Lesion Pattern, Mechanisms, and Long-Term Prognosis in Patients with Monoparetic Stroke: A Comparison with Nonmonoparetic Stroke

Abstract

Background Monoparetic stroke is rare but could be misdiagnosed as peripheral neuropathy. We investigated the prevalence, lesion pattern, stroke mechanism, and long-term prognosis in patients with monoparetic stroke. Methods 586 acute ischemic stroke patients (including 31 with monoparesis) were studied. Monoparetic stroke was defined as a motor deficit in either an arm or a leg but without facial weakness or speech disturbance. Median follow-up period was 32.0 months. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, log-rank tests, logistic regressions, and Cox proportional hazards models were used for clinical outcome analyses. Results The mean age (313 men and 273 women) was 67.6 years. Among monoparetic patients, most had cortical (80.6%) and multiple (64.5%) lesions. The main stroke mechanisms were cardioembolism (38.7%) and large artery atherosclerosis (29.0%). Precentral gyrus with additional regions was most frequently involved in monoparesis (45.2%). Upper motor neuron signs were found in only 11 patients (35.5%). Compared with the nonmonoparetic group, these patients had better functional outcomes (6-month modified Rankin scale ≤2) and long-term survival but had comparable risks for further vascular events, including stroke recurrences. Conclusions Although monoparetic stroke may have a better functional outcome, the risk of the further vascular event seems similar to nonmonoparetic stroke.