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Published on: April 15, 2021
[Cervical artery dissection - review]
Olafur Arni Sveinsson1, Olafur Kjartansson, Einar Mar Valdimarsson
1Taugadeild Karolinska, Sjúkrahússins í, Stokkhólmi. olafur.sveinsson@karolinska.se
Insights
Cervical artery dissections, including carotid and vertebral artery dissections, are increasingly diagnosed due to advanced imaging. Treatment involves anticoagulation, with a favorable long-term prognosis for most patients.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Neurology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Context:
- Cervical artery dissections (CAD) are diagnosed more frequently.
- Improved diagnostic imaging techniques contribute to increased detection rates.
- The etiology of CAD is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors.
Purpose:
- To summarize current understanding and management of cervical artery dissections.
- To outline recommended treatment protocols and long-term patient prognosis.
Summary:
- Diagnosis of carotid and vertebral artery dissections is increasing due to advanced, less invasive imaging.
- Treatment typically involves anticoagulation (heparin followed by warfarin) for 3-6 months.
- Aspirin may be used for residual stenosis post-anticoagulation; long-term prognosis is generally favorable.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosing vascular conditions.
- Provides a concise overview of current therapeutic strategies for cervical artery dissections.
- Informs clinicians about the favorable long-term outcomes for the majority of patients with CAD.
Abstract:
In recent years carotid and vertebral artery dissections have been diagnosed more frequently, probably because new imaging techniques are more reliable and they are certainly less invasive. The cause of cervical artery dissections is largely unexplained but probably involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as trauma or infection. Most authors recommend intravenous heparin or low molecular weight heparin followed by oral warfarin to maintain INR between 2-3 for 3-6 months. If the artery has healed after 3-6 months of anti-coagulation all treatment can be stopped but if there is a remaining stenosis the patient can be put on aspirin 75-100 mg a day. The long-term prognosis of cervical artery dissection is favourable in the majority of patients. New dissections are uncommon.
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