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). Conclusion— 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.