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Published on: September 25, 2019
Silent infarction in patients with first-ever stroke
Cheung-Ter Ong1, Wen-Pin Chen, Sheng-Feng Sung
1Departments of Neurology, Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan. ctong98@yahoo.com.tw
Acta Neurologica Taiwanica
|January 29, 2008
Summary
Silent infarcts (SI) were found in 20% of patients with first-ever ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Small-artery disease was more common in these patients, but traditional risk factors were not significantly different.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Silent infarcts (SI) are frequently observed in brain imaging of elderly individuals.
- The prevalence and risk factors for silent infarcts remain incompletely understood.
- This study investigated silent infarcts in patients experiencing their first ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of silent infarcts (SI) detected via brain computed tomography (CT).
- To identify potential risk factors associated with silent infarcts in patients with a first-ever ischemic stroke or TIA.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study included 446 patients admitted for TIA or stroke.
- 226 patients with no prior history of stroke or TIA underwent brain CT.
- Risk factors including age, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, smoking, alcohol use, and lipid levels were assessed.
Main Results:
- Silent infarcts (SI) were present in 20% of the study cohort (226 patients).
- Most SIs were small and deep, often associated with small-artery disease.
- No significant differences in traditional risk factors (age, hypertension, diabetes, lipids, smoking, alcohol, atrial fibrillation) were found between patients with and without SI.
Conclusions:
- Small-artery disease is more prevalent in patients with silent infarcts.
- The clinical significance of silent infarcts warrants further investigation.
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