Peripheral vasoreactivity in acute ischemic stroke with hemiplegia

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Biology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• The relationship between peripheral artery vasomotor tone and cerebral hemisphere function remains unclear.
• Acute ischemic stroke often leads to hemiplegia, affecting motor function and potentially peripheral circulation.
• Assessing peripheral vasoreactivity could offer insights into stroke pathophysiology and patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between peripheral vasoreactivity and cerebral hemisphere function in patients with acute ischemic stroke and hemiplegia.
• To evaluate the utility of a modified Raynaud scan for measuring peripheral vasomotor tone in this patient population.
• To identify factors associated with impaired peripheral vasoreactivity in stroke survivors.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case-control study involving patients with unilateral weakness due to ischemic lesions.
• Brain magnetic resonance imaging and modified Raynaud scanning performed within five days of symptom onset.
• Modified Raynaud scan quantified fingertip radioactivity under rest and thermal stress to estimate vasoreactivity.

Main Results:

• Patients were categorized into preserved (37) and impaired (32) vasoreactivity groups based on modified Raynaud scan data.
• Affected limb edema (OR 6.15) and anterior circulation involvement (OR 3.68) were significantly associated with impaired vasoreactivity.
• Findings suggest central lesions in anterior circulation with hemiparesis can impact peripheral artery vasoreactivity in edematous limbs.

Conclusions:

• Modified Raynaud scans demonstrate that central lesions in anterior circulation associated with hemiparesis can influence peripheral vasoreactivity.
• Impaired vasoreactivity in stroke patients is linked to factors such as affected limb edema and anterior circulation lesions.
• These findings may guide future treatment and rehabilitation strategies for stroke patients experiencing hemiparesis.