scholarly journals Correlation of The Characteristics of Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Plaques with Stroke Types and Risk of Stroke Recurrence

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaixuan Ren ◽  
Huayun Jiang ◽  
Zhengqi Zhu ◽  
Tianle Wang ◽  
Li Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Plaque Burden ◽  
Stroke Recurrence ◽  
Atherosclerotic Plaques ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Atherosclerotic Stenosis ◽  
Luminal Area ◽  
Ischemic Attack ◽  
Relationship Of

Abstract Purpose To explore the relationship of the characteristics of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic plaques (ICAP) with stroke types and risk of stroke recurrence. Methods Patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis were prospectively enrolled. The vessel stenosis degree, plaque shape, plaque thickness, plaque burden, and plaque enhancement degree of all patients were assessed using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and statistically analyzed. Results In total, 206 patients (mean age (64 ± 12) years; 141 males) were included in this study, 154 had acute ischemic stroke (AIS), 52 had transient ischemic attack (TIA), 124 had anterior circulation ischemic symptom (ACIS), and 82 had posterior circulation ischemic symptom (PCIS). AIS patients showed higher diastolic blood pressure (t=-2.605, p = 0.011), total cholesterol (t=-2.470, p = 0.014), apolipoprotein b (z=-2.411, p = 0.016), apolipoprotein a/b (t=-2.865, p = 0.006), LDL (t=-2.424, p = 0.016), arteriosclerosis index (z=-2.256, p = 0.024), stenosis degree (t=-3.317, p < 0.001) but smaller luminal area at the plaque than TIA patients (t = 2.539, p = 0.013). In addition, 24 (13.6%) patients had stroke recurrence within 6 months. The proportion of patients with T1WI hyperintensity was higher in patients with recurrent stroke than in patients without recurrent stroke (RR = 2.592 (1.091, 6.58), χ²=4.892, p = 0.034). Patients with PCIS had greater plaque thickness (t=-4.205, p < 0.001) and remaining luminal area (z=-4.127, p < 0.001), significantly enhanced ICAP (χ²=9.681, p = 0.003), more positive remodeling (χ²=5.661, p = 0.015) and higher incidence of T1WI hyperintensity (χ²=16.472, p < 0.001) than patients with ACIS. The prevalence of diabetes (χ²=9.038, p = 0.004) in patients with PCIS is higher than that in patients with ACIS. Conclusions The degree of stenosis and the remaining luminal area of symptomatic ICAP are related to the type of stroke, and patients with T1WI hyperintense plaque had a higher risk of stroke recurrence within six months. Posterior circulation culprit plaque tends to have higher vulnerability, which may be related to metabolic factors secondary to diabetes.

Abstract 122: Stroke Patterns And Causative Mechanisms Of Ischemia In Patients With Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis

Stroke ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 43 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Lopez-Cancio ◽  
Maria G Matheus ◽  
Jose Romano ◽  
David S Liebeskind ◽  
Shyam Prabhakaran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Embolic Stroke ◽  
Severe Stenosis ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Treatment Assignment ◽  
Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis ◽  
Atherosclerotic Stenosis ◽  
Artery Embolism ◽  
Circulation Patterns

Background/objectives: Putative mechanisms of stroke in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) include hypoperfusion, artery-to-artery embolism or perforator occlusion, each of which may be characterized by different stroke patterns on neuroimaging. Our aims are to determine: 1) the different stroke patterns in patients with ICAS; 2) the correlation of angiographic factors (collaterals, degree and location of stenosis) with stroke patterns; and 3) if the patterns of recurrent stroke in the same territory are similar to qualifying strokes. Methods: From the WASID dataset, we selected patients with a stroke at baseline who had conventional angiographic information on collaterals (n=136), and patients with a recurrent stroke in the territory during follow-up (n= 47). We categorized stroke patterns as follows: for anterior circulation-subcortical (SC), cortical (C), territorial (T), borderzone (BZ) and multiple (M); for posterior circulation,-subcortical (SC), cortical (C), cerebellar (CB) and multiple (M). We defined an embolic mechanism if C, T, CB or multiple were present. The association between stroke patterns and collateral grade assessment (ASITN/SIR), location and degree of stenosis, and treatment assignment (warfarin vs aspirin) was analyzed using Chi-Square and McNemar’s tests. Results: Anterior circulation patterns (n=72) at baseline were: 14(19%) SC, 5(7%) T, 2(29%) C, 12(17%) BZ and 20(28%) M. All isolated BZ stroke patterns were located in internal borderzone region. BZ pattern was equally distributed among patients with no collaterals (5/40=12%) vs. patients with collaterals (7/32=22%) (p= 0.29) and among patients with moderate (8/43=19%) vs. severe stenosis (4/29=14%) (p=0.59). Posterior circulation patterns (n= 64) at baseline were: 25(39%) SC, 5(8%) C, 10(16%) CB and 24(38%)M. Embolic stroke pattern at baseline was the most frequent (85/136=62.5%). Among patients with a recurrent stroke in the territory (n=47), embolic pattern was also the most frequent (32/47, 68%). The probability of having a recurrent embolic stroke pattern was related to stenosis degree (81% in severe vs 50% in moderate stenosis, p= 0.03), collateral grade (83% with collaterals vs 53% no collaterals, p= 0.09), and previous embolic stroke pattern (74 % who had baseline embolic stroke vs 25% who had baseline non-embolic stroke,p= 0.01). Having a recurrent embolic stroke pattern was not influenced by treatment assignment (67% treated with warfarin vs 69% treated with aspirin, p=0.85). Conclusions: Artery-to-artery embolism seems to be the most frequent mechanism of stroke in ICAS patients and was not modified by antithrombotic treatment. Isolated BZ infarcts were less frequent, and were not related to poor collaterals or more severe stenosis.

2014 Chinese guidelines for secondary prevention of ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 302-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongjun Wang ◽  
Ming Liu ◽  
Chuanqiang Pu
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Secondary Prevention ◽  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Stroke Recurrence ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Cerebrovascular Disorder ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Vascular Stenosis ◽  
Ischemic Attack

Ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) are the most common cerebrovascular disorder and leading cause of death in China. The Effective secondary prevention is the vital strategy for reducing stroke recurrence. The aim of this guideline is to provide the most updated evidence-based recommendation to clinical physicians from the prior version. Control of risk factors, intervention for vascular stenosis/occlusion, antithrombotic therapy for cardioembolism, and antiplatelet therapy for noncardioembolic stroke are all recommended, and the prevention of recurrent stroke in a variety of uncommon causes and subtype provided as well. We modified the level of evidence and recommendation according to part of results from domestic RCT in order to facility the clinical practice.

Abstract 181: Determinants of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Enhancement on Vessel Wall MRI in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam de Havenon ◽  
Nabeel Chauhan ◽  
Jennifer Majersik ◽  
David Tirschwell ◽  
Ka-Ho Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Vessel Wall ◽  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Pulse Sequences ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Stroke Recurrence ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Post Contrast

Introduction: Enhancing intracranial atherosclerotic plaque on high-resolution vessel wall MRI (vwMRI) is a reliable marker of recent thromboembolism, and confers a recurrent stroke risk of up to 30% a year. Post-contrast plaque enhancement (PPE) on vwMRI is thought to represent inflammation, but studies have not fully examined the clinical, serologic or radiologic factors that contribute to PPE. Methods: Inpatients with acute ischemic stroke due to intracranial atherosclerosis were prospectively enrolled at a single center from 2015-16. vwMRI was performed on a 3T Siemens Verio and included 3D DANTE pulse sequences, pre- and post-contrast (for PPE identification). Three experienced neuroradiologists interpreted vwMRI using a validated multicontrast technique. The Chi-squared, Fisher’s Exact, and Student’s t-test were used for intergroup differences, and logistic regression was fitted to the primary outcome of PPE. Results: Inclusion criteria were met by 35 patients. Atherosclerotic plaques were in the anterior circulation in 21/35 (60%) and PPE was diagnosed in 20/35 (57%) of stroke parent arteries. PPE predictors are shown in Table 1 with logistic regression in Table 2 . Conclusion: PPE is associated with stenosis, which was expected, but the association with HgbA1c is novel. All patients with HgbA1c >8 had PPE and a one point HgbA1c rise increased the odds of PPE 3-fold. Hyperglycemia induces vascular oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species, quenching nitric oxide, and triggering an inflammatory cascade. Given the high rate of stroke recurrence in PPE patients, aggressive HgbA1c reduction may be a viable treatment target and warrants additional study.

Abstract 17130: Variables Associated With Uncontrolled Blood Pressure Early After Stroke

Circulation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 138 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Saviour Achilike ◽  
Austin Wang ◽  
Gabretta Cooksey ◽  
Evelyn Hinojosa ◽  
Munachi Okpala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Stroke Recurrence ◽  
Uncontrolled Blood Pressure ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
Medication Complexity ◽  
Ischemic Attack

Introduction: Uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) is a major risk factor for recurrent stroke; however, up to 50% of stroke survivors have uncontrolled BP 6 months after stroke. Characterization of factors associated with uncontrolled BP early after stroke discharge (DC) may help to identify patients for BP interventions. Hypothesis: We sought to identify factors associated with uncontrolled BP in the first month after stroke discharge. We hypothesized that African American (AA) race, insurance status, medication complexity, and hospital BP prior to discharge would be associated with uncontrolled BP. Methods: We identified hypertensive patients with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke or transient ischemic attack scheduled to follow-up in the stroke clinic 2 to 4 weeks after hospital DC. Office BP was obtained using BpTRU, an automated machine that averages five unattended BP measures. Uncontrolled BP was defined using 2017 American College of Cardiology Guidelines as BP ≥ 130/80 mmHg. We used univariate logistic regression to assess relationships between uncontrolled BP and selected variables. Variables with statistically significant associations in the univariate models and variables associated with uncontrolled BP in the literature were included in the multiple logistic regression model. Results: Of the 230 patients identified, 55.7% had uncontrolled BP at clinic follow-up. In univariate and multivariable analyses, AA race, young stroke (age < 50), and systolic BP (SBP) 24-hours prior to DC were significantly associated with uncontrolled BP early after stroke DC. BP medication complexity was not associated with uncontrolled BP in this study. Conclusions: AA race, young age, and elevate SBP in the 24 hours prior to of stroke DC were associated with uncontrolled BP early after stroke. These variables can be used to identify patients who may benefit from early interventions aimed at reducing the risk of uncontrolled BP after stroke and stroke recurrence.

Abstract 41: Prognostic Value of Perfusion MRI in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack or Minor Stroke

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joon Hwa Lee ◽  
Hyunjin Jo ◽  
Jihoon Cha ◽  
Woo-Keun Seo ◽  
Oh Young Bang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Event ◽  
Transient Ischemic Attack ◽  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Perfusion Mri ◽  
Minor Stroke ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Stroke Recurrence ◽  
Composite Outcome ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Ischemic Attack

Background and purpose: We aimed to investigate the role of perfusion MRI parameters (TTP: time to peak, CBF: cerebral blood flow, CBV: cerebral blood volume) as a prognostic factor for the risk of stroke recurrence or cardiovascular outcome in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed TIA or minor stroke patients who underwent our stroke MRI protocol (DWI, perfusion MRI, and MRA) in a consecutively collected stroke registry. Primary outcome was nonfatal stroke recurrence and secondary outcome was cardiovascular composite outcome. Multivariate analysis was used to examine the association of perfusion MRI parameters and angiographic findings with the risk of stroke recurrence and cardiovascular event. Results: Of the 326 patients who met inclusion criteria, we identified 15(4.6%) nonfatal strokes and 25(7.7%) cardiovascular composite events during the first 1 year after the index TIA or minor stroke. The presence of regional delayed perfusion on TTP maps (p=0.002) and regional hyperperfusion on CBV maps (p<0.001) were associated with recurrent stroke. In MRA images, concomitant stenosis of the intracranial arteries and/or extracranial carotid arteries was associated with cardiovascular events (p=0.009). Using multivariate cox proportional hazard analysis, presence of regional hyperperfusion on CBV remained an independent predictor of recurrent stroke (HR 10.82, 95% CI 4.19-38.67, p<0.001) and cardiovascular event (HR 6.30, 95% CI 2.67-18.25, p<0.001). The AUC of the CBV maps was also greater than other parameters for the prediction of stroke recurrence (AUC=0.701, 95% CI 0.54-0.86) and cardiovascular composite outcome (AUC=0.628, 95% CI 0.50-0.76). Conclusions: Increased CBV on perfusion MRI, representing the hemodynamic status of postischemic hyperperfusion, could be more useful than other perfusion parameters in predicting poor prognosis of TIA or minor stroke patients.

Abstract WMP45: Borderzone Infarct Pattern Predicts Recurrent Stroke in Patients With Intracranial Stenosis

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shyam Prabhakaran ◽  
Rajbeer Sangha ◽  
Sameer Ansari ◽  
Jose Romano ◽  
PN Sylaja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Single Center ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Nihss Score ◽  
Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease ◽  
Index Stroke ◽  
Ischemic Attack ◽  
Mixed Pattern

Introduction: Despite aggressive medical management, patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) remain at high risk for recurrent stroke. There are no reliable biomarkers to identify those at highest risk and in whom flow restorative procedures may be warranted. We hypothesized that a borderzone infarct pattern would predict 90-day recurrent stroke in the territory of symptomatic ICAD. Methods: Using the prospective registry at a single center, we identified consecutive patients admitted between 2012 and 2017 with confirmed ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and independently adjudicated symptomatic ICAD with stenosis of >50%. We ascertained clinical events within 3 months of index stroke through telephone interview. Ischemic stroke in the territory of the symptomatic stenotic artery was the primary outcome. A blinded rater assessed infarct pattern: single perforator, territorial, borderzone, or mixed. We evaluated whether infarct pattern was a predictor of recurrent stroke using logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, prior stroke, initial NIHSS score, location of stenosis, degree of stenosis, and use of dual antiplatelet therapy at discharge. Results: Among 212 patients who met study criteria, the mean age was 68.2 (±12.2) years and median initial NIHSS score was 3 (interquartile range 1-6). Symptomatic ICAD was localized to the anterior circulation in 132 (64.2%) patients and 171 (80.7%) had stenosis >70%. Isolated borderzone infarcts were noted in 18 patients (8.5%) while they were present in 34 (16.0%) other patients with mixed pattern. At 3 months, 51 (24.1%) patients experienced recurrent stroke in the territory. Among patients with any borderzone infarct, 20 (38.7%) had recurrent stroke versus 31 (19.4%) in patients with other patterns (p=0.005). In adjusted analysis, presence of any borderzone infarct was independently associated with recurrent stroke (aOR 2.59, 95% CI 1.23-5.48, p=0.012). Conclusions: In a single-center observational cohort study, we found that a borderzone infarct pattern was a strong predictor of recurrent stroke at 3 months in patients with symptomatic ICAD. Our data suggest that hypoperfusion may be an important mechanism of recurrent stroke in this population.

Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerosis: Natural History of Medical Management Beyond the Hyperacute Stage of Ischemic Stroke in the Post-SAMMPRIS Era

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-72
Author(s):  
Anand G. Vaishnav ◽  
Radhika A. Vaishnav
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Natural History ◽  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Unfavorable Outcome ◽  
Stroke Recurrence ◽  
Atherosclerotic Stenosis ◽  
History Of

Background: A major cause of ischemic stroke (IS) worldwide, especially in Asia, is intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS), which is also associated with the high risk of recurrent stroke. Objective: The aim of our study was to determine the natural history of symptomatic ICAS ischemic stroke (ICAS IS) patients. Materials and Methods: We collected data on acute ICAS IS patients beyond the hyperacute IS phase to determine stroke recurrence and mortality at a tertiary care neurology hospital. Data were collected on basic demographics and traditional risk factors such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, tobacco abuse, and hyperlipidemia, and statistical analysis was done. The primary endpoint was to measure the unfavorable outcome as defined by recurrent stroke or death from any cause. Results: The mean follow-up time for the total 87 patients was 24.5 months. Nine patients (10.3%) had an unfavorable outcome in the follow-up period; 2 (2.3%) of them had recurrent IS. Age was a predictor of the unfavorable outcome ( P = .0025), whereas hyperlipidemia was present more in patients with the favorable outcome ( P = .033). There was a tendency for patients with poor outcomes to have a higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale at their onset of stroke. Conclusions: Aggressive medical treatment was associated with a relatively low risk of recurrent stroke in our ICAS IS population. This study provides groundwork for larger studies that can take into account clinical and newer imaging techniques to improve secondary prevention in ICAS IS patients.

scholarly journals The Risk Factor of Recurrence Stroke Among Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack Patients in Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Listian Prisilia Rahayu ◽  
Serlina . ◽  
Diwa Agus Sudrajat ◽  
Gina Nurdina ◽  
Elis Nurhayati Agustina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Stroke Recurrence ◽  
Cardiovascular Disorders ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ischemic Attack ◽  
The Brain

Background: Stroke described as a disruption of blood flow in the brain which can lead to brain malfunction, neurological deficits, and even death. Although with good management in acute period, the incidence of recurrent stroke still increasing every year. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the dominant risk factor of stroke recurrence. Methods: This study was a cross sectional descriptive study with 274 strokes patients as samples. The samples were recruited from one of general hospital specialize in neurology disorders in Jakarta, Indonesia. Results: The result indicated a significant correlation between cardiovascular disorders, cholesterol, and activity with incidence of stroke recurrent (p<0.05). The dominant risk factor in this study was obesity event (OR = 0.616) Conclusion: Besides the dominant factor, there were 3 factors that significantly affect stroke recurrence; cardiovascular disorders, hypercholesterolemia, and physical activity. Nurses should be more aware that some patients may still have risk factors of stroke recurrence even they have discharged from hospital. With some efforts like health education and controlling the factors can help to reduce the risk of stroke recurrence.  

scholarly journals Perfusion and plaque evaluation to predict recurrent stroke in symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 129-134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinhao Lyu ◽  
Ning Ma ◽  
Chenglin Tian ◽  
Feng Xu ◽  
Hang Shao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle Cerebral Artery ◽  
Cerebral Artery ◽  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Volume Ratio ◽  
Plaque Burden ◽  
Atherosclerotic Stenosis ◽  
Imaging Characteristics ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Lumen Narrowing

Background and purposeWe investigated the baseline demographics of patients with severe unilateral atherosclerotic stenosis of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) using multimodal MRI and evaluated the haemodynamic impairments and plaque characteristics of patients who had a recurrent stroke.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively recruited consecutive patients with severe unilateral atherosclerotic MCA stenosis who underwent arterial spin labelling (ASL) with postlabelling delay (PLD) of 1.5 and 2.5 s, and vessel wall MRI. For each PLD, cerebral blood flow (CBF) maps were generated. Hypoperfusion volume ratio (HVR) from 2 PLD CBF was calculated. An HVR value ≥50% was considered as severe HVR. Plaque areas, plaque burden, plaque length and remodelling index were measured. Plaque enhancement at maximal lumen narrowing site were graded. Baseline clinical and imaging characteristics were compared between patients with (event+) and without (event−) 1 year ischaemic events.ResultsForty-three patients (47.23±12.15 years; 28 men) were enrolled in this study. Seven patients had an HVR ≥50%. During the 1-year follow-up, 7 patients had experienced a recurrent stroke. HVR were significantly higher in the event+ than event− (53.17%±29.82% vs 16.9%±15.57%, p=0.0002), whereas no significant difference was detected in plaque areas, plaque burden, remodelling index, plaque length and plaque enhancement grade. The multivariable analysis revealed that a severe HVR was significantly associated with a recurrent stroke (Odds ratio=12.93, 95% confidence interval 1.57 to 106.24, p=0.017) after adjusted by hypertension and smoking.ConclusionHVR obtained from two PLD ASL may be a useful imaging predictor of recurrent stroke.

Abstract WP169: Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis: The Associations Between Cerebral Hemodynamics and the Stroke Mechanisms

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xueyan Feng ◽  
Ka Lung Chan ◽  
Jill Abrigo ◽  
Linda Lan ◽  
Yuming Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Cerebral Perfusion ◽  
Recurrent Stroke ◽  
Pressure Ratio ◽  
Teaching Hospitals ◽  
Parent Artery ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
Arterial Embolism ◽  
Intracranial Atherosclerotic Stenosis ◽  
Atherosclerotic Stenosis

Background: Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) may cause ischemic stroke by various mechanisms; artery-to-artery (AA) embolism and hypoperfusion often co-exist and bear a high risk of recurrent stroke despite optimal medical treatment. Little is known regarding how ICAS lesions cause ischemic strokes via different mechanisms, while the hemodynamic features of ICAS lesions may play an important role. Methods: Patients with acute ischemic stroke attributed to 50-99% ICAS in the anterior circulation confirmed in CT angiography (CTA) were recruited from two teaching hospitals. We classified probable stroke mechanisms as parent artery atherosclerosis occluding penetrating artery (PAO), AA embolism, hypoperfusion, and mixed mechanisms, based on infarct topography and ICAS lesion features. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were built based on CTA to simulate blood flow across culprit ICAS lesions. We calculated translesional pressure ratio (PR), the ratio of pressures distal and proximal to the lesion; and translesional wall shear stress ratio (WSSR), the ratio of WSS at the stenosis throat and at proximal normal vessel segment. We defined PR ≤ median as low PR, indicating larger pressure gradient across the lesion, hence restricted downstream perfusion; and WSSR ≥ 4 th quartile as high WSSR, indicating higher WSS upon the lesion. We associated PR and WSSR with probable stroke mechanisms. Results: Among 99 patients, 44 had AA embolism as a probable stroke mechanism, 13 with AA embolism alone and 31 with coexisting hypoperfusion; 18 and 37 respectively had isolated PAO and isolated hypoperfusion as the probable stroke mechanisms. High WSSR was independently associated with AA embolism (adjusted OR 4.86; p = 0.008). The significant, positive relationship between high WSSR and higher risk of AA embolism remained in those with a low PR (adjusted OR 4.01; p = 0.044), but not in those with a normal PR (p = 0.621). Conclusions: High WSS upon ICAS lesions may increase plaque vulnerability, but it may only cause distal arterial embolism when there is impaired cerebral perfusion. Therefore, in secondary prevention of ischemic stroke in ICAS via AA embolism, impaired cerebral perfusion may be an important therapeutic target.

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