Comparison of atherosclerotic carotid plaques of recurrent cerebral infarction and first stroke

[Objective] This clinical trial aimed to study the character of atherosclerotic carotid plaque of patients with recurrent cerebral infarction, and evaluate their predictive value. [Methods] Color Doppler Ultrasonography were used to detect the numbers, location and morphology of carotid plaques of 55 patients with recurrent cerebral infarction (recurrent group), 53 patients survived from first stroke (initial group) and 56 healthy volunteers (control group). Scores of the plaques were calculated. [Results] The occurrence of atherosclerotic carotid plaques and numbers of soft plaque and ulcer plaque in recurrent group were much higher than those in initial group and control group. [Conclusion] Unstable carotid plaques obviously increase the risk of stroke and cerebral infarction. It is likely that ultrasonic detection of carotid has great predictive value of recurrent cerebral infarction.