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Stroke: more than meets the eye--big consequences of small strokes
1J. Philip Kistler Stroke Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 175 Cambridge Street, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
Nature Reviews. Neurology
|April 8, 2015
Abstract:
A long-term outcome analysis in patients with lacunar stroke enrolled in the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes trial highlights the relevance of functional disability after small-vessel strokes. These data support the emerging ‘burden of disease’ concept in individuals with cerebral microangiopathy, and the role of MRI in outcome prediction.
Insights
Functional disability is important after small-vessel lacunar strokes. Cerebral microangiopathy burden and MRI predict outcomes, supporting a new disease concept.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroimaging
- Vascular Neurology
Background:
- Lacunar strokes, a type of small-vessel stroke, significantly impact long-term patient outcomes.
- Cerebral microangiopathy is increasingly recognized as a contributor to stroke burden.
- Predicting outcomes in stroke patients is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the long-term outcomes of patients with lacunar stroke.
- To investigate the relevance of functional disability in small-vessel strokes.
- To explore the role of cerebral microangiopathy and MRI in outcome prediction.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of long-term outcomes in patients from the Secondary Prevention of Small Subcortical Strokes trial.
- Assessment of functional disability as a key outcome measure.
- Evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings for predictive value.
Main Results:
- Functional disability is a significant factor in the long-term outcomes of lacunar stroke patients.
- Data support the concept of 'burden of disease' in cerebral microangiopathy.
- MRI plays a role in predicting outcomes for these patients.
Conclusions:
- Functional disability is a critical consideration in managing lacunar stroke.
- Cerebral microangiopathy contributes to the overall disease burden, impacting stroke outcomes.
- MRI is a valuable tool for predicting long-term prognosis in small-vessel stroke patients.
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