Role of high sensitivity C-reactive protein and other risk factors in intracranial and extracranial artery occlusion in patients with ischaemic stroke

Abstract

Objective A retrospective case–control study to identify stroke-associated risk factors and quantify serum C-reactive protein in patients with ischaemic stroke, with or without intracranial and/or extracranial artery occlusion (IEAO). Methods Patients with ischaemic stroke and internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO), middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), ICAO + MCAO, or no IEAO (control patients) were retrospectively recruited. Data regarding stroke-associated risk factors were retrieved from medical records. High sensitivity (hs)-CRP was quantified within 3 days of hospital admission. Results Patients with ICAO (n = 89), MCAO (n = 74) and ICAO + MCAO (n = 29) had significantly higher serum hs-CRP concentrations, and were significantly more likely to have coronary heart disease, a history of stroke, and more than three stroke-associated risk factors than control patients (n = 84). Conclusions Coronary heart disease and a history of stroke are risk factors for ischaemic stroke with IEAO. Hs-CRP may be used as a marker for IEAO.