Screening of Asymptomatic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis among High Risk Subjects: a Pilot Study from Egypt

Abstract

Background—Stroke ranks as the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of morbidity
worldwide. Large intracranial arterial stenosis (ICAS) is a major cause of stroke.
Methods—This study investigated the prevalence and associated vascular risk factors of ICAS in a highrisk population in Qalyeubia Governorate, Egypt. A cross-sectional pilot survey using transcranial Doppler
(TCD) was conducted at Toukh Central Hospital and Aghore El-qubra primary healthcare units in the
Qalyeubia Governorate from 1 January 2016 until the end of June 2016.
Results—A total of 153 participants were included in this study. The prevalence of asymptomatic ICAS
was 13.1%. Among the modifiable risk factors, cardiac diseases, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, physical inactivity, and smoking were the strongest independent predictors of ICAS.
Conclusion—This pilot study concluded that the prevalence of asymptomatic ICAS is relatively high in
Egypt, and modifiable risk factors were the strongest predisposing factors of ICAS. TCD is an efficient
non-invasive modality for the diagnostic evaluation of ICAS.