ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Silent cerebral infarcts (SCI) are commonly seen in the elderly and are associated with clinically apparent stroke and vascular dementia. Known cardiovascular risk factors, such as arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, hypercholesterolemia and heart disease may increase the risk of SCI. We investigated the prevalence of, and risk factors for, SCI in an apparently normal adult population. METHODS: Two hundred eighty seven neurologically normal adults (mean age, 51.3 +/- 10.4; 145 men) underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the Center for Health Promotion at Kangnam St. Mary Hospital and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed by interview and physical examination. We performed chi-square test and 2-sample t-test for univariate analysis and multiple logistic regressions for multivariate analysis to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of SCI. RESULTS: SCI lesions were observed in 84 subjects (29.8%). Univariate analysis showed that old age, hypertension and abnormal pulmonary function tests were associated with SCI. Old age (over 55) (OR 4.521; 95%CI, 2.631~7.768), and an abnormal pulmonary function test (OR, 3.100; 95%CI, 1.267~7.587) were demonstrated to be independent risk factors for SCI on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Silent brain infarcts commonly affect the elderly, especially those over 55. Old age, hypertension, and abnormal pulmonary function tests are associated with SCI.