Association of elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with increased intracranial aneurysm stability scores and aneurysm growth

Background and purpose Inflammation involves in the progression of intracranial aneurysms (IAs). However, whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as an inflammatory marker links to IAs stability is unidentified. This study was performed to assess the association of the NLR with IAs stability. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with unruptured IAs from January 2014 to June 2018. According to the quartiles of the NLR, patients with unruptured IAs were categorized into four groups. We evaluated the association between the NLR and IAs stability scores and IAs growth. Multiple logistic regression models were used in the analysis. Results A significant dose-response association was found between the NLR with IAs stability scores and IAs growth. After adjustment for potential confounders, an elevated NLR (fourth quartile) was associated with increased PHASES score (>5) (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.007; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.361–2.960; p<0.001 [p for trend <0.001]), increased ELAPSS score (>15) (adjusted OR, 1.581; 95% CI, 1.074–2.328; p=0.020 [p for trend =0.001]), increased JAPAN 3-year rupture risk score (>5) (adjusted OR, 1.512; 95% CI, 1.033–2.215; p=0.034 [p for trend <0.001]), and IAs growth (adjusted OR, 16.759; 95% CI, 3.022–92.928; p=0.001 [p for trend <0.001]). Conclusion An elevated NLR was associated with increased IAs stability scores and IAs growth. The association between NLR and IAs stability need further investigate.