Cannabis use, ischemic stroke, and multifocal intracranial vasoconstriction: a prospective study in 48 consecutive young patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between cannabis use and ischemic stroke in a young adult population. METHODS Forty-eight consecutive young patients admitted for acute ischemic stroke participated in the study. First-line screening was performed, including blood tests, cardiovascular investigations, and urine analysis for cannabinoids. If no etiology was found, 3D rotational angiography and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were performed. A control was planned through neurovascular imaging within 3 to 6 months. RESULTS In this series, there was multifocal intracranial stenosis associated with cannabis use in 21% (n=10). CONCLUSIONS Multifocal angiopathy associated with cannabis consumption could be an important cause of ischemic stroke in young people.