Risk factors for stroke recurrence and long-term prognosis in patients with symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis: A retrospective study

This study aims to analyze the risk factors for stroke recurrence in patients with symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis and explore their long-term prognosis. By retrospectively analyzing the relationship between intracranial artery stenosis and stroke recurrence, this study provides clinical evidence for the prevention of stroke recurrence. This study retrospectively collected data from 181 patients diagnosed with cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attack (TIA) due to symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis between February 2020 and February 2023 at our hospital, with a follow-up period of 2 years. Patients were divided into a recurrence group and a nonrecurrence group based on whether they experienced a stroke recurrence (cerebral infarction or TIA). Baseline characteristics, clinical data, and imaging data were analyzed. Additionally, univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between related risk factors and stroke recurrence. During the follow-up period, 65 patients (35.9%) had a stroke recurrence, including 42 cases of cerebral infarction and 23 cases of TIA. Univariate regression analysis showed that age, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and severe intracranial artery stenosis (≥70%) significantly increased the risk of stroke recurrence. Multivariate regression analysis further confirmed that hyperlipidemia (OR = 3.80, P <.001), diabetes (OR = 2.60, P = .015), and severe stenosis (OR = 4.20, P <.001) were independent risk factors for stroke recurrence. Furthermore, a synergistic pathogenic effect between diabetes and severe stenosis significantly increased the risk of stroke recurrence (interaction effect OR = 3.25, P = .008). This study indicates that hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and severe intracranial artery stenosis are important independent risk factors for stroke recurrence. The interaction between diabetes and severe stenosis may exacerbate the risk of stroke recurrence. Therefore, clinical attention should be given to the management of these high-risk factors to reduce the risk of stroke recurrence.