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Open Access 01-12-2023 | Stroke | Research Article

Echocardiography in acute stroke patients: a nationwide analysis in departments with certified stroke units in Germany

Authors: Timolaos Rizos, Ekkehart Jenetzky, Darius Günther Nabavi, Karl Georg Haeusler, Rolf Wachter, Martin Ossenbrink, Peter Arthur Ringleb, Otto Busse

Published in: Neurological Research and Practice | Issue 1/2023

Abstract

Background

Echocardiography is highly relevant in patients with ischemic stroke or TIA. Utilization of routine echocardiographic examinations [transthoracic (TTE) or transesophageal (TEE)] on stroke units remains however unknown. To representatively examine echocardiographic rates on stroke units in Germany and to evaluate structural factors that may influence the decision to conduct echocardiography.

Methods

A nationwide analysis was performed by using certification audit data of all primary and comprehensive stroke centers (pSC and cSC) in Germany.

Results

Structural and organizational requirements of 310 departments (cSCs: 42.6%) were extracted. Median TTE rate was 63.3% (IQR 39.3–80.8), median TEE rate 21.3% (IQR 16.4–29.5). A cardiological department on site was present in 74.2%, and they were associated with higher TEE rates. TTE rates decreased with increasing numbers of patients (p = 0.026). Likewise, TEE rates decreased with increasing numbers of patients (p = 0.006), mediated by departments with cSCs (p = 0.008 for cSCs vs p = 0.230 for pSCs). TTE rates were far more inhomogeneously distributed than TEE rates and higher in pSCs (p = 0.011). Overall, 12.9% of centers did not perform any echocardiographic examination in at least 50% of all stroke patients.

Conclusion

More detailed recommendations regarding echocardiography should be included in future guidelines. Moreover, evaluating the impact of echocardiographic examinations on long-term prognosis in stroke patients should be focus of further evaluations.

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Title: Echocardiography in acute stroke patients: a nationwide analysis in departments with certified stroke units in Germany
Authors: Timolaos Rizos
Ekkehart Jenetzky
Darius Günther Nabavi
Karl Georg Haeusler
Rolf Wachter
Martin Ossenbrink
Peter Arthur Ringleb
Otto Busse
Publication date: 01-12-2023
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Stroke
Transthoracic Echocardiography
Transesophageal Echocardiography
Echocardiography
Stroke Unit
Echocardiography
Published in: Neurological Research and Practice / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 2524-3489
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s42466-022-00229-1

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Echocardiography in acute stroke patients: a nationwide analysis in departments with certified stroke units in Germany

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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