Correlation of Serum Endothelial Dysfunction Markers with CT Angiographic Findings in Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

ObjectiveEndothelial dysfunction is considered as root cause of vascular diseases like stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) and venous thromboembolism. Soluble endothelial dysfunction markers are emerging as surrogate markers of disease risk. We aim to correlate the findings of Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) with biochemical markers of endothelial dysfunction in patients of stroke. Material and method40 patients diagnosed to have ischemic stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) based on clinical history, examinations and imaging were included. We assessed high sensitive C – reactive protein (hsCRP), total nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in all patients within 24 hours and CT-Angiography of bilateral neck vessels within 48 hours of hospital admission. ResultsIncrease in hsCRP, NO and decrease in SOD was significant in cases as compared to controls. These biochemical markers correlated significantly with CT Angiographic findings. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that hsCRP, NO and SOD is good surrogate biochemical markers for assessing disease risk and burden in ischemic stroke. These surrogate markers showed a linear correlation and statistical significance with CT angiography score. Specific intervention targeted to reduce the oxidative stress, as indicated by these markers, and imaging findings should be a part of stroke management protocol.