MICROEMBOLIC SIGNALS IN PATIENTS WITH SYMPTOMATIC CAROTID ATHEROSCLEROSIS AS THE PREDICTOR OF SUBSEQUENT ISCHEMIC STROKE OR TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK

Abstract

Cerebral embolism is known to be common cause of stroke. Microemboli monitoring is now widely used in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Although the presence of microemboli in cerebral blood flow correlates with the potential risk of ischemic stroke, the real clinical significance of microembolic signals (MES) remains unclear. Purposes: to evaluate MES both as an independent predictor and in association with anamnestic and clinical features factor of ischemic stroke. Materials and methods. One hundred and eighty five (185) patients with acute atherothrombotic ischemic stroke (internal carotid artery stenosis more 50%) were enrolled into the study. Results. MES is an independent marker of repeated ischemic stroke. MES in association with ischemic heart disease and lack of previous statin therapy is a risk factor of repeated artery-to-artery embolism from the carotid plaque. The multivariate analysis and discriminated inequality revealed the patients group with high risk of subsequent ischemic cerebral events. Conclusion. MES in combination with ischemic heart disease and lack of previous statin therapy are predictors of such embolic cerebral complications as vascular death, ischemic stroke or TIA.