Consensus statement on current and emerging methods for the diagnosis and evaluation of cerebrovascular disease

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is a primary cause of death and disability.
• Current diagnostic and treatment strategies for CVD require enhancement.
• Understanding macrovascular disease impact on tissue viability and metabolism is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize current and future diagnostic/evaluation approaches for CVD.
• To discuss pathophysiology of large vessel steno-occlusive disease.
• To highlight advancements in stroke care and diagnostics.

Main Methods:

• Review of state-of-the-art and future diagnostic/evaluation approaches for CVD.
• Discussion of neuroimaging protocols sensitive to tissue viability, hemodynamics, and metabolism.
• Analysis of pathophysiology related to large vessel steno-occlusive disease.

Main Results:

• Identification of key stages in CVD management: sub-clinical disease visualization, acute stroke theranostics, and post-stroke recovery.
• Emphasis on neuroimaging's role in assessing cerebral blood flow, volume, transit time, metabolic rate, and pH.
• Exploration of how macrovascular disease affects tissue-level viability and metabolism.

Conclusions:

• Advancements in neuroimaging offer potential for improved CVD diagnostics and patient outcomes.
• Emerging research topics in CVD have the potential to reduce morbidity.
• A comprehensive understanding of CVD pathophysiology is essential for developing effective interventions.