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BackgroundDespite the proven cost effectiveness of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to large vessel occlusion, treatment within 6 hours from symptom onset remains inaccessible for many patients. We aimed to find the optimal number and location of treatment facilities with respect to the cost effectiveness of MT in patients with AIS, first by the most cost effective implementation of comprehensive stroke centers (CSCs), and second by the most cost effective addition of complementary thrombectomy capable stroke centers (TSCs). MethodsThis study was based on nationwide observational data comprising 18 793 patients with suspected AIS potentially eligible for treatment with MT. The most cost effective solutions were attained by solving the p median facility location-allocation problem with the objective function of maximizing the incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) of MT compared with no MT in patients with AIS. Deterministic sensitivity analysis (DSA) was used as the basis of the results analysis. ResultsThe implementation strategy with seven CSCs produced the highest annual INMB per patient of all possible solutions in the base case scenario. The most cost effective implementation strategy of the extended scenario comprised seven CSCs and four TSCs. DSA revealed sensitivity to variability in MT rate and the maximum willingness to pay per quality adjusted life year gained. ConclusionThe combination of optimization modeling and cost effectiveness analysis provides a powerful tool for configuring the extent and locations of CSCs (and TSCs). The most cost effective implementation of CSCs in Sweden entails 24/7 MT services at all seven university hospitals., Funding Agencies|Center for Advanced Research in Emergency Response (CARER) at Linkoeping University, Sweden; Region Ostergotland, Sweden

The purpose of this study was to cross-culturally validate the Swedish version of the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS-S) for use in the acute phase of stroke. Further, to evaluate the inter-rater reliability between different healthcare professionals. GUSS was translated into Swedish using a forward-backward method followed by expert rating to obtain content validity. For criterion validity, the GUSS-S score was compared with Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) assessed with the Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) in acute stroke patients (≤ 96 h after stroke onset). Convergent validity was calculated by comparison with the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) as per the comprehensive FEES assessment, the Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA), and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). To evaluate inter-rater reliability, a nurse and a speech-language pathologist (SLP) independently assessed 30 patients. In total, 80 patients (32 women, median age 77 years (range 29–93) were included, mean 1.7 ± 0.9 days after admission. With a cut-off value of 14 points, the GUSS-S identified aspiration with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 73% (area under the curve: 0.87, 95% CI 0.78–0.95). Spearman rank correlation showed very strong correlation between the GUSS-S and PAS (rs=-0.718, P = < 0.001) and FOIS (rs=0.720, P = 0.001) and strong correlation between the GUSS-S and SSA (rs=0.545, P = < 0.001) and NIHSS (rs=-0.447, P = 0.001). The inter-rater agreement for GUSS-S was substantial (Kw=0.67, P = < 0.001). The results indicate that the GUSS-S is a valid and reliable tool for the assessment of dysphagia in acute stroke patients by different healthcare professionals.

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA), and AF detection can be challenged by asymptomatic and paroxysmal presentation. Long-term ECG monitoring after ischaemic stroke or TIA is recommended by all major societies in cardiology and cerebrovascular medicine as a secondary prophylactic measure. However, data on stroke reduction are lacking, and the recommendations show significant diversity. Methods and analysis: AF SPICE is a multicentre, national, investigator-initiated, randomised, parallel-group, register-based trial comparing extended ECG monitoring versus standard ECG monitoring in patients admitted with ischaemic stroke or TIA, with a composite endpoint of stroke, all-cause-mortality and intracerebral bleeding. Patients aged ≥70 years without previous AF will be randomised 1:1 to control (standard ECG monitoring) or intervention (extended ECG monitoring). In the control arm, patients will undergo 48±24 hours (ie, a range of 24-72 hours) of continuous ECG monitoring according to national recommendations. In the intervention arm, patients will undergo 14+14 days of continuous ECG monitoring 3 months apart using an ECG patch device, which will provide an easy-accessed, well-tolerated 14-day continuous ECG recording. All ECG patch recordings will be read in a core facility. In cases of AF detection, oral anticoagulation will be recommended if not contraindicated. A pilot phase has been concluded in 2022, which will transcend into the main trial during 2023-2026, including approximately 30 stroke units. The sample size was calculated to be 3262 patients. The primary outcome will be collected from register data during a 36-month follow-up. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval has been provided by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority, reference 2021-02770. The trial will be conducted according to the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and national regulatory standards.

Objective: To assess if intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) affects the risk of recurrent preoperative cerebrovascular events before carotid surgery or stenting in patients with symptomatic ≥ 50% carotid stenosis. Methods: Three cohorts of symptomatic ≥ 50% carotid stenosis patients were merged. To make the control group relevant, we excluded patients not presenting with stroke on the day of symptom onset. The risk of preoperative cerebrovascular events up to 30 days were compared between the IVT-treated and non-IVT-treated. Results: 316 patients were included, 64 (20%) treated with IVT. Those treated with IVT had similar risk of recurrent ipsilateral ischemic stroke or retinal artery occlusion (12% at day 7, 12% at day 30) as those not treated (9% at day 7, 15% at day 30; adjusted HR 0.9, 95%CI 0.4-2.2). There was a tendency (p=0.09) towards time-dependency in the data where the recurrence risk was higher in IVT treated at day 0 (6% in IVT-treated, 1% in non-IVT-treated, OR 5.5, 95%CI 1.2-25.4, p=0.03). This was not significant when adjusting for co-factors (adjusted OR 4.4, 95%CI 0.9-21.8, p=0.07) and was offset by a later risk decrease, with no remaining risk difference between IVT-treated and non-IVT treated at day 7. Conclusions: IVT treatment does not seem to affect the risk of recurrent ipsilateral ischemic stroke in patients with symptomatic ≥ 50% carotid stenosis: The risk is high in both IVT-treated and non-IVT-treated. However, there might be a risk increase on the day of IVT treatment that is offset by a risk decrease during the first week.

Objectives: The risk of cardiovascular disease is associated with the echo intensity of carotid plaques in ultrasound images and their cardiac cycle-induced intensity variations. In this study, we aimed to 1) explore the underlying origin of echo intensity variations by using simulations and 2) evaluate the association between the two-dimensional (2D) spatial distribution of these echo intensity variations and plaque vulnerability. Methods: First, we analyzed how out-of-plane motion and compression of simulated scattering spheres of different sizes affect the ultrasound echo intensity. Next, we propose a method to analyze the features of the 2D spatial distribution of interframe plaque echo intensity in carotid ultrasound image sequences and explore their associations with plaque vulnerability in experimental data. Results: The simulations showed that the magnitude of echo intensity changes was similar for both the out-of-plane motion and compression, but for scattering objects smaller than 1 mm radius, the out-of-plane motion dominated. In experimental data, maps of the 2D spatial distribution of the echo intensity variations had a low correlation with standard B-mode echo intensity distribution, indicating complementary information on plaque tissue composition. In addition, we found the existence of ∼1 mm diameter subregions with pronounced echo intensity variations associated with plaque vulnerability. Conclusions: The results indicate that out-of-plane motion contributes to intra-plaque regions of high echo intensity variation. The 2D echo intensity variation maps may provide complementary information for assessing plaque composition and vulnerability. Further studies are needed to verify this method's role in identifying vulnerable plaques and predicting cardiovascular disease risk.

Background: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for ischemic stroke (IS) beyond 6 hours has been proven effective in randomized controlled trials. We present data on implementation and outcomes for EVT beyond 6 hours in Sweden. Methods: We included all cases of anterior circulation IS caused by occlusion of the intracranial carotid artery, and the M1 or M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery, registered in two nationwide quality registers for stroke in 2015-2020. Three groups were defined from onset-to-groin-puncture (OTG) time: early window (<6 hours), late window (6-24 hours) known onset, late window last seen well (LSW). Favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2) and all-cause mortality at 90 days were the main outcomes, and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) was the safety outcome. Results: Late window EVT increased from 0.3% of all IS in 2015 to 1.8% in 2020, and from 17.4% of all anterior circulation EVTs in 2015 to 32.9% in 2020. Of 2199 patients, 76.9% (n=1690) were early window EVTs and 23.1% late window EVTs (n=509; 141 known onset, 368 LSW). Median age was 73 years, and 46.2% were female, with no differences between groups. Favorable outcome did not differ between groups (early window 42.4%, late window known onset 38.9%, late window LSW 37.3% (p=0.737)) and remained similar when adjusted for baseline differences. sICH rates did not differ (early window 4.0%, late window known onset 2.1%, late window LSW 4.9% (p=0.413)). Conclusion: Late window EVTs have increased substantially over time, and currently account for one third of anterior circulation treatments. Early and late window patients had similar outcomes.

Background: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is standard of care for anterior circulation acute ischemic stroke (AIS) caused by large vessel occlusion (LVO), but data on nationwide performance in routine healthcare are sparse. The study aims were to describe EVT patients with LVO AIS, analyze mortality and functional outcome, and compare results with randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Methods: Data from the Riksstroke and the Swedish Endovascular Treatment of Acute Stroke Registry (RSEVAS) on pre-stroke independent patients, with LVO AIS in 2017–2019, defined as occlusion of the intracranial internal carotid artery, or the M1 or M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery, and groin puncture <6 h of onset, were compared to aggregated HERMES collaboration RCT data. We assessed 90-day survival and function, defined by the modified Rankin Scale. Specific analyzes were stratified by occlusion location. Results: In all, 1011/2560 of RSEVAS patients matched RCT inclusion criteria. Compared with RCT data, patients were older (73 vs. 68), fewer received intravenous thrombolysis (63.1% vs. 83%), and M2 occlusions were more common (24.5% vs. 8%). 90-day survival in RSEVAS was 85.3%, 42.8% achieved good outcome and 5% had symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH). Corresponding outcomes in RCT data were 84.7% survival, 46% good outcome, and 4.4% sICH. Functional outcome was most favorable following M2 occlusions. Conclusions: EVT patients from our large real-world national dataset differed from RCT patients in several baseline factors including distribution of vascular occlusion site. However, the overall outcome of EVT in our Swedish cohort appeared to well match the pivotal trial findings.

Objective: Current European guidelines recommend both eversion carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and conventional CEA with routine patch closure, rather than routine primary closure. Polyester and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) have been used as patch material for a long time. More recently, bovine pericardium has been used; however, there are few studies comparing long term results between bovine pericardium and other patch types. The aim of this study was to investigate the short and long term results after CEA depending on surgical technique and patch material. Methods: A registry based study on all primary CEAs (n = 9 205) performed for symptomatic carotid artery stenosis in Sweden from July 2008 to December 2019, cross linked with data from the Swedish stroke registry, Riksstroke, and chart review for evaluation of any events occurring during follow up. The primary endpoint was ipsilateral stroke < 30 days. Secondary endpoints included re-operations due to neck haematoma and < 30 day ipsilateral stroke, > 30 day ipsilateral stroke, all stroke > 30 days, and all cause mortality. Results: 2 495 patients underwent eversion CEA and 6 710 conventional CEA for symptomatic carotid stenosis. The most commonly used patch material was Dacron (n = 3 921), followed by PTFE (n = 588) and bovine pericardium (n = 413). A total of 1 788 patients underwent conventional CEA with primary closure. Two hundred and seventy-three patients (3.0%) had a stroke < 30 days. Primary closure was associated with an increased risk of ipsilateral stroke and stroke or death <30 days: odds ratio 1.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2 -2.4, p = .002); and 1.5 (95% CI 1.2 -2.0), respectively. During follow up (median 4.2 years), 592 patients had any form of stroke and 1 492 died. There was no significant difference in long term risk of ipsilateral stroke, all stroke, or death depending on surgical technique or patch material. Conclusion: There was an increased risk of ipsilateral strok

Ultrasonic echolucent carotid intima-media (IM) complex and accelerated progression of carotid intima mediathickness (cIMT) have both separately been shown to predict future cardiovascular events. The aim of this studywas to evaluate if the echogenicity of the IM-complex is associated with the 3-year progression of cIMT. B-modeultrasound images captured at baseline and 3-year follow-up in the ‘Visualization of asymptomatic atherosclerotic disease for optimum cardiovascular prevention’ (VIPVIZA) trial were included (n: 3154). The bilateral mean cIMT and IM-echogenicity by greyscale median (GSM) were measured in the common carotid artery. Associations between IM-GSM at baseline and the 3-year cIMT progression were investigated using linear regression models for the whole population and stratified by sex, age and VIPVIZA study group (intervention versus control). In addition, adjusted analyses for confounding factors were performed. Unadjusted analysis showed that decreased IM-GSM at baseline was associated with increased progression of cIMT (p < 0.001). Stratified by age, the association was significant among 40 (p < 0.001) and 60 years old (p < 0.001). The association was statistically significant in both sexes and on comparison of VIPVIZA study subgroups. Adjustments for confounding factors did not alter the estimated relationship between IM-GSM and cIMT progression. Echolucent carotid intima media at baseline associates with increased 3-year cIMT progression among an asymptomatic, middle-aged population. Echogenicity of the intima media may identify individuals at risk for accelerated vascular aging.

Background and Aims: It is unclear whether patients with previous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) should receive antithrombotic treatment to prevent ischemic events. We assessed stroke physicians' opinions about this, and their views on randomizing patients in trials assessing this question. Methods: We conducted three web-based surveys among stroke physicians in Scandinavia and the United Kingdom. Results: Eighty-nine of 205 stroke physicians (43%) responded to the Scandinavian survey, 161 of 180 (89%) to the UK antiplatelet survey, and 153 of 289 (53%) to the UK anticoagulant survey. In Scandinavia, 19 (21%) stroke physicians were uncertain about antiplatelet treatment after ICH for ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and 21 (24%) for prior myocardial infarction. In the United Kingdom, 116 (77%) were uncertain for ischemic stroke or TIA and 115 (717%) for ischemic heart disease. In Scandinavia, 32 (36%) were uncertain about anticoagulant treatment after ICH for atrial fibrillation, and 26 (29%) for recurrent deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. In the United Kingdom, 145 (95%) were uncertain about anticoagulants after ICH in at least some cases. In both regions combined, 191 of 250 (76%) would consider randomizing ICH survivors in a trial of starting versus avoiding antiplatelets, and 176 of 242 (73%) in a trial of starting versus avoiding anticoagulants. Conclusion: Considerable proportions of stroke physicians in Scandinavia and the United Kingdom were uncertain about antithrombotic treatment after ICH. A clear majority would consider randomizing patients in trials assessing this question. These findings support the need for such trials.

Objectives: Reduced progression of atherosclerosis can decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aimed at evaluating the effect of a pictorial intervention showing atherosclerotic severity on the progression of carotid atherosclerosis. Methods: A prospective randomised open-label blinded end-point trial with participants aged 40–60 years enroled from a routine CVD prevention programme. The intervention group (n: 1575) and their treating physicians received an image based presentation of subclinical atherosclerotic severity measured by carotid ultrasound. The control group (n: 1579) did not receive any information about ultrasound results. Carotid ultrasound at baseline and at 3-year follow-up contained plaque detection and measurements of carotid intima media thickness (cIMT). The left, right and bilateral-mean-cIMT, plaque prevalence and total plaque area (TPA) at 3-year follow-up were compared between groups. Significance level was set to p = 0.01 to adjust for multiple comparisons. Results: The intervention group revealed reduced cIMT progression in the left-mean-cIMT of −0.011 mm (p = 0.001) compared with the control group. The intervention effect on cIMT progression was most prominent in individuals with increased cIMT and plaque prevalence at baseline (−0.021 mm, p = 0.005). There were no differences in progression between groups for the right-and bilateral-mean-cIMT (−0.005 mm, p = 0.223 and −0.005 mm, p = 0.036, respectively), nor any differences between groups for plaque prevalence or TPA (odds ratio 0.88, p = 0.09 and 0.89, p = 0.21, respectively). Conclusion: Pictorial presentation of subclinical atherosclerotic severity sent to both the individual and their treating physician resulted in significantly reduced left cIMT progression. Pictorial presentation has the potential to increase adherence in CVD prevention.

We aimed to explore the prevalence of atherosclerosis by using multi-view ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries and its association with clinical risk factors in a middle-aged population at low to intermediate risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Carotid vascular ultrasound was performed in 3532 participants in the VIPVIZA trial. Mean and maximal carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) at prespecified angles and plaque presence were examined on the left and right side. Associations between CVD risk factors and ultrasound variables were quantified by partial least squares (PLS) regression. A combined ultrasound variable was computed using weights of the first PLS component. Associations between CVD risk factors and the combined multi-view ultrasound variable, single cIMT and plaque measurements, respectively, were determined using linear regression modelling. The participants’ mean age was 55.7 years and 52.9% were women. Plaque prevalence was 51.1% in men and 39.0% in women. cIMT was higher in men than in women and in the left compared with the right carotid artery. The strongest association of CVD risk factors was observed with the combined multi-view ultrasound variable (R2 = 24%), compared with single cIMT variables (R2 = 14–18%) and plaque presence (R2 = 15%). The pattern was similar in both sexes. The association with CVD risk factors and the combined ultrasound variable was stronger in 40-year olds (R2 = 22%) compared with 50- or 60-year olds (R = 12%). CVD risk factors are stronger associated with a combined ultrasound variable than plaque presence or single cIMT measures suggesting that carotid multi-view ultrasonography better captures the focality of early atherosclerosis. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01849575. May 8, 2013.

Introduction: Shortening the time from stroke onset to treatment increases the effectiveness of endovascular stroke therapies. Aim: This study aimed to predict the modified Rankin Scale score at 90 days post-stroke (mRS-90d score) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) with respect to four types of treatment: conservative therapy (CVT), intravenous thrombolysis only (IVT), mechanical thrombectomy only (MT) and pretreatment with IVT before MT (IVT+MT). Patients and methods: This nationwide observational study included 124 484 confirmed cases of acute stroke in Sweden over 6 years (2012-2017). The associations between onset-to-treatment time (OTT), patient age and hospital admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score with the five-levelled mRS-90d score were retrospectively studied. A generalised linear model (GLM) was fitted to predict the mRS-90d scores for each patient group. Results: The fitted GLM for CVT patients is a function of age and NIHSS score. For IVT, MT and IVT+MT patients, GLMs additionally employed OTT variables. By reducing the mean OTTs by 15 min, the number needed-to-treat (NNT) for one patient to make a favourable one-step shift in the mRS was 30 for IVT, 48 for MT and 21 for IVT+MT. Discussion and conclusion: This study demonstrates linear associations of mRS-90d score with OTT for IVT, MT and IVT+MT, and shows in absolute effects measures that OTT reductions for IVT and/or MT produces substantial health gains for patients with AIS. Even moderate OTT reductions led to sharp drops in the NNT.

This review describes the evolution of endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke, current state of the art, and the challenges for the next decade. The rapid development of endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), from the first attempts into standard of care on a global scale, is one of the major achievements in modern medicine. It was possible thanks to the establishment of a scientific framework for patient selection, assessment of stroke severity and outcome, technical development by dedicated physicians and the MedTech industry, including noninvasive imaging for patient selection, and radiological outcome evaluation. A series of randomized controlled trials on EVT in addition to intravenous thrombolytics, with overwhelmingly positive results for anterior circulation stroke within 6 h of onset regardless of patient characteristics with a number needed to treat of less than 3 for any positive shift in outcome, paved the way for a rapid introduction of EVT into clinical practice. Within the “extended” time window of 6–24 h, the effect has been even greater for patients with salvageable brain tissue according to perfusion imaging with a number needed to treat below 2. Even so, EVT is only available for a small portion of stroke patients, and successfully recanalized EVT patients do not always achieve excellent functional outcome. The major challenges in the years to come include rapid prehospital detection of stroke symptoms, adequate clinical and radiological diagnosis of severe ischemic stroke cases, enabling effective recanalization by EVT in dedicated angiosuites, followed by personalized post-EVT stroke care.

Objective: To evaluate whether estimates of risk of future cardiovascular events and death and established or unknown diabetes are significantly associated with calcified carotid artery atheromas (CCAAs) on panoramic radiographs (PRs). The main focus was on men and women without previous myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: The PAROKRANK (Periodontitis and its Relation to Coronary Artery Disease) study included patients with a first MI and matched control subjects. In this substudy, 738 patients (138 women) and 744 control subjects (144 women) with available PRs were assessed for CCAA. Cardiovascular risk estimates were determined according to the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) and Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE). Established and previously unknown diabetes was also determined. Results: CCAA was detected on PRs in 206 control subjects (28%) and 251 patients (34%). FRS was significantly associated with CCAA among control subjects (P = .04) and patients (P = .001). SCORE was associated with CCAA among control subjects (P < .01) but not patients (P = .07). Among men, FRS and SCORE were associated with CCAA in both control subjects and patients. Diabetes was not significantly associated with CCAA after adjustments. Conclusions: Elevated cardiovascular risk scores were associated with CCAA on PRs among control subjects. Diabetes was not independently associated with CCAA, possibly owing to selection bias.

Background: There are no evidence-based recommendations on the optimal time point to initiate non–vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) after acute ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of early versus delayed initiation of NOAC in these patients. Methods: TIMING (Timing of Oral Anticoagulant Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke With Atrial Fibrillation) was a registry-based, randomized, noninferiority, open-label, blinded end-point study at 34 stroke units using the Swedish Stroke Register for enrollment and follow-up. Within 72 hours from stroke onset, patients were randomized to early (≤4 days) or delayed (5–10 days) NOAC initiation, with choice of NOAC at the investigators’ discretion. The primary outcome was the composite of recurrent ischemic stroke, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, or all-cause mortality at 90 days. The prespecified noninferiority margin was 3%. Secondary outcomes included the individual components of the primary outcome. Results: Between April 2, 2017, and December 30, 2020, 888 patients were randomized to either early (n=450) or delayed (n=438) initiation of NOAC. No patient was lost to 90-day follow-up. Mean age was 78.3 years (SD, 9.9 years); 46.2% were women; 49.1% had previously known atrial fibrillation; and 17.5% prior stroke. The primary outcome occurred in 31 patients (6.89%) assigned to early initiation and in 38 patients (8.68%) assigned to delayed NOAC initiation (absolute risk difference, −1.79% [95% CI, −5.31% to 1.74%]; Pnoninferiority=0.004). Ischemic stroke rates were 3.11% and 4.57% (risk difference, −1.46% [95% CI, −3.98% to 1.07%]) and all-cause mortality rates were 4.67% and 5.71% (risk difference, −1.04% [95% CI, −3.96% to 1.88%]) in the early and delayed groups, respectively. No patient in either group experienced symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. Conclusions: Early initiation was noninferior to delayed start of NOAC after acute ischemic st

Objectives: Clinicians and researchers have addressed concerns about the negative impact of COVID-19 outbreaks on the ability of health care systems to provide timely assessment and acute therapies to patients with stroke. The aim of this study is to describe stroke care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same period the year before at an acute care hospital in Sweden. Materials and Methods: In this cohort study data were collected from March 1st to August 31st in 2019 and 2020 on all patients diagnosed with stroke and TIA and registered at Danderyd Hospital in the national quality registry (Riksstroke). Data were completed with information from the hospital record. Sweden had no lockdown during 2020. Results: During the study period in year 2019 there were 426 registered stroke patients at Danderyd hospital, compared to 403 registered stroke patients the same period during 2020 (p = 0.483). The number of minor stroke and TIA during the period in 2019 compared to 2020 were 468 versus 453 respectively (minor stroke p = 0.475 versus TIA p = 0.50). Conclusions: There were no difference in the number of patients diagnosed with stroke and TIA during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Atherosclerosis is an important cause of stroke and accumulating evidence suggests the existence of a possible shared pathophysiological process that may drive aging-related disease such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and dementia. The increased intimal permeability represents the substrate on which initial intimal thickening can promote the development of advanced atherosclerotic lesion. Traditional risk factors of cardiovascular disease (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking and atrial fibrillation) have been associated with increased risk of development of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Atherosclerotic plaques are composed of different elements including collagen, necrotic core, inflammatory cells and calcification. Recent advancement of imaging modalities, such as ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can identify atherosclerosis at different stages of its development and differentiate plaque composition. Calcium can be easily identified using different imaging techniques and its amount is increased with advancing age. Atherosclerotic calcification in the coronary, carotid and intracranial arteries have been strongly associated with microstructural brain changes on brain MRI, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Subclinical arterial calcification in carotid and cerebral vessels could be present in asymptomatic patients and its presence could be used as a clue to initiate neuropsychological testing for dementia and also to initiate preventative and therapeutic strategies, because mid-life vascular risk factors control can prevent late-life dementia and stroke.

Objective: This meta-Analysis aims to compare the relationship between phenotypic manifestation of coronary and carotid atherosclerosis using available imaging techniques. Approach and Results: We searched all electronic databases until October 2020 for studies which reported relationship between carotid and coronary atherosclerosis. The primary end point was correlation between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaque features (calcification and lipid-rich necrotic core) with coronary artery disease (CAD). Secondary end points included carotid pathology that predicts CAD. Eighty-nine papers with 22 683 patients comparing carotid and coronary atherosclerosis were included in the analysis. CIMT was increased linearly with severity of CAD irrespective of its significance (P<0.001), mono versus 2 vessel disease (P=0.003), and 2 versus multivessel disease (P<0.001). Carotid plaque presence and calcification were less, and lipid-rich necrotic core was highly prevalent in nonsignificant versus significant CAD (P<0.001, P=0.03, P<0.001, respectively). Moderate correlation was found between CIMT and severity of CAD (r=0.60, P<0.001) and the number of diseased vessels (r=0.49, P<0.001). There was a moderate correlation between carotid and coronary stenosis (r=0.53, P<0.001) and between carotid and coronary calcification (r=0.61, P<0.001). CIMT ≥1.0 mm with a summary sensitivity of 77% and summary specificity of 72% and respective values of 80% and 67% for carotid plaque were the best predictors of CAD, irrespective of the technique used for its diagnosis. Conclusions: These results support the concept that atherosclerosis affects both carotid and coronary systems, although not always in identical phenotypic manner. These findings highlight the beneficial examination of carotid arteries whenever CAD is suspected.

Background: Atherosclerosis is a multi-system pathology with heterogeneous involvement. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the presence and severity of carotid and coronary calcification in a group of patients with coronary artery disease. Methods: Sixty-three patients presenting with unstable angina or positive stress test for myocardial ischaemia were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent CT scanning of the carotid and coronary arteries using the conventional protocol and Agatston scoring system. Risk factors for atherosclerosis were also analyzed for correlation with the extent of arterial calcification. Results: Total coronary artery calcium score (CAC) was several times higher than total carotid calcium score (1274 (1018) vs 6 (124), p = 0·0001, respectively). The left carotid calcium score correlated strongly with the right carotid calcium score (rho = 0·69, p < 0·0001). The total CAC score correlated modestly with the total carotid calcium score (rho = 0·34, p = 0·007), in particular with left carotid score (rho = 0·38, p = 0·002), but not with the right carotid score. The left coronary calcium score correlated with the right coronary calcium score (rho = 0·35, p = 0·004), left carotid calcium score (rho = 0·33, p = 0·007) and left carotid calcium score at the bifurcation (rho = 0·34, p = 0·006). While hypertension correlated with carotid calcium score, diabetes and dyslipidaemia correlated with left CAC score. Conclusion: In patients with coronary disease, the carotid calcification pattern appeared to be similar between the right and left system in contrast to that of the coronary arteries. CAC correlated only modestly with the carotid score, despite being significantly higher. Hypertension was related to carotid calcium score while diabetes and dyslipidaemia correlated with coronary calcification.

INTRODUCTION: The modified Rankin scale (mRS) is the most common assessment tool for measuring overall functional outcome in stroke studies. The traditional way of using mRS face-to-face is time- and cost-consuming. The aim of this study was to test the validity of the Swedish translation of the simplified modified Rankin scale questionnaire (smRSq) as compared with the mRS assessed face-to-face 6 months after a stroke. METHODS: Within the ongoing EFFECTS trial, smRSq was sent out to 108 consecutive stroke patients 6 months after a stroke. The majority, 90% (97/108), of the patients answered the questionnaire; for the remaining 10%, it was answered by the next of kin. The patients were assessed by face-to-face mRS by 7 certified healthcare professionals at 4 Swedish stroke centres. The primary outcome was assessed by Cohen's kappa and weighted kappa. RESULTS: There was good agreement between postal smRSq, answered by the patients, and the mRS face-to-face; Cohen's kappa was 0.43 (CI 95% 0.31-0.55), weighted kappa was 0.64 (CI 95% 0.55-0.73), and Spearman rank correlation was 0.82 (p < 0.0001). In 55% (59/108), there was full agreement, and of the 49 patients not showing exact agreement, 44 patients differed by 1 grade and 5 patients had a difference of 2 grades. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Our results show good validity of the postal smRSq, answered by the patients, compared with the mRS carried out face-to-face at 6 months after a stroke. This result could help trialists in the future simplify study design and make multicentre trials and quality registers with a large number of patients more feasible and time-saving.

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested that fluoxetine could improve neurological recovery after stroke. The Efficacy oF Fluoxetine-a randomisEd Controlled Trial in Stroke (EFFECTS) trial aimed to assess whether administration of oral fluoxetine for 6 months after acute stroke improves functional outcome. METHODS: EFFECTS was an investigator-led, multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group trial that enrolled patients aged 18 years or older between 2 and 15 days after stroke onset in 35 stroke and rehabilitation centres in Sweden. Eligible patients had a clinical diagnosis of ischaemic or intracerebral haemorrhage, brain imaging that was consistent with intracerebral haemorrhage or ischaemic stroke, and had at least one persisting focal neurological deficit. A web-based randomisation system that incorporated a minimisation algorithm was used to randomly assign (1:1) participants to receive oral fluoxetine 20 mg once daily or matching placebo capsules for 6 months. Patients, care providers, investigators, and outcomes assessors were masked to the allocation. The primary outcome was functional status, measured with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 6 months, analysed in all patients with available mRS data at the 6-month follow-up; we did an ordinal analysis adjusted for the minimisation variables used in the randomisation. This trial is registered with EudraCT, 2011-006130-16; ISRCTN, 13020412; and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02683213. FINDINGS: Between Oct 20, 2014, and June 28, 2019, 1500 patients were enrolled, of whom 750 were randomly assigned to fluoxetine and 750 were randomly assigned to placebo. At 6 months, mRS data were available for 737 (98%) patients in the fluoxetine group and 742 (99%) patients in the placebo group. There was no effect of fluoxetine on the primary outcome-distribution across mRS score categories-compared with placebo (adjusted common odds ratio 0·94 [95% CI 0·78 to 1·13]; p=0·42). The proportion of patients with a

Studies have suggested that fluoxetine might improve neurological recovery after stroke, but the results remain inconclusive. The EFFECTS (Efficacy oF Fluoxetine - a randomisEd Controlled Trial in Stroke) reached its recruitment target of 1500 patients in June 2019. The purpose of this article is to present all amendments to the protocol and describe how we formed the EFFECTS trial collaboration in Sweden. Methods In this investigator-led, multicentre, parallel-group, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, we enrolled non-depressed stroke patients aged 18 years or older between 2 and 15 days after stroke onset. The patients had a clinical diagnosis of stroke (ischaemic or intracerebral haemorrhage) with persisting focal neurological deficits. Patients were randomised to fluoxetine 20 mg or matching placebo capsules once daily for 6 months. Results Seven amendments were made and included clarification of drug interaction between fluoxetine and metoprolol and the use of metoprolol for severe heart failure as an exclusion criterion, inclusion of data from central Swedish registries and the Swedish Stroke Register, changes in informed consent from patients, and clarification of design of some sub-studies. EFFECTS recruited 1500 patients at 35 centres in Sweden between 20 October 2014 and 28 June 2019. We plan to unblind the data in January 2020 and report the primary outcome in May 2020. Conclusion EFFECTS will provide data on the safety and efficacy of 6 months of treatment with fluoxetine after stroke in a Swedish health system setting. The data from EFFECTS will also contribute to an individual patient data meta-analysis., Correction in: TRIALS, Volume: 21, Issue: 1, Article Number: 388, DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04327-w

Background and aims: Many patients with prior intracerebral haemorrhage have indications for antithrombotic treatment with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs for prevention of ischaemic events, but it is uncertain whether such treatment is beneficial after intracerebral haemorrhage. STudy of Antithrombotic Treatment after IntraCerebral Haemorrhage will assess (i) the effects of long-term antithrombotic treatment on the risk of recurrent intracerebral haemorrhage and occlusive vascular events after intracerebral haemorrhage and (ii) whether imaging findings, like cerebral microbleeds, modify these effects. Methods: STudy of Antithrombotic Treatment after IntraCerebral Haemorrhage is a multicentre, randomised controlled, open trial of starting versus avoiding antithrombotic treatment after non-traumatic intracerebral haemorrhage, in patients with an indication for antithrombotic treatment. Participants with vascular disease as an indication for antiplatelet treatment are randomly allocated to antiplatelet treatment or no antithrombotic treatment. Participants with atrial fibrillation as an indication for anticoagulant treatment are randomly allocated to anticoagulant treatment or no anticoagulant treatment. Cerebral CT or MRI is performed before randomisation. Duration of follow-up is at least two years. The primary outcome is recurrent intracerebral haemorrhage. Secondary outcomes include occlusive vascular events and death. Assessment of clinical outcomes is performed blinded to treatment allocation. Target recruitment is 500 participants. Trial status: Recruitment to STudy of Antithrombotic Treatment after IntraCerebral Haemorrhage is on-going. On 30 April 2020, 44 participants had been enrolled in 31 participating hospitals. An individual patient-data meta-analysis is planned with similar randomised trials.