Abstract: Introduction: prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the population continues to rise steadily due to the rapid aging of the population [1]. The search for the morphological substrate of AF has been going on for more than half a century. Left atrial remodeling has become such an important aspect in the pathogenesis of AF that some authors advocate the definition of atrial cardiomyopathies [3]. Aim: was to examine the impact of various imaging techniques on the detection of atrial fibrosis and their key role in the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Conclusions: currently, radiological imaging techniques are available for clinical practice and provide additional possibilities in the assessment of left anterior segment function in AF. Morpho-functional changes in the left atrium can have a great impact on the global hemodynamic function of the left atrium, and as a consequence, these changes can be a significant predictor of the risk of AF progression and stroke development. Morpho-functional changes in the left atrium can have a great impact on the global hemodynamic function of the left atrium, and as a consequence, these changes can be a significant predictor of the risk of AF progression and stroke development.
Abstract: Introduction: left atrial (LA) volumes measured during different phases of the cardiac cycle can be used for the evaluation of the LA functional properties before and after catheter ablation (CA). Increase of LA ejection fraction (EF) supposed to be early and more sensitive marker of LA reverse remodeling process, than LA volume and can be important for assessing the effectiveness of CA. Aim: was to estimate volumetric parameters and function of LV before and after cryo- and radiofrequency catheter ablation of pulmonary veins in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Materials and methods: 21 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) were included in study. All patients underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) of pulmonary veins (PV) and LA before CA and 12±2 months after CA. 3-dimensional images at phases 0%, 40%, 75% of the cardiac cycle were used to assess LA functional properties. Results: LA maximal volume before CA was increased insignificantly in patients with AF recurrence (124,52±38,22 ml vs. 117,89±23,94 ml, p>0,05). In patients without recurrence after CA, LA volumes decreased slightly (LA max 115,31±20,13 ml, p>0,05, LA min 73,43±14,91 ml, p>0,05), while in patients with recurrence increased (LA max 130,88±25,20 ml, p<0,05, LA min to 94,92±31,75 ml, p<0,05). Global LA ejection fraction was less in patients without recurrence before CA (22,37%±4,69 vs. 31,31%±9,89, p=0,013), but increased significantly after CA, while in patients with recurrence global LA EF was without relevant changes (36,54%±3,27 vs. 28,89%±9,41, p=0,011). Conclusion: improved left atrial mechanical function was demonstrated in patients without any recurrence after ablation. The anatomic and functional reverse remodeling was not significant in patients with atrial fibrillation recurrence.
References 1. Lippi G, Sanchis-Gomar F, Cervellin G. Global epidemiology of atrial fibrillation: An increasing epidemic and public health challenge. Int J Stroke. 2021; 16(2): 217-221. https://doi.org/10.1177/1747493019897870 2. Hindricks G, Potpara T, Dagres N, et al. 2020 ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of atrial fibrillation developed in collaboration with the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (EACTS). Eur Heart J. 2021; 42(5): 373-498. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa612 3. Hindricks G, Sepehri Shamloo A, Lenarczyk R, et al. Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: current status, techniques, outcomes and challenges. Kardiol Pol. 2018; 76(12): 1680-1686. https://doi.org/10.5603/KP.a2018.0216 4. Artjuhina EA, Revishvili ASh. New technologies in the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. Vysokotehnologichnaja medicina. 2017; 1: 7-15 [In Russ]. 5. Darby AE. Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation After Catheter Ablation: Considerations For Repeat Ablation And Strategies To Optimize Success. J Atr Fibrillation. 2016; 9(1): 1427. https://doi.org/10.4022/jafib.1427 6. Murray MI, Arnold A, Younis M, et al. Cryoballoon versus radiofrequency ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Res Cardiol. 2018; 107(8): 658-669. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00392-018-1232-4 7. Kuck KH, Brugada J, F?rnkranz A, et al. Cryoballoon or Radiofrequency Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. N Engl J Med. 2016; 374(23): 2235-2245. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1602014 8. Mathew ST, Patel J, Joseph S, et al. Atrial fibrillation: mechanistic insights and treatment options. Eur J Intern Med. 2009; 20(7): 672-81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2009.07.011 9. Vasamreddy CR, Lickfett L, Jayam VK, et al. Predictors of recurrence following catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation using an irrigated-tip ablation catheter. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2004; 15(6): 692-697. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1540-8167.2004.03538.x 10. Tops LF, Bax JJ, Zeppenfeld K, et al. Effect of radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation on left atrial cavity size. Am J Cardiol. 2006; 97(8): 1220-1222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2005.11.043 11. Tsao HM, Hu WC, Wu MH, et al. The impact of catheter ablation on the dynamic function of the left atrium in patients with atrial fibrillation: insights from four-dimensional computed tomographic images. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2010; 21(3): 270-277. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-8167.2009.01618.x 12. Abhayaratna WP, Seward JB, Appleton CP, et al. Left atrial size: physiologic determinants and clinical applications. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2006; 47(12): 2357-2363. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2006.02.048 13. Hoit BD. Left atrial size and function: role in prognosis. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014; 63(6): 493-505. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2013.10.055 14. Costa FM, Ferreira AM, Oliveira S, et al. Left atrial volume is more important than the type of atrial fibrillation in predicting the long-term success of catheter ablation. Int J Cardiol. 2015; 184: 56-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.01.060 15. Avelar E, Durst R, Rosito GA, et al. Comparison of the accuracy of multidetector computed tomography versus two-dimensional echocardiography to measureleft atrial volume. Am J Cardiol. 2010; 106(1): 104-109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2010.02.021 16. K?hl JT, L?nborg J, Fuchs A, et al. Assessment of left atrial volume and function: a comparative study between echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging and multi slice computed tomography. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging. 2012; 28(5): 1061-1071. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10554-011-9930-2 17. Hof I, Chilukuri K, Arbab-Zadeh A, et al. Does left atrial volume and pulmonary venous anatomy predict the outcome of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation? J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2009; 20(9): 1005-1010. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-8167.2009.01504.x 18. Abecasis J, Dourado R, Ferreira A, et al. Left atrial volume calculated by multi-detector computed tomography may predict successful pulmonary vein isolation in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation. Europace. 2009; 11(10): 1289-1294. https://doi.org/10.1093/europace/eup198 19. Amin V, Finkel J, Halpern E, et al. Impact of left atrial volume on outcomes of pulmonary vein isolation in patients with non-paroxysmal (persistent) and paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Am J Cardiol. 2013; 112(7): 966-970. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2013.05.034 20. Lemola K, Sneider M, Desjardins B, et al. Effects of left atrial ablation of atrial fibrillation on size of the left atrium and pulmonary veins. Heart Rhythm. 2004; 1(5): 576-581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrthm.2004.07.020 21. Park MJ, Jung JI, Oh YS, et al. Assessment of the structural remodeling of the left atrium by 64-multislice cardiac CT: comparative studies in controls and patients with atrial fibrillation. Int J Cardiol. 2012; 159(3): 181-186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcard.2011.02.053 22. Lemola K, Desjardins B, Sneider M, et al. Effect of left atrial circumferential ablation for atrial fibrillation on left atrial transport function. Heart Rhythm. 2005; 2(9): 923-928. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrthm.2005.06.026 23. Perea RJ, Tamborero D, Mont L, et al. Left atrial contractility is preserved after successful circumferential pulmonary vein ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2008; 19(4): 374-379.
Abstract: Introduction: among patients with ischemic stroke (IS), more than 17% has atrial fibrillation (AF). The active application of aspiration thrombectomy (AT), in addition to thrombolytic therapy (TLT), can significantly improve functional outcome, prognosis and survival of patients with IS. The main method of preventing of IS in patients with nonvalvular AF today is still an anticoagulant therapy, but percutaneous transcatheter occlusion of the left atrium appendage (LAA) can be an alternative method, especially if anticoagulant therapy is contraindicated or ineffective. Aim: was to demonstrate results of a complex staged treatment of an age-related patient with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, complicated by the development of cardioembolic ischemic stroke while taking anticoagulants. Material and methods: a clinical observation of a 81-year-old patient delivered to the hospital with a clinical manifestation of ischemic stroke in the “therapeutic window”, with a history of persistent AF and taking anticoagulants, is presented. After conservative therapy - a regression of neurological symptoms was achieved. Three days after - negative dynamics in the clinical picture with development of aphasia and right-sided hemiplegia. Multispiral computed tomography with contrast (MSCT-A): occlusion of M2 segment of the left middle cerebral artery (MCA). Patient underwent aspiration thrombectomy with complete restoration of blood flow and regression of neurological symptoms. After 2 months from the episode of IS, patient underwent implantation of occlude in the left atrial appendage as a prophylaxis of re-embolism, followed by the abolition of warfarin. Results: a senile patient returned to normal life and self-care (assessed using the modified Rankin scale 1). During next 13 months patient had no major adverse cardiac events (MACE) or significant bleeding and all that shows that occlusion of LAA is effective. Conclusions: in the early period of ischemic stroke, isolated aspiration thrombectomy is the operation of choice in patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindication for thrombolytic therapy, and endovascular occlusion of the left atrial appendage can be the method of choice for secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. Further studies are required to assess applicability and reproducibility of the approach we have described in routine clinical practice. References 1. Hankey G.J. Stroke. The Lancet. 2017; 389 (10069): 641-654. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30962-X 2. Feigin V.L., Krishnamurthi R.V., Parmar P., et al; GBD Writing Group; GBD 2013 Stroke Panel Experts Group. Update on the Global Burden of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke in 1990-2013: The GBD 2013 Study. Neuroepidemiology. 2015; 45 (3):161-76. https://doi.org/10.1159/000441085 3. Savello AV, Voznjuk IA, Svistov DV, Babichev KN, Kandyba DV, Shenderov SV, Vlasenko SV, Shlojdo EA, Kachesov JeJu, Esipovich ID, Haritonova TV. Results of treatment of ischemic stroke using intravascular thromboembolectomy in conditions of regional vascular centers in a metropolis (St. Petersburg). Zhurnal nevrologii i psihiatrii im. C.C. Korsakova. 2018; 118 (12-2): 54-63. https://doi.org/10.17116/jnevro201811812254 4. Savello AV, Svistov DV, Sorokoumov VA. Endovascular treatments for ischemic stroke: Present status and prospects. Nevrologia, nejropsihiatria, psihosomatika. 2015; 7 (4): 42-49. https://doi.org/10.14412/2074-2711-2015-4-42-49 5. Saposnik G., Gladstone D., Raptis R., et al. Investigators of the Registry of the Canadian Stroke Network (RCSN) and the Stroke Outcomes Research Canada (SORCan) Working Group. Atrial fibrillation in ischemic stroke: predicting response to thrombolysis and clinical outcomes. Stroke. 2013; 44 (1): 99-104. https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.112.676551 6. Lin H.J., Wolf P.A., Kelly-Hayes M., et al. Stroke severity in atrial fibrillation. The Framingham Study. Stroke. 1996; 27 (10): 1760-1764. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.str.27.10.1760 7. Pistoia F., Sacco S., Tiseo C., et al. The Epidemiology of Atrial Fibrillation and Stroke. Cardiol Clin. 2016; 34 (2): 255-268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccl.2015.12.002 8. Aguilar M.I., Hart R., Pearce L.A. Oral anticoagulants versus antiplatelet therapy for preventing stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation and no history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007; 18 (3): CD006186. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006186.pub2 9. Kamel H., Healey J.S. Cardioembolic Stroke. Circ Res. 2017; 120 (3): 514-526. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.308407 10. Go A.S., Hylek E.M, Phillips K.A., et al. Prevalence of diagnosed atrial fibrillation in adults: national implications for rhythm management and stroke prevention: the AnTicoagulation and Risk Factors in Atrial Fibrillation (ATRIA) Study. JAMA. 2001; 285 (18): 2370-2375. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.285.18.2370 11. Demaerschalk B.M., Kleindorfer D.O., Adeoye O.M., et al. American Heart Association Stroke Council and Council on Epidemiology and Prevention. Scientific Rationale for the Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria for Intravenous Alteplase in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2016; 47 (2): 581-641. https://doi.org/10.1161/STR.0000000000000086 12. Powers W.J., Rabinstein A.A., Ackerson T., et al. Guidelines for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: 2019 Update to the 2018 Guidelines for the Early Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2019; 50 (12): 344-418 https://doi.org/10.1161/STR.0000000000000211 13. Bajwa R.J., Kovell L., Resar J.R., et al. Left atrial appendage occlusion for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Clin Cardiol. 2017; 40 (10): 825-831. https://doi.org/10.1002/clc.22764 14. Kirchhof P., Benussi S., Kotecha D., et al. 2016 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation Developed in Collaboration With EACTS. 2017; 70 (1): 50.
Abstract: The review is devoted to possibilities of ultrasound and functional diagnostic methods in the diagnosis of ischemic stroke of unknown etiology. Main causes of cryptogenic ischemic stroke are highlighted in the article. Advances in high resolution ultrasound of extracranial and intracranial vessels and of the heart, prolonged heart rhythm monitoring are instrumental techniques to identify arterial and cardiac hidden causes of stroke. We reviewed literature, on the basis of available data, designed a diagnostic algorithm for patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) and risk of embolism from atherosclerotic plaque. References I. Petrikov S.S., Chamidova L.T. O conferencii «Neotlozhnaya pomosh bolnim s ostrimi narusheniaymi mozgovogo krovoobrasheniaya». [About conferention «Urgent treatment of patients with acute stroke»] Zhurnal im. N.V. Sklifisivskogo Neotbzhnayapomosh. 2015; 1:10-18 [In Russ]. 2. Grau A.J., Weimar C., Buggle F. et al. Risk factors, outcome, and treatment in subtypes of ischemic stroke: the German stroke data bank. Stroke. 2001; 32(11): 2559-66. 3. Li L., Yiin G.S., Geraghty O.C., et al. Incidence, outcome, risk factors, and long-term prognosis of cryptogenic transient ischaemic attack and ischaemic stroke: a population-based study. The Lancet Neurology. 2015; 14(9): 903-13. 4. Hart R.G., Diener H.C., Coutts S.B., Easton J.D. Embolic strokes of undetermined source: the case for a new clinical construct. Lancet Neurol. 2014;13(4): 429-38. 5. Tegeler C.H., Hart R.G. Atrial size, atrial fibrillation and stroke. Ann. Neurol. 1987; 21: 315- 316. 6. Hohnloser S.H., Capucci A., Fain E. et. al. ASSERT Investigators and Committees ASymptomatic atrial fibrillation and Stroke Evaluation in pacemaker patients and the atrial fibrillation Reduction atrial pacing Trial (ASSERT). Am Heart J. 2006; 152(3): 442-447. 7. Yaghi S., Elkind M.S. Cryptogenic stroke: a diagnostic challenge. Neurol Clin Pract. 2014(4): 386-393. 8. Favilla C.G., Ingala E., Jara J. et al. Predictors of finding occult atrial fibrillation after cryptogenic stroke. Stroke. 2015(46): 1210-1215. 9. Miller D.J., Khan M.A., Schultz L.R. et al. Outpatient cardiac telemetry detects a high rate of atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke. J Neurol Sci. 2013(324): 57-61. 10. Gladstone D.J., Dorian P, Spring M. et al. Atrial premature beats predict atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke: results from the embrace trial. Stroke. 2015; 46: 936-941. 11. Keach J.W., Bradley S.M., Turakhia M.P, Maddox TM. Early detection of occult atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention. Heart.2015; 101: 1097-102. 12. Gladstone D.J., Dorian P, Spring M. et al. Atrial premature beats predict atrial fibrillation in cryptogenic stroke: results from the embrace trial. Stroke.2015; 46:936-941. 13. Brambatti M., Connolly S.J., Gold M.R. et al. Temporal relationship between subclinical atrial fibrillation and embolic events. Circulation.2014; 129: 2094-2099. 14. Kamel H., O’Neal W.T., Okin PM., et al. Electrocardiographic left atrial abnormality and stroke subtype in atherosclerosis risk in communities study. Ann Neurol.2015; 78(5): 670-678. 15. Kamel H., Soliman E.Z., Heckbert S.R. et al. P- wave morphology and the risk of incident ischemic stroke in the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis. Stroke. 2014; 45:2786-2788. 16. Sinner M.F, Stepas K.A., Moser C.B. et al. B-type natriuretic peptide and c-reactive protein in the prediction of atrial fibrillation risk: the CHARGE-AF consortium of community-based cohort studies. Europace. 2014; 16: 1426-1433. 17. Kernan W.N., Ovbiagele B., Black H. R., Bravata D. M. Guidelines for the Prevention of Stroke in Patients With Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2014; 45: 2160-2236. 18. Melkumova E., Thaler D.E. Cryptogenic Stroke and Patent Foramen Ovale Risk Assessment. Interv Cardiol Clin. 2017; 6(4): 487-493. 19. Alsheikh-Ali A.A., Thaler D.E., Kent D.M. Patent foramen ovale in cryptogenic stroke: incidental or pathogenic? Stroke. 2009; 40: 2349-2355. 20. Overell J.R., 21. Ahmed N., Steiner T., Caso V., Wahlgren N. Recommendations from the ESO-Karolinska Stroke Update Conference. European Stroke Journal. 2016; 0(0): 1-8. 22. Spencer M.P, Moehring M.A., Jesurum J. et al. Power m-mode transcranial Doppler for diagnosis of patent foramen ovale and assessing transcatheter closure. J Neuroimaging. 2004; 14(4): 342-349. 23. Katsanos A.H., Patsouras D., Tsivgoulis G. et al. The value of transesophageal echocardiography in the investigation and management of cryptogenic cerebral ischemia: a single-center experience. Neurol Sci. 2016; 37(4): 629-32. 24. Wei-jan C., Peiliang K.,Wen-Pin L., Fang-¥ue U. Detection Of Patent Foramen Ovale By Contrast Transesophageal Echocardiography. Chat. 1992; 101: 1515-20. 25. Schnabel R.B., Yin X., Gona P, Larson MG. 50 year trends in atrial fibrillation prevalence, incidence, risk factors, and mortality in the Framingham Heart Study: a cohort study. Lancet. 2015; 386(9989):154-62. 26. Arboix A., Alio J. Acute cardioembolic cerebral infarction: answers to clinical questions. Curr Cardiol Rev. 2012;8(1):54-67. 27. Christian T. R.Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation. Circulation. 2012; 125(16): e588-90. 28. Zabalgoitia M., Halperin J.l., Pearce L. A. et al. Transesophageal Echocardiographic Correlates of Clinical Risk of Thromboembolism in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation. Journal of the 29. diesebro J.H., Fuster V. Valvular heart disease and prosthetic heart valves. Thrombosis in cardiovascular disorders. Eds V. Fuster, M. Verstraete.- Philadelphia: W.B.Saunders, 1992; 191-214. 30. Tunick P.A., Kronzon I. Protruding atherosclerotic plaque in the aortic arch of patients with systemic embolization: a new finding seen by transesophageal echocardiography. Am Heart J. 1990; 120: 658-660. 31. Tunick P.A., Culliford A.T., Lamparello P.J., Kronzon I. Atheromatosis of the aortic arch as an occult source of multiple systemic emboli. Ann Intern Med. 1991; 114: 391392. 32. Amarenco P., Cohen A., Tzourio C. et al. Atherosclerotic disease of the aortic arch and the risk of ischemic stroke. N Engl J Med. 1994; 331(22): 1474- 1479. 33. Bulwa Z., Gupta A. Embolic stroke of undetermined source: The role of the nonstenotic carotid plaque. J Neurol Sci. 2017; 15(382): 49-52. 34. Viguier A., Pavy le Traon A., Massabuau P. et al. Asymptomatic cerebral embolic signals in patients with acute cerebral ischaemia and severe aortic arch atherosclerosis. Journal of Neurology. 2001; 248: 768-771. 35. Rundek T., Di Tullio M.R., Sciacca R.R. et al. Association between large aortic arch atheromas and high-intensity transient signals in elderly stroke patients. Stroke. 1999; 33: 2683-2686. 36. Gupta A., Gialdini G., Lerario M.P.et al. Magnetic resonance angiography detection of abnormal carotid artery plaque in patients with cryptogenic stroke. J Am Heart Assoc. 2015; 4(6): e002012. 37. Freilinger T.M., Schindler A., Schmidt C.et al. Prevalence of nonstenosing, complicated atherosclerotic plaques in cryptogenic stroke. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2012; 5: 397-405. 38. Casadei A., Floreani M., Catalini R. et al. Sonographic characteristics of carotid artery plaques: Implications for follow-up planning?J Ultrasound. 2012; 15(3): 151-157. 39. Rafailidis V., Charitanti A., Tegos T. et al. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the carotid system: a review of the current literature. J Ultrasound. 2017; 20(2): 97-109. 40. Nedeltchev K., der Maur T.A., Georgiadis D. et al. Ischaemic stroke in young adults: predictors of outcome and recurrence. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2005; 76(2): 191-195. 41. Caplan L.R. Dissections of brain-supplying arteries. Nat Clin Pract Neurol. 2008; 4(1): 34-42. 42. Gunther A., Witte O.W., Freesmeyer M. et al. Eur Neurol. 2016; 76(5-6): 284-294. 43. Clevert D.A., Horng A., Jung E.M. et al. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound versus conventional ultrasound and MS-CT in the diagnosis of abdominal aortic dissection. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2009; 43: 129-139. 44. Graus F., Rogers L.R., Posner J.B. Cerebrovascular complications in patients with cancer. Medicine. 1985; 64(1): 16-35. 45. Kurabayashi H., Hishinuma A., Uchida R et al. Delayed manifestation and slow progression of cerebral infarction caused by polycythemia rubra vera. Am J Med Sci. 2007; 333(5): 317-320. 46. Giray S., Sarica F.B., Arlier Z., Bal N. Recurrent ischemic stroke as an initial manifestation of an concealed pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Trousseau’s syndrome. Chin Med J. 2011; 124(4): 637-640.
