Clinical and Radioimaging Study in Posterior Circulation Stroke Patients in Central India

Stroke is one of the major cause of mortality and morbidity in India with its incidence on rise every decade. Stroke syndromes are classified into anterior and posterior circulation strokes based on the area of the brain affected and the corresponding blood supply. This study was carried out to determine the various clinical and radiological patterns of posterior circulation stroke and to analyze the various risk factors of posterior circulation stroke in comparison to anterior circulation stroke. Materials: The study was an observational study with a total of 100 patients. Patients who presented with signs and symptoms of stroke were included in the study and were classified into posterior and anterior circulation stroke based on signs and symptoms. All patients with radiological evidence of stroke were also included in the study. Observations: The mean age in the subjects with posterior circulation stroke was 61.7 years with a male preponderance of 4:1.Among the risk factors, Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus were more common in patients with posterior circulation stroke as compared to anterior circulation strokes(p=0.021 and p=0.041 respectively). Dyslipidemia (p=0.043),history of alcohol consumption(p=0.071) and smoking(p=0.083) were found more commonly in patients with anterior circulation stroke as compared to posterior circulation stroke. Heart disease (p=0.111) was found equally in patients with posterior and anterior circulation stroke. Dizziness (52%) and Vomiting(42%) were the most common symptoms and Ataxia(34%) and Visual field defects(30%) were the most common signs of posterior circulation stroke. Cerebellar infarct(30%) was the most common radiological pattern of posterior circulation stroke. Conclusions: All patients with brain ischemia whether anterior or posterior circulation need extensive evaluation of risk factors especially modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, alcohol consumption, smoking and heart disease.