Risk factors, topographic patterns and mechanism analysis of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND

The association between topographic patterns, risk factors and stroke mechanisms of ICAS in first-ever stroke remains unknown.

METHODS

A large sample sized retrospective study was performed on first-ever ICAS ischemic stroke using DWI and MRA.

RESULTS

Hypertension (60.92%), cigarette smoking (26.82%), MCA (76.65%) and multiple vessels (65.37%) stenosis, were the major factors favoring different mechanisms. Subcortical lesions were the most occurring topographic patterns (41.4%). The common mechanism was LBO (66.3%). Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between lesion patterns and mechanisms (r = 0.384, P = 0.001). Single mechanism had the higher apoB/apoAI ratio (P = 0.005) and levels of plasma apoB (P = 0.007) compared with multiple mechanisms. The anterior circulation stroke were more multiple mechanisms as compared to the posterior circulation stroke (P = 0.001). LBO was more prevalent in posterior circulation stroke than in anterior circulation stroke (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The topographic patterns of ischemic lesions is helpful in early identification of different mechanisms of ICAS. Monitoring apoB and apoB/apoA1 may help to predict the mechanism of stroke with ICAS. The prevalence of mechanisms differ between anterior and posterior circulation stroke with ICAS.