Korean J Stroke.  2012 Apr;14(1):6-11.

Stroke-Related Inflammation and Infection

• Park TH

Abstract

Inflammatory and infectious conditions can involve the cerebral vasculature and cause stroke. Vasculitis involving central nervous system (CNS) is a heterogeneous entity of disorders characterized by inflammation and necrosis of blood vessel walls. It can be caused by noninfectious and infectious diseases. Noninfectious cause includes primary angiitis of CNS, giant cell arteritis, Takayasu's disease and Behcet's disease. Hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency and varicella-zoster viruses as well as bacterial and fungal organisms have been reported to be associated with infectious vasculitis. Inflammatory biomarkers and infectious index are in a portion regarded as risk factors of stroke. However, there is still controversy and further prospective evaluation should be performed. In the current article, the author concisely reviewed contemporary studies about inflammatory and infectious conditions associated with stroke.

Keyword

Inflammation; Vasculitis; Stroke

MeSH Terms

Biomarkers
Blood Vessels
Central Nervous System
Communicable Diseases
Giant Cell Arteritis
Glycosaminoglycans
Hepatitis C
Herpesvirus 3, Human
Humans
Inflammation
Necrosis
Risk Factors
Stroke
Vasculitis
Glycosaminoglycans