Simple renal cysts are associated with ischemic stroke in young adults: a case–control study

Background The incidence of ischemic stroke among young patients is increasing, and ischemic stroke has become a major cause of death and disability in young adults. The key to alleviating this problem is to identify the risk factors and causes of stroke to optimize treatment. The current study aims to assess whether simple renal cysts are associated with the occurrence of ischemic stroke among young adults. Methods Data from patients with acute ischemic stroke aged 18–50 years and age- and sex-matched controls who underwent medical examinations at the Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, from October 2022 to September 2025 were retrospectively collected. Potential risk factors (including blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, dyslipidemia, homocysteine, and simple renal cysts) were compared between young patients with stroke and controls. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors for ischemic stroke among young patients. Results A total of 219 young patients with acute ischemic stroke and 219 controls were enrolled for analysis. Patients with elevated blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, and concurrent simple renal cysts had a higher risk of ischemic stroke. Simple renal cysts were associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke in young adults, but they did not correlate with greater stroke severity. Conclusion Simple renal cysts are associated with ischemic stroke in young adults and thus merit clinical awareness. Prospective multicenter cohort studies are expected to confirm this association and clarify potential mechanisms.