Leukocyte aggregation in patients with a previous cerebral ischemic event.

Abstract

The role of leukocyte aggregation in ischemic stroke is controversial. In this study we investigated this hemorheologic alteration in patients at risk for stroke. Leukocyte aggregation was evaluated with the leukergy test in 61 patients with a recent cerebral ischemic event and in 61 control subjects. In patients leukocyte aggregation was significantly higher than in control subjects (3.8 +/- 3.4% versus 2.5 +/- 2.2%; P = .01). In control subjects, the presence of vascular risk factors was associated with values of aggregation similar to those observed in patients. These findings suggest an association between altered leukocyte aggregation and cerebrovascular disease. Further investigations are needed to evaluate whether this hemorheologic alteration can be considered a marker of increased risk for stroke.