Role of Von Willebrand factor level as a biomarker in acute ischemic stroke

Background Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a large, multimeric glycoprotein that plays a role in thrombus formation; it is also an important mediator of inflammation. Our study aims to determine the association of VWF plasma level and acute ischemic stroke and determine plasma level of VWF in different subtypes of acute ischemic stroke. This case-control study was conducted on 90 subjects: 30 acute ischemic atherosclerotic stroke patients, 30 acute cardioembolic stroke patients and 30 healthy age and sex-matched control subjects. Stroke patients were recruited within the first week of stroke onset with an age range from 18 to 75 years. All subjects underwent complete neurological examination, duplex ultrasonography (U/S), CT brain, routine laboratory work-up and serum level of VWF.Results VWF serum levels were significantly elevated in patients of acute ischemic stroke, compared to control subjects. Higher plasma levels of VWF were observed in patients with acute ischemic atherosclerotic stroke.Conclusion Serum level of VWF can be used as a marker for acute ischemic stroke, especially the atherosclerotic subtype.