Leukoaraiosis Is Associated With Impaired Functional Recovery And Outcome After Mild Ischemic Stroke. (P7.153)

OBJECTIVE: To determine if severe Leukoaraiosis is an independent risk factor for impaired functional recovery and outcome after mild ischemic stroke. BACKGROUND: Leukoaraiosis is frequently present in the elderly and portends a worse long-term prognosis including increased risk for dependence and death, particularly after large artery occlusion. However, little is known about the impact of leukoaraiosis on functional outcome after minor stroke. Thus, we sought to ascertain whether leukoaraiosis is an independent risk factor for the degree of recovery and final outcome in patients with mild ischemic stroke. METHODS: We analyzed 204 consecutive patients admitted to a single tertiary care stroke center with mild ischemic stroke (National Institutes of Health Scale [NIHSS] score <=5). Baseline clinical, laboratory, and outcome data were retrospectively analyzed from a prospectively collected database. Leukoaraiosis severity was assessed on admission CT or MRI brain using the van Swieten scale grading the supratentorial white matter hypoattenuation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with stepwise backward elimination was used to identify independent predictors of a favorable discharge modified Rankin Score (mRS <2). RESULTS: Admission NIHSS, age, history of hypertension, diabetes, and severe leukoaraiosis were associated with an unfavorable mRS at discharge (unadjusted p<0.05). After adjustment, higher admission NIHSS (OR 1.75; 95% CI 1.40- 2.16; p<0.001), history of hypertension (OR 3.23; 95% CI; 1.37- 7.61; p = 0.007) and severe leukoaraiosis (OR 2.35; 95% CI 1.17-4.70; p = 0.016) were independently associated with an unfavorable outcome at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Leukoaraiosis is an independent risk factor for poor functional outcome at discharge after minor ischemic stroke. Further analysis whether this effect persists to 90 days are ongoing. Disclosure: Dr. Onteddu has nothing to disclose. Dr. Minaeian has nothing to disclose. Dr. Goddeau has nothing to disclose. Dr. Henninger has received personal compensation for activities with Brainsgate as a consultant.