Significant extracranial carotid artery stenosis was present in only 8.92% of patients with first ischemic stroke in northeast India, indicating it is not a major cause in this population.
Observational (n=157)
What is the prevalence of extracranial carotid artery stenosis and associated risk factors in patients with first ischemic stroke in northeast India?
Significant extracranial carotid artery stenosis is uncommon in northeast Indian patients with first ischemic stroke, suggesting intracranial stenosis may be a more prominent factor in this population.
Objective: To assess the prevalence of carotid artery stenosis and risk factors in stroke patients of northeast India. This is a prospective hospital-based study on 157 first ischemic stroke patients of the region. Method: A total of 157 patients presenting with first ever sudden onset focal neurological deficit lasting for more than 24 hours due to acute ischemic brain infarction were selected, after excluding other causes of focal neurological deficit by imaging. All extracranial carotid arteries were evaluated with carotid ultrasonography. Forty-four patients also had computed tomography (CT) angiography of intracranial and extracranial arteries. Risk factors of stroke were recorded for each patient. Results: Only 8.92% patients had significant extracranial carotid artery stenosis. There was high prevalence of intracranial artery stenosis compared to extracranial artery stenosis in patients who had CT angiography. There was high prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. Increased age and male sex were important factors associated with first ischemic stroke. Conclusion: The prevalence of significant extracranial carotid artery stenosis is low in northeast Indian patients with first ischemic stroke, indicating that it is not a major cause of ischemic stroke in this population. There may be high prevalence of intracranial artery stenosis compared to extracranial artery stenosis.
Das et al. (Tue,) conducted a observational in First ischemic stroke (n=157). Carotid ultrasonography and CT angiography was evaluated on Prevalence of significant extracranial carotid artery stenosis. Significant extracranial carotid artery stenosis was present in only 8.92% of patients with first ischemic stroke in northeast India, indicating it is not a major cause in this population.