Screening of Asymptomatic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis among High Risk Subjects: A Pilot Study from Egypt

Abstract

Background

Stroke ranks as the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of morbidity worldwide. Large intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) is a major cause of stroke.

Methods

This study investigated the prevalence and associated vascular risk factors of ICAS in a high-risk population in Qalyeubia Governorate, Egypt. A cross-sectional pilot survey using transcranial Doppler (TCD) was conducted at Toukh Central Hospital and Aghore El-qubra primary healthcare units in the Qalyeubia Governorate from 1 January 2016 until the end of June 2016.

Results

A total of 153 participants were included in this study. The prevalence of asymptomatic ICAS was 13.1%. Among the modifiable risk factors, cardiac diseases, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, physical inactivity, and smoking were the strongest independent predictors of ICAS.

Conclusion

This pilot study concluded that the prevalence of asymptomatic ICAS is relatively high in Egypt, and modifiable risk factors were the strongest predisposing factors of ICAS. TCD is an efficient non-invasive modality for the diagnostic evaluation of ICAS.