The association between symptomatic carotid stenosis and hematological parameters

Background & Objectives: Symptomatic carotid artery stenosis (SCAS) is one of the most important causes of ischemic stroke. We aimed to investigate the relationship between hematological and inflammatory parameters in patients with SCAS and controls. Method: Patients who underwent digital subtraction angiography for SCAS were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with carotid stenosis greater than 50% who had a stroke in the last six months were included in the study. Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, stent characteristics, filter use, balloon dilatation status, arch type, presence of contralateral occlusion, and complication status were recorded. Hemogram was evaluated using fluorescence flow cytometry. Data were analyzed among patients with SCAS, ischemic stroke patients without stenosis and healthy control group. Results: SCAS was higher in patients with advanced age, male, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and a history of stroke as compared to healthy individuals (p<0.001). Smoking and atrial fibrillation were higher in group without carotid stenosis and who had ischemic stroke (p<0.001). Hemoglobin and hematocrit values were higher in healthy control group (p=0.001). Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were higher in SCAS patients (p<0.001); Neutrophil and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was higher in the group with stroke and without stenosis (p <0.001). There was no relationship between blood parameters and procedure technical features and complications (p> 0.05). Conclusion: Hematologic parameters like PLR, NLR and RDW level are correlated with SCAS. PLR, NLR and RDW value can be an inexpensive and useful biomarker for predicting SCAS.