Small cerebral infarcts in Côte d'Ivoire: A retrospective clinical and CTscan study of 113 cases

Background: The diagnosis of cerebral lacunar became easier with MRI but with the development of the neuroradiological technic the term lacunar was used for small infarcts independently of their clinical features ,their location and their etiologies . In the Côte d'Ivoire the CT scan is the only neuroradiological mean for the diagnosis of strokes. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of lacunar infarcts by hospitalised patients and to describe the clinical and the CT scan aspects of lacunar infarcts. Méthods: This is a retrospective study concerning 113 files issued from the 3 main teaching hospital and private clinics of Abidjan from February 1997 to August 1999. Data concerning sociodemographics , clinical and CT scan aspects were collected and statistically analysed with a scientific calculator. Our results were compared to the literature results Results: Lacunar strokes represent 13,5% of patients admitted for stroke. 61,07% of the patients were more than 60 years old. 51% had a pure motor hemiplegia . High blood pressure, elderly and diabetes were the most frequent risk factors. These 3 factors were combined in 80% of cases. CT scan showed that the lacunas were located in the carotid territory in 92,5% of cases. Sylvian artery territory represented 78,77% of these locations. Deep territories are the most frequently concerned.(61,07%). No complications were noticed after1 month clinical course in 80% of the cases. Conclusions: Clinical and CT scan aspects of the lacunar infarcts by Ivorian people are classics. We suggest a further population study to assess the frequency of the lacunar infarcts in Côte d'Ivoire.