Prevalence of intracranial stenosis in a Norwegian ischemic stroke population.

BACKGROUND

There is no data about prevalence of intracranial stenosis (IS) in Northern Europe. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic IS in a Norwegian, community-based ischemic stroke population.

METHODS

In a prospective study, all ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients were screened for IS by transcranial color-coded sonography, magnetic resonance angiography, and/or computed tomography angiography. Patients with IS and any cardiac arrhythmia or other possible causes of IS than atherosclerosis were excluded. IS was defined as symptomatic if the infarct/symptoms were related to the territory of the stenotic artery. Risk factors for cerebrovascular disease were registered on admission.

RESULTS

During an 18-month study period, 607 patients had an ischemic stroke or a TIA. Out of 69 patients with IS (11.4%), 7 patients were excluded because having atrial fibrillation, and IS of possible atherosclerotic etiology was therefore diagnosed in 62 patients (10.2%). IS was symptomatic in 45 patients (7.4%). Diabetes mellitus was the only risk factor significantly associated with symptomatic IS (odds ratio 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-5.54, P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

IS occurs in approximately 10% and is symptomatic in about 7% of a Norwegian ischemic stroke/TIA population. Diabetes mellitus appears to be the major risk factor for IS.