Sex-specific differences in white matter microvascular integrity after ischaemic stroke. Issue 4 (3rd September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Etherton, Mark R; Wu, Ona; Cougo, Pedro; Lorenzano, Svetlana; Li, Hua; Cloonan, Lisa; Bouts, Mark J R J; Lauer, Arne; Arai, Ken; Lo, Eng H; Feske, Steve K; Furie, Karen L; Rost, Natalia S
• Is Part Of: Stroke and vascular neurology. Volume 4:Issue 4(2019)
• Page Start: 198
• Page End: 205
• Publication Date: 2019-09-03
• Subjects: stroke -- leukoaraiosis -- MRI; Cerebrovascular disease -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.81005
• DOI: 10.1136/svn-2019-000268
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2059-8688

Abstract

Abstract : Background and purpose: Functional outcomes after ischaemic stroke are worse in women, despite adjusting for differences in comorbidities and treatment approaches. White matter microvascular integrity represents one risk factor for poor long-term functional outcomes after ischaemic stroke. The aim of the study is to characterise sex-specific differences in microvascular integrity in individuals with acute ischaemic stroke. Methods: A retrospective analysis of subjects with acute ischaemic stroke and brain MRI with diffusion-weighted (DWI) and dynamic-susceptibility contrast-enhanced (DSC) perfusion-weighted imaging obtained within 9 hours of last known well was performed. In the hemisphere contralateral to the acute infarct, normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) microvascular integrity was measured using the K 2 coefficient and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. Regression analyses for predictors of K 2 coefficient, DWI volume and good outcome (90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) score <2) were performed. Results: 105 men and 79 women met inclusion criteria for analysis. Despite no difference in age, women had increased NAWM K 2 coefficient (1027.4 vs 692.7×10 –6 /s; p=0.006). In women, atrial fibrillation (β=583.6; p=0.04) and increasing NAWM ADC (β=4.4; p=0.02) were associated with increased NAWM K 2 coefficient. In multivariable regression analysis, the K 2 coefficient was an independent predictor of DWI volume in women (β=0.007; p=0.01) but not men. Conclusions: In women with acute ischaemic stroke, increased NAWM K 2 coefficient is associated with increased infarct volume and chronic white matter structural integrity. Prospective studies investigating sex-specific differences in white matter microvascular integrity are needed.