The Role of Carotid Unstable Plaques and Stenosis Play in Ischemic Stroke

Objective To explore the role of the characterization of carotid plaque and stenosis in CTA play in ischemic stroke. Methods We carried out a retrospective cohort study. Ischemic stroke patients treated in the Department of Neurology in our hospital from January 1,2011 to February 1,2013 were enrolled in experimental group. Patients without ischemic stroke treated in our department at the same period were in the control group. All patients were evaluated by CT angiography for their neck vessels. Comparisons were made between the two groups based on the characterization of carotid plaque,location,degree of stenosis. The logistic regression model were made to analysis features of carotid atherosclerosis. Results A total of 80 cases were collected,37 cases of ischemic stroke group,43 cases of non-ischemic stroke group. There are not statistically significant in the risk factors of patients in the two groups,( P 0. 05); but the nature of the carotid artery plaque( χ2= 10. 72; P = 0. 001; and the degree of stenosis specifically in patients with severe stenosis( χ2= 7. 42; P = 0. 007. There was no difference in position of the plaque,the most common position is the beginning of the carotid artery. Logistic analysis shows,carotid stenosis,unstable plaque are important risk factors leading to ischemic( P 0. 05). For the patients with mild or moderate stenosis,carotid artery unstable plaque was the most important risk factor that lead to ischemic stroke. Conclusions The carotid artery unstable plaque and stenosis interact in ischemic stroke,for patients with light or moderate stenosis,unstable plaque is the most important risk factor of ischemic stroke.