Introduction: Cerebro vascular accident (CVA), commonly known as the stroke is the leading cause of death. In most of these cases, atherosclerotic vascular lesions are present. Carotid artery Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) closely corresponds with the severity of the atherosclerotic pathology in other vascular territories including intra cerebral vasculature. The present study was undertaken to find out the Carotid artery Intima-Media Thickness and the presence of various risk factors in the patients suffering from stroke.
Materials and methods: One hundred and thirty eight stroke patients admitted into the neurology and medical wards were taken up for the study. Their carotid artery intima-media thickness was assessed with B-mode ultrasonography. Detailed history was elicited and relevant clinical investigations were carried out to identify the presence of various risk factors.
Result and conclusion: Most of the stroke patients were suffering from ischaemic stroke secondary to atherosclerosis. The carotid intima-media thickness was found to be increased in 81% of cases. Hypertension, diabetes and history of smoking were the most common risk factors present in these patients. C I M T had a strong correlation with these risk factors. However, the carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) had a very weak correlation with non-HDL cholesterol levels in the serum, an important factor related to atherosclerosis.
Key words: Stroke, Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT); Hypertension; Smoking; Diabetes; Atherosclerosis
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