Myocardial injury in patients with acute ischemic stroke detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Background: Myocardial injury is a recognized complication in patients with acute ischemic stroke, but its characterization and clinical significance remain uncertain. We aimed to investigate myocardial injury patterns using cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) in a cohort of acute ischemic stroke patients.

Methods: A total of 220 patients with acute ischemic stroke were prospectively enrolled in this study. CMR was performed within 72 hours of stroke onset to assess myocardial injury. Demographic, clinical, and imaging data were collected, and statistical analysis was conducted to identify associations between myocardial injury and stroke characteristics.

Results: Among the 220 patients, 70 (31.8%) exhibited evidence of myocardial injury on CMR. The presence of myocardial injury was associated with older age, higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores, and the presence of comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, myocardial injury was more prevalent in patients with large vessel occlusion strokes.

Conclusion: Myocardial injury, as detected by CMR, is common in patients with acute ischemic stroke and is associated with stroke severity and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. These findings underscore the need for comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation and management in acute stroke patients to optimize clinical outcomes.