Epidemiology of stroke after cardiac sugery

Anyanwu AC, Filsoufi F, Saltzberg SP, Bronster DJ and Adams DH

The authors conducted a retrospective analysis on 5085 adults underoing cardiac surgery during a six year period from 1998 – 2004. Stroke occurred in 134 (2.65%) of patients. Incidence varied according to procedure (CABG 1.7%, isolated valve 1.8%, valve/CABG 4.4%, ascending aorta 4.6%). Patients who had a stroke had a higher perioperative mortality rate and a longer period of hospitalization (median 30 days vs 7 days).

After multivariate analysis. ten preoperative predictors of stroke were identified. These included: gender, age, aortic surgery, previous stroke, critical preoperative state, poor ventricular function, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, unstable angina and pulmonary hypertension. Using a logistic model developed from the above risk factors clinicians can predict the likelihood of stroke preoperatively and thereby improve preoperative patient counseling and selection.

The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2007, 134 (5): 1121 – 1127

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