The effect of internal jugular vein reflux on ischemic stroke with cerebral microbleeds: a prospective clinical study

OBJECTIVE: Ischemic stroke combined with cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) might lead to the exacerbation of neurological deficits, and this prospective study was to evaluate whether internal jugular vein reflux (IJVR) could be an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke with CMBs. METHODS: 71 patients meeting the criteria were enrolled and underwent head magnetic resonance imaging susceptibility-weighted imaging, ultrasound of the jugular vein, and other relevant examinations. Univariate, multivariate, and subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between IJVR and ischemic stroke with CMBs. RESULTS: = 0.034, respectively). However, the subgroup analysis indicated that a longer duration or bilateral IJVR did not lead to a higher incidence of ischemic stroke with CMBs. CONCLUSION: IJVR might be an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke with CMBs.