Risk factors of intracranial cerebral atherosclerosis among asymptomatics

Background: Little information is available regarding the risk factors for intracranial cerebral atherosclerosis ( ICAS), particularly among asymptomatics. Methods: Data from a consecutive series of 1,208 subjects aged >= 40 years, with no history of stroke, and who had undergone transcranial Doppler ultrasonography ( TCD) were collected prospectively. The role of classic risk factors was assessed in the presence and severity of asymptomatic ICAS, which was determined by TCD. Results: Regarding the presence of ICAS, the adjusted odds ratios ( 95% confidence intervals) were as follows: 1.22 ( 1.08-1.37) for every 10-year increase in age, 1.44 (1.08-1.91) for hypertension and 1.86 (1.33-2.59) for diabetes mellitus. No significant association was observed with regard to male sex, smoking or hyperlipidemia. Conclusion: The findings suggest that age, hypertension and diabetes mellitus are significant risk factors for ICAS in asymptomatic populations. Copyright (C) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.