BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine whether poor collaterals contribute to the occurrence of certain types of cognitive disorders in asymptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis (MCAS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients aged ≥45 years with asymptomatic MCAS confirmed by computed tomography angiography were included in a single-center retrospective study. They did not have prior stroke or dementia. Within 7 days of admission, MRI and comprehensive neuropsychological assessment were performed. Cognitive assessment was conducted after 2 years. Two independent neuroradiologists evaluated intracranial collaterals by using the Miteff scale. Demographic date and Fazekas scores were collected.

RESULTS: A total of 173 patients with asymptomatic MCAS (66% men, mean age 59.4 years) and 42 controls (45% men, mean age 61.4 years) were enrolled. Executive function, attention, and information-processing speed in poor collateral circulation patients were more frequently and more often impaired than those in good collateral circulation patients. Throughout the study period, patients with poor collateral circulation had worse executive function, attention, and information-processing speed than those with moderate collateral circulation. Over time, MCAS patients with good collateral circulation did not show an association with cognitive function.

CONCLUSIONS: MCAS patients with moderate and poor collateral circulation have impairment of ≥1 cognitive domain over time. The affected domains are consistent with the profile of vascular cognitive impairment. Good collateral circulation is more important in patients with MCAS, and is associated with less risk of cognitive disorders.

Keywords: Cerebral Arterial Diseases, Cognitive Dissonance, Collateral Circulation, Carotid Artery, Internal, carotid stenosis, Cerebral Angiography, Cerebrovascular Circulation, Cerebrovascular Disorders, Cognition, computed tomography angiography, Constriction, Pathologic, Follow-Up Studies, Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery, Middle Cerebral Artery, Risk Factors, Stroke