A Study Protocol on Assessment of ECG and Echocardiography Changes in Stroke Patients

Background: Ischemic stroke is accountable for about 80% of the first episode of cerebrovascular accidents. Cerebrovascular accident due to intracerebral hemorrhage is described as an abrupt onset of clinical signs of central nervous system dysfunction resulting from focal collection of blood inside the ventricular system or brain parenchyma, which is not caused by trauma. Stroke is reported as the most common cause of mortality in developed countries after cardiovascular problems. In cerebrovascular accidents, ECG changes like ST-T changes, QT prolongation, abnormal U waves etc have been reported. Also 2D echocardiographic changes have been reported in stroke patients. This study aims to assess different changes in electrocardiograph and 2D echo patterns cerebrovascular accident cases and their prognostic importance.

Objectives: To study variations in Electrocardiogram and 2D Echo in stroke patients in stroke patients and to rule out end organ insufficiency of vital organs.

Methodology: This will be a Prospective Cross-Sectional study. About 200 patients of Cerebrovascular accidents reporting to Dept of Emergency Medicine at AVBRH will be included in this study. All patients will undergo 12-lead electrocardiography, at the time of arrival to the hospital. CT scan/MRI will be performed within half an hour of reporting to Emergency Department. After management of stroke, 2D ECHO will be performed. Data of all patients will be analysed with appropriate statistical packages.

Expected outcome: A Significant correlation is expected between ECG changes and stroke.