Recurrent risk of ischemic stroke due to Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectasia

Background: Patients with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia usually have persistent hemodynamic abnormalities, and therefore, may bear an increased risk of stroke. This study aimed to identify risk factors for stroke recurrence in patients with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia. Methods: Patients with acute ischemic stroke were screened and evaluated for eligibility. Enrolled patients were followed via scheduled clinical visits or telephone interviews. Ischemic stroke recurrence was proposed with clinical symptoms and confirmed with cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging or Computerized Tomography scans. Baseline characteristics and vascular geometry were compared between patients with and without stroke recurrence. Significant parameters were introduced into COX proportional hazard model to detect possible predictors of stroke recurrence. Results: A total of 115 stroke patients with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia were enrolled, of which 22 (19.1%) had recurrence during 22 +/- 6 months follow-up. Basilar artery diameter >= 5.3 mm (HR=4.744; 95% CI, 1.718-13.097; P=0.003), diffuse intracranial dolichoectasia (HR=3.603; 95% CI, 1.367-9.496; P=0.010) and ischemic heart disease history (HR=4.095; 95% CI, 1.221-13.740; P=0.022) had increased risk of recurrence. Conclusions: Stroke patients with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia may have a high risk of recurrence. Larger basilar artery diameter or diffuse intracranial dolichoectasia may increase the risk of recurrence.