Lu SS, et al. - The authors investigated the clinical relevance of homocysteine (Hcy) levels and intracranial plaque characteristics in ischemic stroke and also assessed the relation between Hcy levels and intracranial plaque characteristics. A total of 94 subjects with intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) were enlisted. Independent of age, sex, serum creatinine levels, and other atherosclerotic risk factors elevated Hcy level was observed linked to strong plaque enhancement. Both strong plaque enhancement and high Hcy level were also found associated with acute ischemic stroke. The researchers analyzed that a combined evaluation of plasma Hcy levels and plaque enhancement might enhance ischemic stroke risk stratification.