Left Atrial Strain: A Biomarker for Cryptogenic Stroke Prevention

What this Trial Is About

Cryptogenic stroke is a type of ischemic stroke where the cause of the blood clot is unknown, leaving many patients without a clear treatment plan and at high risk for another stroke. Researchers are investigating whether reduced function of the left atrium (LA), the upper heart chamber that receives blood from the lungs, is associated with cryptogenic stroke and its recurrence, even when irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation, AF) is not detected. This study aims to use a noninvasive ultrasound technique called strain imaging to measure LA function as a potential early biomarker for stroke risk. This multicenter observational study analyzes echocardiographic images from patients who had a stroke and underwent transthoracic echocardiography as part of their stroke evaluation. Participants include those with cryptogenic stroke and sinus rhythm, compared to those with non-cryptogenic strokes. The study evaluates LA strain, a sensitive measure of atrial function, using standardized software to assess its relationship to stroke occurrence and recurrence. Participants' clinical and imaging data will be collected and analyzed centrally. Researchers will review follow-up information including stroke recurrence, development of atrial fibrillation, and mortality up to one year after the initial echocardiography. The primary outcome is the correlation between LA strain and cryptogenic stroke, with secondary outcomes assessing the prediction of recurrent stroke, cardiovascular death, and new AF detection. This study may help improve stroke prevention by identifying patients at risk earlier.

Left Atrial Strain and Cryptogenic Stroke