Heart Rhythm Monitoring Practices, Detection of Atrial Fibrillation, and Effect of Anticoagulation in the ARCADIA Trial

Journal of the American Heart Association · 2025-07-29 · 1 citations

Background The ARCADIA (Atrial Cardiopathy and Antithrombotic Drugs in Prevention After Cryptogenic Stroke) trial found no benefit of anticoagulation for preventing recurrent stroke in patients with atrial cardiopathy. Data on AF monitoring across trial sites may provide context for the findings and knowledge about the current standard of care for poststroke monitoring. Methods At study visits, sites reported any preceding use of prolonged heart rhythm monitoring, classified as either external ambulatory monitors or implantable loop recorders. We used relative risk regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and survival analysis to explore patient characteristics associated with monitoring, the association between monitoring and AF detection, and the interaction between monitoring and study treatment effect on recurrent stroke. Results Of 1633 patients with monitoring data, 957 (58.6%) underwent prolonged monitoring: 567 (34.7%) external ambulatory monitor, 479 (29.3%) implantable loop recorder, and 89 (5.5%) both. The strongest predictors of monitoring were Hispanic ethnicity (standardized LASSO coefficient, −0.19 [risk ratio (RR), 0.66]), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (LASSO, −0.15 [RR per point, 0.97]), left atrial diameter (LASSO, 0.13 [RR per cm, 1.09]), and serum hemoglobin (LASSO, −0.12 [RR per g/dL, 0.97]). At the site level, the median proportion of patients who underwent monitoring was 63% (interquartile range, 36%–92%). The site‐level proportion of patients with an implantable loop recorder was associated with greater likelihood of AF detection (RR, 3.9 [95% CI, 2.1–7.4]) but did not modify the trial treatment effect ( P value for interaction, 0.99). Conclusions In the ARCADIA trial, which enrolled patients with cryptogenic stroke across the United States and Canada, nearly 60% of patients underwent prolonged heart rhythm monitoring. Use of implantable loop recorders was associated with greater likelihood of AF detection.

Corrigendum to “Level of consciousness at discharge and associations with outcome after ischemic stroke” [Journal of the Neurological Sciences, Volume 390 (2018): 102–107]

Journal of the Neurological Sciences · 2025-11-20

Fibromuscular Dysplasia and Spontaneous Cervical Artery Dissection

JAMA Network Open · 2025-11-06 · 4 citations

Importance: Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) is found in 6 to 14% of patients with spontaneous cervical artery dissection (SCEAD) and may be associated with recurrent SCEAD. Objective: To evaluate the correlates of FMD in patients with SCEAD and to determine whether FMD is associated with recurrent SCEAD. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study included patients from the Stroke Prevention in Cervical Artery Dissection (STOP-CAD) retrospective cohort study who presented from January 2015 to December 2022. This multicenter and international cohort included consecutive adult patients presenting at acute care hospitals and diagnosed with SCEAD in 63 sites in 16 countries. Data were analyzed from April to November 2024. Exposure: Fibromuscular dysplasia was defined as either a history of FMD or presence of FMD on cervical or renal artery imaging. Main Outcomes and Measures: Clinical and radiological correlates were compared between patients with and without FMD using logistic regression models. Rates of recurrent SCEAD by 24 months were compared using a Cox proportional hazards model. Results: This study included 3714 patients with SCEAD (median [IQR] age, 47 [38-56] years; 1637 [44.1%] females), of whom 196 (5.3%) had FMD. Patients with FMD were older (aOR per 10 years, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.14-1.43) and more often female (aOR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.45-2.75). They more often had a history of dissection involving a noncervical artery (aOR, 8.10; 95% CI, 2.64-24.83), a history of SCEAD (aOR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.07-3.93), a recent upper respiratory tract infection (aOR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.52-3.78), a cerebral aneurysm (aOR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.22-4.06), or a history of migraines (aOR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.75-3.40). On imaging, they were less likely to have a single vertebral artery dissection (aOR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.25-0.55) or an occlusive dissection (aOR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.38-0.78). Eighty-one patients experienced a recurrent SCEAD, of which 46 (56.8%) occurred in the first 3 months of follow-up. The 24-month risk of recurrent SCEAD was 7.7% (95% CI, 3.1%-12.2%) and 2.8% (95% CI, 2.1%-3.5%) in patients with and without FMD, respectively (aHR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.46-5.18; P = .002). Conclusions and relevance: In this cohort study of patients with SCEAD, FMD was associated with distinct correlates and a higher rate of recurrent SCEAD. These findings may help physicians in identifying and counseling patients with FMD and SCEAD.

Abstract TP326: Increased Prevalence of Device-Detected AF in ESUS Compared to Non-ESUS Stroke

Stroke · 2025-01-30

Background: In patients with ischemic stroke who receive insertable cardiac monitors, the CRYSTAL-AF and STROKE-AF randomized trials showed similar (~12%) AF detection rates at one year among patients with cryptogenic stroke and stroke from large vessel disease and small vessel disease, respectively. This finding may suggest that AF detected on an insertable cardiac monitor in cryptogenic stroke is often not pathogenic. In this study, we aim to compare AF detection rates on ZIOPATCH in ESUS vs. non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke. Methods: From a comprehensive stroke center registry, we identified patients with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke who underwent a ZIOPATCH to look for AF. The primary predictor was stroke subtype (ESUS vs. non-cardioembolic). Non-cardioembolic stroke was defined as stroke from large artery atherosclerosis, small vessel disease, or other known mechanism. ESUS was defined using the ESUS consensus criteria. The study outcome was AF detected on ZIOPATCH. We compared baseline characteristics and risk factors between patients with vs. without AF detected. Univariate and multivariate regression models were used to determine odds ratios (OR). Results: We identified 478 patients who had a ZIOPATCH placed; 410 had the ZIOPATCH completed (217 ESUS, 71 small vessel disease, 100 large vessel disease, and 22 had another defined mechanism). The mean age was 69 years and 51% were men. The mean duration of ZIOPATCH monitoring was 12 days and 17 (4.1%) had AF. Patients with AF were more likely to be older (82 years vs. 68 years, p<0.001), female (88% vs. 48%, p<0.001), and have ESUS (88% vs. 52%, p = 0.013). In adjusted models, ESUS patients were more likely to have AF detected on ZIOPATCH (adjusted OR 3.70, 95% CI 1.01-13.5, p = 0.048). Notably, only 29% of patients with ESUS and negative ZIOPATCH underwent and insertable cardiac monitor. Conclusions: There is increased prevenance of AF on ZIOPATCH in patients with ESUS compared to non-cardioembolic stroke. This suggests that AF detected after the stroke on ZIOPATCH may present a pathogenic entity.

Neighborhood‐level variation in prehospital care of patients with suspected stroke in Rhode Island

Academic Emergency Medicine · 2025-05-02

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify neighborhood-level inequities in prehospital stroke care, including EMS utilization and last known well (LKW) to ED presentation, in a small state with one large comprehensive stroke center. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study using 2 years of data (2020-2022) from Get With The Guidelines combined with data collected by a large hospital system in Rhode Island that includes a comprehensive stroke center (CSC), the Rhode Island emergency management system database, and 2020 census data. RESULTS: Census tract disadvantage was significantly associated with LKW to ED arrival times, with individuals from more disadvantaged neighborhoods presenting almost a full hour later than individuals from the least disadvantaged neighborhoods (56.9 min, 95% confidence interval 14.9-90.3 min). EMS use was the strongest predictor of LKW to ED arrival times, and the Latinx population was significantly less likely to utilize EMS compared to the White population. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding geographical inequities in stroke recognition and prehospital stroke care can help mitigate important socioeconomic and racial/ethnic disparities. In addition, geospatial analysis provides useful information for targeting intervention strategies to neighborhoods with the longest LKW to ED arrival times and lowest use of EMS.

Factors Associated With Stroke Recurrence After Initial Diagnosis of Cervical Artery Dissection

Stroke · 2025-03-27 · 5 citations

BACKGROUND: Patients presenting with cervical artery dissection (CAD) are at risk for subsequent ischemic events. We aimed to identify characteristics that are associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke after initial presentation of CAD and to evaluate the differential impact of anticoagulant versus antiplatelet therapy in these high-risk individuals. METHODS: This was a preplanned secondary analysis of the STOP-CAD study (Antithrombotic Treatment for Stroke Prevention in Cervical Artery Dissection), a multicenter international retrospective observational study (63 sites from 16 countries in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa) that included patients with CAD predominantly between January 2015 and June 2022. The primary outcome was subsequent ischemic stroke by day 180 after diagnosis. Clinical and imaging variables were compared between those with versus without subsequent ischemic stroke. Significant factors associated with subsequent stroke risk were identified using stepwise Cox regression. Associations between subsequent ischemic stroke risk and antithrombotic therapy type (anticoagulation versus antiplatelets) among patients with identified risk factors were explored using adjusted Cox regression. RESULTS: In all, 4023 patients (mean age was 47.4 years; 44.5% were women) were included. By day 180, subsequent ischemic stroke occurred in 5.3% of the cohort. In adjusted Cox regression, factors associated with increased risk of subsequent ischemic stroke were prior history of ischemic stroke (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 7.31 [95% CI, 1.61–33.13]; P =0.010), presentation within 7 days from first symptoms (aHR, 3.04 [95% CI, 1.04–8.91]; P =0.043), infarct on baseline imaging (aHR, 9.85 [95% CI, 3.65–26.58]; P <0.001), and occlusive dissection (aHR, 2.34 [95% CI, 1.03–5.34]; P =0.043). Only patients with occlusive dissection demonstrated a reduced risk of subsequent ischemic stroke when treated with anticoagulation versus antiplatelets (aHR, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.16–0.80]; P =0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this post hoc analysis of the STOP-CAD study, several factors associated with subsequent ischemic stroke were identified among patients with CAD. Furthermore, we identified a potential benefit of anticoagulation in patients with CAD with occlusive dissection. These findings require validation by meta-analyses of prior studies to formulate optimal treatment strategies for specific high-risk CAD subgroups.

Disparities in Emergency Medical Services Use, Prehospital Notification, and Symptom Onset to Arrival in Patients With Acute Stroke

Circulation · 2024-09-05 · 19 citations

BACKGROUND: Disparities in time to hospital presentation and prehospital stroke care may be important drivers in inequities in acute stroke treatment rates, functional outcomes, and mortality. It is unknown how patient-level factors, such as race and ethnicity and county-level socioeconomic status, affect these aspects of prehospital stroke care. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of patients with ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage in the Get With the Guidelines-Stroke registry, presenting from July 2015 to December 2019, with symptom onset ≤24 hours. Multivariable logistic regression and quantile regression were used to investigate the outcomes of interest: emergency medical services (EMS) transport (versus private vehicle), EMS prehospital notification (versus no prehospital notification), and stroke symptom onset to time of arrival at the emergency department. Prespecified covariates included patient-level, hospital-level, and county-level characteristics. RESULTS: The inclusion criteria was met by the 606 369 patients. Of the patients, 51.2% were men and 69.9% White, with a median National Institutes of Health Stroke Severity of 4 (IQR, 2-10), and median social deprivation index (SDI) of 51 (IQR, 27-75). Median symptom onset to arrival time was 176 minutes (IQR, 64-565). Black race was significantly associated with prolonged symptom onset to emergency department arrival time (+28.21 minutes [95% CI, 25.59-30.84]), and decreased odds of EMS prehospital notification (OR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.78-0.82]). SDI was not associated with differences in EMS use but was associated with lower odds of EMS prehospital notification (upper SDI tercile versus lowest, OR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.78-0.81]). SDI was also significantly associated with stroke symptom onset to emergency department arrival time (upper SDI tercile versus lowest +2.56 minutes [95% CI, 0.58-4.53]). CONCLUSIONS: In this national cross-sectional study, Black race was associated with prolonged symptom onset to time of arrival intervals and significantly decreased odds of EMS prehospital notification, despite similar use of EMS transport. Greater county-level deprivation was also associated with reduced odds of EMS prehospital notification and slightly prolonged stroke symptom onset to emergency department arrival time. Efforts to reduce place-based disparities in stroke care must address significant inequities in prehospital care of acute stroke and continue to address health inequities associated with race and ethnicity.

IV Thrombolysis for central retinal artery occlusion – Real-world experience from a comprehensive stroke center

Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases · 2024-01-30 · 8 citations

Antithrombotic Treatment for Stroke Prevention in Cervical Artery Dissection: The STOP-CAD Study

Stroke · 2024-04-01 · 48 citations

BACKGROUND: Small, randomized trials of patients with cervical artery dissection showed conflicting results regarding optimal stroke prevention strategies. We aimed to compare outcomes in patients with cervical artery dissection treated with antiplatelets versus anticoagulation. METHODS: This is a multicenter observational retrospective international study (16 countries, 63 sites) that included patients with cervical artery dissection without major trauma. The exposure was antithrombotic treatment type (anticoagulation versus antiplatelets), and outcomes were subsequent ischemic stroke and major hemorrhage (intracranial or extracranial hemorrhage). We used adjusted Cox regression with inverse probability of treatment weighting to determine associations between anticoagulation and study outcomes within 30 and 180 days. The main analysis used an as-treated crossover approach and only included outcomes occurring with the above treatments. RESULTS: The study included 3636 patients (402 [11.1%] received exclusively anticoagulation and 2453 [67.5%] received exclusively antiplatelets). By day 180, there were 162 new ischemic strokes (4.4%) and 28 major hemorrhages (0.8%); 87.0% of ischemic strokes occurred by day 30. In adjusted Cox regression with inverse probability of treatment weighting, compared with antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulation was associated with a nonsignificantly lower risk of subsequent ischemic stroke by day 30 (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.71 [95% CI, 0.45–1.12]; P =0.145) and by day 180 (adjusted HR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.28–2.24]; P =0.670). Anticoagulation therapy was not associated with a higher risk of major hemorrhage by day 30 (adjusted HR, 1.39 [95% CI, 0.35–5.45]; P =0.637) but was by day 180 (adjusted HR, 5.56 [95% CI, 1.53–20.13]; P =0.009). In interaction analyses, patients with occlusive dissection had significantly lower ischemic stroke risk with anticoagulation (adjusted HR, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.18–0.88]; P interaction =0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Our study does not rule out the benefit of anticoagulation in reducing ischemic stroke risk, particularly in patients with occlusive dissection. If anticoagulation is chosen, it seems reasonable to switch to antiplatelet therapy before 180 days to lower the risk of major bleeding. Large prospective studies are needed to validate our findings.

Importance of sex and gender differences in enrollment and interpretation of stroke clinical trials

Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases · 2024-04-26 · 4 citations