END was defined as 1-point and 2-point increase in NIHSS (during the first three and five days of ictus respectively) in the Australian and German study, respectively. Recent

studies have shown that END is an independent predictor of poor outcomes in the setting of AIS. More specifically, the investigators of SORCan (Stroke Outcomes Research Canada) registry have reported BEZ235 datasheet that END (defined as 1-point decrease in CNS) was an independent predictor of 7-day, 30-day and 1-year case fatality rate in a cohort of 3631 patients [7]. Similarly, END was associated with higher rates of death during hospitalization, longer duration of hospitalization and lower rates of functional independence in an Australian study [5]. The causes of END can be classified

into two major groups: hemodynamic and non hemodynamic [1]. Several non-hemodynamic mechanisms can lead to ischemic lesion extension and subsequent neurological worsening, including infections, cerebral edema/increased intracranial pressure, hemorrhagic conversion of infarction and metabolic disorders (hypoxia, hyperglycemia and fever) [1]. The most common hemodynamic causes related to infarct expansion, leading to END in the setting of ACI are the following: (i) cardiac complications, (ii) arterial reocclusion, CB-839 in vivo (iii) intracranial arterial steal phenomenon and (iv) cerebral microembolization. Patients with severe disabling strokes are particularly vulnerable to cardiac complications because stroke can provoke disturbances in autonomic and neurohormonal control and predispose patients to severe cardiac adverse events (SCAEs). It is well-known that acute stroke may lead to a variety of cardiac abnormalities such as myocardial infarction, electrocardiographic changes, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, stress cardiomyopathy (tako-tsubo syndrome) and intracardiac thrombus [8]. SCAEs can medroxyprogesterone hinder functional recovery and contribute to cardiac morbidity and mortality [8]. They are common in the

acute period after stroke onset (19.0% of all patients experience at least one SCAE) and are responsible for 2–6% of the total mortality three months after acute ischemic stroke [9]. The main predictors of SCAE are outlined below: history of heart failure, diabetes mellitus, baseline creatinine >115 μmol/L, severe stroke, and a long QTc (>450 ms in men and >470 ms in women) or ventricular extrasystoles on ECG, low admission systolic blood pressure (<110 mmHg) and right insular stroke [8] and [9]. Right insular region has been shown to moderate the autonomic control of the heart and this may partly explain the potential relationship of right insular stroke with SCAEs. Moreover insular infarction is associated with abnormal cardiac repolarization and increased risk of vascular mortality [9].