Stroke Etiology Varies with Age in Patients Younger than 50 Years: Assessment of Stroke Etiology and Classifications in Young Saudi Patients

摘要

This study was undertaken to determine if stroke classifications and etiologies vary according to age in young Saudi patients with stroke. A retrospective analysis of 80 patients with ischemic stroke younger than 50 years was conducted, and risk factors and stroke classifications using TOAST (Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) were identified for all patients, and in those younger and older than 30 years of age. 52.4% of the patients had hypertension, 51 % had carotid stenosis of 50% or more, 40 % had diabetes, 35 % had a documented cardiac disease and 29% had hyperlipidemia. Hypertension, carotid disease and hyperlipidemia were significantly seen in patients older than 30 years (p <0.05). Presence of no identified risk factors was significantly seen in those aged 30 years and younger (p<0.05). Cardiac disease and diabetes were not associated with a particular age group. TOAST classification showed that 50% of the cases had stroke secondary to cardio-embolic and small vessel disease, 24% had cryptogenic stroke, 15% had a large vessel disease, and 11% had stroke of other determined etiologies. Large and small vessel disease were strictly seen in those older than 30 years (p< 0.05), while stroke of other determined etiology and cryptogenic stroke were mostly seen in those aged 30 years and younger (p< 0.05). Cardio-embolic stroke were seen among the entire group with no particular distribution. Therefore, there is an age specific distribution of the risk factors and classifications in young patient with stroke.