Plasma Homocysteine Levels Predict the Risk of Acute Cerebral Infarction in Patients with Carotid Artery Lesions

This study examined the association between elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels and the risk of acute cerebral infarction in patients with carotid artery lesions. A total of 78 patients were divided into two groups, the high Hcy group (n = 38; Hcy levels >15 umol/L) and the low Hcy group (n = 40; Hcy levels ≤15 umol/L). High-resolution B-mode ultrasounds were performed to assess intima media thickness (IMT), infarcts, plaques, and stenosis in the extracranial carotid artery of these patients. All patients underwent 3 T MR scanners to evaluate cerebral artery stenosis in the intracranial cerebral artery. The plasma Hcy levels did not show any statistically significant differences when comparisons were based on gender, age, blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and systolic and diastolic pressures. Importantly, the incidence of carotid plaque and severe stenosis of intracranial and extracranial artery were significantly higher in the high Hcy group compared to the low Hcy group. Pearson’s test indicated that plasma Hcy levels positively correlated with IMT, total number of plaques and unstable plaques. Overall, the elevated plasma Hcy levels correlated with increased frequency of carotid plaque formation, extra- and intracranial arterial stenosis, and the degree of stenosis. In conclusion, we find a significant correlation between elevated plasma Hcy levels and the increased incidence of acute cerebral infarction in patients with carotid artery lesions.