Progression in acute ischemic stroke: Is widespread atherosclerotic background a risk factor?

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the causes and conditions related with progression and outcome of progressive acute ischemic stroke. Patients and methods: In this prospective study, a total of 78 acute ischemic stroke patients (32 males, 46 females; mean age 70 +/- 12.8 years; range 34 to 95 years) were included between February 2006 and October 2010. The patients were classified into two groups as those with and without progression according to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Risk factors for ischemic stroke, stroke subtypes, and radiological investigations and prognosis were compared between the progressive and non-progressive patients. Results: Neurological deterioration occurred in 12 patients (15%). Progressive acute ischemic stroke patients had carotid stenosis compared to non-progressive patients (50% vs 19%), and ischemic cardiac disease (33% vs 6%) more common in the patients with progression. Mortality during hospital stay and long term-outcomes were similar between the groups. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that widespread atherosclerotic diseases may induce neurological progression.