Intracranial steno-occlusive arterial disease and its associations in Egyptian ischemic stroke patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Intracranial arterial steno-occlusive disease is prevalent among non-white populations. We explored whether a similar pattern exists in Egyptians and assessed its clinical-radiological associations. METHODS Consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients were recruited for 6 months and had magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography of brain within 2 days of the event. Magnetic resonance angiography was analyzed for significant stenosis (>50%), flow gaps, and complete occlusions in the major intracranial arteries. RESULTS A total of 143 patients completed the study (62.4 ± 12.6 years, 58.7% males). Magnetic resonance angiography showed symptomatic arterial stenosis in 27.3%, asymptomatic stenosis in 16.1%, and occlusions in 23.7% patients. Carotid duplex showed stenosis >70% in only 7.7% patients. Patients with intracranial arterial steno-occlusive disease had higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Score at admission (10.9 ± 7 versus 8 ± 5.6; P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS Symptomatic and asymptomatic intracranial arterial steno-occlusive disease was prevalent in this Egyptian acute stroke sample. This might have important implications on stroke management in this population.