Search Results (147)

Objective: This study aims to examine the association between the frailty index (FI) and stroke risk among Chinese adults, describe the burden of stroke in China, and explore the causal role of FI in ischemic stroke through Mendelian randomization. Methods: Data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) included 13,473 participants aged 45 years and older without a history of stroke. Cox models, restricted cubic splines, and sensitivity analyses were employed to assess the association between the modified frailty index (mFI) and incident stroke. Additionally, data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 data report were utilized to describe stroke trends in China from 1990 to 2021. Two-sample Mendelian randomization was conducted to evaluate the causal effects of FI on ischemic stroke subtypes. Results: During a median follow-up period of approximately 7 years, 811 incident strokes were recorded. Each 0.1-point increase in mFI was associated with a 16% increase in stroke risk (HR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06–1.27), demonstrating a linear dose–response relationship. From 1990 to 2021, the proportion of ischemic stroke rose from 46.9% to 63.2%. Mendelian randomization analysis provided genetic evidence supporting a causal association between FI and ischemic stroke (OR = 1.191, 95% CI: 1.046–1.357), particularly driven by large-artery atherosclerotic (OR = 1.852) and small-vessel stroke (OR = 1.415), but not by cardioembolic stroke. Conclusions: A higher FI is associated with an increased risk of stroke among Chinese adults, with genetic evidence supporting a causal role in ischemic stroke. Therefore, FI may serve as a valuable addition to existing risk assessment tools. Full article

Background/Objectives: Carotid perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) density on computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a noninvasive surrogate marker of local vascular inflammation, but its relevance to stroke etiology in a homogeneous cohort of patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) remains unclear. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 146 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with MT for acute middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion between May 2018 and August 2024. Baseline CTA was used to quantify carotid PVAT density with two 2–3 mm² circular regions of interest per internal carotid artery (ICA), placed ≥1 mm from the vessel wall. Measurements were performed bilaterally, and the ICA ipsilateral to the occluded MCA was defined as the stroke-side ICA. Etiology was classified according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) system and grouped as large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA), cardioembolism (CE), and other/undetermined (OD/UD). Interobserver agreement was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: The mean age was 72.21 ± 12.39 years; 83.6% of patients achieved successful recanalization (mTICI ≥ 2b), and 47.9% had a favorable 90-day outcome (mRS ≤ 2). In the LAA subgroup (n = 38), ipsilateral PVAT density was significantly higher (less negative) than contralateral PVAT density (−64.24 ± 11.74 vs. −78.22 ± 9.13 HU; p < 0.001). Ipsilateral PVAT density differed significantly across TOAST groups (ANOVA p = 0.004), being higher in LAA than in CE (Δ = 11.19 HU; p = 0.003) and OD/UD (Δ = 9.54 HU; p = 0.004). ROC analysis showed modest discrimination for LAA versus non-LAA stroke (AUC 0.67, 95% CI 0.58–0.75), with an optimal cutoff of −79 HU (sensitivity 92.1%, specificity 40.7%). In multivariable logistic regression, higher ipsilateral PVAT density was independently associated with LAA etiology (per 1-HU increase: OR 1.048, 95% CI 1.018–1.079; p = 0.0016). PVAT density was not associated with recanalization success or 90-day functional outcome. Conclusions: In patients with acute MCA occlusion undergoing MT, higher carotid PVAT density on the stroke side was independently associated with LAA stroke etiology but had limited value for predicting MT success or short-term clinical outcome. Full article

Background: Beyond the well-known etiologies of ischemic stroke associated with recognized vascular risk factors, the literature describes a spectrum of uncommon causes with low prevalence but significant diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Materials and methods: A case series report of seven rare etiopathogenic mechanisms (in patients aged 25–85) who presented within a 3-year interval (2022–2025) to our stroke unit at the Neurological Department—“St. Ap. Andrew” County Emergency Clinical Hospital in Galati, Romania. Results: The seven uncommon embolic stroke cases included three patients with infectious cerebral ischemia (hydatid cyst with double simultaneous embolism, mycotic aneurysm of the carotid artery, syphilis-associated stroke), three cases of rare cardioembolic strokes (patients with Lambl excrescences, cor triatriatum, left ventricular non-compaction), as well as one patient with multiple etiological associations triggering acute stroke. Conclusions: Rare etiologies of ischemic stroke should be actively considered when classical vascular risk factors are absent, particularly in young patients. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation is mandatory, especially in cases of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Such cases represent significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges and require a multidisciplinary approach to optimize patient outcomes. Full article

Migraine affects over one billion individuals worldwide and is increasingly recognized as a systemic disorder with broad cardiovascular comorbidities extending beyond its neurological profile. Despite growing epidemiological evidence, the intersections of migraine with cardiovascular risk stratification, stroke mechanisms, endothelial dysfunction, neuroimaging findings, and neurocognitive profiles remain incompletely mapped. Following the PRISMA-ScR framework, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE for recent (2015–2025) English-language human studies with large sample sizes (≥400) examining cardiovascular outcomes, vascular biomarkers, neuroimaging, or endothelial function in adult migraine populations. The protocol was preregistered on OSF. Forty-three studies encompassing more than 1,500,000 participants across seven thematic domains were included. Migraine with aura was consistently associated with increased ischemic stroke risk in a non-atherosclerotic pattern, with evidence suggesting potential cardioembolic mechanisms including patent foramen ovale and atrial fibrillation. Active episodic migraine paradoxically showed inverse associations with traditional cardiovascular risk scores, while inflammatory biomarkers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and fibrinogen remained interictally elevated, and white matter hyperintensity burden was substantially higher than controls, though available evidence did not indicate increased dementia risk. Cardiovascular disease may represent a clinically relevant comorbidity of migraine, warranting integrated multidisciplinary management. Future studies should prioritize sex-stratified longitudinal designs with aura-specific risk modeling and cerebral endothelial assessment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is part of the diagnostic workup in acute ischemic stroke, it is not cost-effective to use it for all patients. Guidelines recommend using it only for selected patients to guide secondary prevention. Neurologist-led, stroke-focused cardiac ultrasound (S-FoCUS) is an emerging bedside screening tool that optimizes cardiac evaluation in acute stroke care. We hypothesize that the implementation of S-FoCUS screening may reduce resource utilization in terms of hospital stay and TTE procedures. Methods: We conducted a retrospective before-and-after cohort study of patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke or TIA admitted to our comprehensive stroke center. We compared two 6-month periods: the pre-S-FoCUS period, during which patients underwent TTE as the initial cardiac imaging modality; and the post-S-FoCUS period, during which patients initially underwent S-FoCUS, with subsequent TTE performed only in the presence of abnormal findings or at the clinician’s discretion. We compared the time from admission to first cardiac ultrasound assessment, length of stay, relative reduction in TTE procedures and estimated in-hospital costs. Results: The pre-S-FoCUS period included 224 patients, and the post-S-FoCUS period included 229 patients. The S-FoCUS protocol reduced the median time to first cardiac ultrasound assessment by two days (median [IQR] 3 [2–5] vs. 1 [1–2], p < 0.001) and the median length of stay by one day (6 [4–9] vs. 5 [3–10], p = 0.014). Implementing the S-FoCUS protocol was associated with an exploratory estimate of lower in-hospital costs (approximately €716 per screened patient) driven mainly by a shorter length of stay. The distribution of the frequency of predefined cardioembolic sources was similar between both periods. There was a high agreement rate between the S-FoCUS and TTE findings in patients who underwent both tests: mitral stenosis (κ = 0.78), left atrial severe enlargement (κ = 0.74), left ventricular hypokinesia/akinesia (κ = 0.84), and depressed LVEF (κ = 0.88). Conclusions: Neurologist-led S-FoCUS is a feasible triage strategy to improve efficiency in the acute stroke pathway. Full article

Background: The Circle of Willis (CoW) is a key collateral pathway that enables communication between the anterior and posterior cerebral circulations. However, anatomical variations in the A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery, such as hypoplasia or aplasia, can alter hemodynamics and may compromise this collateral function. While incomplete CoW configurations have been linked to aneurysm formation and altered patterns of hemorrhage, their role in the distribution of cerebral infarctions remains controversial. We aimed to explore the association between A1 segment hypoplasia/aplasia and infarct laterality across different etiological subtypes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients with unilateral anterior circulation infarction admitted between April 2017 and March 2023. The CoW was assessed by magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). A1 segment hypoplasia was defined as a segment diameter <1 mm, and A1 aplasia was defined as non-visualization on MRA. The side with hypoplasia or aplasia was defined as the minor side, and the contralateral side as dominant. We assessed whether infarction occurred on the minor or dominant side. Results: Among 198 patients with unilateral anterior circulation infarction classified as lacunar, cardioembolic stroke (CES), or embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), 30% had A1 hypoplasia or aplasia, with similar prevalence across subtypes. Infarcts occurred on the A1 dominant side in 53% of lacunar, 55% of ESUS, and 75% of CES cases. Although this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.43), it should be interpreted with caution given the limited sample size. Conclusions: The rates of A1 hypoplasia and aplasia were similar across stroke types. No statistically significant association was identified. The findings remain inconclusive given the limited sample size. These results should be considered exploratory and hypothesis-generating. Full article

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are not candidates for long-term anticoagulation present a complex therapeutic dilemma due to competing risks of cardioembolic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). This challenge is particularly pronounced in neurologically vulnerable individuals, including those with prior ICH, cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), or neuroimaging markers of cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has emerged as an alternative stroke prevention strategy for patients with contraindications to anticoagulation; however, optimal patient selection and post-procedural antithrombotic management remain uncertain, largely because existing bleeding risk scores inadequately capture ICH risk. Most hemorrhagic risk scores were designed to estimate systemic bleeding and demonstrate limited ability to predict ICH, as they do not incorporate hemorrhage etiology or neuroimaging features. Importantly, ICH recurrence risk varies substantially by subtype, with the highest risk observed in CAA-related hemorrhage, the lowest in hypertensive SVD, and intermediate risk in mixed or secondary etiologies. These distinctions have direct implications for anticoagulation decisions and consideration of LAAO. Finally, we synthesize contemporary evidence on ICH risk stratification, neuroimaging biomarkers, and antithrombotic strategies following LAAO. We propose a multidisciplinary, evidence-based decision-making framework integrating clinical risk scores, neuroimaging findings, and hemorrhage phenotype to support individualized stroke prevention strategies in high-risk patients with AF. Full article

Background: Cerebrovascular accidents (stroke) remain a leading global cause of death and disability, with its burden increasingly overlapping the rising prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and diabetes mellitus (DM). These highly prevalent cardiometabolic conditions frequently coexist and may jointly amplify cerebrovascular risk through shared and interacting pathophysiologic pathways. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the independent and combined contributions of OSA and DM to cerebrovascular complications, with emphasis on mechanisms, stroke outcomes and implications for screening and integrated management. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library to identify English-language articles published between January 2000 and December 2024. Search terms combined OSA or sleep-disordered breathing with stroke or cerebrovascular disease and DM or hyperglycemia. Secondary searches targeted mechanistic domains including intermittent hypoxia, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, atrial fibrillation, hypercoagulability, and bariatric surgery. Priority was given to systematic reviews and meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and large prospective cohort studies, with smaller studies included when mechanistically informative. Findings were synthesized thematically across OSA-related mechanisms, DM-related mechanisms, bidirectional interactions, combined risk through metabolic syndrome, stroke outcomes, and clinical management considerations. Results: OSA is associated with increased cerebrovascular risk through intermittent hypoxemia-related oxidative stress and inflammation, sympathetic activation with blood pressure surges and sustained hypertension, endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, impaired cerebral autoregulation, arrhythmogenesis, particularly atrial fibrillation and prothrombotic changes. DM increases stroke risk via accelerated atherosclerosis, cerebral small vessel disease, endothelial injury, hypercoagulability, glycemic variability, and cardioembolic mechanisms. Evidence indicates that coexisting OSA and DM are common and associated with greater vascular injury markers, higher rates of cerebrovascular events, and poorer post-stroke recovery. Conclusions: OSA and DM contribute to cerebrovascular complications through convergent mechanisms centered on metabolic syndrome, obesity, inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and thrombosis. These findings support proactive screening and coordinated management strategies to reduce cerebrovascular risk and improve outcomes. Full article

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is consistently associated with cognitive impairment and dementia through mechanisms that extend beyond classical cardioembolic stroke. However, the relative contribution of these pathways and the effectiveness of available therapeutic strategies for preserving cognition remain uncertain, as most data come from observational studies with a substantial risk of bias. Objectives: This review narratively synthesizes contemporary evidence on epidemiology, pathophysiological mechanisms, therapeutic strategies—including anticoagulation, rhythm control, and comprehensive risk-factor management—and the role of digital health technologies in the relationship between AF and cognitive decline. Methods: We performed a narrative, PRISMA-informed scoping review of observational cohorts, mechanistic studies, randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published up to January 2026, identified through structured searches in MEDLINE/PubMed and complementary sources. Studies were selected if they examined (i) associations between AF and cognitive impairment or dementia, (ii) mechanistic pathways linking AF to brain injury, (iii) therapeutic interventions with cognitive or brain imaging outcomes, or (iv) digital health technologies applied to AF management. Heterogeneity in study design and outcome assessment precluded meta-analysis; therefore, we provide a qualitative synthesis, explicitly distinguishing observational evidence from randomized data and discussing key sources of confounding. Risk of bias was evaluated using validated tools: ROBINS-I for non-randomized studies, RoB 2.0 for RCTs, Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for observational cohorts, and AMSTAR-2 for systematic reviews. Results: Large population-based cohorts and meta-analyses indicate that AF is associated with a 1.4–2.2-fold higher risk of cognitive impairment or incident dementia, even after adjustment for shared vascular risk factors and exclusion of patients with prior stroke; nevertheless, residual confounding and selection bias cannot be excluded. Silent cerebral infarcts are detected in roughly one-quarter to two-fifths of AF patients without clinical stroke and are themselves associated with cognitive deficits, suggesting that subclinical embolism represents one important, but not exclusive, pathway. Additional mechanisms include chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, neuroinflammation, small vessel disease, and structural brain atrophy, all of which are incompletely disentangled from comorbidities. Observational data suggest that oral anticoagulation, particularly with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), is associated with lower rates of dementia compared with no anticoagulation or warfarin, but randomized trials such as BRAIN-AF and GIRAF have not demonstrated a clear cognitive benefit, underlining the low-to-moderate certainty of this evidence. Rhythm-control interventions, especially catheter ablation, are associated with lower dementia incidence in registry studies, yet strong selection effects and short follow-up limit causal inference. Digital health tools and ABC-pathway mobile applications improve cardiovascular outcomes and adherence, although cognitive endpoints remain largely unexplored. Conclusions: AF should be conceptualized as a neurovascular condition with important implications for brain health, rather than a purely cardiac rhythm disorder confined to stroke prevention. A comprehensive heart–brain management strategy that combines optimal anticoagulation, individualized rhythm control, aggressive vascular risk factor modification, routine cognitive screening in older or high-risk patients, and judicious use of digital health technologies may offer the best opportunity for preserving cognition, although rigorous trials with cognitive endpoints are still needed to establish causality. Full article

Background and objective: Evidence of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) and oral anticoagulants (OACs) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients with intermediate-to-borderline high stroke risk is scarce. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of these treatments in the latter clinical population. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included NVAF patients with CHA₂DS₂-VA scores of 1–2 and used 1:1 propensity score matching (184 patients per group) to compare efficacy and safety outcomes. The primary efficacy outcome was a composite of stroke, transient ischemic attacks, systemic embolism, and cardiovascular death during follow-up. Adverse safety events were categorized into peri-procedure (LAAC group) and non-procedural (both groups) events. Results: Over a mean follow-up of 48.93 ± 28.50 months, a total of 26 patients (7.07%) reached the primary composite efficacy endpoint. The LAAC group showed a significantly higher incidence of the efficacy endpoint compared to the OAC group (HR = 3.09; 95% CI 1.22–7.85; log-rank p = 0.01). Procedure-related events occurred in five LAAC patients (one contributing to primary endpoint), while non-procedural bleeding rates were similar (0.54% vs. 1.09%; p = 0.56). Subgroup analyses suggested concomitant ablation of NVAF in LAAC group did not significantly improve efficacy composite endpoints (HR = 0.47). Conclusions: In NVAF patients with intermediate-to-high stroke risk, OACs were more effective than LAAC in preventing thromboembolic events, with comparable rates of clinically relevant bleeding. Full article

Background: Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, remains endemic throughout Latin America but is increasingly reported in urban areas due to migration and vector adaptation. The cardiac form is the most severe manifestation, associated with arrhythmia, mural thrombus formation, and a high risk of cardioembolic events. Stroke secondary to Chagas cardiomyopathy is uncommon and poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Case Presentation: A 58-year-old woman with serologic evidence of T. cruzi infection presented with sudden-onset dyspnea, oppressive chest pain, and left-sided weakness. Neurological examination revealed left brachiocrural hemiparesis and mild dysarthria (NIHSS = 9). Non-contrast cranial CT showed an acute infarct in the right middle cerebral artery territory (ASPECTS = 7). Electrocardiography demonstrated typical atrial flutter with variable conduction, and transthoracic echocardiography revealed a markedly dilated left atrium containing a mural thrombus and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 45%. Intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase (0.9 mg/kg) was administered within 4.5 h of symptom onset. Pharmacologic rhythm control was achieved using intravenous and oral amiodarone, followed by oral anticoagulation with warfarin (target INR 2.0–3.0) after excluding hemorrhagic transformation. The patient showed rapid neurological improvement (NIHSS reduction from 9 to 2) and was discharged on day 10 with minimal residual deficit (mRS = 1), sinus rhythm, and stable hemodynamics. Conclusions: This case highlights the rare coexistence of Chagas cardiomyopathy, atrial flutter, and cardioembolic stroke due to left atrial thrombus. Early recognition, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and multidisciplinary management were key to achieving a favorable outcome. Timely diagnosis and intervention remain crucial to preventing severe complications in patients with Chagas disease. Full article

Background/Objectives: Only limited data on the characteristics and outcomes of patients with multiple acute concomitant cerebral infarcts (MACCI) exist. MACCI may imply a cardioembolic source and echocardiography is important in evaluating for potential embolic sources. However, data comparing echocardiographic features in MACCI to those observed in patients with single presumed embolic cerebral infarctions (SACI) are lacking. Thus, we aim to compare echocardiographic features between MACCI and SACI patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from a prospective stroke registry. The diagnosis of stroke secondary to MACCI and SACI was confirmed by MRI. Data on echocardiographic features, demographics, medical history, and functional status were extracted and compared between the groups. Results: Overall, 145 patients were included (83 SACI and 62 MACCI). MACCI patients were significantly older (mean ± sd 68.08 ± 13.04 vs. 62.70 ± 14.18; p = 0.021) and had higher rates of diabetes (35% vs. 25%; p = 0.014) and prior strokes (15% vs. 8%; p = 0.032). The only echocardiographic parameter that differed between the groups was left ventricular mass index (LVMI), which was significantly higher in the MACCI group after adjusting for age (aOR 1.02, 95% CI [1,1.04]; p = 0.042). MACCI was associated with higher mortality rates (34.4% vs. 18.1%, p = 0.041). No correlation was found between LVMI and stroke severity or outcomes. Conclusions: LVMI was significantly higher in MACCI patients, possibly reflecting undiagnosed hypertension, cardiomyopathy or systemic disease as potential thromboembolic mechanisms responsible for stroke. Larger studies are needed to further assess its potential role in the pathology of MACCI. Full article

Background/Objectives: Non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) is a common arrhythmia in the elderly and carries a high risk of cardioembolic stroke. Oral anticoagulation is central to prevention, with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) increasingly replacing warfarin due to better safety and convenience. However, major bleeding remains a key concern, particularly in older patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of major bleeding among elderly patients (≥65 years) with NVAF treated with oral anticoagulants. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 886 elderly NVAF patients managed at a tertiary hospital between January 2012 and December 2023. Data on demographics, anticoagulant type, comorbidities, and bleeding events were collected. Associations between categorical variables were tested using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, while logistic regression identified predictors of major bleeding. Results: The mean age was 78.4 ± 7.2 years, with equal gender distribution. Most patients (87.1%) received DOACs, while 12.9% were prescribed warfarin. A total of 63 patients (7.1%) experienced major bleeding, including 51 (6.6%) in the DOAC group and 12 (10.5%) in the warfarin group. Intracranial and intra-/retroperitoneal hemorrhages were most common. Logistic regression showed older age, prior bleeding, a higher HASBLED score, and antiplatelet use as significant predictors. Among patients with a recorded weight (n = 70), dosing adherence was better for apixaban and edoxaban compared to dabigatran and rivaroxaban. Conclusions: DOACs were associated with fewer major bleeding events than warfarin. Bleeding risk was strongly linked to age, prior bleeding, HASBLED score, and concomitant antiplatelet therapy, highlighting the importance of appropriate DOAC dosing for safety. Full article

Methamphetamine (MA) abuse has emerged as a multisystem insult driving cardiovascular and neurovascular consequences. Methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy (MACM) remains an underrecognized cause of cardioembolic stroke through left ventricular thrombus (LVT) formation. MA-induced gut dysbiosis and enteric neural disruption exacerbate systemic inflammation and autonomic imbalance, resulting in broader dysregulation of the brain–heart–gut axis. This study aimed to synthesize contemporary evidence on chronic MA exposure and its role in LVT formation, stroke pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, and anticoagulation management. We conducted a focused narrative review of PubMed- and Scopus-indexed literature (1990–2025) addressing cardiovascular, neurovascular, and gut-mediated consequences of chronic MA exposure. Observational cohorts and case reports were integrated to characterize pathophysiology, imaging approaches, and therapeutic considerations, supplemented by a representative clinical case. Chronic MA exposure mediates persistent catecholamine excess, myocardial fibrosis, ventricular dysfunction, and a prothrombotic milieu. Gut dysbiosis-related inflammation and autonomic dysregulation further promote intracardiac stasis. Affected individuals are typically young men with severe systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction 20–30%), with a substantial proportion demonstrating apical or mural LVT on systematic imaging. Case-level evidence highlights a broader systemic embolic burden, involving the limbs, kidneys, and aorta. Echocardiography remains the first-line screening method, while cardiac CT and MRI offer greater sensitivity for thrombus detection. Anticoagulation is challenged by bleeding risk, inconsistent adherence, and the absence of standardized protocols. MACM represents a critical and underrecognized etiology of cardioembolic stroke in young adults. Early recognition of brain–heart–gut axis disruption, systematic cardiac imaging, and individualized anticoagulation are crucial for preventing emboli. Prospective registries and standardized imaging-guided treatment strategies are needed to improve outcomes in this high-risk population. Full article

A significant portion of embolic strokes occurs without documented atrial fibrillation (AF), challenging the traditional paradigm of cardioembolism. This review addresses the emerging concept of “atrial cardiopathy” as a distinct clinical entity—an underlying atrial substrate abnormality, characterized by fibrosis and dysfunction, that promotes thromboembolism independent of AF. We posit that AF is often a late-stage manifestation of atrial cardiopathy, not the sole trigger for thrombosis. This paper synthesizes the growing evidence linking biomarkers of atrial cardiopathy to Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source (ESUS). This new framework has profound clinical implications, suggesting a shift from arrhythmia detection to assessing atrial substrate health for stroke risk stratification. Recognizing atrial cardiopathy is fundamental for developing novel “upstream” therapies, such as targeted anticoagulation, aimed at preventing both AF and its devastating thromboembolic consequences. This review critically evaluates the evidence and translational gaps in the field, synthesizing the emerging role of advanced computational modeling as a key future tool for personalized risk stratification. Full article