Insular lesions, ECG abnormalities, and outcome in acute stroke
H Christensen1, G Boysen, A F Christensen
1Bispebjerg Hospital, Department of Neurology, University of Copenhagen, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark. hc04@bbh.hosp.dk
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|January 18, 2005
Summary
Acute stroke patients with insular lesions show abnormal electrocardiographic (ECG) findings. Right insular lesions significantly increase the risk of three-month mortality following stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Insular lesions from stroke may correlate with electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities and sudden death risk.
- Investigating the link between insular lesions and ECG changes in acute stroke patients is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if computed tomography (CT) identified insular lesions in acute stroke patients are associated with ECG abnormalities.
- To assess the relationship between insular lesions and three-month mortality after stroke.
Main Methods:
- CT scans were used to diagnose acute insular lesions in 179 stroke patients (43 with lesions).
- Electrocardiograms (ECGs) and ECG telemetry were performed on admission and within 24 hours.
- Three-month mortality data was collected.
Main Results:
- Insular lesions correlated with sinus tachycardia (>120 bpm), ectopic beats (>10%), and ST elevation.
- Right insular lesions were linked to atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block, ectopic beats (>10%), and inverted T waves.
- Right insular lesions independently increased the odds of three-month mortality (OR 6.2).
Conclusions:
- Insular lesions in acute stroke are associated with significant ECG abnormalities.
- Right-sided insular lesions represent a critical predictor of increased mortality post-stroke.
- Further validation in larger patient cohorts is warranted to confirm these findings.
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