Elevation of cardiac troponin can be found in about 30 % of patients with acute ischemic stroke (depending on the assay used). Elevated troponin indicates increased mortality. Up-to-date, there is currently little evidence regarding ideal care of these patients. We know from previous studies that ~ 25 % of acute stroke patients with elevated levels of cardiac troponin have culprit lesions on coronary angiogram.

The primary goal of the PRAISE (Prediction of acute coronary syndrome in acute ischemic stroke) study is to develop a diagnostic algorithm that allows the prediction of acute coronary syndrome in stroke patients. To achieve this, clinical symptoms, troponin levels as well as findings on EKG, echocardiography and coronary angiography will be systematically evaluated. The PRAISE study is a multicenter study with more than 20 sites in Germany. Joint funding will be provided by DZHK (German center of cardiovascular research) und DZNE (German center of neurodegenerative diseases). Acute ischaemic stroke patients with elevated troponin are eligible for participation in the study. The primary endpoint is the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome as established by an independent endpoint committee.

• Regina von Rennenberg
• Simon Litmeier