Clinical Manifestations of Isolated Chronic Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in Relation to Angiographic Features.

OBJECTIVE

Isolated chronic middle cerebral artery occlusion (ChMCAO) is not a rare condition and is known to cause hemodynamic stroke. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in clinical manifestations and prognosis of isolated ChMCAO in relation to angiographic features.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 56 patients with isolated ChMCAO. In accordance with degree of anterograde collateral flow (AF) on angiography, patients were categorized into poor and good AF groups. The 2 groups were assessed and compared for the presence and recurrence of neurologic symptoms.

RESULTS

Of 56 patients, 33 were in the poor AF group and 23 were in the good AF group. The prevalence of ischemic symptoms was significantly higher in the poor AF group compared with the good AF group (P < 0.05). During an average follow-up period of 33.8 months, recurrent ipsilateral symptoms occurred in 6 of 45 patients. The hazard ratio conferred by poor AF was 5.36 (95% confidence interval, 1.08-26.57) for recurrent symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

AF through the basal collateral network may be related to clinical manifestations of ChMCAO. Good AF in isolated ChMCAO may play an important role in preventing recurrence of an ischemic event.