Segmental left ventricular wall motion abnormalities are associated with lacunar ischemic stroke

Dirk Deleu1, Saadat Kamran, Ayman A Hamad

  • 1Department of Neurology, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, State of Qatar. doc_deleu@hotmail.com

Insights

Segmental left ventricular wall motion abnormalities (SLVWMA) are associated with a higher incidence of lacunar ischemic strokes, particularly in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors. The exact mechanisms linking SLVWMA to lacunar strokes remain unclear.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability and death.
  • Segmental left ventricular wall motion abnormalities (SLVWMA) are a potential indicator of cardiac dysfunction.
  • The relationship between SLVWMA and the occurrence of ischemic stroke, specifically lacunar strokes, requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential role of SLVWMA as a cause of ischemic stroke.
  • To compare cardiovascular risk factors and echocardiographic parameters in ischemic stroke patients with and without SLVWMA.
  • To analyze the association between SLVWMA and lacunar stroke subtypes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 259 ischemic stroke patients and 79 cardiac patients.
  • Comparison of demographic data, cardiovascular risk factors, and echocardiographic parameters.
  • Stratification of stroke patients based on the presence or absence of SLVWMA.

Main Results:

  • Ischemic stroke patients with SLVWMA had a higher number of cardiovascular risk factors (3.7) compared to those without SLVWMA (2.7).
  • A significantly higher proportion of lacunar strokes (76%) was observed in patients with SLVWMA compared to those without (68%).
  • Cardiac patients without a history of stroke but with SLVWMA exhibited a lower ejection fraction (37%) than stroke patients.

Conclusions:

  • SLVWMA may be associated with a higher frequency of lacunar strokes in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Lacunar strokes might serve as a marker for small-vessel disease or contribute to stroke development via cardiac microembolism.
  • The precise mechanisms underlying the association between SLVWMA and lacunar ischemic stroke warrant further investigation.
Abstract

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