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Ischemic stroke in young adults. I. Analysis of the etiological subgroups
J Alvarez1, J Matias-Guiu, J Sumalla
1Department of Neurology, Valle de Hebron Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.
Insights
This study analyzed risk factors in ischemic stroke patients under 50. Significant differences were found in family history, peripheral arteriopathy, tobacco use, hypertension, and prior stroke compared to controls.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Ischemic stroke (IS) in young adults (<50 years) presents unique etiological challenges.
- Understanding risk factors in this demographic is crucial for effective prevention and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the etiological subgroups of ischemic stroke in patients under 50 years old.
- To compare risk factors between ischemic stroke patients and a control group.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 386 ischemic stroke patients under 50.
- Comparison of etiological subgroups (atherothrombosis, lacunar infarct, cardiac embolism, mitral valve prolapse, migraine) with a control group of 100 individuals.
- Statistical comparison of risk factors including family history, personal history, tobacco use, arterial hypertension, and previous IS.
Main Results:
- Atherothrombosis was the most common etiological subgroup (66.1%), with defined atheromatosis in 22.7%.
- Cardiac embolism (13.5%) and mitral valve prolapse (14.1%) were also significant causes.
- Significant risk factor differences compared to controls included family history of stroke, peripheral arteriopathy, tobacco use, arterial hypertension, and prior ischemic stroke.
Conclusions:
- Atherothrombosis and cardiac causes are prominent in young ischemic stroke patients.
- Specific risk factors like hypertension, smoking, and family history are strongly associated with IS in this age group.
- Targeting these modifiable risk factors is essential for primary and secondary prevention strategies in young IS patients.
Abstract:
An ischemic stroke (IS) group including 386 patients under 50 years old is analysed taking into account different etiological subgroups and comparing risk factors against a control group of 100 people. The series points out the presence of 66.1% patients included in the inconclusive-atherothrombosis group, of which 22.7% had defined criteria of atheromatosis, while 11.6% were diagnosed of lacunar infarct. 13.5% of cases were considered as cardiac origin embolisms, and 14.1% were affected of mitral valve prolapse. The migraine group includes 4.9% of the patients while 17.6% belong to the miscellaneous group. The comparison of each of these groups with the control group showed significant differences for family history of stroke, personal history of peripheral arteriopathy, tobacco, arterial hypertension and previous IS.