Fig. 4

Difference in quantitative fraction in histology between cardioembolic, cryptogenic, and non-cardioembolic strokes. Mean percentages of each clot component, i.e., red blood cells, fibrin/platelets, and white blood cells, are shown in box plots according to three TOAST groups: cardioembolic (TOAST-2), cryptogenic (TOAST-5), and non-cardioembolic strokes (TOAST-1 and TOAST-4). Arterioembolic (TOAST-1) and strokes of other determined causes (TOAST-4) are summarized as non-cardioembolic. Statistical analysis was performed by using the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test and p values are presented in the diagram. Cardioembolic clots showed fewer mean proportions of RBC (p = 0.053) and more F/P (p = 0.024) than non-cardioembolic strokes. Similarly, cryptogenic strokes contained less RBCs (p = 0.006) and higher fractions of F/P (p = 0.003) compared to non-cardioembolic. Comparison between cardioembolic and cryptogenic strokes presented similar histological clot composition for RBC (p = 0.839) and F/P (p = 0.937). Mean percentages of WBCs showed no difference (p = 0.833) in non-cardioembolic compared to cardioembolic and cryptogenic strokes. TOAST Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment