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New prospective cohort study on perioperative covert stroke by Dr. John Murkin and colleagues

Br J Anaesth. 2016 Aug;117(2):191-7. 

Covert stroke after non-cardiac surgery: a prospective cohort study

Mrkobrada M, Hill MD, Chan MT, Sigamani A, Cowan D, Kurz A, Sessler DI, Jacka M, Graham M, Dasgupta M, Dunlop V, Emery DJ, Gulka I, Guyatt G, Heels-Ansdell D, Murkin J, Pettit S, Sahlas DJ, Sharma M, Sharma M, Srinathan S, St John P, Tsai S, Gelb AW, O'Donnell M, Siu D, Chiu PW, Sharath V, George A, Devereaux PJ.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Overt stroke after non-cardiac surgery has a substantial impact on the duration and quality of life. Covert stroke in the non-surgical setting is much more common than overt stroke and is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Little is known about covert stroke after non-cardiac, non-carotid artery surgery.

METHODS: We undertook a prospective, international cohort study to determine the incidence of covert stroke after non-cardiac, non-carotid artery surgery. Eligible patients were ≥65 yr of age and were admitted to hospital for at least three nights after non-cardiac, non-carotid artery surgery. Patients underwent a brain magnetic resonance study between postoperative days 3 and 10. The main outcome was the incidence of perioperative covert stroke.

RESULTS: We enrolled a total of 100 patients from six centres in four countries. The incidence of perioperative covert stroke was 10.0% (10/100 patients, 95% confidence interval 5.5-17.4%). Five of the six centres that enrolled patients reported an incident covert stroke, and covert stroke was found in patients undergoing major general (3/27), major orthopaedic (3/41), major urological or gynaecological (3/22), and low-risk surgery (1/12).

CONCLUSIONS: This international multicentre study suggests that 1 in 10 patients ≥65 yr of age experiences a perioperative covert stroke. A larger study is required to determine the impact of perioperative covert stroke on patient-important outcomes.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01369537.

Read more in PubMed