Background: Cryptogenic stroke, now defined as embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS), represents about a quarter of all ischemic strokes and the reoccurrence is high. Understanding this stroke subtype better would likely guide treatment recommendations. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that left atrial (LA) shape and function at rest, as well as with exercise, are abnormal compared to matched normal controls.
Methods: The study design was prospective enrollment of ESUS subjects who underwent measurement of LA function at rest and exercise by 2D and 3D echocardiograms. The exercise portion of the study was conducted using a ramped supine bicycle protocol during which LA function was measured. Stroke subjects were matched with normal subjects by age, gender, and body surface area.
Results: Over a 1-year enrollment period, 18 ESUS patients met inclusionary criteria and were studied. Their average age was 58 years old and 44% were female. ESUS subjects have larger LA end-diastolic volume at rest (14 versus 11 mL/m2, P = .04) and with exercise (11 versus 6 mL/m2, P = .001) compared to normal controls. In ESUS, there was a lack of response to maximal exercise of LA function as measured by the LA ejection fraction (61% versus 73% P = .001) and the LA function index (.68 versus .82, P = .02). The 3D analysis showed spherical remodeling of the LA in ESUS. This remodeling was documented by the sphericity index, which was increased in both diastole (.40 versus .32, P = .02) and systole (.63 versus .71 P = .03).
Conclusions: In support of our hypothesis, we found that ESUS subjects have LA dysfunction and remodeling at rest and exercise in comparison to healthy, matched controls. Evaluation of the left atrium in this high-risk stroke subtype has potential to inform stroke prevention strategies and to suggest pathways for research.
Keywords: Cryptogenic stroke; echocardiogram; embolic stroke of undetermined source; left atrial dysfunction.
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