Patterns of acute cerebral infarcts in patients with active malignancy using diffusion-weighted imaging
Journal
Cerebrovascular Diseases
Journal Volume
28
Journal Issue
4
Pages
411-416
Date Issued
2009
Author(s)
Abstract
Background and Purpose: It is still controversial whether the nature of cerebral infarcts differs between cancer patients and the general population. The aim of this study is to delineate the characteristics of acute cerebral infarction in patients with active malignancy using diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Materials and Methods: Seventy consecutive patients with both active malignancy and acute cerebral infarction (confirmed by DWI) were retrospectively included. These 70 were divided into 3 groups on the basis of infarct pattern: embolic infarction, large artery disease, and lacunar infarction. Medical records were reviewed in detail for demographic data, cancer information, vascular risk factors, and prognosis. Results: Two thirds of cancer patients had multiple infarcts, and 30% of infarcts were located infratentorially. Embolic infarction, large artery disease, and lacunar infarction occurred in 60, 31, and 9% of cancer patients, respectively. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer was significantly related to embolic infarction (odds ratio 4.64, p = 0.04). The 3-month mortality rates were higher in patients with rather than without cancer metastasis (68 vs. 8%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Cerebral infarcts in cancer patients tended to be embolic and multiple. Patients with GI cancer were particularly susceptible to embolic infarction. ? 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; aged; article; brain artery; brain embolism; brain hemorrhage; brain infarction; brain tumor; brain ventricle; cancer patient; cerebellum tumor; cerebrovascular accident; cerebrovascular disease; demography; diffusion weighted imaging; digestive system cancer; female; human; lung cancer; major clinical study; male; malignant neoplastic disease; medical record review; metastasis; middle cerebral artery; mortality; priority journal; prognosis; retrospective study; risk factor; urogenital tract cancer; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cerebral Infarction; Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Female; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms; Humans; Intracranial Embolism; Magnetic Resonance Angiography; Male; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Retrospective Studies; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Young Adult
Type
journal article