Review

Elevated Troponin after Stroke: A Systematic Review
Gillian Kerr^a, Gautamananda Ray^a, Olivia Wu^b, David J. Stott^a, Peter Langhorne<sup>a

a</sup>Academic Section of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, and
^bSection of Public Health and Health Policy, Division of Community-Based Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK

Address of Corresponding Author

Cerebrovasc Dis 2009;28:220-226 (DOI: 10.1159/000226773)

  Key Words

• Troponin
• Electrocardiogram changes
• Myocardial ischemia
• Stroke

  Abstract

Background: Troponin levels are elevated in some acute stroke patients, but the clinical significance of this is unclear. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies measuring troponin within 7 days of symptom onset in acute stroke patients. Results: We identified 15 studies (2,901 patients). Overall 18.1% (95% CI 13.6-22.6) had a positive troponin level. These patients were more likely to have electrocardiogram (ECG) changes suggestive of myocardial ischemia (OR 3.0; 95% CI 1.5-6.2), and there was an independent association with death (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.7-4.8). Conclusion: Elevated troponin level after acute stroke is common and is associated with ECG changes suggestive of myocardial ischemia and increased risk of death.

Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Prof. Peter Langhorne
Academic Section of Geriatric Medicine, Room disc 35, 3rd Floor, University Block
Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Glasgow G31 2ER (UK)
Tel. +44 141 211 4976, Fax +44 141 211 4033, E-Mail p.langhorne@clinmed.gla.ac.uk

  Article Information

Received: November 24, 2008
Accepted: April 8, 2009
Published online: July 2, 2009
Number of Print Pages : 7
Number of Figures : 3, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 24