Cerebral atherosclerosis in the development of ischemic stroke

Abstract

The 32nd Annual Meeting of Japan Stroke Society was held in Fukuoka city during March 22-23, 2007. The main thema was “Resure the brain and keep up with the given life span”. Finally 766 papers were accepted, and 7 symposia, 12 luncheon and 8 evening seminors were convened altogether. Professor Heistad and professor Donnan presented their outstanding works, respectively.
Athersclerosis is most responsible for the development of circulatory disturbance in the brain. Hypertension is the major factor to precipitate atherosclerosis of cerebral arteries. In recent years, the prevalence of diabete mellitus is increased, and atherosclerosis in the extra- and intracranial arteries in normotensives with diabetes mellitus has become more severe than ever.
In hypertensives, cerebral blood flow (CBF) is reduced, and cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMR₂) are maitained by increased oxygen extraction fraction (OEF). In cases with severe atherosclerosis, perfusion pressure in the brain is decreased and both CBF and CMRO₂ are reduced despite of the elevated OEF. Prevention of the developmenet of cerebral and carotid atherosclerosis are of great use to protect patients against ischemic stroke.