ASSESSMENT OF CAROTID INTIMAL MEDIAL THICKNESS (CIMT) IN YOUNG PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC STROKE: A CASE CONTROL STUDY

Background: Incidence of ischemic stroke in younger patients in increasing leading to higher morbidity and mortality. Data on carotid intimal medial thickness (CIMT) as atherosclerotic marker in young ischemic stroke patients are scarce. Aims and Objective: To evaluate bilateral CIMT thickness and its correlation with various CVD risk factors in young ischemic stroke patients. Methods: Total 40 patients (15 to 45 age group) and age matched 40 controls were taken. Demographic profile and risk factors were evaluated. All subjects were taken for CIMT assessment by B mode ultrasonography scan in multiangle measurements in the common carotid artery (CCA), carotid bifurcation (BIF) and internal carotid artery (ICA). Results: 72.5% of patients were in 35- 45 years age group. Stroke incidence was higher in male. Age specific value of CIMT was higher in all cases as compared to age matched controls in all age group. (p? 0.01) Increasing age, smoking and hypertension were significantly associated with higher bilateral CIMT. Conclusion: Ischemic stroke young population is associated with increased CIMT. Risk factors burden is contributory in speeding up atherosclerotic process leading to higher CIMT with multiple co morbidities. Keywords: carotid intimal medial thickness, carotid bifurcation, ischemic stroke