Predictive value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in assessing the risk of recurrent in ipsilateral anterior circulation ischemic stroke

To evaluate the value of conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in predicting the risk of recurrence in patients with ipsilateral anterior circulation ischemic stroke (ACIS). The clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound data of 295 patients who were hospitalized for their initial ACIS between January 2016 and May 2023 were collected. Based on 6–24 months follow-up results, patients were categorized into two groups: the recurrence group and the non-recurrence group. Differences in clinical characteristics, laboratory tests, and ultrasound findings between the two groups were analyzed. Statistically significant differences were observed between the recurrence and non-recurrence groups in terms of age, carotid plaque side, and CEUS grade (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified CEUS grade as an independent risk factor for ACIS recurrence(P = 0.032). A CEUS grade ≥ 2 demonstrated high predictive accuracy for recurrence, with a sensitivity of 91.04%, specificity of 85.09%, and overall accuracy of 86.44%. CEUS grade could independently predict the recurrence risk of ipsilateral ACIS, providing valuable insights for the clinical management and prevention of recurrent ipsilateral ACIS in this patient population.