Marie Stugaard

• Hammersbøen, Lars Egil Reine; Bøe, Espen Andreas Matthew; Duchenne, Jürgen; Aalen, John; Odland, Hans Henrik & Villegas-Martinez, Manuel [Show all 17 contributors for this article] (2025). Noninvasive Pressure-Volume Analysis by Three-Dimensional Echocardiography: A Novel Powerful Method for Evaluating Left Ventricular Function. Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography. ISSN 0894-7317. 38(10), p. 946–958. doi: 10.1016/j.echo.2025.05.008. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Pressure-volume (PV) analysis is the gold standard for evaluating left ventricular (LV) function but is rarely used clinically due to its invasiveness. We validated a noninvasive method for PV analysis by three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography against invasive reference measurements and a novel index of LV efficiency against LV efficiency derived from metabolism by positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). Methods In 22 canines, LV volume was measured invasively using piezoelectric crystals and LV pressure by micromanometer. Echocardiography and peak pressure were used to obtain 3D LV volume traces and LV pressure trace estimates. Stroke work, single-beat contractility indices, arterial elastance, and an index of LV efficiency were derived from echocardiography and compared with their invasively measured counterparts at baseline and different interventions. In 12 sheep, the LV efficiency index was compared with efficiency calculated as stroke work divided by total LV glucose metabolism from PET-CT. The sheep underwent 8 weeks of rapid dyssynchronous pacing to induce heart failure (HF). Recordings were performed during synchronous and dyssynchronous electrical activation, at baseline, and after 8 weeks of pacing-induced HF. Results In canines, there was a very good correlation and agreement between noninvasive and invasive measurements of LV stroke work (r = 0.98, P < .0001; difference 237 ± 212 mm Hg × mL, mean ± SD). The noninvasive and invasive efficiency indices also showed very good agreement (r = 0.95, P < .0001; difference 0.4% ± 3.4%). The changes in LV function by the different interventions resulted in similar changes in the noninvasive and invasive PV indices (all P < .001). In sheep, the efficiency index showed similar decline compared to efficiency by PET-CT after induction of HF and after switching from synchronous to dyssynchronous electrical activation (r = 0.67, P < .001 for all interventions). Conclusions Noninvasive PV analysis by three-dimensional echocardiography is feasible and accurate, making PV loop parameters for evaluating LV function accessible for clinical use. Further studies should explore the clinical utility of this method.

• Pleym, Karin; Sverre, Elise Christine Bjørkholen; Weedon-Fekjær, Harald; kahlon, Mohpal Singh; Stugaard, Marie & Husebye, Einar [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2025). Motivational smoking cessation counselling and community‐based follow‐up after hospitalisation for vascular disease: A randomised controlled trial. Addiction. ISSN 0965-2140. p. 1–13. doi: 10.1111/add.70249. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background and aims Evidence for motivational interviewing for smoking cessation is weak, with limited data on long-term abstinence rates. This trial aimed to evaluate the effect of in-hospital motivational interviewing-based smoking cessation counselling combined with proactive referral to community-based follow-up on 6- and 12-month continuous smoking abstinence in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease. Design Multicentre, randomised, open-label, blinded-end-point trial with 1:1 randomisation. Setting Three secondary care hospitals in Norway, with recruitment from November 2021 to October 2023. Participants Hospitalised patients with established atherosclerotic vascular disease who smoked ≥1 cigarette daily prior to unplanned or elective hospitalisation. A total of 221 were randomised (40% women, mean age 65.2 years), of whom 213 were included in the primary analysis due to 7 deaths and 1 withdrawal. Intervention and comparator In the intervention group (n = 109), a trained nurse conducted a single 30-minute motivational interviewing-based counselling session, provided a leaflet explaining the local community-based cessation programme, sent discharge information to the general practitioner and arranged for a personal telephone invitation from the centre staff to the follow-up programme. In the control group (n = 111), a physician gave brief cessation advice and the nurse provided a leaflet about the cessation programme and sent discharge information to the general practitioner. Measurements The primary outcome was self-reported continuous smoking abstinence at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included biochemically validated abstinence (measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide) at 6 months and self-reported abstinence at 12 months. Exploratory outcomes included recurrent vascular events over a median 18-month follow-up. Findings Smoking abstinence at 6 months was 49.5% (53/107) and 24.5% (26/106) in the intervention and control groups, respectively [odds ratio (OR) = 3.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.70–5.55, P < 0.001]. The number needed to treat to achieve one additional abstinence was 4 (95% CI = 3–9). Biochemically validated abstinence was 44.9% (48/107) and 20.8% (22/106) in the intervention and control groups, respectively (OR = 3.28, 95% CI = 1.76–6.12). At 12 months, smoking abstinence was 45.7% (48/105) and 27.5% (28/102) in the intervention and control groups, respectively (OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 1.27–4.20). After a median of 18-month follow-up, a prespecified vascular event occurred in 24.8% (27/109) and 34.2% (38/111) of intervention and control participants, respectively. Conclusions In-hospital motivational counselling combined with proactive referral to follow-up in a community-based cessation programme approximately doubled long-term smoking abstinence rates in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease and reduced occurrence of a new vascular event.

• Hammersbøen, Lars Egil Reine; Stugaard, Marie; Puvrez, Alexis; Larsen, Camilla Kjellstad; Remme, Espen & Kongsgård, Erik [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2024). Mechanism and Impact of Left Atrial Dyssynchrony on Long-Term Clinical Outcome During Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy. JACC Cardiovascular Imaging. ISSN 1936-878X. doi: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2024.09.008. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background Left bundle branch block (LBBB) causes left atrial (LA) dyssynchrony. It is unknown if LA dyssynchrony impacts long-term prognosis. Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine mechanisms of LA dyssynchrony in LBBB and if LA dyssynchrony impacts long-term prognosis. Methods In a prospective multicenter study of 168 heart failure patients with LBBB, echocardiographic strain imaging was done before and after 6 months with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). Outcome was assessed after 6 years. Dyssynchrony was measured relative to septum as delay in left ventricular (LV) lateral wall shortening and LA lateral wall stretch. Response to CRT was defined as at least 15% reduction in LV end-systolic volume. Results Before CRT, there was marked LA dyssynchrony of 105 ± 76 ms, which decreased to 37 ± 68 ms in CRT-responders (P < 0.001), whereas nonresponders showed only a modest reduction in LA dyssynchrony (P < 0.05). There was strong association between LA and LV dyssynchrony (r = 0.70), consistent with direct LV-LA mechanical interaction. CRT caused modest increase in LA reservoir strain (P < 0.01) and marked increase of LV filling time (P < 0.001) in responders. Mortality after 6 years was 21% (35 deaths). LA dyssynchrony did not independently predict mortality. However, the combination of preserved LA reservoir strain (≥18%) and resolved LA dyssynchrony (≤53 ms) after 6 months with CRT was associated with excellent long term-prognosis: HR: 0.11 (95% CI: 0.03-0.42) vs preserved reservoir strain and persistent LA dyssynchrony. Conclusions LA dyssynchrony in LBBB was attributed to direct LV-LA mechanical interactions. CRT improved diastolic function by increasing LV filling time. Patients with preserved LA reservoir strain and resolution of LA dyssynchrony by CRT had excellent long-term prognosis. (Contractile Reserve in Dyssynchrony: A Novel Principle to Identify Candidates for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy [CRID-CRT]; NCT02525185)

• Ibsen, Jørgen; Hov, Maren Ranhoff; Tokerud, Gunn Eli; Fuglum, Julia; Krogstad, Marianne Linnerud & Stugaard, Marie [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2024). Prehospital computed tomography in a rural district for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke. European Stroke Journal. ISSN 2396-9873. doi: 10.1177/23969873241267084. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Early diagnosis and triage of patients with ischemic stroke is essential for rapid reperfusion therapy. The prehospital delay may be substantial and patients from rural districts often arrive at their local hospital too late for disability-preventing thrombolytic therapy due to prolonged transport times. Methods: Hallingdal District Medical Centre (HDMC) is located in a rural area of Norway and is equipped with a computed tomography (CT) scanner. We established emergency pathways of CT imaging and thrombolytic treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke at HDMC. During office hours these pathways were managed by a radiographer and a general physician supported by videoconference from the Primary Stroke Centre. Outside office hours we remotely controlled the CT exam and supported telestroke guided paramedics handling and examining the patients. With a primary aim of demonstrating the feasibility of this de novo concept we enrolled patients in the period 2017–2021 into a comparative cohort observational study. We compared patients treated at HDMC (the Rural CT group) to patients from two other rural regions in Norway with similar distances to their local hospital but without access to a rural CT scanner (the Reference group). Results: A total of 86 patients were included in the Rural CT group (mean age 74, 52% male, 43% stroke mimics), and 69 patients were included in the Reference group (mean age 70, 42% male, 28% stroke mimics). Median time from onset of symptoms to completed CT examination was 93 min in the Rural CT group as compared to 240 min in the Reference group (p < 0.05). In patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis time from onset of symptoms to treatment was median 124 min in the Rural CT group and 213 min in the Reference group, p < 0.05. The frequency of thrombolysis for ischemic stroke did not significantly differ between the two groups. Conclusion: Combining prehospital rural CT examination with telestroke guided diagnosis and thrombolytic treatment by paramedics may facilitate earlier initiation of thrombolysis for patients with ischemic stroke.

• Villegas-Martinez, Manuel; Odland, Hans Henrik; Hammersbøen, Lars Egil; Sletten, Ole Jakob; Stugaard, Marie & Witsø, Marit Helene Langset [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2023). Pulse arrival time variation as a non-invasive marker of acute response to cardiac resynchronization therapy. Europace. ISSN 1099-5129. 25(3), p. 1183–1192. doi: 10.1093/europace/euad013. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Successful cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) shortens the pre-ejection period (PEP) which is prolonged in the left bundle branch block (LBBB). In a combined animal and patient study, we investigated if changes in the pulse arrival time (PAT) could be used to measure acute changes in PEP during CRT implantation and hence be used to evaluate acute CRT response non-invasively and in real time.

• Inoue, Katsuji; Khan, Faraz Hameed; Remme, Espen W.; Ohte, Nobuyuki; García-Izquierdo, Eusebio & Chetrit, Michael [Show all 18 contributors for this article] (2021). Determinants of left atrial reservoir and pump strain and use of atrial strain for evaluation of left ventricular filling pressure. European Heart Journal-Cardiovascular Imaging. ISSN 2047-2404. 23(1), p. 61–70. doi: 10.1093/ehjci/jeaa415. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Aims The aim of this study is to investigate determinants of left atrial (LA) reservoir and pump strain and if these parameters may serve as non-invasive markers of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure. Methods and results In a multicentre study of 322 patients with cardiovascular disease of different aetiologies, LA strain and other echocardiographic parameters were compared with invasively measured LV filling pressure. The strongest determinants of LA reservoir and pump strain were LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) (r-values 0.64 and 0.51, respectively) and LV filling pressure (r-values −0.52 and −0.57, respectively). Left atrial volume was another independent, but weaker determinant of both LA strains. For both LA strains, association with LV filling pressure was strongest in patients with reduced LV ejection fraction. Left atrial reservoir strain &amp;lt;18% and LA pump strain &amp;lt;8% predicted elevated LV filling pressure better (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than LA volume and conventional Doppler parameters. Accuracy to identify elevated LV filling pressure was 75% for LA reservoir strain alone and 72% for pump strain alone. When combined with conventional parameters, accuracy was 82% for both LA strains. In patients with normal LV systolic function by GLS, LA pump strain &amp;gt;14% identified normal LV filling pressure with 92% accuracy. Conclusion Left atrial reservoir and pump strain are determined predominantly by LV GLS and filling pressure. Accuracy of LA strains to identify elevated LV filling pressure was best in patients with reduced LV systolic function. High values of LA pump strain, however, identified normal LV filling pressure with good accuracy in patients with normal systolic function.

• Larsen, Terje H; Stugaard, Marie; Rotevatn, Svein; Nygård, Ottar & Nordrehaug, Jan Erik (2015). Clinical significance of late enhancement and regional wall remodeling assessed by 3T magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical Medicine Insights: Cardiology. 9, p. 17–24. doi: 10.4137/CMC.S20291. Full text in Research Archive
• Hodt, Anders; Hisdal, Jonny; Stugaard, Marie; Stranden, Einar; Atar, Dan & Steine, Kjetil (2015). Increased LV apical untwist during preload reduction in healthy humans. An echocardiographic speckle tracking study during lower body negative pressure (LBNP). Physiological Reports. 3(3). doi: 10.14814/phy2.12330. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: We sought to investigate the effect of reduced preload on LV untwist and early diastolic filling in healthy individuals. Methods: Twelve healthy men, 22 (22,23) years of age, were examined at rest and during applied lower body negative pressure (LBNP) of -20 mmHg and -40 mmHg, respectively. Regional untwist and untwist rate during IVRT were calculated at LV basal, papillary, sub-papillary and apical short axis levels by two dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. LV early diastolic filling was assessed by transmitral E-wave (E) peak velocity by pulsed Doppler and flow propagation velocity (Vp) by color M-mode Doppler and early diastolic pulsed Doppler tissue velocities (E`) from septal and lateral mitral annulus. Results: From rest to LBNP -40 mmHg the LV untwist and untwist rate at sub-papillary level increased from 2.3 (1.4,3.5) to 4.5 (3.1,7.6) degrees and from -36 (-51,-25) to -69 (-127,-42) /s (p<0.001, p=0.003), respectively, while apical untwist and untwist rate increased from 3.9 (2.3,4.3) to 7.6 (6.4,10.5) degrees and from -51 (-69,-40) to -118 (-170,-84) /s (p<0.001, p<0.001), respectively. Since untwist and untwist rate at the basal level were unchanged, this created markedly larger base to apical untwist and untwist rate gradients from rest to LBNP -40 mmHg. E, Vp and E` were reduced by 34, 32 and 39 %, respectively. Conclusions: LV untwist and untwist rate during IVRT were increased at apical levels, which might be a physiological mechanism to minimize the impairment in LV early diastolic filling during preload reduction.

• Hodt, Anders; Stugaard, Marie; Hisdal, Jonny; Stranden, Einar; Atar, Dan & Steine, Kjetil (2012). Regional LV deformation in healthy individuals during isovolumetric contraction and ejection phases assessed by 2D speckle tracking echocardiography. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. ISSN 1475-0961. 32(5), p. 372–379. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-097X.2012.01139.x. Full text in Research Archive
• Hodt, Anders; Hisdal, Jonny; Stugaard, Marie; Stranden, Einar; Atar, Dan & Steine, Kjetil (2011). Reduced preload elicits increased LV twist in healthy humans. Clinical Physiology and Functional Imaging. ISSN 1475-0961. 31(5), p. 382–389. doi: 10.1111/j.1475-097X.2011.01029.x. Full text in Research Archive

View all works in NVA

• Pleym, Karin; Engebretsen, Ingrid; Sverre, Elise Christine Bjørkholen; Dammen, Toril; Husebye, Einar & kahlon, Mohpal Singh [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2026). Cost-effectiveness of in-hospital motivational smoking cessation counselling and proactive referral to community-based follow-up. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology (EJPC). ISSN 2047-4873. 33(Supplement_2). doi: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwag249.265. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Background Hospital-based smoking cessation interventions are generally cost-effective, but most economic evaluations among inpatients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) rely on modelled data only rather than patient-level data (1). Moreover, cost-effectiveness evidence for motivational interviewing in smoking cessation is limited and is primarily derived from non-hospitalised populations (2,3). Purpose To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of an in-hospital smoking cessation intervention with proactive referral to community-based follow-up among patients with ASCVD. Methods We performed an economic evaluation alongside a randomised controlled trial using a hospital perspective. The analysis included the cost of training, materials, and personnel. We recorded survival over sixteen months. Hospital costs during this period were monetised using Diagnosis Related Group cost weights. Survival beyond follow-up was projected using national mortality data adjusted for age, sex, and ASCVD. Remaining lifetime costs were estimated from mean costs in the final six months of follow-up. Costs and life-years were discounted at four percent. Uncertainty was assessed with 2000 bootstrap replicates. The primary outcome was net monetary benefit using a willingness-to-pay threshold of €38,346 per life-year. Results Mean baseline age was 65.2 years. During the sixteen-month follow-up, five participants in the intervention group and nine in the control group died. The intervention group had lower per-patient hospital costs during follow-up (€9,114 versus €13,973; difference: €4,859; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –€1,514 to €11,232). Lifetime costs were higher in the intervention group due to longer projected survival (€114,170 versus €110,522; difference: €3,648; uncertainty estimates [UE]: -€19,816 to €27,718). Undiscounted remaining life expectancy was 20.5 years in the intervention group and 18.7 years in the control group, (difference: 1.7 years, 95% UE: –1.9 to 6.1). The estimated net monetary benefit was €37,475 (95% CI: -15,868 to 107,797) and the probability that the intervention was cost-effective at the €38,346 per life-year threshold was 90.5% (Figure). Conclusion An in-hospital, motivational smoking cessation intervention with proactive referral to community-based support is likely to be cost-effective from a hospital perspective for patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease.FigureFor image description, please refer to the figure legend and surrounding text.

• Pleym, Karin; Engebretsen, Ingrid; Sverre, Elise Christine Bjørkholen; Dammen, Toril; Husebye, Einar & kahlon, Mohpal Singh [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2026). Cost-effectiveness of in-hospital motivational smoking cessation counselling and proactive referral to community-based follow-up. doi: https:/esc365.escardio.org/preventive-cardiology/sessions/18493-feasibility-and-outcomes-of-lifestyle-and-behavioural-interventions. Full text in Research Archive
• Witso, M; Luo, H; Frostelid, V; Selmer, Lisa Marie; Sørensen, Kristian & Fadnes, Solveig [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2026). Changes in the basal-to-apical pressure drop estimated by blood speckle tracking reflect changes in left ventricular diastolic function. doi: 10.1093/ehjci/jeaf367.149. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Introduction Blood speckle tracking (BST) is a imaging modality which includes a new method for noninvasive estimation of pressure differences. The magnitude of the early diastolic left ventricular (LV) basal-to-apical intra-ventricular pressure drop (IVPD) is in part determined by relaxation rate and restoring forces. Noninvasive estimation of the IVPD by BST may therefore be of clinical interest. Purpose We performed interventions to vary relaxation rate and restoring forces and investigated if estimated IVPD by BST corresponded with invasively measured IVPD and varied according to these changes in diastolic function. Methods Apical BST images of LV inflow were acquired using a GE Vivid E95 ultrasound scanner and the M5Sc probe in pigs (n=4, 50-58 kg) (Figure 1, top panel). Calibrated microtip pressure catheters were placed basally in the mitral inflow region and apically in the LV. LV volume was measured from implanted sonomicrometric crystals. Recordings were performed with respirator on during baseline, esmolol infusion and dobutamine infusion. Custom software was utilised to analyse the BST images and estimate IVPD (IVPD = apical – basal pressure). Relaxation rate was quantified as the exponential time-constant, tau, of isovolumic pressure decay. Changes in restoring forces were reflected by changes in end-systolic volume (ESV). Results Esmolol infusion significantly reduced noninvasive and invasive IVPD, and significantly reduced relaxation rate (i.e. higher tau) and restoring forces (i.e. higher ESV), while dobutamine infusion had opposite effects (p&lt;0.001, Figure 1). Noninvasive IVPD correlated well with invasive IVPD (r=0.93) (Figure 2). Conclusions In this small sample size study, estimation of LV IVPD by BST corresponded well with invasively measured IVPD. Estimated IVPD captured the changes in diastolic function assessed as relaxation rate and restoring forces. This encourages further research to investigate its ability to detect impaired left ventricular relaxation and restoring forces, for which there are currently no established clinical markers.  

• Witsø, Marit Helene Langset; Luo, H; Holm, T; Kristiansen, H M; Frostelid, V C & Aalen, J [Show all 15 contributors for this article] (2025). Feasibility of non-invasive echocardiographic estimates of intraventricular pressure differences by blood speckle tracking in adults. European Heart Journal-Cardiovascular Imaging. ISSN 2047-2404. 26(Supplement_1). doi: 10.1093/ehjci/jeae333.081. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Introduction Non-invasive estimation of the intraventricular pressure difference (IVPD) in early diastole using high-frame-rate ultrasound-based blood speckle tracking (BST) has been reported in pediatric cardiology of various pathologies. This novel echocardiographic technology has recently become available in probes suitable for the adult population. Purpose We tested the feasibility by analyzing intra- and interobserver variability and investigating if IVPD in the left ventricular inflow exhibited the expected differences in controls vs a group of heart failure patients to indicate the ability of this new index to assess diastolic function. Methods Apical BST images of LV inflow were acquired using a GE Vivid E95 ultrasound scanner and the M5Sc probe in healthy volunteers (n=9) and patients with heart failure and left bundle branch block (LBBB) (n=15) implanted with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) 6±2 months (mean±SD) earlier. Echocardiography was performed both with CRT turned on and off. IVPD was analyzed from the BST acquisitions using custom software (Figure 1). Blinded intra- and interobserver variability analysis were performed on the measurements from the healthy controls with the same observer and two other observers, respectively. Results All the controls and 11 of the 15 patients had BST acquisitions eligible for IVPD-analysis, giving a total feasibility of 83%. Intraobserver reliability was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.96 [0.85, 0.99], mean and 95% CI) and interobserver reliability was good (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.88 [0.59, 0.97] and 0.84 [0.48, 0.96]) respectively. IVPD was highest in controls (-1.7±0.5 mmHg), and higher with CRT on (-1.3±0.7 mmHg, p=NS vs controls) than off (-0.9±0.5 mmHg, p&lt;0.05 compared to both on and controls) in the patients. Conclusions Estimating the intracavitary pressure difference that accelerates blood into the LV during early filling seems feasible and reproducible in adult hearts by BST. IVPD is reduced in patients with heart failure and LBBB, and increases in patients with LBBB when treated with CRT. IVPD based on BST is a potential new echocardiographic method to evaluate diastolic function. Future improvements of the technology are warranted for widespread use.

• Pleym, Karin; Sverre, Elise Christine Bjørkholen; Weedon-Fekjaer, Harald; kahlon, Mohpal Singh; Stugaard, Marie & Husebye, Einar [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2025). Motivational smoking cessation counselling with proactive referral to community-based follow-up after hospitalisation for vascular disease: a pragmatic, randomised trial. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: To evaluate the effect of an intervention consisting of one session of in-hospital motivational interviewing smoking cessation counselling combined with proactive referral to follow-up in a community-based cessation program on continuous smoking abstinence rates at six and twelve months. Methods: We conducted a multi-centre pragmatic, randomised, open, blinded endpoint (PROBE) intervention trial at three secondary care hospitals. We included patients with established atherosclerotic vascular disease smoking ≥ 1 cigarette daily prior to unplanned or elective hospitalisation. Participants were randomised 1:1 to (i) brief advice, a leaflet with contact information for a community-based cessation program, and discharge information to their general practitioner (control), or (ii) identical interventions as (i), plus a single in-hospital motivational counselling session that included referral to the cessation program, and a proactive telephone invitation from the community-based centre staff within two weeks post-discharge (intervention). Results: Among 332 screened patients, 110 were excluded, and 221 (67%) were randomised. The mean age was 65 years (SD 10, range of 37 to 85 years), with 40% being women. In intention-to-treat analyses (excluding 7 deaths and one consent withdrawal), 50% (53/107) in the intervention group and 25% (26/106) in the control group reported smoking abstinence at six months (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7-5.6, p<0.001), biochemically confirmed in 89% (70/79) with carbon monoxide measurements. The number needed to treat to achieve abstinence in one additional patient who smoke was 4 (95% CI 3 to 8). The intervention increased participation in the cessation programme (41% vs. 11%) and increased the number of participants that obtained coupons for free cessation medications (36% vs. 11%). At 12 months, abstinence was reported by 46% of the intervention group and 28% of the control group (Figure 1). After a median follow-up of 18 months (range 12–24), recurrent vascular events occurred in 26% (28/109) of the intervention group and 34% (38/111) of the control group. Conclusions: One session of in-hospital motivational counselling combined with proactive referral to follow-up in a community-based cessation program nearly doubled long-term smoking abstinence rates in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease. Moreover, early data suggests that the intervention might translate into a numeric reduction in recurrent cardiovascular events and death during a follow-up period of 1-2 years.

• Larsen, Terje H; Stugaard, Marie; Nygård, Ottar; Rotevatn, Svein & Nordrehaug, Jan Erik (2009). Delayed contrast-enhancement and left ventricular remodelling demonstrated at high-field 3T MRI of patients with suspected coronary artery disease. Cardiology. ISSN 0008-6312. 113, p. 82–83. Full text in Research Archive
• Stugaard, Marie; Larsen, Terje H; Nygård, Ottar; Nordrehaug, Jan Erik & Rotevatn, Svein (2009). Detection of non-viable myocardium by 3T MRI in patients without obstructive coronary artery disease. Cardiology. ISSN 0008-6312. 113, p. 88–89. Full text in Research Archive
• Eikvil, Line; Olafsdottir, Jorunn B.; Stugaard, Marie & Lundervold, Arvid (1992). Gjenkjenning av flytmønstre fra Doppler ultralyd bilder. Full text in Research Archive
• Ibsen, Jørgen; Hall, Christian; Lund, Christian; Hov, Maren Ranhoff & Stugaard, Marie (2026). Rural Computed Tomography and thrombolytic treatment for ischemic stroke. Universitetet i Oslo. ISSN 9788234808678. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Acute stroke affects approximately 10.000 Norwegians annually. Early thrombolytic treatment of patients with ischemic stroke significantly improves prognosis, however treatment is time dependent and should in most patients be administered within 4.5 hours from onset of symptoms. To exclude cerebral haemorrhage, a rapid Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the brain must be performed. Stroke patients from rural areas in Norway may have a long transport time to hospital and arrive too late for treatment. The primary aim of this thesis was to examine the rationale, feasibility and potential utility of a rural CT station in prehospital stroke diagnosis and treatment. Data from the Norwegian Stroke Registry demonstrate a significant inverse relationship between transport time in ambulance and frequency of reperfusion therapy. Alternative models such as Mobile Stroke Units have been tested to reduce the prehospital time delay. In the thesis Rural computed tomography and thrombolytic treatment for ischemic stroke Ibsen et al. explores effects of a decentralized CT and thrombolytic service in Hallingdal, Norway. During daytime, the service is operated by a local radiographer and a general practitioner. Out of office hours, the CT scanner is remotely controlled from Ringerike Hospital and trained paramedics are supervised over video link to perform diagnosis and treatment. In a clinical study, treated patients received thrombolysis 89 minutes earlier than patients from a similar rural district without a rural CT station. In collaboration with the Norwegian Mapping Authority, we hypothetically deployed similar CT stations as in Hallingdal into rural areas in Norway. The deployment resulted in a significant reduction in transport times and an increased odds ratio for good outcome in case of ischemic stroke. Such deployment may be feasible due to utilization of telemedicine and paramedics already on-call, however cost-benefit analyses are up to now not performed.

• Eikvil, Line; Olafsdottir, Jorunn B.; Stugaard, Marie & Lundervold, Arvid (1992). Recogition of flow pattern in Doppler ultrasound images. Norsk Regnesentral. Full text in Research Archive

View all works in NVA