Modifiable Risk Factors Associated With Moyamoya Disease: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The cause of moyamoya disease (MMD) remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the association between modifiable risk factors and MMD in a prospective, case-control study.

METHODS

Clinical and laboratory characteristics were evaluated in consecutively recruited adult patients with MMD and age-matched healthy control individuals. The potential risk factors for MMD were estimated by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Our prospective study included 138 adult patients and 138 healthy control subjects. Logistic regression analyses showed that increased body mass index (odds ratio [OR], 1.121 [95% CI, 1.018-1.234]; =0.020) and homocysteine (OR, 1.201 [95% CI, 1.081-1.334]; =0.001) were associated with higher risk of MMD. Whereas increased albumin (OR, 1.043 [95% CI, 1.004-1.082]; =0.028) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR, 1.043 [95% CI, 1.004-1.082]; =0.028) were correlated with a lower risk of MMD. Furthermore, homocysteine (OR, 1.070 [95% CI, 1.010-1.134]; =0.023) was significantly related to unilateral lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased body mass index and homocysteine were associated with a higher risk of MMD. In contrast, increased albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were correlated with a lower risk of MMD. Furthermore, increased homocysteine was related to a higher prevalence of unilateral MMD. More attention should be paid to the modifiable risk factors of MMD, as these might help us finding its cause and new therapeutic regimen. Registration: URL: http://www.chictr.org. Unique identifier: ChiCTR2000031412.