Objective

To determine the prevalence of asymptomatic brain ischaemic in the presence of vascular disease in other arterial territories.
Design

Studies up to January 2011 were identified through comprehensive search strategies. Arcsine transformation for metaanalysis was used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Setting

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed.
Participants

For each study, the proportion of patients positive for SBI in the presence of other systemic vascular disease was extracted and analyzed.
Main outcome measures

Using a random-effects model, a pooled effect estimate interpreted as a percentage prevalence of disease was calculated.
Results

SBI in the presence of acute ischaemic stroke was found in 23% (SMD 0.99; P < 0.001; 95% CI 0.88-1.10); a 35% prevalence was found in patients with coronary artery disease (SMD 1.26; P < 0.001; 95% CI 0.95-1.58); and a 14% prevalence in patients with peripheral artery disease (SMD 0.48; P< 0.002; 95% CI 0.42-0.54), although the data-set in the latter is smaller.
Conclusions

Patients with systemic vascular disease are at an increased risk of silent brain infarction.