Progression and clinical recurrence of middle cerebral artery stenosis or occlusion

Objective To investigate the outcomes and prognosis of patients with symptomatic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis and it's influential factors.Methods Sixty MCA stenosis patients were reexamined with TCD scanning average 9.23 months after the first examination,and any symptomatic cerebral vascular events were recorded during this period.Progression of the stenotic MCA were evaluated,based on the change of blood flow velocity in it between two examinations.Results 10 MCA stenoses progressed,18 regressed,and 32 remained stable.A new ischemic event or vascular event during follow-up in the territory supplied by the stenosed MCA occurred in 8 cases,4 MCA stenoses progressed,4 remained stable and no in regressed.Progression of the MCA stenosis detected by TCD was independently associated with a new ipsilateral ischemic event(P=0.0079,OR 2.126,95%CI 1.219 to 3.708).But MCA stenosis degree showed no significant correlation with a new ipsilateral ischemic event(P=0.403).Conclusions Progression of symptomatic MCA stenosis detected by means of TCD predicts clinical recurrence.Progression of the MCA stenosis detected by TCD is independently associated with a new ipsilateral ischemic event.