The relationship between the Ischemia area in the brain and ECG/Troponin levels

Objective: Stroke remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with ischemic strokes accounting for approximately 80% of all cases. This study aimed to investigate the association between electrocardiographic (ECG) changes and elevated troponin levels with the anatomical localization of vascular occlusion causing cerebral ischemia. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 155 female and 145 male patients. Demographic data (age and sex), ECG findings assessed by emergency medicine specialists and residents, laboratory parameters, MRI lesion findings evaluated by radiologists, comorbidities, and clinical symptoms were recorded. Results: The mean patient age was 70 years. The most frequent presenting symptoms in the emergency department were motor-sensory deficits and aphasia or dysarthria. No significant relationship was found between lesion localization and serum levels of BUN, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium, or troponin. Similarly, no significant association was observed between comorbidities or ECG findings and the localization of ischemic lesions. Conclusion: Despite efforts to identify scoring systems and clinical correlations to expedite the diagnosis of ischemic stroke, neuroimaging remains the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment planning. Imaging plays a crucial role not only in diagnosis but also in excluding secondary causes and guiding clinical follow-up. In adult patients, the cranium functions as a closed compartment, and currently, the most effective tools for visualizing intracranial pathology are computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These imaging modalities continue to be central to the rapid evaluation and management of stroke.