Abstract Number: Esoc2026a2499 Stroke in Young Adults: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Recurrence in a Tertiary Center Cohort

Abstract Background and aims Prevalence of stroke in young adults has increased in recent years; however, data from our population is limited. We seek to analyze prevalence of stroke in patients younger than 55 years and to describe their clinical and etiological characteristics, major vascular risk factors (MVRF) , functional outcome and recurrence rates. Methods We designed an observational, retrospective study that included all patients younger than 55 years old admitted with an AIS between January 2018 and December 2023. Demographic data and vascular risk factors were collected, and stroke recurrence was reviewed. Results 195 patients were included, 12% of all stroke admissions. 61% were male, mean age of 47 (median 50). Most frequent MVRF were smoking (52%), hypertension (35%) and dyslipidemia (32%). Median NIHSS at admission was 4 (0-25, median 3). Stroke etiology was undetermined in 41%, followed by cardioembolic (19%). At 3 months, 88% of patients were functionally independent, with 50% achieving a mRS 0. One patient died. 13 patients were lost to follow-up, 12 died (1 due to pulmonary embolism, 5 due to neoplastic disease, and 6 due to other causes), and 4 had a recurrent cerebrovascular event. Conclusions The prevalence of stroke in young patients in our cohort is comparable to previous studies. A high burden of vascular risk factors was observed, with 43% of patients presenting with two or more risk factors at admission, particularly smoking. Functional outcome was excellent. Both in-hospital mortality (0.5%) and recurrence rate (2.3%) were low. Notably, 41% of patients who died during follow-up had an associated neoplastic disease. Conflict of interest nothing to disclose