EVALUATING THE OUTCOMES OF STENT IMPLANTATION IN EXTRACRANIAL ARTERY STENOSIS AMONG ATHLETES: A RETROSPECTIVE SINGLE-CENTER STUDY

Abstract

Objective: This study assesses the long-term outcomes and prognosis of stent implantation for treating extracranial arterial stenosis in athletes, considering the unique physiological demands placed on this population. Methods: Conducted at the First People's Hospital of Zhangjiagang City, Suzhou, this retrospective single-center analysis included athletes treated for extracranial arterial stenosis from March 2012 to August 2017. We evaluated patient demographics, clinical outcomes, and prognosis, with a focus on athletic performance and recovery. Prognosis was assessed at three- and six-month intervals post-procedure using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), with scores ≥3 indicating poor outcomes. Additionally, we tracked the incidence of stroke recurrence within two years and analyzed these outcomes relative to baseline health metrics such as glucose and LDL cholesterol levels using an unconditional logistic regression model. Results: The analysis showed that athletes with symptomatic stenosis and elevated glucose levels (Glu ≥ 7.0 mmol/L) had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.732 for poor prognosis at three months post-surgery. When considering elevated LDL cholesterol (LDL-C ≥ 4.14 mmol/L), the AUC increased to 0.789. Moreover, the AUC for predicting stroke recurrence within two years was 0.806, indicating a significant predictive capability for long-term complications. Conclusion: Athletes undergoing stent implantation for symptomatic extracranial arterial stenosis are more prone to perioperative complications compared to those with asymptomatic stenosis. Despite these initial challenges, the long-term prognosis for these athletes remains positive, with no significant differences in safety and outcomes based on the location of stent placement. The findings suggest that with appropriate preoperative assessment and postoperative management, athletes can expect favorable recovery and return to sport, underscoring the importance of tailored cardiovascular care in sports medicine.