Correlation of neuron-specific enolase with radiological findings and degree of disability in acute ischemic stroke

Abstract

Introduction Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is a blood marker released in acute neuronal injury and can be estimated in serum of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) to assess neurological outcome. Aim To demonstrate the relationship between serum NSE levels in patients with AIS and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) changes to predict the prognosis and outcome. Patients and methods This clinical observational study was performed on 50 patients with AIS who attended the emergency and inpatient unit of Al-Azhar University Hospitals, Nabarouh Central hospital, and Mansoura University Hospitals, during a period of 2 years from January 2017 to 2019. Serum NSE was checked within 72\u2009h from admission. NIHSS score was calculated within the same period and then after 1 and 6 months. MRI of brain with diffusion-weighted imaging was done. ADC was calculated up to 1 week from admission. Results There was a statistically significant strong negative correlation between NSE and ADC, and a statistically significant strong positive correlation between NSE and NIHSS on admission and after 1 and 6 months (P=0.000). Conclusion Serum NSE can reflect the severity of AIS and predict the short-term and long-term outcomes.