The Predictive Value of Aortic Stiffness Index for Stroke Severity in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke

Abstract

Background: Stroke severity significantly influences clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients. The arterial stiffness index (ASI)  is a potential predictor of stroke severity, though its clinical value requires further investigation.

Objective: This study aimed to estimate  the predictive value of ASI for stroke severity in patients with acute ischemic stroke and to examine its relationship with other clinical  variables.

Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study included 120 patients hospitalized for acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease within 24 hours. Patients were divided into two groups based on National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores: Group  1 (NIHSS < 16, n=78) and group 2 (NIHSS ≥ 16, n=42). Data on demographics, risk factors, and clinical variables were collected.  Echocardiographic analysis was used to calculate ASI. Primary outcomes included the predictive value of ASI for stroke severity, and  secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay and 28-day mortality.

Results: Group 2 patients were older (64.1 ± 5.13 vs. 60.6 ± 6.08  years, p=0.002). Diabetes mellitus (69% vs. 41%, p=0.003) and dyslipidemia (57.1% vs. 35.9%, p=0.025) were more prevalent in group 2.  Higher systolic (177.6 ± 10.23 mmHg vs. 170.3 ± 19.78 mmHg, p=0.04) and diastolic blood pressure (91.1 ± 9.14 mmHg vs. 86.5 ± 9.13  mmHg, p=0.01) were observed in group 2. ASI was significantly higher in group 2 (3.76 ± 0.17 vs. 3.10 ± 0.20, p<0.001). Multivariate  analysis identified ASI as an independent predictor of stroke severity (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.35-2.51, p<0.001). Mortality (26.2% vs. 7.7%,  p=0.006) and hospital stay (11.8 ± 4.68 vs. 7.28 ± 3.17 days, p=0.001) were higher in group 2.

Conclusion: ASI is a significant predictor of  stroke severity in acute ischemic stroke patients, correlating with worse clinical outcomes.