Our data indicate that patients with NVAF and higher CHADS(2) score or CHA(2)DS(2)-VASc score are more likely to develop severe stroke and a worse clinical course is expected in these patients after stroke presentation.

Increased frequency of concomitant PCSE and that of the atherothrombotic mechanism may explain the high risk of stroke in patients with higher CHADS(2) /CHA(2) DS(2) -VASc score.

Patients with low ABI values presented with more severe ischaemic stroke. Contribution of pre-existing PAD to leg weakness may play a role in the initial severity of stroke in patients with PAD. Our findings suggest that poor clinical outcomes in patients with PAD may be partially explained by their increased likelihood for severe stroke.

In cardioembolic strokes, failure of complete recanalization following thrombolytic therapy was frequent and was associated with poor outcome after thrombolysis.