A relationship between the integrated assessment of magnetic resonance imaging markers for cerebral small vessel disease and the clinical and functional status in the acute period of ischemic stroke

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is the most common neurological pathological process and contributes to the process of aging and to the development of dementia and stroke. At the same time, the role of CSVD as a factor influencing the course of acute ischemic stroke (IS) has been little studied. There is no generally accepted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scale for the integrated assessment of CSVD markers.

Objective: to carry out an integrated assessment of the MRI manifestations of CSVD in acute ischemic stroke and to analyze a correlation of both individual markers and the final indicator with the clinical and functional status of patients.

Patients and methods. 100 patients with acute IS were examined. All patients underwent standard clinical, laboratory and instrumental examinations, as well as brain MRI estimating the number of lacunae, visible perivascular spaces (PVSs) and leukoaraiosis. The number of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) was additionally calculated in 57 patients. Integral scale scores were calculated by gradation and summation of four MRI markers of CSVD.

Results. The patients with acute IS showed the high representativeness of individual markers for CSVD. The values of MRI markers for CSVD correlated with age, education level, and cardiovascular parameters in patients. An integrated CSVD severity assessment scale was developed. The overall manifestations of CSVD, which were assessed using this scale, were associated with the severity of a stenotic process in the brachycephalic arteries, with BP levels at admission, ejection fraction, hyperglycemia, and atherogenic index of blood lipids. The high CSVD score was also correlated with low mobility and more severe disability in patients being discharged from hospital. The high severity of CSVD was associated with lower neurological deficit regression during inpatient treatment. Subgroup analysis showed the greatest negative impact of CSVD on the severity of stroke in female patients, young and middle-aged ones, diabetics, as well as in patients with noncardioembolic stroke, a smallsized focus, and intima-media thickening.

Conclusion. The overall manifestations of CSVD calculated using the original scale based on the analysis of the degree of lacunae, PVSs, leukoaraiosis, and CMBs are associated with premorbid cardiovascular parameters in a patient and are important indicators for the neurological, cognitive, and functional outcomes of acute IS.

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