The results of carotid angiography in cerebral infarction in normotensive and hypertensive subjects.

The results of carotid angiography in 304 cases of cerebral hemisphere infarction have been reviewed. Carotid occlusion was demonstrated in 19% and atheromatous vessel wall change in a further 28%. Hypertensive subjects showed a significantly lower prevalence of carotid occlusion, but a similar prevalence of vessel wall change. There was more likely to be angiographic abnormality if there was a neck bruit or if the ECG showed ischaemic changes. The findings support the concept that the pathogenesis of cerebral infarction differs in normotensive and hypertensive patients.