Objective: We aimed to determine factors associated with recent infarct (RI) in patients with newly identified atherosclerotic cervical internal carotid artery occlusion (CICAO).
Methods: This was a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent cervical CT angiography from 2002 to 2006 at a single tertiary center. RI was defined by positive diffusion-weighted imaging/apparent diffusion coefficient magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the correspondent CICAO territory. Subjects were dichotomized into those with a RI versus patients with no RI (No-RI).
Results: Of 2,459 patients with cervical CT angiograms in the study period, 108 (4.4%) had complete medical records and brain MRI and were included. The mean age was 64 ± 13 years, 58% were men, and 62 (57%) had a RI. The demographics of the RI and No-RI patients were comparable, with the exception that those with RI had a lower frequency of coronary artery disease (CAD, 13 vs. 54%; p < 0.01) and dyslipidemia (38 vs. 69%; p < 0.01). The use of antiplatelets was not statistically different between the groups (56 vs. 71%; p = 0.1). Subjects with RI were less likely on statins (21 vs. 56%; p < 0.01) and antihypertensives (9 vs. 71%; p < 0.01). Multivariate regression revealed that CAD, the use of statins, and the use of antihypertensives were associated with No-RI CICAO presentation.
Conclusion: The use of statins and antihypertensives is associated with a decreased risk of RI atherosclerotic CICAO.
Keywords: Antihypertensive agents; Carotid artery diseases; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors; Risk factors; Stroke.