Transient Ischemic Attack
MRI serves as ‘useful addition’ in clinical evaluation of suspected stroke
The initial diagnosis of non-ischemic events, or “stroke mimics,” occurred more frequently in women than men in a secondary analysis of DOUBT study data, though diagnostic revisions were often made for both men and women.
Ticagrelor gains FDA approval for secondary stroke prevention
AstraZeneca announced the FDA approved its P2Y12 inhibitor ticagrelor for the reduction of stroke risk among patients with acute ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack.
Medical therapy may prevent strokes in asymptomatic carotid stenosis
Absolute risk reduction for fatal and nonfatal strokes in patients who underwent early carotid endarterectomy was less than half the risk difference from trials initiated 20 years ago, researchers found.
LAA closure noninferior to direct oral anticoagulants in high-risk AF
Among patients with atrial fibrillation at high risk for stroke, left atrial appendage closure was noninferior compared with direct oral anticoagulants, researchers reported in the randomized PRAGUE-17 trial.
Smoking cigarettes increases stroke risk in black adults
Black adults who currently smoked cigarettes had a dose-dependent higher risk for stroke compared with those who never smoked or did so in the past, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
ED visits for suspected MI, stroke down during COVID-19 pandemic
Many U.S. institutions have reported significant declines in the volume of patients presenting to the ED with potential MI or stroke due to fears associated with COVID-19.
Prediabetes not independently tied to cognitive impairment after stroke
The presence of type 2 diabetes was a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment following stroke, but investigators identified no association between prediabetes and cognitive function after stroke.
SCAI document identifies patients appropriate for PCI in ASCs
The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions released a position statement identifying appropriate patients to undergo PCI in an ASC and advising on requirements for starting a PCI program in an ASC.
New brain infarcts present at 2 years in more than 5% of patients with AF despite anticoagulation
In well-treated patients with atrial fibrillation, most of whom were on oral anticoagulation, more than 5% had a new brain infarct at 2 years, according to data presented at the virtual Heart Rhythm Society Annual Scientific Sessions.
Atorvastatin may reduce total vascular events after stroke
New findings from the SPARCL trial showed that patients with prior stroke or transient ischemic attack experienced fewer total vascular events, including cerebrovascular, coronary and peripheral events, when treated with atorvastatin compared with placebo.