Introduction: Cardioembolism is a cause of 14-30% of all acute ischemic strokes (AIS). It is responsible for the highest rates of hospital mortality in patients with AIS. We wanted to determine the predictors of early neurological improvement (ENI) and favorable functional outcome after 3 months (FFO) within this group of patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis.
Material and methods: Research involved 72 patients with AIS. Baseline and 24 hours after treatment NIHSS were assessed, while mRS was used for functional estimation after 3 months. ENI was defined as a 40% or greater decrease of NIHSS after 24 hours, or NIHSS after 24h ≤ 3. FFO was defined as mRS 0-2. Independent predictors of ENI and FFO were assessed by using binary logistic regression. ROC analysis was used for determining sensitivity and specificity of models.
Results: Patients’ average age was 69 years (range 40-86), with median NIHSS of 17 (IQR 13-18). ENI was achieved by 32%, while FFO by 42% of patients. Predictors of ENI were: age under 71 (OR: 5,69, 95% CI: 1,49-21,76; p = 0,011) and baseline platelets number > 202 x 109/L (OR: 6,12, 95% CI: 1,56-24,07; p = 0,010). Significant FFO predictors were: lowering blood pressure before IV thrombolysis (OR: 6,73, 95% CI: 1,69-26,69; p = 0,007), PACI (OR: 4,18, 95% CI: 1,05-16,63; p = 0,042) and ENI (OR: 14,89, 95% CI: 3,07-72,35; p = 0,001).
Conclusion: PACI, lowering blood pressure before treatment and ENI are good predictors of FFO after 3 months in patients with cardioembolic AIS in anterior circulation.

PREDICTORS OF FAVOURABLE OUTCOME IN NON-LACUNAR CARDIOEMBOLIC STROKE IN ANTERIOR CIRCULATION AFTER INTRAVENOUS THROMBOLYSIS