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Special Issue "Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation"

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A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2019) | Viewed by 43037

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Vincenzo Russo

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Guest Editor

Chair of Cardiology, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli" - Monaldi Hospital, Piazzale Ettore Ruggeri, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: cardiology; anticoagulants; antiplatelets; antithrombotics; electrophysiology; arrhythmias
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Riccardo Proietti

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Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences – University of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35121 Padua, Italy
Interests: stroke; cerebrovascular events; silent stroke; dementia; mild cognitive impairment; anticoagulation; non vitamin k oral anticoagulants; atrial fibrillation; cardiac pacing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Stroke and dementia are among the top ten causes of death worldwide as estimated by the World Health Organization. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is estimated to cause of about 15 percent of all ischemic strokes and as many as 30 percent of strokes occurring in people in their 80s. The reduction of burden of stroke related to AF is a difficult goal to achieve because of a few clinical characteristics of AF itself: 1) episodes of arrhythmias may be asymptomatic and misdiagnosed, 2) stroke related to AF tends to be recurrent if an appropriate treatment is not promptly initiated, 3) the occurrence during AF of silent ischemic stroke that may not clinically manifest but may impact cognitive function. Indeed, silent ischemic cerebrovascular events have been recently proposed as the main pathophysiologic mechanisms linking AF with cognitive decline and dementia. 4) Finally, in AF the disjunction between the risks of cerebrovascular events (CVE) and the burden of arrhythmias is held as a dominant concept. Accordingly, the risk of CVE is not directly related to the presence of the arrhythmia but persists even during arrhythmia-free intervals. In other words, the two forms of AF classified according to duration (paroxysmal vs persistent) of arrhythmias hold the same risk of stroke.

Given the complexity of this topic and its impact on clinical practice and public health, Medicina is launching a Special Issue entitled “Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation” with the aim of gathering together accurate and up-to-date scientific information on all aspects of association between cerebrovascular events, cognitive impairment and AF. We are pleased to invite you and your co-workers to submit your original research articles reporting on the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning this association. We also encourage the submission of original manuscripts spanning basic to clinical research and focusing on stroke prevention in AF. We would also like to invite you to submit review articles aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the recent advances in understanding pharmacological interventions to prevent CVE.

Prof. Dr. Vincenzo Russo
Prof. Dr. Riccardo Proietti
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Medicina is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Atrial Fibrillation
Stroke
Cognitive Impairment
Dementia
Oral anticoagulation
Non vitamin K oral anticoagulants
Cardiac implanted devices
Cardiomyopahty
Neuromuscular Disorders

Published Papers (18 papers)

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Editorial

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Open AccessEditorial

Stroke, Dementia, and Atrial Fibrillation: From Pathophysiologic Association to Pharmacological Implications

Vincenzo Russo

Riccardo Vio

and

Riccardo Proietti

Medicina 2020, 56(5), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina56050227 - 10 May 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1345

Abstract

The impact of stroke and dementia on disability and death is a major contemporary health issue [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

Research

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Open AccessArticle

Outcome after Interdisciplinary Treatment for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage—A Single Center Experience

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Medicina 2019, 55(11), 724; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55110724 - 01 Nov 2019

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1607

Abstract

Background and Objectives: To identify predictors of outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) in our interdisciplinary setting. Materials and Methods: 176 patients who had been treated for aSAH by a team of neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists between 2009 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Age, gender, clinical presentation according to the Hunt and Hess (H&H) grading on admission, overall clot burden, aneurysm localization, modality of aneurysm obliteration, early deterioration (ED), occurrence of vasospasm in transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), spasmolysis, decompressive craniectomy (DC), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt placement, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), severe cardiac events (SCE), mortality on Days 14, and 30 after admission, and outcome at one year after the hemorrhage according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) were recorded. Chi square, Fisher’s exact, Welch’s t, and Wilcoxon rank sum served as statistical tests. Generalized linear models were fitted, and ordered logistic regression was performed. Results: SCE (p = 0.049) were a significant predictor of mortality at 14 days after aSAH, but not later during the first year after the hemorrhage. Clipping as opposed to coiling (p = 0.049) of ruptured aneurysms was a significant predictor of survival on Day 30 after aSAH, but not later during the first year after the hemorrhage, while coiling as opposed to clipping of ruptured aneurysms was significantly related to a lower frequency of DVT during hospitalization (p = 0.024). Aneurysms of the anterior circulation were significantly more often clipped, while aneurysms of the posterior circulation were significantly more often coiled (p < 0.001). Age over 70 years (p = 0.049), H&H grade on admission (p = 0.022), overall clot burden (p = 0.035), ED (p = 0.009), DCI (p = 0.013), DC (p = 0.0005), and CSF shunt placement (p = 0.038) proved to be predictive of long-term outcome after aSAH. Conclusion: Long-term results after clipping and coiling of ruptured aneurysms appear equal in an interdisciplinary setting that takes aneurysm localization, available staff, and equipment into account. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

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Open AccessArticle

Left Atrial Function after Atrial Fibrillation Cryoablation Concomitant to Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair: A Pilot Study on Long-Term Results and Clinical Implications

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Gaetano Maria De Ferrari

Medicina 2019, 55(10), 709; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55100709 - 21 Oct 2019

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1856

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Surgical atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation concomitant to minimally invasive mitral valve repair has been proven to offer improved short- and long-term sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance compared to mitral valve surgery only. The objective of the present study was to explore, by thorough echocardiographic assessment, long-term morphological and functional left atrial (LA) outcomes after this combined surgical procedure. Materials and Methods: From October 2006 to November 2015, 48 patients underwent minimally invasive mitral valve repair and concomitant surgical AF cryoablation. Results: After 3.8 ± 2.2 years, 30 (71.4%) of those completing the follow-up (n = 42, 87.5%) presented SR. During follow-up, four (9.5%) patients suffered from cerebrovascular accidents and two of these subjects had a long-standing persistent AF relapse and were in AF at the time of the event, while the other two were in SR. An echocardiographic study focused on LA characteristics was performed in 29 patients (69.0%). Atrial morphology and function (e.g., maximal LA volume indexed to body surface area and total LA emptying fraction derived from volumes) in patients with stable SR (60.6 ± 13.1 mL/mq and 25.1 ± 7.3%) were significantly better than in those with AF relapses (76.8 ± 16.2 mL/mq and 17.5 ± 7.4%; respectively, p = 0.008 and p = 0.015). At follow-up, patients who suffered from ischemic cerebral events had maximal LA volume indexed to body surface area 61 ± 17.8 mL/mq, with total LA emptying fraction derived from volumes 23.6 ± 13.7%; patients with strokes in SR showed very enlarged LA volume (>70 mL/mq). Conclusions: AF cryoablation concomitant with minimally invasive mitral valve repair provides a high rate of SR maintenance and this relates to improved long-term morphological and functional LA outcomes. Further prospective studies are needed to define the cut-off values determining an increase in the risk for thromboembolic complications in patients with restored stable SR. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

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Open AccessArticle

Role of Biological Markers for Cerebral Bleeding Risk STRATification in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation on Oral Anticoagulants for Primary or Secondary Prevention of Ischemic Stroke (Strat-AF Study): Study Design and Methodology

Medicina 2019, 55(10), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55100626 - 23 Sep 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2089

Abstract

Background and Objectives: In anticoagulated atrial fibrillation (AF) patients, the validity of models recommended for the stratification of the risk ratio between benefits and hemorrhage risk is limited. Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) represents the pathologic substrate for primary intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke. We hypothesize that biological markers—both circulating and imaging-based—and their possible interaction, might improve the prediction of bleeding risk in AF patients under treatment with any type of oral anticoagulant. Materials and Methods: The Strat-AF study is an observational, prospective, single-center hospital-based study enrolling patients with AF, aged 65 years or older, and with no contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), referring to Center of Thrombosis outpatient clinic of our University Hospital for the management of oral anticoagulation therapy. Recruited patients are evaluated by means of a comprehensive protocol, with clinical, cerebral MRI, and circulating biomarkers assessment at baseline and after 18 months. The main outcome is SVD progression—particularly microbleeds—as a selective surrogate marker of hemorrhagic complication. Stroke occurrence (ischemic or hemorrhagic) and the progression of functional, cognitive, and motor status will be evaluated as secondary outcomes. Circulating biomarkers may further improve predictive potentials. Results: Starting from September 2017, 194 patients (mean age 78.1 ± 6.7, range 65–97; 61% males) were enrolled. The type of AF was paroxysmal in 93 patients (48%), and persistent or permanent in the remaining patients. Concerning the type of oral anticoagulant, 57 patients (29%) were on vitamin K antagonists, and 137 (71%) were on direct oral anticoagulants. Follow-up clinical evaluation and brain MRI are ongoing. Conclusions: The Strat-AF study may be an essential step towards the exploration of the role of a combined clinical biomarker or multiple biomarker models in predicting stroke risk in AF, and might sustain the incorporation of such new markers in the existing stroke prediction schemes by the demonstration of a greater incremental value in predicting stroke risk and improvement in clinical outcomes in a cost-effective fashion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

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Open AccessArticle

Polymorphism of Interleukin 1B May Modulate the Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Polish Patients

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Medicina 2019, 55(9), 558; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55090558 - 02 Sep 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1637

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke (IS). Interleukin-1B and interleukin-1 receptor antagonists are key factors in inflammatory processes. Aims: The aims of our study were to evaluate the relationship between genetic variation in interleukin-1B (IL1B) rs1143627 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1RN) variable-number-tandem-repeats (VNTR), and overall IS and subtype prevalence rates. Materials and Methods: The analysis included 147 hospitalized Polish patients with IS diagnosed using conventional criteria. The control group consisted of 119 healthy subjects. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Results: A significant association between rs1143627 and stroke was found. The -31C IL1B polymorphism showed an association with overall IS, OR = 2.30 (1.36–3.87) p = 0.020. An association was also detected for LVI (large vessel infarction) subtypes of stroke. After risk factor adjustment (age, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia), the C allele was found to be an independent risk factor for LVI, OR = 1.99 (1.05–3.79) p = 0.036. Significant association was not observed between IL1RN alleles and IS. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the C allele of IL1B rs1143627 may be associated with susceptibility to overall IS and LVI subtypes of stroke in the Polish population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

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Open AccessArticle

Detrimental Impact of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Atrial Fibrillation: New Insights from Umbria Atrial Fibrillation Registry

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Medicina 2019, 55(7), 358; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55070358 - 09 Jul 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2145

Abstract

Background and objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Among extra-pulmonary manifestations of COPD, atrial fibrillation (AF) is commonly observed in clinical practice. The coexistence of COPD and AF significantly affects the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Nonetheless, the mechanisms explaining the increased risk of vascular events and death associated to the presence of COPD in AF are complex and not completely understood. We analyzed data from an Italian network database to identify markers and mediators of increased vascular risk among subjects with AF and COPD. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of the Umbria Atrial Fibrillation (Umbria-FA) Registry, a multicenter, observational, prospective on-going registry of patients with non-valvular AF. Of the 2205 patients actually recruited, 2159 had complete clinical data and were included in the analysis. Results: the proportion of patients with COPD was 15.6%. COPD patients had a larger proportion of permanent AF when compared to the control group (49.1% vs. 34.6%, p < 0.0001) and were more likely to be obese and current smokers. Other cardiovascular risk factors including chronic kidney disease (CKD), peripheral artery disease and subclinical atherosclerosis were more prevalent in COPD patients (all p < 0.0001). COPD was also significantly associated with higher prevalence of previous vascular events and a history of anemia (all p < 0.0001). The thromboembolic and bleeding risk, as reflected by the CHA₂DS₂VASc and HAS-BLED scores, were higher in patients with COPD. Patients with COPD were also more likely to have left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy at standard ECG than individuals forming the cohort without COPD (p = 0.018). Conclusions: AF patients with COPD have a higher risk of vascular complications than AF patients without this lung disease. Our analysis identified markers and mediators of increased risk that can be easily measured in clinical practice, including LV hypertrophy, CKD, anemia, and atherosclerosis of large arteries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

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Open AccessArticle

Physicians’ Perceptions of Their Patients’ Attitude and Knowledge of Long-Term Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Bulgaria

Tatjana Potpara

and

Medicina 2019, 55(7), 313; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55070313 - 26 Jun 2019

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1663

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Oral anticoagulation (OAC) is widely used in daily clinical practice worldwide for various indications. We aimed to explore the perception of Bulgarian clinicians about their patients’ attitude and knowledge of long-term OAC, prescribed for atrial fibrillation (AF) and/or known deep venous thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolism (PE). Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study that involved 226 specialists: 187 (82.7%) cardiologists, 23 (10.2%) neurologists, and 16 (7.1%) vascular surgeons. They filled in a questionnaire, specially designed for our study, answering various questions regarding OAC treatment in their daily clinical practice. Results: The mean prescription rate of OACs in AF patients was 80.3% and in DVT/PE—88.6%. One hundred and eighty-seven (82.7%) of the participants stated they see their patients on OAC at least once per month. According to more than one-third of the inquired clinicians, the patients did not understand well enough the provided information concerning net clinical benefit of OAC treatment. About 68% of the clinicians declared that their patients would prefer a “mutual” approach, discussing with the physician the OAC options and taking together the final decision, whereas according to 43 (19.0%), the patients preferred the physician to take a decision for them. Patients’ OAC treatment had been interrupted at least once within the last year due to a physician’s decision by 178 (78.8%) of the participants and the most common reason was elective surgery. The most influential factors for a patient’s choice of OAC were the need of a specific diet to be kept, intake frequency, and possible adverse reactions. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a clinician’s continuous medical education, shared decision-making, and appropriate local strategies for improved awareness of AF/DVT/PE patients are key factors for improvement of OAC management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

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Open AccessArticle

Experimental and Computational Studies to Characterize and Evaluate the Therapeutic Effect of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Seeds in Alzheimer’s Disease

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Medicina 2019, 55(5), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55050184 - 21 May 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2578

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that deteriorates daily life due to loss of memory and cognitive impairment. It is believed that oxidative stress and cholinergic deficit are the leading causes of AD. Disease-modifying therapies for the treatment of AD are a challenging task for this century. The search for natural and synthetic agents has attracted the attention of researchers. The objective of this study was a scientific approach to search for most suitable remedy for AD by exploiting the potential of Albizia lebbeck (L.) seeds. Materials and Methods: Hydromethanolic extract of Albizia lebbeck seeds (ALE) was prepared by maceration. The plant was characterized by physico-chemical, phyto-chemical, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Thirty-six Wistar albino rats were used in this study and divided into six groups (n = 6). Group I: normal control; Group II: disease control (AlCl₃; 100 mg/kg); Group III: standard control (galantamine; 0.5 mg/kg); Groups IV–VI were treated ALE at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg dose levels, respectively. All the treatments were given orally for 21 consecutive days. Y-maze, T-maze, Morris water maze, hole board, and open field behavioral tests were performed to analyze the cognitive impairment. Biochemical, histological, and computational studies were performed to support the results of behavioral tests. Results: HPLC analysis indicated the presence of quercetin, gallic acid, m-coumaric acid, and sinapic acid. ALE significantly improved the memory and cognitive impairments. Endogenous antioxidant stress biomarker levels and histopathological outcomes supported the therapeutic potential of A. lebbeck in AD. Cholinergic deficits were also ameliorated by ALE co-administration, possibly by the inhibition of hyperactive acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Docking studies supported the potential of ALE against AD. Conclusions: The data suggested that ALE has neuroprotective potential that can be exploited for beneficial effects to treat AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

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Review

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Open AccessReview

The Role of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Comorbidities in the Link between Atrial Fibrillation and Cognitive Impairment: An Appraisal of Current Scientific Evidence

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Medicina 2019, 55(12), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55120767 - 30 Nov 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2156

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice with implications on long-term outcomes. Metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus and obesity are independent predictors of atrial fibrillation and present therapeutic targets to reduce both the incidence and duration burden of atrial fibrillation. The presence of pericardial fat in direct contact with cardiac structures, as well the subsequent release of proinflammatory cytokines, may play an important role in this connection. Atrial fibrillation is an independent predictor of cognitive impairment and dementia. While clinical stroke is a major contributor, other factors such as cerebral hypoperfusion and microbleeds play important roles. New evidence suggests that atrial fibrillation and cognitive impairment may be downstream events of atrial cardiomyopathy, which may be caused by several factors including metabolic syndrome, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea. The mechanisms linking these comorbidities to cognitive impairment are not yet fully elucidated. A clearer understanding of the association of AF with dementia and cognitive impairment is imperative. Future studies should focus on the predictors of cognitive impairment among those with AF and aim to understand the potential mechanisms underlying these associations. This would inform strategies for the management of AF aiming to prevent continued cognitive impairment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

Open AccessReview

Management of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Cardioversion

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Medicina 2019, 55(10), 660; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55100660 - 30 Sep 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2645

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation the most common cardiac arrhythmia. Its incidence rises steadily with each decade, becoming a real “epidemic phenomenon”. Cardioversion is defined as a rhythm control strategy which, if successful, restores normal sinus rhythm. This, whether obtained with synchronized shock or with drugs, involves a periprocedural risk of stroke and systemic embolism which is reduced by adequate anticoagulant therapy in the weeks before or by the exclusion of left atrial thrombi. Direct oral anticoagulants are safe, manageable, and provide rapid onset of oral anticoagulation; they are an important alternative to heparin/warfarin from all points of view, with a considerable reduction in bleedings and increase in the safety and quality of life of patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

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Open AccessReview

Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke. A Review on the Use of Vitamin K Antagonists and Novel Oral Anticoagulants

Alfredo Caturano

Raffaele Galiero

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Pia Clara Pafundi

Medicina 2019, 55(10), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55100617 - 20 Sep 2019

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 2128

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia, ranging from 0.1% in patients <55 years to >9% in octogenarian patients. One important issue is represented by the 5-fold increased ischemic stroke risk in AF patients. Hence, the role of anticoagulation is central. Until a few years ago, vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and low molecular weight heparin represented the only option to prevent thromboembolisms, though with risks. Novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) have radically changed the management of AF patients, improving both life expectancy and life quality. This review aims to summarize the most recent literature on the use of VKAs and NOACs in AF, in light of the new findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

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Open AccessReview

Subclinical Atrial Fibrillation and Risk of Stroke: Past, Present and Future

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Medicina 2019, 55(10), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55100611 - 20 Sep 2019

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2564

Abstract

Subclinical atrial fibrillation (SCAF) describes asymptomatic episodes of atrial fibrillation (AF) that are detected by cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). The increased utilization of CIEDs renders our understanding of SCAF important to clinical practice. Furthermore, 20% of AF present initially as a stroke event and prolonged cardiac monitoring of stroke patients is likely to uncover a significant prevalence of SCAF. New evidence has shown that implanting cardiac monitors into patients with no history of atrial fibrillation but with risk factors for stroke will yield an incidence of SCAF approaching 30–40% at around three years. Atrial high rate episodes lasting longer than five minutes are likely to represent SCAF. SCAF has been associated with an increased risk of stroke that is particularly significant when episodes of SCAF are greater than 23 h in duration. Longer episodes of SCAF are incrementally more likely to progress to episodes of SCAF >23 h as time progresses. While only around 30–40% of SCAF events are temporally related to stroke events, the presence of SCAF likely represents an important risk marker for stroke. Ongoing trials of anticoagulation in patients with SCAF durations less than 24 h will inform clinical practice and are highly anticipated. Further studies are needed to clarify the association between SCAF and clinical outcomes as well as the factors that modify this association. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

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Open AccessReview

Association of Antihyperglycemic Therapy with Risk of Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke in Diabetic Patients

Cristina-Mihaela Lăcătușu

Elena-Daniela Grigorescu

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Medicina 2019, 55(9), 592; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55090592 - 15 Sep 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2416

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Atrial fibrillation (AF) and stroke are both forms of CVD that have major consequences in terms of disabilities and death among patients with diabetes; however, they are less present in the preoccupations of scientific researchers as a primary endpoint of clinical trials. Several publications have found DM to be associated with a higher risk for both AF and stroke; some of the main drugs used for glycemic control have been found to carry either increased, or decreased risks for AF or for stroke in DM patients. Given the risk for thromboembolic cerebrovascular events seen in AF patients, the question arises as to whether stroke and AF occurring with modified incidences in diabetic individuals under therapy with various classes of antihyperglycemic medications are interrelated and should be considered as a whole. At present, the medical literature lacks studies specifically designed to investigate a cause–effect relationship between the incidences of AF and stroke driven by different antidiabetic agents. In default of such proof, we reviewed the existing evidence correlating the major classes of glucose-controlling drugs with their associated risks for AF and stroke; however, supplementary proof is needed to explore a hypothetically causal relationship between these two, both of which display peculiar features in the setting of specific drug therapies for glycemic control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

Open AccessReview

Cognitive Function and Atrial Fibrillation: From the Strength of Relationship to the Dark Side of Prevention. Is There a Contribution from Sinus Rhythm Restoration and Maintenance?

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Medicina 2019, 55(9), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55090587 - 13 Sep 2019

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3162

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common chronic cardiac arrhythmia with an increasing prevalence over time mainly because of population aging. It is well established that the presence of AF increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, sudden death, and cardiovascular morbidity. In the last two decades several reports have shown an association between AF and cognitive function, ranging from impairment to dementia. Ischemic stroke linked to AF is a well-known risk factor and predictor of cognitive decline. In this clinical scenario, the risk of stroke might be reduced by oral anticoagulation. However, recent data suggest that AF may be a predictor of cognitive impairment and dementia also in the absence of stroke. Cerebral hypoperfusion, reduced brain volume, microbleeds, white matter hyperintensity, neuroinflammation, and genetic factors have been considered as potential mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of AF-related cognitive dysfunction. However, a cause-effect relationship remains still controversial. Consequently, no therapeutic strategies are available to prevent AF-related cognitive decline in stroke-free patients. This review will analyze the potential mechanisms leading to cognitive dysfunction in AF patients and examine the available data on the impact of a sinus rhythm restoration and maintenance strategy in reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

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Open AccessReview

Diagnosis and Management of Left Atrium Appendage Thrombosis in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Undergoing Cardioversion

Enrico Melillo

Giuseppe Palmiero

Adele Ferro

Paola Elvira Mocavero

Vittorio Monda

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Luigi Ascione

Medicina 2019, 55(9), 511; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55090511 - 21 Aug 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3850

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation is the most common cardiac arrhythmia and is associated with an increased risk of stroke and thromboembolic complications. A rhythm control strategy with both electrical and pharmacological cardioversion is recommended for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation. Anticoagulant therapy for 3–4 weeks prior to cardioversion is recommended in order to avoid thromboembolic events deriving from restoring sinus rhythm. Transesophageal echocardiography has a pivotal role in this setting, excluding the presence of left atrial appendage thrombus before cardioversion. The aim of this review is to discuss the epidemiology and risk factors for left atrial appendage thrombosis, the role of echocardiography in the decision making before cardioversion, and the efficacy of different anticoagulant regimens on the detection and treatment of left atrial appendage thrombosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

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Open AccessReview

Subclinical and Asymptomatic Atrial Fibrillation: Current Evidence and Unsolved Questions in Clinical Practice

Gaetano Maria De Ferrari

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Matteo Anselmino

Medicina 2019, 55(8), 497; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55080497 - 18 Aug 2019

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4110

Abstract

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) may be diagnosed due to symptoms, or it may be found as an incidental electrocardiogram (ECG) finding, or by implanted devices recordings in asymptomatic patients. While anticoagulation, according to individual risk profile, has proven definitely beneficial in terms of prognosis, rhythm control strategies only demonstrated consistent benefits in terms of quality of life. In fact, evidence collected by observational data showed significant benefits in terms of mortality, stroke incidence, and prevention of cognitive impairment for patients referred to AF catheter ablation compared to those medically treated, however randomized trials failed to confirm such results. The aims of this review are to summarize current evidence regarding the treatment specifically of subclinical and asymptomatic AF, to discuss potential benefits of rhythm control therapy, and to highlight unclear areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

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Open AccessReview

“A Tale of Two Cities”: Anticoagulation Management in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Prosthetic Valves in the Era of Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Giuseppe Palmiero

Enrico Melillo

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Antonino Salvatore Rubino

Medicina 2019, 55(8), 437; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55080437 - 04 Aug 2019

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2303

Abstract

Valvular heart disease and atrial fibrillation often coexist. Oral vitamin K antagonists have represented the main anticoagulation management for antithrombotic prevention in this setting for decades. Novel direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are a new class of drugs and currently, due to their well-established efficacy and security, they represent the main therapeutic option in non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Some new evidences are exploring the role of DOACs in patients with valvular atrial fibrillation (mechanical and biological prosthetic valves). In this review we explore the data available in the medical literature to establish the actual role of DOACs in patients with valvular heart disease and atrial fibrillation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

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Open AccessCase Report

Thromboembolic Events Following Atrial Fibrillation Cardioversion and Ablation: What’s the Culprit?

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Medicina 2019, 55(8), 505; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55080505 - 20 Aug 2019

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Abstract

Stroke is a rare but possible complication after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, its etiopathogenesis is far from being completely characterized. Here we report a case of stroke, with recurrent peripheral embolism after AF ablation procedure. In our patient, an in situ femoral vein thrombosis and iatrogenic atrial septal defect were simultaneously detected. A comprehensive review of multiple pathophysiological mechanisms of stroke in this context is provided. The case underlines the importance of a global evaluation of patients undergoing AF ablation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stroke, Dementia and Atrial Fibrillation)

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