Abstract: ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and progressing stroke.Methods103 patients with acute cerebral infarction within the first 24 hours from onset were tested with carotid color doppler ultrasonography during the first week from admission. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between carotid intima media thickness (IMT), plaque structure, the degree of artery stenosis and the early deterioration of cerebral infarction.ResultsPrevalence of carotid plaque and thickness of IMT in patients with progressing stroke were higher than that in non progressing patients. In logistic regression, presence of carotid plaque was independent predictors of progressing stroke. Plaque size, extent of artery stenosis and IMT were not included in the regression model.ConclusionPlaque structure and its chemical feature may be the cause of progressing stroke.

Key words: cerebral infarction, prediction, carotid, atherosclerosis