Low-cost Cerebral Aneurysm and Carotid Artery Stenosis Screening for Patients at Risk for Stroke, Cerebral Aneurysm, or Carotid Stenosis, Who Need Lifestyle Improvements

Abstract

Introduction: We investigated the value of low-cost screening for patients at risk for stroke, cerebral aneurysm, or carotid stenosis who need lifestyle improvements. Methods: We created a pamphlet to raise awareness among people with risk factors for cerebral aneurysm and carotid artery stenosis. The pamphlet was distributed to small organizations, such as nursing departments, and was publicized in local newspapers. Candidate patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging and carotid ultrasonography. We investigated risk factors, imaging abnormalities, surgical interventions, and lifestyle improvements among these patients. Results: 1: No patients had received a brain dock within the last 5 years. Overall, women received approximately twice as many screenings as men. Many individuals with hypertension and dyslipidemia were screened. 2: Twelve percent of screened patients had image abnormalities, and screening for cerebral aneurysm and carotid artery stenosis led to four surgical interventions (1.2%) in three patients, all of whom were restored to their pretreatment quality of life. 3: One stroke (0.24% per year) occurred during follow-up. This patient had uncontrolled diabetes and was a smoker. Conclusion: Imaging abnormalities discovered via low-cost cerebral aneurysm and carotid artery stenosis screening effectively identify critical health risk factors. It is thus necessary to increase patient screening to reduce the complication rate associated with surgical interventions. Precise risk factor control information to at risk patients is important.