Intracranial atherosclerotic disease
Maria Khan1, Imama Naqvi, Asha Bansari
1Fellow International Cerebrovascular Translational Clinical Research Training Program, Stroke Service, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi 74800, Pakistan.
Stroke Research and Treatment
|July 21, 2011
Summary
Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) disproportionately affects Asians. Aggressive risk factor management and specific antiplatelet therapies show promise for secondary stroke prevention in this population.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is a leading cause of ischemic stroke globally.
- The Asian population experiences a disproportionately high prevalence of ICAD.
- Current understanding of primary prevention strategies for ICAD remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the diagnosis and management of ICAD, with a focus on the Asian population.
- To highlight the need for targeted research and clinical trials in Asians with ICAD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on ICAD diagnosis and treatment.
- Analysis of epidemiological data regarding stroke mechanisms and ethnic disparities.
- Evaluation of antiplatelet therapies and risk factor management strategies.
Main Results:
- Noninvasive imaging like transcranial ultrasound and MRA are emerging for stenosis detection.
- Aspirin is a preferred antiplatelet agent for secondary prevention, with dual therapy showing acute phase promise.
- Cilostazol demonstrates benefits in Asians, including fewer bleeds; aggressive risk factor management is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Focused clinical trials are essential to establish optimal treatment modalities for ICAD in the Asian population.
- Further research into primary prevention strategies for ICAD is warranted.
- Tailored secondary prevention approaches, including risk factor modification and specific antiplatelet agents, are vital for reducing stroke recurrence in Asians with ICAD.
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