Distribution, severity and risk factors for aortic atherosclerosis in cerebral ischemia

Significant thoracic aortic plaques (>4 mm) are an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke. Within 1 week of stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA ) onset, 105 consecutive patients underwent transesophageal echocardiograph y assessment of aortic plaque thickness using the criteria of Amarenco et a t. (N Engl J Med 1994;331:1474- 1479). A proximo-distal gradient was found in the distribution of aortic atheroma >4 mm (p = 0.04). Symptomatic corona ry artery disease was associated with plaque in the proximal aorta (p = 0.0 3); extracranial carotid stenosis >70% was associated with plaque in the ar ch and descending aorta (p < 0.01). The severity of aortic plaque was assoc iated with age on multivariable analysis (p = 0.0003 to p < 0.01). Only smo king showed predictive regional specificity (p = 0.03);no other risk factor s were associated with aortic atheroma in any segment. In stroke/TIA patien ts, carotid stenosis >70% predicts aortic arch atheroma plaques >4 mm which may predispose to reinfarction after endarterectomy, Atheroma of the ascen ding aorta is associated with ischemic heart disease, and cardiac screening should be considered in asymptomatic patients. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karge r AG, Basel.