Significance of Earlier Carotid Atherosclerosis for Stroke Subtypes

• DOI: 10.1161/01.str.32.8.1780
• Publication Date: 2011-06-17T20:08:03Z
• Authors: Yoji Nagai; Kazuo Kitagawa; Manabu Sakaguchi; Yoshiomi Shimizu; Hiroyuki Hashimoto; Hiroshi Yamagami; Masako Narita; Toshiho Ohtsuki; Masatsugu Hori; Masayasu Matsumoto
• Keywords: Stroke

Background and Purpose — In addition to advanced stenosis, earlier stages of carotid atherosclerosis are associated with the risk for stroke. However, significance has not been established specific stroke subtypes. This study examines association Methods The subjects comprised 1059 patients (mean±SD age, 62±11 years) <60% stenosis. With use ultrasound, was evaluated by plaque score, as defined sum all heights in bilateral arteries. On basis neurological signs symptoms, medical history, brain MRI, we diagnosed its subtypes follows: no (n=738), atherothrombotic infarction (AI) (n=56), lacunar (LI) (n=117), cardioembolic (n=65), cerebral hemorrhage (n=26), other or unclassified (n=57). Results score higher AI (10.5±5.9) LI (6.0±5.1) groups than no-stroke group (4.3±4.9) (both P <0.05), although it similar between group. Each 1 SD greater 2.5-fold (95% CI, 2.0 3.2) 1.4-fold 1.2 1.7) compared When adjusted cardiovascular factors, remained significantly but LI. By receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, area (0.81 0.86) that (0.62 0.67) when used either alone combination factors. Conclusions Although evaluation may aid assessment LI, benefit appears be AI.