International Journal of Cardiovascular Research
Transcription
International Journal of Cardiovascular Research
Samadoulougou et al., Int J Cardiovasc Res 2015, 4:1 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2324-8602.1000191 International Journal of Cardiovascular Research Research Article A SCITECHNOL JOURNAL Cardio embolic stroke: Data from 145 cases at the Teaching Hospital of Yalgado Ouedraogo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso Samadoulougou K Andre 1,2, Mandi D Germain1, Naibe D Temoua1, Yameogo R Aristide 1*, Yameogo N Valentin 1,2, Millogo RC Georges 1,2, Kabore W Herve 1, Kologo K Jonas 1, Kabore B Jean 2,3 and Zabsonre Patrice 1,2 1Service de Cardiologie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado, Ouedraogo, Burkina Faso 2Unite de Formation et de Recherche en Sciences de la Sante/ Universite de Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 3Service de Neurologie du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado, Ouedraogo, Burkina Faso *Corresponding author: Yameogo R Aristide, MD, MPH,11 PO Box 804, CMS Ouagadougou 11, Burkina Faso, Tel: +(00226) 66485858; E-mail: [email protected] Rec date: Aug 12, 2014 Acc date: Dec 24, 2014 Pub date: Jan 01, 2015 Abstract Introduction: Cardioembolic strokes represent a major public health concern worldwide due to associated high morbidity and mortality. Cardiac sources of embolism are leading cause of stroke after atherosclerosis. We aim to describe the epidemiological profile and outcome of cardioembolic stroke. Patients and methods: We retrospectively analyzed medical records of hospitalized patients who were admitted from January 1rst 2010 to May the 31th 2012 in the departments of Cardiology and Neurology at the Teaching University Hospital of YalgadoOuédraogo, Burkina Faso, West Africa. All patients diagnosed with ischaemic stroke on the basis of CT-scan and known to have a heart disease were included in the study. Results: Overall 582 cases of stroke were reported. Ischaemic stroke was observed in 370 patients (63.6%). Cardioembolic disease was reported in 145 patients (39.2%) among whom 73 female. Mean age was 61.7 ± 15 years (extremes: 21 - 90 years). Hypertension and active smoking were respectively observed in 65.5% and 25.5% of cases. Etiologic factors were atrial fibrillation (42.8%) and intra-cardiac blood clot (13.8%). Vitamin K antagonists were prescribed in 41.4% of cases. A two-week in-hospital follow-up reported hemorrhagic transformation in 8.3% of cases. In-hospital mortality rate was 15.2% and was significantly associated with hemorrhagic transformation (n = 10, RR = 9.24, CI95% = [5.1-16.8], p < 0.001) and congestive heart failure (n= 10, RR = 4, CI95%= [1.9-8.2], p < 0.001) and altered consciousness on admission (n= 8, RR = 2.7, CI95% = [1.3-5.8], p =0.009). Conclusion: Cardioembolic strokes are of frequent occurrence and associated with high in-hospital mortality. Therefore there is a need for early management of their etiologic factors. Keywords: Ischaemic stroke; Cardioembolic diseases; Atrial fibrillation; Vitamin K antagonists; Burkina Faso; West Africa Introduction Cardioembolic strokes represent a major public health concern worldwide due to associated high morbidity and mortality [1,2]. This stroke-related burden will be increasing in future decades due to aging population. Direct and indirect management of such disease is costly particularly in developing countries where health insurance is barely available [3,4]. Many sub-Saharan studies showed that ischaemic stroke is predominant among all types of stroke [5–7]. It is mainly caused by atherosclerosis and cardioembolic diseases. In fact, up to 20% of ischemic stroke have a cardio embolic origin [8,9] and atrial fibrillation is known to account for at least 50% of the cases [10]. Heart lesions are classified as being at high, low or medium risk for cerebral embolism [11]. Data on cardioembolic stroke are rare in Burkina Faso. We aim to describe the epidemiological profile and outcome of cardio embolic stroke in our setting more frequently in clinical practice than often realized. A majority of these patients (70%) are peri- or postmenopausal women [12-19] and younger than usual age for atherosclerotic CAD (sportsmen). It has been observed that more than 50% of angiograms done on women show no significant CAD [20]. Several investigators have demonstrated that despite normal coronary vessels, electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial ischemia exists in affected patients as well as in their metabolism [21-25]. Patients and Methods We conducted a descriptive analysis on 582 medical records of patients admitted in both cardiology and neurology departments at the Teaching University Hospital of YalgadoOuedraogo, Burkina Faso from January 31st 2010 to March 31st 2012 All patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke on the basis of CT-scan and known to have a heart disease were included in the study. Twelve leads ECG and trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) were used to diagnose cardiac sources of embolism. A 24-hoursHolter ECG and a trans-esophageal echocardiography (TOE) were performed when cardiac causes of ischaemic stroke were not obvious. Doppler ultrasonography was used to eliminate cervical large-artery atherosclerotic source of embolism. Dosage of thyroid hormones was done as clinical appropriate. For statistical analysis, EPI Info TM software (version 7.0.9.34) was used. The categorical variables were expressed as percentages. Continuous variables were expressed in terms of means ± SD. Chi square test or Fisher's exact test were used for proportions comparison as appropriate. For each analysis, a significant difference was defined as p < 0.05. Results We collected 582 medical records of patients who were hospitalized for stroke including 370 cases of ischaemic stroke (63.6%). Within the sub-group of ischaemic stroke, 145 patients (39.2%) had a cardioembolic disease among with 73 patients being females. Mean age was 61.7 ± 15 years (extremes: 21 and 90 years). Brain CT-scan showed a hypodensity in 135 cases and absence of abnormalities in 10 All articles published in International Journal of Cardiovascular Research are the property of SciTechnol, and is protected by copyright laws. Copyright © 2014, SciTechnol, All Rights Reserved. Citation: Samadoulougou AK, Mandi DG, Naibe DT, Yameogo RA,Yameogo NV, et al. (2015) Cardio embolic stroke: Data from 145 cases at the Teaching Hospital of Yalgado Ouedraogo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Int J Cardiovasc Res 4:1. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2324-8602.1000191 cases (6.9%). Single lesions were noticed in 86 patients (63.7%) and multiple lesions reported in 49 patients (36.3%). Cardiovascular risk factors included hypertension (65.5%), dyslipidemia (22.4%) and smoking (25.5%). Smoking was prevalent in 15.1% of female and in 36.1% of male (OR = 3.1; RR = 1.3; p = 0.004). One hundred and twenty patients (83.4%) had at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Clinical manifestations were impaired consciousness on admission in 25 cases (17.8%) and hemiplegia in 140 cases (96.6%). Table 1 shows socio-demographic and clinical characteristics in study patients on admission. Number (n) Percentage (%) [21 - 44] 20 13.8 [45 - 59] 36 24.8 [60 - 74] 60 41.4 [75 - 90] 29 20.0 Male / Female 72 / 73 - Hypertension 95 65.5 Alcohol 52 35.9 Active smoking 37 25.5 Dyslipidemia 32 22.4 Type 2 Diabetes 22 15.2 History of ischemic stroke 25 17.2 Congestive heart failure 25 17.8 Impaired consciousness 25 17.8 Syncope 29 20.0 Hemiplegia 140 96.6 Isolated facial weakness 5 3.4 Aphasia 87 60.0 Cardiac arrhythmia 51 35.2 Age ranges (years) Sex Cardiovascular risk factors Clinical manifestations Table 1: Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics in 145 patients on admission A twelve leads standard ECG revealed atrial fibrillation in 51 cases (35.2%). Holter ECG was recorded in 20 patients (13.8%) and revealed 11 cases of paroxystic atrial fibrillation. TTE revealed intra-cardiac thrombi in 17 cases (11.7%), spontaneous intra-cavity contrast in 28 cases (19.3%), acute myocardial infarction and ischemic heart disease were diagnosed in 8 cases (5.5%) and 19 cases (13.1%) respectively. TOE was performed in 35 patients (24.1%) and reported intra atrial thrombi in three cases, and patent foramen ovale in six cases. Electrocardiographic abnormalities in all 145 patients with cardioembolic stroke are shown in Table 2. Number (n) Percentage (%) Atrial Fibrillation* 62 42.8 Atrial Flutter 3 2.1 Volume 4 • Issue 1 • 1000191 • Page 2 of 6 • Citation: Samadoulougou AK, Mandi DG, Naibe DT, Yameogo RA,Yameogo NV, et al. (2015) Cardio embolic stroke: Data from 145 cases at the Teaching Hospital of Yalgado Ouedraogo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Int J Cardiovasc Res 4:1. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2324-8602.1000191 Multifocal atrial tachycardia 1 0.7 Premature ventricular complex 27 18.6 Left ventricular hypertrophy 61 42.1 Left atrial hypertrophy 41 28.3 Myocardial ischemia 24 16.6 Table 2: Electrocardiographic abnormalities in study patients (*Including 11 cases of paroxystic atrial fibrillation diagnosed on Holter ECG) Cardiac sources of cerebral embolism included atrial fibrillation in 62 cases (42.8%), spontaneous intra-cavity contrast in 20 cases (Table 3). Possible cardiac causes of cerebral embolism Number (n) Percentage (%) Atrial fibrillation 62 42.8 Atrial flutter 3 2.1 Intracardiac thrombi 20 13.8 Acute myocardial infarction 8 5.5 Dilated cardiomyopathy 17 11.7 Mitral stenosis 9 6. 3 Infectious endocarditis 7 4.8 Intracardiac spontaneous contrast 37 25.5 Ischemic heart disease 19 13.1 Valvular diseases‡ 17 11.7 Patent foramen ovale 6 4.1 Inter atrial septal aneurysm 4 2.7 Restrictive cardiomyopathy 3 2.1 Myocarditis 1 0.7 Cardiothyreosis 1 0.7 Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 1 0.7 Pacemaker 1 0.7 High risk causes of cerebral embolism Medium to low risk causes of cerebral embolism Table 3: Cardiac sources of cerebral embolism in 145 patients with stroke.(‡mitral stenosis is excluded) Doppler ultrasonography of cervical large arteries was performed in 61 patients and reported carotid atheroma without significant stenosis (stenosis < 50%) in 75.4% of cases. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) was administered in 89 cases (61.4%) and was relayed by vitamin K antagonist dugs (VKA) in 60 cases (41.4%). Time lag before introduction of VKA drugs was ≥ one week in 55 patients. Antiplatelet drugs were administered in 86.2% of cases. Table 4 summarizes the different treatments administered to our patients during their inpatient stay. Number Volume 4 • Issue 1 • 1000191 Percentage (%) • Page 3 of 6 • Citation: Samadoulougou AK, Mandi DG, Naibe DT, Yameogo RA,Yameogo NV, et al. (2015) Cardio embolic stroke: Data from 145 cases at the Teaching Hospital of Yalgado Ouedraogo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Int J Cardiovasc Res 4:1. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2324-8602.1000191 Anticoagulants 89 61.4 LMWH 29 20 LMWH associated with VKA 60 41.4 None 50 34.5 125 86.2 Antiplatelet drugsalone 43 29.7 With VKA 48 33.1 With LMWH 34 23.2 None 20 13.8 ACE/ARBs 116 80 Digoxin 19 13.1 Amiodarone 27 18.6 Statins 107 73.8 115 79.3 Antiplatelet drugs Other drugs Rehabilitation Table 4: Distribution of all 145 patients according to treatment during in-hospital period (LMWH: low molecular weight heparin, VKA: vitamin K antagonist; ACE: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors; ARBs: angiotensin receptor blockers) Mean time of hospitalization was of 13.8 ± 8.4 days (extremes: 2 and 60 days). Complications were observed in 37 patients and included hemorrhagic transformation (n=12 cases.). Complications in all 145 patients during hospitalization period are shown in Table 5. Anticoagulant treatment had been administered in 75% of patients with hemorrhagic transformation and in 60.2% of those without hemorrhagic transformation (RR=1.88; p=0.37). Complications Number (n) Percentage Haemorrhagic transformation 12 8.3 Pressure ulcer 11 7.6 Venous thromboembolic disease 5 3.4 Seizures 5 3.4 Ischaemic stroke recurrence 3 2.1 Mesenteric infarction 1 0.6 Table 5: Complications during hospitalization period Death was reported in 22 cases (15.2%). Mortality was significantly associated with hemorrhagic transformation (n = 10, RR = 9.24, CI95% = [5.1-16.8], p < 0.001), congestive heart failure (n= 10, RR = 4, CI 95%= [1.9-8.2], p < 0.001) and impaired consciousness on admission (n= 8, RR = 2.7, CI 95% = [1.3-5.8], p =0.009). Discussion Our study was a retrospective one and could have understated a number of parameters due to the lack of follow up. However, current results gave an idea on the magnitude of the problem in our setting. Volume 4 • Issue 1 • 1000191 Incidence of cardiac sources of cerebral embolism was quite similar in our study (39,2%) when compared to the one reported by Mbaye et al. [26] in Senegal (38.46%). Incidence rate was higher than those reported by Alzamora et al. [27] in Spain, Yip et al. [28] in Taiwan and Han et al. [10] in South Korea (20%, 25% et 26,6% respectively). Patients’ selection criteria and quality of usage of some cardioembolic diagnostic tools may explain the disparity in these incidence rates [29]. As cardiovascular events increase proportionally with age, we reported a mean age of 61.7 ± 15 years. This rate was comparable to those reported by Bendriss et al. [12] in Morocco, Damorou et al. [13] in Togo, and Kubo et al. [14] in Japan with mean ages of 60.8 ±12.14 years; 59.19 ± 11.45 yrs and 62 ± 13 yrs respectively. • Page 4 of 6 • Citation: Samadoulougou AK, Mandi DG, Naibe DT, Yameogo RA,Yameogo NV, et al. (2015) Cardio embolic stroke: Data from 145 cases at the Teaching Hospital of Yalgado Ouedraogo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Int J Cardiovasc Res 4:1. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2324-8602.1000191 Hypertension, especifically systolic hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke. The reason for the enormous burden of hypertension has been reported in numerous studies, showing that hypertensive disease is strongly associated with overall cardiovascular risk. Increased blood pressure contributes indeed to both cardiovascular and cerebrovascular endpoints, including heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke [15,16]. In fact we reported a hypertension rate of 65.5% which was supported by data from Bendriss et al. [12] in Morocco (65.5%) and Kim et al. [9] in Korea (63.8%). As hypertension prevalence increases with aging, a Senegalese series [26] reported that 75% of patients over 60 years of age had high blood pressure. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major determinant of cardioembolic stroke. It can be clinically unnoticed especially in its paroxystic form and only be diagnosed through complications. Its prevalence increases with aging [17]. AF represented the most frequent cardiac source for cerebral embolism in our study (42.8%). Mbaye et al [26] reported a rate of 60% in patients over 60 years of age. AF was found to be associated with other cardiac sources of cerebral embolism in 40 cases (64.5% of all AF cases) similar to rate from Han et al [10] in Korea with 69% of all AF cases. A poor rate of primary prevention of embolic events in AF could explain these high rates of complications. Low prevention rates could be due to physicians’ fear of haemorrhagic complications, geographic and financial inaccessibility to vitamin K antagonist (VKA) use and follow-up difficulties in our setting. Valvular diseases were noticed in 18% of cases and were dominated by mitral stenosis in our study (6.2%). Damorou et al. had reported a higher mitral stenosis prevalence rate of 11% in Togo. These findings highlighted the impact of rheumatic heart disease among cardiovascular diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa. Ischaemic stroke is a possible complication of myocardial infarction in its acute phase and may affect up to 2-3% of patients with acute coronary syndromes [18]. Major embolic risk factors are anterior localization, infarction extend, presence of left ventricular thrombus, and atrial fibrillation. Our study reported acute myocardial infarction as cardiac source of cerebral embolism in 5.5% of cases. We reported ischaemic heart diseases in 13.1% of the cases, a rate closer to Mbaye et al [26] data in Senegal with 15%. Belo et al [19] in Togo reported a higher rate of 7%. Treatment with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) during acute phase of ischaemic stroke is not well codified up to this date. Most studies did not recommend anticoagulation in acute phase of ischaemic stroke due to the fact that this practice is not associated with a significant reduction of recurrent strokes but is associated with higher risk of intra-cerebral bleeding [20,21,29]. Oral anticoagulants should be initiated one to two weeks following the onset of ischaemic stroke and patients should be on antiplatelet drugs until anticoagulation goals are reached. Early treatment with heparin could be started in patients with concomitant high embolic risk and low hemorrhagic risk [22, 23]. Overall 61.4% of our study patients underwent heparin based anticoagulation. We reported VKA use of 41.4%, whereas antiplatelet drugs were prescribed in 86.2% of our patients. Lavados et al [29] in Chili reported anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs use of 20% respectively in cardioembolic stroke. Low rate of VKA use was supported by physicians’ fear for oral anticoagulant bleeding risk. It is therefore necessary to set up anticoagulation management centers. We noticed hemorrhagic transformation in 8.3% of cases which supported data from literature [26,24]. There was no significant Volume 4 • Issue 1 • 1000191 association between hemorrhagic transformation and anticoagulant use (RR=1.88; p= 0.37). In-hospital mortality rate was 15.2% in our study and was close to the 12% mortality rate reported by Alzamora et al [27] in Spain. Damorou et al [13] reported a mortality rate of 27.5% in patients with cardioembolic stroke after one month of follow-up in Togo. Mortality rate of cardioembolic ischaemic stroke is known to be higher when compared with stroke from atherosclerotic origin [8,29] mainly due to cardiac comorbidities. Conclusions Cardio embolic stroke accounts for more than one third of ischemic stroke and have a more severe prognosis. Investigation of cardiac sources of cerebral embolism is costly. Therefore, it is necessary to promote early and effective management of ischemic stroke risk factors such as hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Proper assessment of benefit/risk of oral anticoagulant use may help to reduce the incidence of cardio embolic stroke. Acknowledgements We want to acknowledge Professor Jean B. KABORE, the head of the neurology department at Yalgado Ouédraogo University Hospital and his team for their frank partnership. Conflict of Interest None References 1. Bejot Y, Caillier M, Rouaud O, Benatru I, Maugras C, et al. (2007) [Epidemiology of strokes. Impact on the treatment decision]. Presse Med 36: 117-127. 2. Hachinski V (2006) Stroke in Japanese. Stroke 37: 1143–1143. 3. Mukherjee D, Patil CG (2011) Epidemiology and the global burden of stroke. World Neurosurg 76: S85-90. 4. de los Ríos la Rosa F, Broderick JP (2013) Toward a modern delivery of stroke care in emerging economies. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 22: e1-3. 5. 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