Original Research Article
Year: 2023 | Month: February | Volume: 13 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 1-7
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20230201
Prevalence of Carotid Wall Abnormalities in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: An Observational Study
Dr. Peruru Sarika1, Dr A Ravi Kumar2
1Post graduate, Department of Radiology, Fathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
2Professor and Head, Department of Radiology, Fathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Peruru Sarika
ABSTRACT
Background: Stroke is a significant reason for morbidity and mortality in developing countries. It can be classified as ischemic stroke, haemorrhagic, or subarachnoid strokes. Carotid doppler helps in assessing carotid intima media thickness (CIMT), ulcerations in intima, thrombus, plaque haemorrhage, atherosclerosis plaque characteristics, and stenosis. The aim of the study is to know the prevalence of carotid artery wall abnormalities in acute ischaemic stroke patients and associated risk factors.
Methods: This is a kind of observational study done on 50 patients who were admitted at Fathima Institute of Medical Sciences, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India with acute ischemic stroke. Age, gender, presence of carotid wall abnormalities, smoking, lipid levels and medical comorbidities were assessed.
Results: Among 50 patients, 72% were males. Hypertension was the most common risk factor. The prevalence of carotid wall abnormalities was 78% among patients with acute ischemic stroke. Carotid wall abnormalities were associated with presence of comorbidities like diabetes, HTN and hyperlipidaemia. Carotid wall abnormalities were more commonly seen among smokers compared to non-smokers.
Conclusion: We conclude that patients with acute ischemic stroke show high prevalence of carotid wall abnormalities, which can be considered as one of the main reasons for stroke. They occur mainly due to stenosis at carotid artery bifurcation. A carotid doppler may be used as a non-invasive screening tool for assessing the risk of stroke in predicting and preventing fatal stroke.
Key words: Carotid wall abnormalities, acute ischemic stroke, atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular accident, carotid doppler