D-dimers predict stroke subtype when assessed early.

Background: Early classification of ischemic stroke subtype is important for secondary stroke prevention and may guide further investigations.

Methods: Levels of coagulation activation [fibrinopeptide A (FPA), prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F1+2), thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT)] and fibrinolysis activation [plasmin-alpha(2)-antiplasmin complex (PAP), D-dimers] markers were measured in 98 consecutive patients with a first-ever acute ischemic stroke admitted within 12 h after symptom onset.

Results: Median age was 67 years and 44% were women.

Intra-arterial thrombolysis of acute iatrogenic intracranial arterial occlusion attributable to neuroendovascular procedures or coronary angiography.

Background And Purpose: For selected stroke patients, intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) has been shown to be an effective treatment option. However, knowledge of safety and efficacy of IAT in patients with acute stroke as a complication of arterial catheter interventions is limited.

Methods: We analyzed clinical radiological findings and functional outcomes in consecutive patients 3 months after treatment with IAT for peri-procedural strokes occurring during neuroendovascular or cardiac catheter interventions.

Frequent atrial premature beats predict paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in stroke patients: an opportunity for a new diagnostic strategy.

Background And Purpose: For patients having suffered ischemic stroke, the current diagnostic strategies often fail to detect atrial fibrillation as a potential cause of embolic events. The aim of the study was to identify paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in stroke patients. We hypothesized that patients with frequent atrial premature beats (APBs) recorded in 24-hour ECG will show more often atrial fibrillation when followed by repeated long-term ECG recordings than patients without or infrequent APBs.

Reasons to withhold intra-arterial thrombolysis in clinical practice.

Background: In selected stroke centers intra-arterial thrombolysis (IAT) is used for the treatment of acute stroke patients presenting within 6 hours of symptom onset. However, data about eligibility of acute stroke patients for IAT in clinical practice are very scarce.

Methods: We collected prospectively data on indications advising for or against IAT of 230 consecutive stroke patients in a tertiary stroke center.

Time to admission in acute ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack.

Background And Purpose: The effect of thrombolysis depends on the time from stroke onset to treatment and therefore also on the time when patients come to the hospital. This study was designed to analyze the variables that influence the time from symptom onset to admission (TTA) to the stroke unit.

Methods: We evaluated the medical records of 615 consecutive stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients admitted to our neurological department within 48 hours after symptom onset.