The correlation between carotid siphon calcification and lacunar infarction.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between carotid siphon (CS) calcification and lacunar infarction caused by small-vessel disease.

METHODS:

This retrospective study included 445 patients (M/F = 256:189) older than 40 years (mean age 60.0 ± 12.3 years, range 41-98 years) without large intracranial lesions who had undergone both brain CT and MRI within an interval of 6 months. The patients were classified into three groups according to the number of lacunar infarctions: group I-zero infarctions (n = 328), group II-one to three infarctions (n = 94), and group III-four or more infarctions (n = 23). The severity of CS calcification was evaluated on CT and scored on a five-point scale (0-none, 1-stippled, 2-thin continuous or thick discontinuous, 3-thick continuous, 4-double tracts), and the calcification scores on both sides were summed. An ANOVA test was used to compare calcification scores among the three groups, and a logistic regression test was used to evaluate the influence of CS calcification and known cerebrovascular risk factors on the occurrence of lacunar infarction.

RESULTS:

On the ANOVA test, total calcification scores were significantly different among the three groups (group I = 1.28 ± 1.99, group II = 3.31 ± 2.39, group III = 4.36 ± 2.08; P < 0.05). Higher rates of lacunar infarction were associated with higher CS calcification scores. On the logistic regression test, CS calcification, age, and hypertension were significant risk factors for lacunar infarction (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

CS calcification was correlated with the occurrence of lacunar infarction. The degree of CS calcification may be used to predict the possibility of a future lacunar infarction.

• Authors: Nu Rhee Hong, Hyung Suk Seo, Young Hen Lee, Jung Hyuk Kim, Hae Young Seol, Nam Joon Lee, Sang-Il Suh
• Journal: Neuroradiology (Neuroradiology) Vol. 53 Issue 9 Pg. 643-9 (Sep 2011) ISSN: 1432-1920 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 21088962 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Age Factors
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Calcinosis (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Carotid Artery, Internal (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Carotid Stenosis (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Hypertension (complications, pathology)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Retrospective Studies
• Risk Factors
• Stroke, Lacunar (diagnostic imaging, pathology)
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed