Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
23:33

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

83.5K

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Carotid Stenosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Dimitrios Sagris1, Eleni Korompoki2, Davide Strambo3

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece, disagris@uth.gr.

Neuroepidemiology
|July 9, 2024
PubMed

Insights

In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute ischemic stroke, 34.6% had carotid atherosclerosis, and 12.6% had significant stenosis or occlusion. Atherosclerosis in multiple arterial beds strongly predicted carotid stenosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common risk factor for ischemic stroke.
  • Carotid atherosclerosis frequently coexists with AF in stroke patients.
  • Understanding this association is crucial for stroke prevention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with AF and acute ischemic stroke.
  • To identify factors associated with carotid atherosclerosis in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 10 stroke registries.
  • Inclusion of consecutive patients with anterior ischemic stroke and AF who underwent carotid imaging.
  • Categorization of carotid stenosis severity: no atherosclerosis, <50%, ≥50%, and occlusion.

Main Results:

  • Carotid atherosclerosis was present in 34.6% of 2,955 patients.
  • Significant stenosis (≥50%) or occlusion occurred in 12.6% of patients.
  • Factors associated with stenosis included older age, prior stroke/TIA, peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, and statin use.

Conclusions:

  • Carotid atherosclerosis is highly prevalent in acute ischemic stroke patients with AF.
  • Significant carotid stenosis or occlusion affects a notable proportion of these patients.
  • Atherosclerosis in multiple arterial beds is a key predictor, highlighting the importance of comprehensive vascular assessment.
Abstract

Keywords:
Atrial fibrillationCarotid atherosclerosisDeathIschemic strokeStroke recurrence

More Related Videos

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation28:13

Catheter Ablation in Combination With Left Atrial Appendage Closure for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 26, 2013

33.4K
Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation08:10

Estimating Bilateral Atrial Function by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Feature Tracking in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: July 20, 2022

1.7K

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management01:23

Atherosclerosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management for a patient with arteriosclerosis involves a comprehensive approach focusing on lifestyle modification, disease monitoring, education, and symptomatic care. Here is an overview of effective nursing strategies:Assessment and Monitoring: Initial and ongoing assessments are crucial. Nurses must document the patient's medical history, including any hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and other cardiovascular diseases. Assessments also cover family history and lifestyle...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction01:26

Transient Ischemic Attack l: Introduction

A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a brief episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary, focal reduction in cerebral blood flow. Although symptoms resemble those of an ischemic stroke, the interruption in perfusion is short-lived and does not cause permanent infarction. TIAs are clinically important because they often serve as early warning events for future stroke.Mechanisms of Transient Cerebral IschemiaTransient cerebral ischemia may arise through several mechanisms. One...