Background: Familial aggregation of stroke is well-documented, yet few studies have examined associations between stroke subtypes-particularly early-onset cryptogenic ischaemic stroke (eCIS)-and broader family history (FH) of cardiovascular disease. Such associations may provide insights into underlying etiologic mechanisms. Methods: In this multicentre case-control study, we included eCIS patients aged 18-49 years and matched stroke-free controls. We analysed the association between FH of stroke, venous thromboembolism (VTE), coronary artery disease (CAD), aneurysms and eCIS using multivariable logistic regression, with a subgroup analysis stratifying patients by high-risk patent foramen ovale (HR-PFO). Results: We enrolled 508 eCIS patients (182 [36%] with HR-PFO) and 520 controls. Compared with controls, patients more frequently reported FH of stroke among first-degree relatives (FDR) (20% vs. 14%, P = .01) and grandparents (47% vs. 39%, P = .01), FH of early-onset stroke among FDR (5% vs. 2%, P = .01) and FH of early-onset VTE among FDR (5% vs. 2%, P = .003). In adjusted analyses, eCIS was associated with FH of stroke among FDR (OR 1.50; 95% CI, 1.04-2.16) and grandparents (1.50; 1.12-1.99), with FH of early-onset stroke among FDR (2.36; 1.11-5.04); and with FH of early-onset VTE among FDR (3.45; 1.47-8.13). eCIS was also associated with FH of VTE among FDR (1.80, 1.09-2.98) in the presence of HR-PFO. FH of CAD or aneurysms was not associated with eCIS. Conclusion: FH of stroke and VTE, particularly early-onset events and in the presence of HR-PFO, are associated with eCIS. These findings support familial predisposition and highlight prothrombotic mechanisms in eCIS.
Family history of stroke and cardiovascular diseases in early-onset cryptogenic ischaemic stroke / Sihvo, M.c., Ylikotila, P., Zedde, M., Pascarella, R., Sarkanen, T., Jatužis, D., Ryliškienė, K., Von Sarnowski, B., Licenik, R., Ferdinand, P., Kõrv, J., Kõrv, L., Pezzini, A., Fonseca, A.c., Paula, A., Martínez-Sánchez, P., Yesilot, N., Fromm, A., Waje-Andreassen, U., Redfors, P., et al.. - In: EUROPEAN STROKE JOURNAL. - ISSN 2396-9881. - (2026). [10.1093/esj/aakag013]
Family history of stroke and cardiovascular diseases in early-onset cryptogenic ischaemic stroke
Pezzini A;
2026-01-01
Abstract
Background: Familial aggregation of stroke is well-documented, yet few studies have examined associations between stroke subtypes-particularly early-onset cryptogenic ischaemic stroke (eCIS)-and broader family history (FH) of cardiovascular disease. Such associations may provide insights into underlying etiologic mechanisms. Methods: In this multicentre case-control study, we included eCIS patients aged 18-49 years and matched stroke-free controls. We analysed the association between FH of stroke, venous thromboembolism (VTE), coronary artery disease (CAD), aneurysms and eCIS using multivariable logistic regression, with a subgroup analysis stratifying patients by high-risk patent foramen ovale (HR-PFO). Results: We enrolled 508 eCIS patients (182 [36%] with HR-PFO) and 520 controls. Compared with controls, patients more frequently reported FH of stroke among first-degree relatives (FDR) (20% vs. 14%, P = .01) and grandparents (47% vs. 39%, P = .01), FH of early-onset stroke among FDR (5% vs. 2%, P = .01) and FH of early-onset VTE among FDR (5% vs. 2%, P = .003). In adjusted analyses, eCIS was associated with FH of stroke among FDR (OR 1.50; 95% CI, 1.04-2.16) and grandparents (1.50; 1.12-1.99), with FH of early-onset stroke among FDR (2.36; 1.11-5.04); and with FH of early-onset VTE among FDR (3.45; 1.47-8.13). eCIS was also associated with FH of VTE among FDR (1.80, 1.09-2.98) in the presence of HR-PFO. FH of CAD or aneurysms was not associated with eCIS. Conclusion: FH of stroke and VTE, particularly early-onset events and in the presence of HR-PFO, are associated with eCIS. These findings support familial predisposition and highlight prothrombotic mechanisms in eCIS.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
