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Updated: Apr 12, 2026

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis
09:36

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

Published on: August 12, 2025

838

Association between red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and carotid artery atherosclerosis (CAS) in patients with

He Jia1, Huimian Li1, Yan Zhang2

  • 1Department of Geriatrics, the Second Affiliated Hospital of ZhengZhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 474500, China.

Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics
|May 11, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Red cell distribution width (RDW) is higher in patients with carotid artery stenosis (CAS) after ischemic stroke. Higher RDW levels independently predict reduced risk of CAS, suggesting RDW as a potential biomarker.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability.
  • Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke.
  • The diagnostic utility of Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) in ischemic stroke patients with CAS requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the association between RDW and CAS in patients with ischemic stroke.
  • To identify RDW as a potential diagnostic index for clinical practice.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 392 primary ischemic stroke patients within 72 hours of symptom onset.
  • Included magnetic resonance imaging, physical examination, laboratory tests, and carotid ultrasonography.
  • Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis to determine independent predictors.

Main Results:

  • RDW and carotid intimal-medial thickness (IMT) were significantly different between CAS and control groups.
  • RDW showed a significant positive association with IMT (r=0.436).
  • RDW emerged as an independent protective factor for CAS; higher quartiles correlated with decreased CAS risk.

Conclusions:

  • RDW levels are elevated in ischemic stroke patients with CAS compared to those without.
  • This study establishes a link between RDW and ischemic stroke, reinforcing RDW's role in stroke progression.
Abstract

Keywords:
Carotid artery atherosclerosisIschemic strokeRed cell blood distribution width

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