Background and purpose: The role of leukocyte aggregation in ischemic stroke is controversial. In this study we investigated this hemorheologic alteration in patients at risk for stroke.
Methods: Leukocyte aggregation was evaluated with the leukergy test in 61 patients with a recent cerebral ischemic event and in 61 control subjects.
Results: 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.
Conclusions: 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.