Carotid angle in young stroke

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Vascular Anatomy

Background:

• Anterior circulation ischemic stroke (ACIS) affects young patients.
• Carotid artery geometry is a potential risk factor for stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if carotid bifurcation angles, measured via computed tomographic angiography (CTA), are linked to ACIS in young individuals.
• To compare carotid bifurcation angles between ACIS patients and controls.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study comparing 30 young ACIS patients with 30 controls.
• CTA used to measure carotid bifurcation angles: ICAB, CCB, and CBW.
• Angles compared between groups and between ipsilateral/contralateral sides in ACIS patients.

Main Results:

• All measured carotid bifurcation angles were significantly higher in ACIS patients compared to controls.
• Wider angles were observed on the left side in patients with left-sided ACIS, more pronounced in males.
• Higher angles were associated with ipsilateral ACIS, and the left CCB angle significantly impacted stroke risk.
• Increased internal carotid artery (ICA) plaque was noted in ACIS patients.

Conclusions:

• Carotid artery geometry, specifically bifurcation angles, plays a role in ischemic events in young patients.
• The left CCB angle is a significant predictor of ACIS.
• Risk is elevated in males and those with left-sided strokes.