Clinical and Epidemiological Profile of Intracranial and Extracranial Arterial Stenosis of Stroke Patients in the Southwestern Region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract Background: Stroke is a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality, affecting populations worldwide, including the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Intracranial arterial stenosis and extracranial arterial stenosis are recognized as common risk factors for stroke. The main aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of intracranial and extracranial arterial stenosis among stroke patients residing in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia from January 2022 to December 2022. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee. Data were collected through a comprehensive review of medical records, capturing demographic information, risk factors, stroke subtype, severity, comorbidities, and results of magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, and transcranial Doppler examinations. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: In this study, 201 stroke patients were analyzed, with 113 (56.2%) males and 88 (43.8%) females. The prevalence of stenosis in stroke patients was 57.21%, with 63 patients having intracranial stenosis, 30 patients having extracranial stenosis, and 22 patients having both types of stenosis. Most intracranial stenosis cases exhibited 50%–69% stenosis, while extracranial stenosis cases were evenly distributed between 50%–69% and 100% stenosis. The presence of diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease was significantly associated with stenosis (P values of 0.029, 0.005, 0.043, and 0.012, respectively). High glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and elevated triglyceride levels were also strongly correlated with stenosis (P values of 0.003 and 0.021, respectively). Conclusion: This study reveals a high prevalence (57.21%) of arterial stenosis in stroke patients in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia, with diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease significantly associated with stenosis. Elevated HbA1c and triglyceride levels were strongly correlated with stenosis, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive risk factor management and targeted interventions to reduce stroke burden.