Association Between Abnormal Course of Carotid Artery and Cerebrovascular Disease.

Purpose: Abnormal course of the carotid artery (ABCA) is commonly identified during carotid sonography studies. Whether ABCA is related to the risk of stroke and stroke risk factors remains unclear. The purpose of the study is to investigate the prevalence of ABCA and the relationship with stroke and the risk factors of stroke.

Methods: Color duplex ultrasound scanning of carotid arteries was performed on 615 subjects (between January 1, 2012 and March 31, 2012). ABCA and intimal thickness were recorded. Risk factors of stroke such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, stroke history, and heart disease were recorded. The prevalence of ABCA was analyzed and its relationship with stroke and stroke risk factors was evaluated.

Results: ABCA was found in 4.1% (25/615) patients, 6.29% (19/302) in women, and 1.91% (6/313) in men. ABCA in 1 vessel was noted in 18 patients, 2 vessels in 3 patients, 3 vessels in 3 patients, and 4 vessels in 1 patient. The frequency of ABCA was significantly higher in women than in men (6.3% vs 1.9%, p = 0.01). There was no difference in the prevalence of ABCA between stroke patients and nonstroke subjects ( p = 0.60). ABCA was more frequent in patients older than 65 years. (5.91% (22/372) vs. 1.23% (3/243) p = 0.01). Logistic regression analysis did not reveal associations between ABCA and stroke risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, stroke history, heart disease and atherosclerosis). During 1 year follow-up, 2.88% (17/590) of non-ABCA patients and 4.0% (1/25) of ABCA patients had event of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) ( p =0.08).

Conclusion: The prevalence of ABCA in the present study is significantly lower than that in previous studies (Togay-Isikay et al., 24.6%, Del Corso et al., 58%). ABCA is more frequent in women and older patients. ABCA is not related to stroke and stroke risk factors. From our results, we suggest that patients with ABCA be placed under observation unless they exhibit neurological symptoms.