Physiologic role of homocysteine, one of sulfur-containing amino acids, is fairly well understood. During the last few years we are witnessing a trend to correlate hyperhomocysteinemia with blood vessel damage and pathogenesis of atheromatosis. Its role as a risk factor in cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) has been highlighted. In 100 patients with ischemic brain stroke, confirmed by neuroimaging studies (CT and/or MRI) and Doppler sonography of cerebral arteries, we have determined serum levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folic acid. The same tests were performed in 40 controls with no pyramidal signs. Our results show a significant elevation of homocysteine level in CVA patients. In 28% of patients, the difference as compared with the control group was significant, thus indicating that hyperhomocysteinemia may constitute an independent risk factor for stroke. Sonography revealed the presence of vascular lesions and the number of vessels involved, while CT and/or MRI studies visualized areas of brain ischemia. High level of homocysteine did not correlate directly with the number of vessels involved. Noteworthy is that elevated homocysteine level may be controlled by supplementation with group B vitamins and folic acid. The level of homocysteine may be elevated in such neurologic diseases as dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Another noteworthy issue is hyperhomocysteinemia associated with prolonged administration of antiepileptic drugs in persons with epilepsy. 

hyperhomocysteinemia, ischemic stroke, risk factors, Doppler sonography of cerebral arteries, neuroimaging studies (CT, MRI)