Relationship between atherothrombotic brain infarction or transient ischemic attack and stenotic segment of peripheral arterial disease

Abstract

Purpose: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is known to be related to atherothrombotic brain infarction (ATBI). Atherothrombosis (ATIS) is a complex process wherein thrombus formation occurs via atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between stenotic segments in PAD and either ATBI or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Methods: We performed ultrasonography in 148 patients with suspected PAD (86 men; mean age, 77.8±7.9 years). PAD was classified according to region into iliac, femoro-popliteal, and below-knee. Correlations with ATBI and TIA were analyzed. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated with multivariate logistic regression analysis. Adjustment factors were age, sex, smoking history, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia.
Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed femoro-popliteal region (OR, 3.298; 95%CI, 1.691-5.983) and diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.265; 95%CI, 1.564-4.628) as independent predictors of ATBI or TIA.
Conclusion: Stenosis in the femoro-popliteal region in PAD is a risk factor for ATBI or TIA.