CEUS was not interpretable in 35.9% of the patients, mainly due to calcium shadows. We detected neovascularization in 80% of the plaques. After a median follow-up of 14.1 (interquartile range, 9.5-19.6) months, there were 15 (19.2%) stroke recurrences. In the Cox regression analysis, CEUS-detected neovascularization was independently associated with the risk of stroke recurrence, even after adjusting for the degree of stenosis (hazard ratio, 6.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.66-26.01). CONCLUSION: In patients with an anterior circulation ischaemic stroke and carotid atherosclerosis, plaque neovascularization detected with CEUS was an independent predictor of stroke recurrence.

Left atrial appendage closure in patients with intracranial haemorrhage and atrial fibrillation. / Cierre de orejuela en pacientes con hemorragia intracraneal y fibrilación auricular.

INTRODUCTION: The use of oral anticoagulants in patients with a history of atrial fibrillation (AF) and intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) is controversial on account of the risk of haemorrhagic stroke recurrence. This study presents our experience regarding the safety and efficacy of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC), an alternative to anticoagulation in these patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, single-centre, observational study. LAAC was performed in patients with a history of ICH and non-valvular AF. Risk of ischaemic and haemorrhagic events was estimated using the CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scales. We recorded periprocedural complications, IHC recurrence, cerebral/systemic embolism, mortality and use of antithrombotic drugs following the procedure. RESULTS: LAAC was performed in 9 patients (7 men, 2 women) using the AMPLATZER Amulet device in 7 cases and the AMPLATZER Cardiac Plug device in 2. Mean age was 72.7±8.2 years. Time between ICH and LAAC was less than one month in 5 patients and more than one month in 4 patients. Median CHA2DS2-VASc score was 4 (interquartile range of 2.5). Median HAS-BLED score was 3 (interquartile range of 0). No periprocedural complications were recorded. All patients received single anti-platelet therapy (clopidogrel in 5 patients, aspirin in 4) after the procedure; 5 patients received this treatment for 6 months and 4 received it indefinitely. No ischaemic or haemorrhagic events were recorded during follow-up (mean duration of 15 months). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, LAAC was found to be safe and effective in patients with a history of ICH who required anticoagulation due to AF.

Reliability of point-of-care coagulometer measurements in patients with acute ischaemic stroke receiving intravenous fibrinolysis. / Fiabilidad del coagulómetro portátil en pacientes con ictus isquémico agudo tratados con fibrinólisis intravenosa.

BACKGROUND: Speed of administration conditions the effectiveness of intravenous fibrinolysis in treating acute ischaemic stroke. To reduce the risk of haemorrhagic complications, the intervention is contraindicated in certain cases, such as where the International Normalised Ratio (INR) is ≥ 1.7. This study aimed to determine the reliability of point-of-care INR readings (POC-INR) taken using the CoaguChek® XS portable coagulometer compared to laboratory results (L-INR). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of consecutive patients admitted to our centre with acute ischaemic stroke and who were treated with intravenous fibrinolysis, over a period of 4 years. Patients' INR was measured with a portable coagulometer and in the laboratory. Results were compared using the paired-sample t test; using L-INR results as a reference value, ROC analysis was performed to determine POC-INR with greater predictive value. RESULTS: The study included 210 patients with a mean age of 74.3±11.5 years old; 18 (8.6%) were taking vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (OAC). There were no significant differences between the 2 INR measurements in the population as a whole (POC-INR-L-INR difference: 0.001±0.085; P=.82). In subgroup analysis, the results coincided for patients taking OACs (0.001±0.081; P=.42) and those with L-INR ≤ 1.2 (0.008±0.081; P=.16). For L-INR>1.2, however, the portable coagulometer underestimated INR (0.058±0.095; P=.01). Through ROC analysis, POC-INR < 1.6 was found to be the cut-off point with greatest sensitivity (100%) and specificity (98.97%) for identifying patients eligible for intravenous fibrinolysis (L-INR < 1.7). CONCLUSIONS: POC-INR shows a good correlation with L-INR. Our results suggest that the best threshold to predict an L-INR < 1.7 is POC-INR < 1.6. Internal validation studies for POC-INR should be considered in all treatment centres.

Factores asociados al mal control de la anticoagulación con antivitaminaK en pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular atendidos en consultas de Medicina Interna y Neurología. Estudio ALADIN / Factors associated with poor anticoagulation control with vitaminK antagonists among outpatients attended in Internal Medicine and Neurology. The ALADIN study

Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados con el mal control de la anticoagulación con antagonistas de la vitaminaK (AVK) en pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular (FANV) atendidos en consultas de Neurología y Medicina Interna de España. Métodos: Estudio transversal, multicéntrico, anidado en el estudio ALADIN, de sujetos con FANV, tratados con AVK, atendidos en consultas de Medicina Interna o Neurología de España. El grado de control de la anticoagulación se estudió mediante el método directo y el de Rosendaal, considerando los 6meses previos a la inclusión. Resultados: De los 1.337 pacientes incluidos en ALADIN, 750 estaban tratados con AVK, con información completa sobre el INR de los últimos 6meses en 383 pacientes. Las puntuaciones medias del índice de Charlson, CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc y HAS-BLED fueron 1,94±1,54; 3,10±1,26; 4,63±1,54 y 2,20±0,90, respectivamente. El 46,2% y el 47,0% de los pacientes presentaban un control adecuado de la anticoagulación por los métodos directo y Rosendaal, respectivamente. El control inadecuado de la anticoagulación se asoció por el método directo con diabetes (OR: 2,511; IC95%: 1,144-5,659), antecedentes de INR inestable (OR: 35,371; IC95%: 15,058-83,083) y la realización de >6 controles en los últimos 6meses (OR: 4,747; IC95%: 2,094-10,759), y por el método de Rosendaal, con los antecedentes de INR inestable (p<0,001) y con HAS-BLED (OR: 3,991; IC95%: 2,520-6,319). Conclusiones: Pese al alto riesgo tromboembólico, sólo estaban bien controlados algo más de la mitad. Los factores asociados al mal control de la anticoagulación fueron la diabetes, INR inestable, >6 controles de INR y el HAS-BLED

Objective: To identify factors associated with poor anticoagulation control with vitaminK antagonists (VKA) among outpatients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) attended in Neurology and Internal Medicine in Spain. Methods: Cross-sectional and multicenter study, from the ALADIN database, of outpatients with NVAF treated with VKA and attended in Internal Medicine and Neurology in Spain. Rates of anticoagulation control were determined with the direct and Rosendaal methods, considering data from the 6months before the inclusion. Results: Out of 1,337 patients included in the ALADIN study, 750 were taking VKA, and complete information about INR values in the last 6months was available in 383 patients. Mean scores of Charlson Index, CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED were 1.94±1.54; 3.10±1.26; 4.63±1.54, and 2.20±0.90, respectively. 46.2% and 47.0% of patients had an adequate anticoagulation control according to the direct and Rosendaal methods, respectively. Inadequate anticoagulation control according to the direct method was associated with diabetes (OR: 2.511; 95%CI: 1.144-5.659), prior labile INR (OR: 35.371; 95%CI: 15.058-83.083) and the determination of >6INR controls in the last 6months (OR: 4.747; 95%CI: 2.094-10.759), and according to the Rosendaal method, with prior labile INR (P<.001) and HAS-BLED score (OR: 3.991; 95%CI: 2.520-6.319). Conclusions: Despite the high thromboembolic risk, only a little more than a half of patients were well controlled. Factors associated with poor anticoagulation control were diabetes, labile INR, >6INR controls and HAS-BLED

Factors associated with poor anticoagulation control with vitaminK antagonists among outpatients attended in Internal Medicine and Neurology. The ALADIN study. / Factores asociados al mal control de la anticoagulación con antivitaminaK en pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular atendidos en consultas de Medicina Interna y Neurología. Estudio ALADIN.

OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with poor anticoagulation control with vitaminK antagonists (VKA) among outpatients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) attended in Neurology and Internal Medicine in Spain. METHODS: Cross-sectional and multicenter study, from the ALADIN database, of outpatients with NVAF treated with VKA and attended in Internal Medicine and Neurology in Spain. Rates of anticoagulation control were determined with the direct and Rosendaal methods, considering data from the 6months before the inclusion. RESULTS: Out of 1,337 patients included in the ALADIN study, 750 were taking VKA, and complete information about INR values in the last 6months was available in 383 patients. Mean scores of Charlson Index, CHADS2, CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED were 1.94±1.54; 3.10±1.26; 4.63±1.54, and 2.20±0.90, respectively. 46.2% and 47.0% of patients had an adequate anticoagulation control according to the direct and Rosendaal methods, respectively. Inadequate anticoagulation control according to the direct method was associated with diabetes (OR: 2.511; 95%CI: 1.144-5.659), prior labile INR (OR: 35.371; 95%CI: 15.058-83.083) and the determination of >6INR controls in the last 6months (OR: 4.747; 95%CI: 2.094-10.759), and according to the Rosendaal method, with prior labile INR (P<.001) and HAS-BLED score (OR: 3.991; 95%CI: 2.520-6.319). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high thromboembolic risk, only a little more than a half of patients were well controlled. Factors associated with poor anticoagulation control were diabetes, labile INR, >6INR controls and HAS-BLED.

Insular damage, new-onset atrial fibrillation and outcome after acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cortical insular damage is associated with cardiac arrhythmias and an increased risk of death. We investigated the influence of insular damage on the outcome of patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage as well as the frequency and predictors of new-onset atrial fibrillation (nAF). METHODS: We studied consecutive patients with intracerebral hemorrhage from 2013 to 2016. We identified those patients who underwent continuous electrocardiographic monitoring (≥24 h), known atrial fibrillation and recent ischemic stroke. We prospectively collected demographic data, vascular risk factors, neurological severity, vital signs, radiological data, nAF and mortality at 3 months. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: We evaluated 347 patients whose mean age was 73.5 ± 14.0 years (50.7% of them were men). We selected 183 patients to study the frequency and risk factors of nAF (mean age, 69.1 ± 14.7 years; 52.5% of them were men). We observed that 11/183 (6.0%) had nAF. Insular damage [odds ratio (OR), 7.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.1-27.7] was associated with nAF. A total of 138/347 patients died within the first 3 months and insular damage was detected in 99/347 of them. Predictors of death were age (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.10), blood glucose (OR, 1.00 per mg/dL;, 95% CI, 1.00-1.01), Glasgow Coma Scale score (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.77-0.92), hematoma volume (OR, 1.02 per mL; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04), intraventricular hemorrhage (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.03-3.64) and insular damage (OR, 3.98; 95% CI, 2.00-7.90). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of nAF in our patients was 6.0%. Insular damage was a risk factor for nAF and an independent predictor of death at 3 months.

[Clinical profile and satisfaction with anticoagulated treatment in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation attended in Internal Medicine and Neurology departments of Spain]. / Perfil clinico y satisfaccion con el tratamiento anticoagulante en pacientes con fibrilacion auricular no valvular atendidos en consultas de medicina interna y neurologia de España.

AIM: To determine the clinical profile, management of anticoagulant treatment and satisfaction related to anticoagulation in outpatients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation attended in Neurology or Internal Medicine departments of Spain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional and multicenter study, in which 1,337 outpatients were included. Patients fulfilled ACTS, SAT-Q and EQ-5D questionnaires. RESULTS: 865 patients (64.7%) were recruited from Neurology department and 472 (35.3%) from Internal Medicine department. Those patients attended in Internal Medicine department were older and had more frequently hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, renal insufficiency and peripheral artery disease. Those patients attended in Neurology department had more commonly prior stroke. Overall, CHADS2 score was 3.2 ± 1.3, CHA2DS2-Vasc 4.8 ± 1.5 and HAS-BLED 2.0 ± 0.9. All scores were higher in those patients attended in Neurology department. Globally, 56.1% of patients were taking vitamin K antagonists, more commonly in Internal Medicine department. The adequate percent of time in therapeutic range was 47% (Rosendaal), without significant differences between groups. Satisfaction with oral anticoagulation was high in both groups, but higher in those attended in Neurology department, and higher in those individuals taking direct oral anticoagulants compared with vitamin K antagonists. CONCLUSIONS: Although there were some differences in the clinical profile of patients with atrial fibrillation attended in Neurology or Internal Medicine departments, all of them had many comorbidities and a high thromboembolic risk. Despite INR control was poor, the most common oral anticoagulant used were vitamin K antagonists. Satisfaction related to oral anticoagulation was high.

TITLE: Perfil clinico y satisfaccion con el tratamiento anticoagulante en pacientes con fibrilacion auricular no valvular atendidos en consultas de medicina interna y neurologia de España.Objetivo. Determinar el perfil clinico, el manejo del tratamiento anticoagulante y la satisfaccion relacionada con la anticoagulacion en pacientes con fibrilacion auricular no valvular atendidos en consultas de neurologia o medicina interna de España. Pacientes y metodos. Estudio prospectivo, transversal y multicentrico en el que se incluyo a 1.337 pacientes, que completaron los cuestionarios Anti-Clot Treatment Scale, Self-Assessment of Treatment Questionnaire y EuroQol-5 dimensions. Resultados. 865 pacientes (64,7%) provenian de consultas de neurologia, y 472 (35,3%), de medicina interna. Los atendidos en medicina interna eran mayores, tenian mas hipertension, diabetes, insuficiencia cardiaca, insuficiencia renal y arteriopatia periferica. Los pacientes atendidos en neurologia tenian mas antecedentes de ictus. Globalmente, la escala CHADS2 fue 3,2 ± 1,3; CHA2DS2Vasc, 4,8 ± 1,5, y HAS-BLED, 2,0 ± 0,9, y las puntuaciones mas altas fueron en neurologia. El 56,1% tomaba antagonistas de la vitamina K, lo que era mas comun en medicina interna. El porcentaje de tiempo en rango terapeutico adecuado fue del 47% (Rosendaal), sin diferencias entre los grupos. La satisfaccion con el tratamiento anticoagulante oral fue elevada en ambos grupos, aunque mayor en los sujetos atendidos en neurologia, y mayor con los anticoagulantes orales de accion directa que con los antagonistas de la vitamina K. Conclusiones. Aunque existieron ciertas diferencias en el perfil clinico de los pacientes con fibrilacion auricular atendidos en neurologia o medicina interna, todos presentaban multiples comorbilidades y un riesgo tromboembolico elevado. A pesar de que el control del indice internacional normalizado fue pobre, el anticoagulante oral mas empleado fueron los antagonistas de la vitamina K. La satisfaccion con el tratamiento anticoagulante oral fue alta.

Transcranial Duplex Sonography Predicts Outcome following an Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Several radiologic features such as hematoma volume are related to poor outcome following an intracerebral hemorrhage and can be measured with transcranial duplex sonography. We sought to determine the prognostic value of transcranial duplex sonography in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of patients diagnosed with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Transcranial duplex sonography examinations were performed within 2 hours of baseline CT, and we recorded the following variables: hematoma volume, midline shift, third ventricle and lateral ventricle diameters, and the pulsatility index in both MCAs. We correlated these data with the CT scans and assessed the prognostic value of the transcranial duplex sonography measurements. We assessed early neurologic deterioration during hospitalization and mortality at 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: We included 35 patients with a mean age of 72.2 ± 12.8 years. Median baseline hematoma volume was 9.85 mL (interquartile range, 2.74-68.29 mL). We found good agreement and excellent correlation between transcranial duplex sonography and CT when measuring hematoma volume (r = 0.791; P < .001) and midline shift (r = 0.827; P < .001). The logistic regression analysis with transcranial duplex sonography measurements showed that hematoma volume was an independent predictor of early neurologic deterioration (OR, 1.078; 95% CI, 1.023-1.135) and mortality (OR, 1.089; 95% CI, 1.020-1.160). A second regression analysis with CT variables also demonstrated that hematoma volume was associated with early neurologic deterioration and mortality. When we compared the rating operation curves of both models, their predictive power was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Transcranial duplex sonography showed an excellent correlation with CT in assessing hematoma volume and midline shift in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. Hematoma volume measured with transcranial duplex sonography was an independent predictor of poor outcome.

Visual hallucinations in patients with acute stroke: a prospective exploratory study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The incidence, underlying physiopathology, features and association with lesion topography of visual hallucinations in acute stroke have scarcely been investigated. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of acute stroke (ischaemic or haemorrhagic) in any vascular territory, admitted within 24 h after the onset of symptoms, were consecutively included in the study. Patients with a previous history of psychosis or cognitive impairment were excluded. They and/or their caregivers answered a structured hallucination and sleep questionnaire at admission, within the first 15 days and at the clinical follow-up 3-6 months after discharge. Lesion location (IMAIOS online atlas) and leukoaraiosis (Wahlund scale) were determined by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scan. Subsets of patients also underwent a neuropsychological evaluation (N = 50) and an electroencephalogram (N = 33) before discharge. RESULTS: In all, 77 patients with a mean age of 71 ± 12 years were included of whom 57.1% were men. The incidence of visual hallucinations was 16.7%. These hallucinations were mostly complex, in black and white and self-limited. The appearance of hallucinations was not influenced by age, sex, neuropsychological performance during admission or modified Rankin scale score at discharge. Visual hallucinations were associated with occipital cortex lesions (P = 0.04), and with sleep disturbances during and before admission (P = 0.041 and P = 0.03 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Visual hallucinations are relatively frequent in patients with acute stroke and they are self-limited. Patients with occipital lesions and sleep disturbances are more likely to suffer them.

Esclerosis concéntrica de Balo: una presentación que simula un ictus isquémico / Balo concentric sclerosis: a presentation mimicking ischaemic stroke

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Frequency and outcome of total anterior circulation strokes without intracranial large-vessel occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The percentage of patients with clinical total anterior circulation infarct (TACI) syndrome treated with reperfusion therapies in the absence of intracranial large-vessel occlusion (ILVO) was determined and their characteristics and outcome are described. METHODS: Data from a population-based, prospective, externally audited registry of all stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and endovascular therapies in Catalonia from January 2011 to December 2013 were used. Patients with a baseline TACI and initial stroke severity measured by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) ≥ 8, evaluated less than 4.5 h post-onset, for whom a vascular study prior to treatment was available (n = 1070) were selected. Clinical characteristics, outcome and radiological data for patients treated with IVT alone (n = 605) were compared between those with detected ILVO (n = 474) and non-ILVO patients (n = 131). RESULTS: A total of 1070 patients met study criteria; non-ILVO was found in 131 (12.2%). Analysing the 605 patients treated only with IVT, no significant differences were found between non-ILVO and ILVO patients in age, sex, risk factors, time-to-treatment and type of radiological studies performed. Although non-ILVO patients had lower initial stroke severity (P < 0.001) and a better prognosis (P = 0.001), 51.3% had a poor outcome and 16% were deceased at 90 days. In 66.4% of patients without ILVO, a recent anterior territorial infarct was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial artery patency was observed in 12.2% of TACI patients evaluated within 4.5 h. Although absence of ILVO was associated with slightly better prognosis, more than half had a poor outcome at 3 months.