Prevalence of Cerebrovascular Accidents in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis in a Single Academic Health System
Abstract Background:In general, IBD increases arteriovenous thromboembolic events, though the association between UC and cerebrovascular complications remains inconclusive. Some studies suggest young women with UC have an increased risk of cerebrovascular accidents (CVA). The focus of this study was to characterize the rates, anatomic locations and risk factors for CVA in patients with UC. Methods:We developed a retrospective cohort of patients with UC at a single health care system from June 2010 to June 2015. Neuroimaging was used to document presence, location and type of stroke and traditional risk factors were considered. Results:The prevalence of CVAs increased in both sexes with a peak prevalence of 24.7% (95% CI 17.1 - 34.4) in women with UC over the age of 80. Older age, cancer and atrial fibrillation were risk factors for CVA in univariate analysis for both sexes. In multifactorial analysis, both age and atrial fibrillation were risk factors for CVA in the m-UC cohort, but only age was associated with CVA in f-UC. The most common type of CVA was ischemic stroke (77.7%). The most common locations for CVAs in UC patients were frontal and occipital lobes (19% and 18%, respectively). Conclusions:UC patients have an increased risk for CVA, with women over 80 demonstrating the highest risk. Providers should be aware of these risks in making treatment decisions for UC.