Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the severity of periodontitis and the extent and degree of coronary artery stenosis in a Chinese population. Methods: Patients (n = 853) with coronary artery stenosis confirmed by coronary angiography were eligible to take part in the study. Only subjects that were ≥60 years old, had ≥50% stenosis in at least one coronary artery, and did not have diabetes or a history of smoking were included (n = 115). After periodontal examination, including bleeding index, probing depth calculus index, plaque index and periodontal attachment loss, four groups were defined based on the severity of periodontitis: no periodontitis/gingivitis (M0, n = 19); mild periodontitis (M1, n = 27); moderate periodontitis (M2, n = 31); and severe periodontitis (M3, n = 38). The extent and degree of coronary artery stenosis was obtained by calculating the Gensini score (GS). Results: The GS was significantly greater in the M3 group compared with the M0 group. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that probing depth and plaque index were significantly correlated with the GS. Conclusions: The extent and severity of coronary artery stenosis in Chinese patients ≥60 years old is positively correlated with the severity of periodontitis.

A 35-year-old Chinese man with no risk factors for stroke presented with a 2-day history of expressive dysphasia and a 1-day history of right-sided weakness. The presentation was preceded by multiple sessions of neck, shoulder girdle and upper back massage for pain relief in the prior 2 weeks. CT of the brain demonstrated an acute left middle cerebral artery infarct and left internal carotid artery dissection. MRI cerebral angiogram confirmed left carotid arterial dissection and intimal oedema of bilateral vertebral arteries. In the absence of other vascular comorbidities and risk factors, massage-induced internal carotid arterial dissection will most likely precipitate the near-fatal cerebrovascular event. The differential diagnosis of stroke in a younger population was consequently reviewed and discussed.

Background and Purpose Conventional subacute and chronic stroke rehabilitation programs do not provide adequate exercise to maintain the diminishing cardiovascular capacity levels. This randomised controlled trial aims to investigate the feasibility of supervised graded elastic strengthening training for patients with subacute stroke. To explore the