AbstractBackground: Carotid artery stenosis has been associated with ischemic events of the brain. However, itýÿs frequency and thus, impact has not been clearly established in an Indian setting. Aim: This study was done to find the frequency of carotid artery stenosis in hospitalized ischemic stroke patients of above 45 years of age, as well as the risk factors associated with its presence. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was done on 128 patients hospitalized with acute ischemic stroke during the years 2011 and 2012 in a hospital in Southern India aged 45 years or older, excluding those with vasculitis. The data was collected using a clinical proforma and included details obtained on clinical examination, biochemical parameters, radiological investigations including CV Doppler and MR Angiography. CV Doppler findings were used as the basis of evaluation of carotid artery stenosis and degree of the same. Statistical analysis between the various parameters and presence of carotid artery stenosis was done using SPSS v 17. Results: Out of 128 patients, 34 (26.6%) were females and 94 (73.5%) males. The frequency of carotid artery stenosis was found to be 26.6%. Dyslipidemia was found to be a risk factor statistically significant with carotid artery stenosis. Conclusion: Carotid artery stenosis was found to be quite prevalent among ischemic stroke patients. This signifies the need for early detection as well as examination of plaque morphology for identification of those at risk of developing cerebral ischemia.
Keywords: Carotid Artery Stenosis; Dyslipidemia; Stroke and Risk Factors.