Elevated plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels predict left atrial appendage dysfunction in patients with acute...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Left atrial appendage (LAA) dysfunction is a known contributor to cardioembolic stroke.
• Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients have the atrium as a primary source of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if plasma BNP levels can predict LAA dysfunction in acute ischemic stroke patients.
• To determine the association between BNP levels and stroke etiology.

Main Methods:

• Transesophageal echocardiography and plasma BNP levels were measured in 223 acute ischemic stroke patients within 7 days of onset.
• Patients with a history of congestive heart failure were excluded.
• Statistical analyses included correlation and multivariate logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Plasma BNP levels were significantly higher in patients with cardioembolic stroke (144 pg/ml) versus non-cardioembolic stroke (35 pg/ml).
• BNP levels correlated negatively with LAA emptying flow velocity in both sinus rhythm (R=-0.352) and AF (R=-0.436).
• A BNP concentration >90 pg/ml independently predicted cardiogenic stroke (OR 41.39, p=0.0358).

Conclusions:

• Elevated plasma BNP may serve as a reliable marker for predicting LAA dysfunction.
• Plasma BNP levels can aid in identifying cardiogenic stroke in acute ischemic stroke patients.