Can lung function be used as a predictor of cerebral stroke?

Abstract Background and objectives Limited research has looked into the precise connection between lung function, arterial blood gases, and cerebral stroke. This study was focused on examining the correlation between pulmonary function and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with and without cerebral stroke who do not have chronic pulmonary disease. Methods A case–control study included 125 cerebral stroke patients and 125 non-stroke controls selected from the outpatient clinics of the Neurology and Rheumatology & Rehabilitation departments at Zagazig University Hospital, Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. The assessment of lung function passed through measuring forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), the ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) ratio, and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV). Arterial blood gases were measured, and CIMT was evaluated using high-resolution ultrasonography by the radiology author. Results The research findings suggested that patients exhibiting elevated carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) faced a heightened risk of suffering from a cerebral stroke in comparison to those with normal CIMT levels. Additionally, the study revealed a negative relationship between lung function, as measured by FEV1, FVC, the ratio (FEV1/FVC), and MVV, and arterial blood gases, as indicated by the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), in relation to CIMT. Reduced FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, MVV, and PaO2 were found to be associated with elevated CIMT. The stepwise multivariable regression model further showed that CIMT was positively correlated with age, while it displayed negative correlations with FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, MVV, and PaO2. Conclusion Patients who have an elevated carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) are at a greater risk of experiencing a cerebral stroke. In addition, reduced forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV), and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) are all linked with increased CIMT levels. Patients with elevated CIMT have a higher risk of cerebral stroke. These findings suggest that lung function tests in individuals without respiratory conditions could be beneficial for identifying those who may be at a heightened risk for experiencing a cerebrovascular stroke.