Variation in Risk Factors for Recent Small Subcortical Infarcts With Infarct Size, Shape, and Location

Background and Purpose—Lacunar infarction is attributable to a perforating arteriolar abnormality. Possible causes include embolism, atheromatosis, or intrinsic disease. We examined whether the size, shape, or location of the lacunar infarct varied with embolic sources, systemic atheroma, or vascular risk factors.

Methods—We examined data from 3 prospective studies of patients with clinical and diffusion-weighted imaging–positive symptomatic lacunar infarction who underwent full clinical assessment and investigation for stroke risk factors. Lacunar infarct sizes (maximum diameter; shape, oval/tubular; location, basal ganglia/centrum semiovale/brain stem) were coded blind to clinical details. Read More