Serum Neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is a sensitive marker of axonal injury. This study investigated the relationships between carotid ultrasound findings, metabolic biomarkers, stroke severity, and functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This case–control study included 130 patients with first-ever AIS and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) assessment, carotid duplex ultrasound, sNfL measurement, and laboratory testing within 24 h of stroke onset. Associations between vascular/metabolic parameters, sNfL, stroke severity, and 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were analyzed.

AIS patients had higher vascular comorbidities and higher sNfL levels than controls (307.82 ± 112.95 versus 43.55 ± 1.20 pg./mL, p < 0.0001). Carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) was significantly greater in AIS, but Background

Serum Neurofilament light chain (sNfL) is a sensitive marker of axonal injury. This study investigated the relationships between carotid ultrasound findings, metabolic biomarkers, stroke severity, and functional outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This case–control study included 130 patients with first-ever AIS and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) assessment, carotid duplex ultrasound, sNfL measurement, and laboratory testing within 24 h of stroke onset. Associations between vascular/metabolic parameters, sNfL, stroke severity, and 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were analyzed.

AIS patients had higher vascular comorbidities and higher sNfL levels than controls (307.82 ± 112.95 versus 43.55 ± 1.20 pg./mL, p < 0.0001). Carotid intima–media thickness (IMT) was significantly greater in AIS, but