Abstract 4139600: Characteristics and Pattern of Stress Cardiomyopathy in High Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Background: Cardiac injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a well-recognized phenomenon with electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, arrhythmias and myocardial dysfunction. Neurocardiac injury has been commonly reported with increased severity of SAH, however much of the evidence has focused on high grade SAH requiring hemodynamic support or mechanical ventilation. In this study we focused on neurocardiac injury with high grade World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grade 3-5 SAH requiring intensive care management. Methods: Patients admitted to our intensive care unit from 2009-2019 with an WFNS 3-5 aneurysmal SAH with an echocardiogram within 7 days of admission were included in our study. Electrocardiogram, cardiac biomarkers and data regarding mortality and neurological complications were collected retrospectively. Results: A total of 242 patients were included in our study analysis with 11 (5%), 89 (37%), and 142 (59%) had WFNS grade 3, 4 or 5 SAH, respectively. Of the 95 patients that underwent echocardiography in the first week, 38 (40%) had a reduced ejection fraction, which was mild (LVEF 40-52%) in 13 (14%), moderate (LVEF 30-39%) in 14 (15%), and severe (LVEF < 30%) in 11 (12%). Independent predictors of reduced ejection fraction included a lower presenting GCS score (OR 1.2 per one point reduction in (Glasgow Coma Score) GCS, 95% CI 1.0-1.5, p = 0.03), elevated troponin T concentration (OR 6.1, 95% CI 1.2-31.3, p = 0.03) and T wave inversion on ECG (OR 9.1, 95% CI 1.6-52.3, p = 0.01). In patients with reduced ejection fraction, classical apical wall motion abnormality was more prevalent in older populations (median age 64 years (apical) vs 50 years (basal wall motion abnormality) and 52 years (other) p = 0.03). In all wall motion abnormality groups, there was a female predominance. Classic Takotsubo wall motion was associated with an anterior SAH aneurysm location (p = 0.03) and highest proportion of moderate to severe LV dysfunction (p = 0.04). ICU mortality did not differ based on the pattern of wall motion abnormalities. Conclusion: Predictors of neurocardiac injury in high grade SAH include troponin elevation, T wave abnormalities and lower presenting GCS. Aneurysm location was associated with wall motion abnormalities and degree of LV dysfunction. Patients with WFNS 3-5 SAH are at increased risk of neurocardiac injury. ECG changes, cardiac biomarker elevation and aneurysm location can help identify patients who warrant echocardiography.