Evaluating the role of Ginkgo biloba extract in the secondary prevention of acute ischemic stroke with cerebral microbleeds by quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM).

Abstract

Background: EGb 761, a standardized dry extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves, has certain anti-inflammatory and thrombotic effects and can be used to treat cerebrovascular diseases.

Methods: A total of 49 patients were randomly assigned to the Aspirin group (24 cases in Controlled group) and the Aspirin + Ginkgo biloba group (25 cases in Treatment group). The quantitative magnetic sensitivity and venous oxygen saturation of cerebral microbleeds were analyzed at admission, discharge, and after follow-up for 3 and 6 months.

Results: The demographic details age, gender, and admission to NIHSS were not significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) showed that the magnetic sensitivity of patients in both groups remained stable after 3 and 6 months of follow-up, while the venous oxygen saturation of the Treatment group increased. The venous oxygen saturation at 3 and 6 months of follow-up was negatively correlated with the modified mRS grade score.

Conclusions: QSM can be used as a quantitative follow-up tool in monitoring both oxygen saturation and Magnetic susceptibility of microbleeds noninvasively in ischemic stroke patients with cerebral microbleeds. EGB combined with Aspirin can improve blood oxygen saturation in those patients and this effect is particularly significant in the long-term efficacy of secondary prevention.