CLINICAL AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC CORRELATES OF LEFT VENTRICULAR DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION AMONG PATIENTS WITH ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE: A RETROSPECTIVE PILOT STUDY FROM SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability worldwide and is increasingly recognized as a manifestation of systemic cardiovascular disease. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DD) is common among patients with AIS and has been associated with adverse cardiovascular and neurological outcomes. However, data from sub-Saharan Africa remain limited. This study investigated the clinical and echocardiographic correlates of DD among patients with AIS in southeastern Nigeria.

This retrospective observational pilot study included 47 consecutive adults with CT- or MRI-confirmed AIS admitted between January 2024 and May 2026. Comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography was performed during index admission, and diastolic function was assessed using the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging recommendations. Continuous and categorical variables were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney *U* test, Pearson's chi-square, or Fisher's exact tests, as appropriate.

Diastolic dysfunction was identified in 46 (97.9%) patients. Grade I DD predominated (35; 74.5%), followed by Grade II (6; 12.8%) and Grade III (5; 10.6%). Patients with moderate-to-severe DD had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction and higher E-wave velocity, E/A ratio, and E/e′ ratio than those with normal/mild DD (p< 0.05). No significant associations were found between DD severity and demographic or clinical variables.

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is highly prevalent among Nigerian patients with AIS, with Grade I dysfunction predominating. Routine comprehensive echocardiography may improve cardiovascular risk stratification and guide secondary prevention. Larger prospective multicentre studies are warranted.