Perioperative stroke: incidence, etiologic factors, and prevention

Stroke is a devastating complication that is difficult to diagnose in the perioperative setting because of the effects of anesthetic and analgesic agents. Lingering anesthesia effects hinder clinicians in identifying stroke symptoms, frequently resulting in a delay in diagnosis and treatment and in unfavorable outcomes. The authors performed a systematic search in PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register. The search aimed to identify studies published between January 1990 and December 2015 related to the common etiologic factors, incidence, risk factors, risk modifiers, and early management of perioperative stroke. Additional articles were identified after review of the references of selected articles. Although perioperative stroke is uncommon, the mortality rate is high. Patients have higher risk of perioperative stroke when undergoing cardiac and vascular operations than uncomplicated orthopedic and general procedures. Preoperative optimization for preexisting risk factors may reduce the rate of perioperative stroke. Prompt, early management can improve patient outcomes. Recognition of the incidence, risk factors, and causes of perioperative stroke may lead to prevention and proper management.