Coexisting of aortic arch atheroma and atrial fibrillation for short-term recurrence and poor functional outcome in acute stroke.

Background And Purpose: Multiple embolic sources are sometimes observed simultaneously in patients with embolic stroke. The present study investigated the effects of coexisting aortic arch atheroma ≥ 4 mm thick and atrial fibrillation (AF) on short-term stroke recurrence and functional outcome.

Methods: Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed in consecutive embolic stroke patients, and 395 patients were classified into 4 groups according to the presence of aortic arch atheroma ≥ 4 mm thick and AF: AF - /ARCH - group, AF + /ARCH - group, AF - /ARCH + group, and AF + /ARCH + group.

Complex Aortic Arch Atherosclerosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation.

Aim: Aortic arch atherosclerosis, particularly complex aortic arch plaques (CAPs), is an important source of cerebral emboli. CAPs and atrial fibrillation (AF) often co-exist; however, the prevalence and risk of CAPs in acute ischemic stroke patients with AF is unclear.

Methods: In patients with acute ischemic stroke with non-valvular AF admitted to Jichi Medical University Hospital during April 2016 to September 2019, we retrospectively evaluated the presence of CAPs on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE).

Characteristics of aged ischemic stroke patients indicative of cardioembolism.

The treatment of ischemic stroke has recently witnessed dramatic developments. However, there are limited data on ischemic stroke characteristics in aged patients. As part of the South Tochigi Acute Ischemic Stroke Registry, we prospectively enrolled 636 consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients (within 7 days after the onset) who were ≥ 60 years of age and who were admitted to two independent institutes from April 1, 2016 to February 28, 2019.

A new simple method using carotid duplex ultrasonography to assess intracranial vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis.

Objectives: Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), three-dimensional computed tomography angiography, and cerebral angiography may be used to assess intracranial vertebrobasilar stenosis. However, these examinations cannot be performed at patients' bedsides. Our purpose was to develop a new bedside method to assess intracranial vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis.