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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Protocol for Stroke Onset Time Estimation in Permanent Cerebral Ischemia
Published on: September 16, 2017
Antinuclear antibody, is it a risk factor for cerebral ischemia? Magnetic resonance image analysis, a preliminary
Yasutaka Kurokawa1, Eri Ishizaki
1Division of Neurosurgery, Stroke Care Unit, Asahikawa Neurosurgical Hospital, 10-21, Asahikawa 078-8220, Japan. yasyas-kuro@umin.ac.jp
Abstract:
Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of 103 patients were examined to reveal whether positive antinuclear antibody is a risk factor for cerebral ischemia. The most common MRI formation was the presence of small high-intensity spots. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus was significantly low. Although seven cases had no medical risk factors; they showed an abnormal MRI reading. Eleven cases exhibited signs of cerebral stroke. Positive antinuclear antibody cases are suggested to be part of the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome. Various types of cerebral arterial occlusion may occur, showing lacuna, atheroma generation, and a recurrent major vessel occlusion.
Insights
Positive antinuclear antibody may indicate risk for cerebral ischemia, even without typical risk factors. Abnormal MRI findings were noted, suggesting a link to antiphospholipid antibody syndrome and various cerebral arterial occlusions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Radiology
Background:
- Cerebral ischemia is a significant neurological condition with various risk factors.
- Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are associated with autoimmune diseases, but their role in cerebral ischemia is not fully understood.
- Understanding novel risk factors like ANA is crucial for predicting and preventing cerebrovascular events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is a risk factor for cerebral ischemia.
- To analyze Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings in patients with positive ANA.
- To explore the potential association between ANA and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) in the context of cerebral ischemia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) from 103 patients.
- Examination of MRI findings for indicators of cerebral ischemia, such as high-intensity spots.
- Review of patient medical history for common risk factors like hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
Main Results:
- The most frequent MRI finding was small high-intensity spots.
- Patients with positive ANA showed a significantly low prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
- Seven cases with positive ANA and no traditional medical risk factors exhibited abnormal MRI readings, with eleven cases showing signs of cerebral stroke.
Conclusions:
- Positive antinuclear antibody may be an independent risk factor for cerebral ischemia.
- Abnormal MRI findings in ANA-positive patients suggest potential links to antiphospholipid antibody syndrome.
- Cerebral ischemia in these patients can manifest as lacunar infarcts, atheroma, or major vessel occlusion.
