Determining ischemic stroke subtype: an improved algorithm and its use in a comprehensive stroke unit

Objective ‒ to implement a inified algorithm for determining an ischemic cerebral stroke (ICS) etiological subtype and evaluate the results of its use in patients who were admitted comprehensive unit (CSU).Materials methods. The study enrolled 689 with ICS (43.4 % women, 56.6 men; median age 68.1 years (59.7–75.5)) 2010 2018 hospital where structure processes correspond principles CSU. participants’ age, gender, National Institutes Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) modified Rankin scores analyzed. All underwent initial workup that included neuroimaging, vascular imaging, cardiologist’s exam set laboratory tests, advanced evaluation, at his physician discretion. was assigned one four subtypes: cardioembolic, atherosclerotic, lacunar or other. Results. According proposed algorithm, 294 (42.7 %) cases cardioembolic subtype, 282 (40.9 atherosclerotic 52 (7.5 61 (8.9 unknown etiology. Differences shown frequency main subtypes compared epidemiological studies are due greater severity our sample: baseline NIHSS total score 10 (6–17), scale 4 (3–5), and, on other hand, in-depth assessment using modern diagnostic technologies longer length stay allowed tests be completed.Conclusions. Thorough evaluation unified based causal classifications allow successfully determine CSU low proportion etiology, which is key effective secondary prevention.