Electrocardiographic and troponin T changes in acute ischaemic stroke.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The mechanisms explaining morphological electrocardiogram (ECG) changes and increased troponin T (TnT) in acute stroke are unclear. The aims of the present study were to assess the prevalence of ECG and TnT changes in acute ischaemic stroke, to investigate whether ischaemic-like ECG changes correlate to a rise in TnT and to examine whether ECG changes and elevated TnT predict a poor short-time outcome.

METHODS:

From 2000 to 2002 a total of 279 patients suffering from acute ischaemic stroke were included prospectively in the present study. ECG was carried out at admission and on day 1 in all patients. TnT was analysed at admission and on day 1.

RESULTS:

The most frequent ECG changes were: prolonged QTc 36.0%, ST depression 24.5%, atrial fibrillation 19.9% and T wave inversion 17.8%. In logistic regression analyses, ST depression and Q waves were significantly associated with a rise in TnT. TnT was elevated (>0.04 microg L(-1)) in 26 patients (9.6%). In logistic regression analyses, a rise in TnT was significantly associated with a poor short-term outcome (modified Rankin scale >3).

CONCLUSION:

ECG changes are prevalent in acute ischaemic stroke. ST depression and Q waves are related to an increase in TnT, suggesting that these ECG changes may indicate coexisting ischaemic heart disease. A rise in TnT predicts a poor outcome. Patients with acute ischaemic stroke should be offered adequate treatment with secondary prevention and preferably a follow-up with focus on cardiologic as well as neurological aspects.

• Authors: B Fure, T Bruun Wyller, B Thommessen
• Journal: Journal of internal medicine (J Intern Med) Vol. 259 Issue 6 Pg. 592-7 (Jun 2006) ISSN: 0954-6820 [Print] England
• PMID: 16704560 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Troponin T

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Arrhythmias, Cardiac (complications)
• Biomarkers (blood)
• Electrocardiography
• Female
• Humans
• Long QT Syndrome (complications)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prognosis
• Prospective Studies
• Stroke (blood, complications, physiopathology)
• Troponin T (blood)