ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A2332 CARDIOEMBOLIC ETIOLOGIES OF YOUNG ISCHEMIC STROKE IN TWO STROKE UNITS IN SENEGAL

Abstract Background and aims The etiologies of young ischemic stroke are heterogeneous and often differ by geographic region and even within countries in a given region. To the best of our knowledge, data on the cardioembolic etiologies of ischemic strokes in young adults in Sub-Saharan Africa are limited. Knowledge of the most common cardioembolic causes of young ischemic stroke will allow for context-specific diagnostic and treatment guidelines. The objective of this study was to determine the most common causes of cardioembolic ischemic strokes in young adults. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with prospective data collection in two stroke units in Senegal among patients aged less than 50 years with ischemic stroke. Patients underwent comprehensive clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and cardiac assessments to determine stroke etiology. Results Among 203 young ischemic stroke patients, cardioembolic stroke accounted for 28.6% of cases. Rheumatic heart disease was the most common cardioembolic etiology, accounting for 51.7%. Other common causes of cardioembolic stroke include heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and infective endocarditis. The anterior circulation was the most common location, with a median hospital stay of 17 days (IQR 7–30), and an in-hospital mortality rate of 6.9% (4/58). The modified Rankin Scale score at discharge was ≥3 in 78% of patients. Conclusions RHD is a leading cause of young cardioembolic ischemic stroke in Senegal. Conflict of interest Mundih Njohjam: Nothing to disclose, Mark Olivier Ngoule: Nothing to disclose, Falonne Tiffany Niakam: Nothing to disclose