Low dihomo-γ-linolenic acid is associated with susceptibility vessel sign in cardioembolism

Abstract

Background and aimsThe susceptibility vessel sign (SVS) on susceptibility-weighted image, a magnetic resonance imaging technique, reveals thrombi as hypointense signals. We aimed to examine the association between polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels and the presence of the SVS and its length in cardioembolism due to atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsConsecutive ischemic stroke patients who met the following inclusion criteria were screened: 1) patients with cardioembolism, defined by Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment, secondary to AF; 2) onset to door time within 24 h; 3) availability of magnetic resonance images, including susceptibility-weighted images, obtained at our hospital before performing recanalizing therapy; and 4) availability of PUFA measurements on the day of or the day after the hospital visit. We evaluated whether PUFA levels might be associated with the presence of the SVS and its length. ResultsWe retrospectively screened 1720 consecutive ischemic stroke patients, and included 137 patients (95 (69%) male, median age 73 years) who met the inclusion criteria in the analyses. In binomial logistic regression analysis, lower dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA) level was associated with the presence of SVS (odds ratio 0.545, 95% confidence interval 0.374 to 0.794, p = 0.002). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between DGLA levels and SVS length (unstandardized coefficient −7.430, 95% confidence interval −13.256 to −1.603, p = 0.013). ConclusionLow DGLA level is associated with the presence of SVS and its length in patients with cardioembolism secondary to AF.