Intracranial atherosclerosis
Adnan I Qureshi1, Louis R Caplan2
1Zeenat Qureshi Stroke Institute and CentraCare Health, St Cloud, MN, USA.
Insights
Intracranial atherosclerosis, a condition affecting brain arteries, is linked to age, hypertension, and diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment, including medications and procedures, are crucial to prevent recurrent ischemic strokes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Atherosclerotic disease commonly affects intracranial arteries, both within and outside the cranial bones.
- Key risk factors for intracranial atherosclerosis include advanced age, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.
- This condition can lead to thromboembolism and/or hypoperfusion, causing transient or permanent cerebral ischemic events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of intracranial atherosclerosis.
- To emphasize the need for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of intracranial atherosclerosis.
- To outline current therapeutic strategies for managing intracranial atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on intracranial atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of risk factors associated with the condition.
- Summary of current treatment modalities.
Main Results:
- Intracranial atherosclerosis is associated with significant risk factors like age, hypertension, and diabetes.
- The condition poses a high risk for recurrent ischemic stroke and other cardiovascular events.
- Current treatments involve antiplatelet drugs, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and revascularization procedures.
Conclusions:
- Intracranial atherosclerosis requires early detection and management due to high recurrence rates.
- A multi-faceted treatment approach is necessary for effective patient outcomes.
- Further research may refine treatment protocols for intracranial atherosclerosis.
Abstract:
Atherosclerotic disease often involves the intracranial arteries including those encased by cranial bones and dura, and those located in the subarachnoid space. Age, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus are independent risk factors for intracranial atherosclerosis. Intracranial atherosclerosis can result in thromboembolism with or without hypoperfusion leading to transient or permanent cerebral ischaemic events. High rates of recurrent ischaemic stroke and other cardiovascular events mandate early diagnosis and treatment. Present treatment is based on a combination of antiplatelet drugs, optimisation of blood pressure and LDL cholesterol values, and intracranial angioplasty or stent placement, or both, in selected patients.
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