Increased cervical disc degeneration in ischemic stroke: a 10-year retrospective data review

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cervical spine degeneration and stroke-related parameters in patients with ischemic stroke.

The records of the patients with ischemic stroke who had undergone cervical magnetic resonance imaging between October 2013 and 2023 were extracted retrospectively and assessed for eligibility. Age- and sex-matched controls were included for comparative analysis. Disease characteristics (side of stroke, localization, stroke volume, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and affected circulation), presence of cardiac pathology and vascular risk factors, degree of carotid artery stenosis, and inflammatory markers of the patient group were recorded. Computerized measurements and evaluation of some study variables, including Pfirrmann classification, Modic changes, intervertebral disc protrusion, and intervertebral disc height, using magnetic resonance imaging scan were performed for all participants.

A total of 290 patients with ischemic stroke who had undergone cervical magnetic resonance imaging examination were evaluated for eligibility. After applying the exclusion criteria, 45 patients remained (patient group). The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score and stroke volume of the patients were 4 (3) and 1.07 (7.11) mm3, respectively. The Pfirrmann classification also differed between groups (p<0.001). Modic degeneration distribution did not differ between the study groups.

The current study confirmed that patients with acute ischemic stroke revealed higher disc degeneration and increased disc protrusion in the cervical spine. Similar underlying mechanisms in stroke and cervical disc degeneration may play a role in these results. This point should be further studied in order to come up with a clear conclusion.