Aylin Tugcu

LA volumes and reservoir function are associated with subclinical cerebrovascular disease: the CABL (Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions) study.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of left atrial (LA) phasic volumes and LA reservoir function with subclinical cerebrovascular disease in a stroke-free community-based cohort. BACKGROUND An increase in LA size is associated with cardiovascular events including stroke. However, it is not known whether LA phasic volumes and reservoir function are associated with subclinical cerebrovascular disease. METHODS The LA minimum (LAV(min)) and maximum (LAV(max)) volumes, and LA reservoir function, measured as total emptying volume (LAEV) and total emptying fraction (LAEF), were assessed by real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography in 455 stroke-free participants from the community-based CABL (Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions) study. Subclinical cerebrovascular disease was assessed as silent brain infarcts (SBI) and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) by brain magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS Prevalence of SBI was 15.4%; mean WMHV was 0.66 ± 0.92%. Participants with SBI showed greater LAV(min) (17.1 ± 9.3 ml/m(2) vs. 12.5 ± 5.6 ml/m(2), p < 0.01) and LAV(max) (26.6 ± 8.8 ml/m(2) vs. 23.3 ± 7.0 ml/m(2), p < 0.01) compared to those without SBI. The LAEV (9.5 ± 3.4 ml/m(2) vs. 10.8 ± 3.9 ml/m(2), p < 0.01) and LAEF (38.7 ± 14.7% vs. 47.0 ± 11.9%, p < 0.01) were also reduced in participants with SBI. In univariate analyses, greater LA volumes and smaller reservoir function were significantly associated with greater WMHV. In multivariate analyses, LAV(min) remained significantly associated with SBI (adjusted odds ratio per SD increase: 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 1.80, p < 0.05) and with WMHV (β = 0.12, p < 0.01), whereas LAVmax was not independently associated with either. Smaller LAEF was independently associated with SBI (adjusted odds ratio: 0.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.50 to 0.90, p < 0.01) and WMHV (β = -0.09, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Greater LA volumes and reduced LA reservoir function are associated with subclinical cerebrovascular disease detected by brain magnetic resonance imaging in subjects without history of stroke. In particular, LAV(min) and LAEF are more strongly associated with SBI and WMHV than the more commonly measured LAVmax, and their relationship with subclinical brain lesions is independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.

Septal pouch in the left atrium and risk of ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVES We sought to assess the association between the presence of a septal pouch in the left atrium and ischemic stroke. BACKGROUND It has been suggested that the presence of a left septal pouch (LSP) may favor the stasis of blood and possibly result in thromboembolic complications. However, the embolic potential of an LSP is not known. METHODS The association between an LSP and risk of stroke was assessed using a population-based case-control study design. The presence of an LSP was assessed by transesophageal echocardiography in 187 patients >50 years of age with a first-ever ischemic stroke (96 men, mean age 70.6 ± 9.0 years) and in 157 control subjects matched to patients by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. The association between an LSP and risk of stroke was assessed after adjustment for other stroke risk factors. RESULTS Patients with LSPs were younger than control subjects (67.5 ± 9.1 years vs. 69.6 ± 8.8 years; p = 0.046), with a lower prevalence of hypertension (68.0% vs. 80.3%; p = 0.01). There were no differences in the prevalence of LSPs between stroke patients and control subjects (28.9% vs. 29.3%, respectively; p = 0.93). The subgroup of 69 patients (36.9%) with cryptogenic stroke showed a similar prevalence of LSPs (31.9% vs. 29.3%; p = 0.70). Multivariable analysis showed that the presence of an LSP was not associated with ischemic stroke (odds ratio: 1.09; 95% confidence interval: 0.64 to 1.85) or cryptogenic stroke (odds ratio: 1.41; 95% confidence interval: 0.71 to 2.78). CONCLUSIONS This study does not demonstrate evidence of the association of the presence of an LSP with ischemic stroke or cryptogenic stroke. The stroke risk associated with LSPs requires further evaluation in the younger stroke populations. The cofactors that may turn an LSP from an innocent bystander to a causative mechanism for stroke remains to be elucidated.

LA Volumes and Reservoir Function Are Associated With Subclinical Cerebrovascular Disease

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of left atrial (LA) phasic volumes and LA reservoir function with subclinical cerebrovascular disease in a stroke-free community-based cohort. BACKGROUND An increase in LA size is associated with cardiovascular events including stroke. However, it is not known whether LA phasic volumes and reservoir function are associated with subclinical cerebrovascular disease. METHODS The LA minimum (LAV(min)) and maximum (LAV(max)) volumes, and LA reservoir function, measured as total emptying volume (LAEV) and total emptying fraction (LAEF), were assessed by real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography in 455 stroke-free participants from the community-based CABL (Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions) study. Subclinical cerebrovascular disease was assessed as silent brain infarcts (SBI) and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) by brain magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS Prevalence of SBI was 15.4%; mean WMHV was 0.66 ± 0.92%. Participants with SBI showed greater LAV(min) (17.1 ± 9.3 ml/m(2) vs. 12.5 ± 5.6 ml/m(2), p < 0.01) and LAV(max) (26.6 ± 8.8 ml/m(2) vs. 23.3 ± 7.0 ml/m(2), p < 0.01) compared to those without SBI. The LAEV (9.5 ± 3.4 ml/m(2) vs. 10.8 ± 3.9 ml/m(2), p < 0.01) and LAEF (38.7 ± 14.7% vs. 47.0 ± 11.9%, p < 0.01) were also reduced in participants with SBI. In univariate analyses, greater LA volumes and smaller reservoir function were significantly associated with greater WMHV. In multivariate analyses, LAV(min) remained significantly associated with SBI (adjusted odds ratio per SD increase: 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 1.80, p < 0.05) and with WMHV (β = 0.12, p < 0.01), whereas LAVmax was not independently associated with either. Smaller LAEF was independently associated with SBI (adjusted odds ratio: 0.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.50 to 0.90, p < 0.01) and WMHV (β = -0.09, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Greater LA volumes and reduced LA reservoir function are associated with subclinical cerebrovascular disease detected by brain magnetic resonance imaging in subjects without history of stroke. In particular, LAV(min) and LAEF are more strongly associated with SBI and WMHV than the more commonly measured LAVmax, and their relationship with subclinical brain lesions is independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.

Left ventricular mass-geometry and silent cerebrovascular disease: The Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions (CABL) study

Background Although abnormal left ventricular geometric patterns have prognostic value for morbidity and mortality, their possible association with silent cerebrovascular disease has not been extensively evaluated. Methods We examined 665 participants in the CABL study who underwent transthoracic echocardiography and brain magnetic resonance imaging. Participants were divided into 4 geometric patterns: normal geometry (n = 397), concentric remodeling (n = 89), eccentric hypertrophy (n = 126), and concentric hypertrophy (n = 53). Subclinical cerebrovascular disease was defined as silent brain infarcts (SBIs) and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV; expressed as log‐transformed percentage of the total cranial volume). Results Silent brain infarcts were observed in 94 participants (14%). Mean log‐WMHV was −0.97 ± 0.93. Concentric hypertrophy carried the greatest risk for both SBI (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.39, P < .001) and upper quartile of log‐WMHV (adjusted OR 3.35, P < .001), followed by eccentric hypertrophy (adjusted ORs 2.52 [P = .001 for SBI] and 1.96 [P = .004] for log‐WMHV). Concentric remodeling was not associated with subclinical brain disease. In subgroup analyses, concentric and eccentric hypertrophies were significantly associated with SBI and WMHV in both genders and nonobese participants, but differed for SBI by age (all ages for eccentric hypertrophy, only patients ≥70 years for concentric hypertrophy) and by race‐ethnicity (Hispanics for eccentric hypertrophy, blacks for concentric hypertrophy; no association in whites). Conclusions Left ventricular hypertrophy, with both eccentric and concentric patterns, was significantly associated with subclinical cerebrovascular disease in a multiethnic stroke‐free general population. Left ventricular geometric patterns may carry different risks for silent cerebrovascular disease in different sex, age, race‐ethnic, and body size subgroups.

Association of chronic kidney disease with impaired left atrial reservoir function: A community-based cohort study

Background Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation, although the pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the relationship between CKD and left atrial (LA) volume and function in a sample of the general population without overt cardiac disease. Design and methods We examined 358 participants from the Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions study. The LA minimum volume index (LAVImin), LA maximum volume index (LAVImax), and LA emptying fraction (LAEF) were assessed by real-time three-dimensional echocardiography. Based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the participants were divided into a CKD group (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2) and a non-CKD group (eGFR ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2). Results Of the 358 participants, 69 (19%) were classified as having CKD and 289 (81%) as non-CKD. Participants with CKD were older, had a greater prevalence of hypertension and use of antihypertensive drugs, a larger left ventricular (LV) mass index, and a higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction than those without CKD (all p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in LAVImax between the CKD and non-CKD groups (23.4 ± 7.1 vs. 22.8 ± 5.8 ml/m2, p = 0.47), whereas significant differences were observed for LAVImin (13.6 ± 5.5 vs. 12.0 ± 4.6 ml/m2, p = 0.01) and LAEF (42.7 ± 11.4 vs. 47.8 ± 11.5%, p = 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the eGFR was significantly associated with LAEF independent of age, LV mass index, and diastolic dysfunction (all p < 0.05). Conclusions Participants with CKD in an unselected community-based cohort had significantly impaired LA reservoir function. Assessment of LA function may add important information in the prognostic assessment of patients with CKD even in the absence of overt cardiac disease.

Atherosclerotic Plaques in the Aortic Arch and Subclinical Cerebrovascular Disease

Background and Purpose— Aortic arch plaque (AAP) is a risk factor for ischemic stroke, but its association with subclinical cerebrovascular disease is not established. We investigated the association between AAP and subclinical cerebrovascular disease in an elderly stroke-free community-based cohort. Methods— The CABL study (Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions) was designed to investigate cardiovascular predictors of silent cerebrovascular disease in the elderly. AAPs were assessed by suprasternal transthoracic echocardiography in 954 participants. Silent brain infarcts and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) were assessed by brain magnetic resonance imaging. The association of AAP thickness with silent brain infarcts and WMHV was evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Results— Mean age was 71.6±9.3 years; 63% were women. AAP was present in 658 (69%) subjects. Silent brain infarcts were detected in 138 participants (14.5%). In multivariate analysis adjusted for potential confounders, AAP thickness and large AAP (≥4 mm in thickness) were significantly associated with the upper quartile of WMHV (WMHV-Q4; odds ratio =1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–1.32; P=0.009 and odds ratio =1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.40–3.09; P=0.036, respectively), but not with silent brain infarcts (odds ratio =1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.94–1.23; P=0.265 and odds ratio =1.46; 95% confidence interval, 0.77–2.77; P=0.251, respectively). Conclusions— Aortic arch atherosclerosis was associated with WMHV in a stroke-free community-based elderly cohort. This association was stronger in subjects with large plaques and independent of cardiovascular risk factors. Aortic arch assessment by transthoracic echocardiography may help identify subjects at higher risk of subclinical cerebrovascular disease, who may benefit from aggressive stroke risk factors treatment.

Association Between Heart Rate and Subclinical Cerebrovascular Disease in the Elderly

Background and Purpose— Although increased heart rate (HR) is a predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality, its possible association with subclinical cerebrovascular disease, which is prevalent in the elderly, has not been evaluated. This study aimed to investigate the association of daytime, nighttime, 24-hour HR, and HR variability with subclinical cerebrovascular disease in an elderly cohort without history of stroke. Methods— The study cohort consisted of 680 participants (mean age, 73±7 years; 42% men) in sinus rhythm who underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure and HR monitoring, 2-dimensional echocardiography, and brain magnetic resonance imaging as part of the CABL study (Cardiac Abnormalities and Brain Lesion). Subclinical cerebrovascular disease was defined as silent brain infarcts and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV). The relationship of HR measures with the presence of silent brain infarct and upper quartile of log WMHV (log WMHV4) was analyzed. Results— Presence of silent brain infarct was detected in 93 participants (13.7%); mean log WMHV was −0.92±0.93 (median, −1.05; min, −5.88; max, 1.74). Multivariate analysis showed that only nighttime HR (adjusted odds ratio, 1.29 per 10 bpm; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.61; P=0.026) was significantly associated with log WMHV4, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, ambulatory systolic blood pressure, and echocardiographic parameters. No similar association was observed for daytime HR and HR variability. There was no significant association between all HR measures and silent brain infarct. Conclusions— In a predominantly elderly cohort, elevated nighttime HR was associated with WMHV, suggesting an independent role of HR in subclinical cerebrovascular disease.

Association of Blood Pressure Control Level With Left Ventricular Morphology and Function and With Subclinical Cerebrovascular Disease

Background Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and subclinical cerebrovascular disease are early manifestations of cardiac and brain target organ damage caused by hypertension. This study aimed to investigate whether intensive office systolic blood pressure (SBP) control has beneficial effects on LV morphology and function and subclinical cerebrovascular disease in elderly patients with hypertension. Methods and Results We examined 420 patients treated for hypertension without history of heart failure and stroke from the CABL (Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions) study. All patients underwent 2‐dimensional echocardiographic examination and brain magnetic resonance imaging. Subclinical cerebrovascular disease was defined as silent brain infarcts and white matter hyperintensity volume. Patients were divided into 3 groups: SBP <120 mm Hg (intensive control); SBP 120 to 139 mm Hg (less intensive control); and SBP ≥140 mm Hg (uncontrolled). Prevalence of LV hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction were lowest in the intensive control, intermediate in the less intensive control, and highest in the uncontrolled groups (12.8%, 31.8%, and 44.7%, respectively [P<0.001], for LV hypertrophy; 46.8%, 61.7%, and 72.6%, respectively [P=0.003], for diastolic dysfunction). Patients with less intensive SBP control had greater risk of LV hypertrophy than those with intensive control (adjusted odds ratio, 3.26; P=0.013). A similar trend was observed for LV diastolic dysfunction but did not reach statistical significance (adjusted odds ratio, 1.65; P=0.144). Conversely, intensive SBP control was not significantly associated with reduced risk of silent brain infarcts and white matter hyperintensity volume compared with less intensive control. Conclusions Compared with less intensive control, intensive SBP control may have a stronger beneficial effect on cardiac than cerebral subclinical disease.

GLOBAL LEFT ATRIAL DEFORMATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH SILENT BRAIN INFARCTS: THE CARDIOVASCULAR ABNORMALITIES AND BRAIN LESIONS (CABL) STUDY

Reduced left atrial (LA) function is associated with cardiovascular events including stroke. Silent brain infarct (SBI) is considered to be a precursor of symptomatic stroke, and has an overall prevalence ranging from 8% to 35% in the general elderly population. It is not known whether LA

Left Atrial Volumes and Reservoir Function Are Associated With Subclinical Cerebrovascular Disease: The Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions (CABL) Study

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of left atrial (LA) phasic volumes and LA reservoir function with subclinical cerebrovascular disease in a stroke-free community-based cohort. BACKGROUND An increase in LA size is associated with cardiovascular events including stroke. However, it is not known whether LA phasic volumes and reservoir function are associated with subclinical cerebrovascular disease. METHODS The LA minimum (LAV(min)) and maximum (LAV(max)) volumes, and LA reservoir function, measured as total emptying volume (LAEV) and total emptying fraction (LAEF), were assessed by real-time 3-dimensional echocardiography in 455 stroke-free participants from the community-based CABL (Cardiovascular Abnormalities and Brain Lesions) study. Subclinical cerebrovascular disease was assessed as silent brain infarcts (SBI) and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) by brain magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS Prevalence of SBI was 15.4%; mean WMHV was 0.66 ± 0.92%. Participants with SBI showed greater LAV(min) (17.1 ± 9.3 ml/m(2) vs. 12.5 ± 5.6 ml/m(2), p < 0.01) and LAV(max) (26.6 ± 8.8 ml/m(2) vs. 23.3 ± 7.0 ml/m(2), p < 0.01) compared to those without SBI. The LAEV (9.5 ± 3.4 ml/m(2) vs. 10.8 ± 3.9 ml/m(2), p < 0.01) and LAEF (38.7 ± 14.7% vs. 47.0 ± 11.9%, p < 0.01) were also reduced in participants with SBI. In univariate analyses, greater LA volumes and smaller reservoir function were significantly associated with greater WMHV. In multivariate analyses, LAV(min) remained significantly associated with SBI (adjusted odds ratio per SD increase: 1.37, 95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 1.80, p < 0.05) and with WMHV (β = 0.12, p < 0.01), whereas LAVmax was not independently associated with either. Smaller LAEF was independently associated with SBI (adjusted odds ratio: 0.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.50 to 0.90, p < 0.01) and WMHV (β = -0.09, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Greater LA volumes and reduced LA reservoir function are associated with subclinical cerebrovascular disease detected by brain magnetic resonance imaging in subjects without history of stroke. In particular, LAV(min) and LAEF are more strongly associated with SBI and WMHV than the more commonly measured LAVmax, and their relationship with subclinical brain lesions is independent of other cardiovascular risk factors.