Atorvastatin for unruptured intracranial vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysm (ATREAT-VBD): protocol for a randomised,

Mirzat Turhon1,2, Huibin Kang1,2, Jiliang Huang1,2

  • 1Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.

BMJ Open
|April 29, 2022
PubMed

Insights

This study investigates if atorvastatin can reduce inflammation in vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms (VBDAs). Researchers will compare atorvastatin treatment to no treatment in patients with VBDAs to assess changes in aneurysm wall enhancement.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms (VBDAs) carry significant risks, with inflammation suspected as a key factor in their progression.
  • Atorvastatin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, presents a potential therapeutic option for managing VBDAs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of atorvastatin in inhibiting inflammation of the aneurysm wall in patients with VBDAs.
  • To assess the impact of atorvastatin on aneurysm wall enhancement, morphology, and inflammatory markers.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 40 patients with non-ruptured VBDAs.
  • Participants will receive either 20mg of atorvastatin daily for six months or a placebo.
  • Primary outcome is the change in aneurysm wall signal index; secondary outcomes include morphological changes and inflammatory factor levels.

Main Results:

  • Data collection is ongoing; results will be published upon study completion.
  • The study aims to provide quantitative data on atorvastatin's effect on VBDA inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • This research protocol is designed to determine if atorvastatin can serve as a viable treatment to reduce inflammation and potentially improve outcomes for VBDA patients.
  • The findings are expected to contribute to evidence-based treatment strategies for vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms.
Abstract