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Diagnosis and Management of Large Artery Atherosclerosis
Insights
Advances in medical therapies improve stroke prevention for large vessel atherosclerosis. While dual antiplatelet therapy is recommended, the role of revascularization remains debated, especially for asymptomatic carotid stenosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Ischemic stroke caused by large vessel atherosclerosis is a major global health concern.
- The aging population is projected to increase the incidence of atherosclerotic stroke.
- Extracranial and intracranial atherosclerotic disease require ongoing research for effective management.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes recent advancements in the assessment and treatment of large vessel atherosclerosis.
- It examines updated therapeutic strategies, including dual antiplatelet therapy and risk factor control.
- The article discusses the evolving role of revascularization procedures.
Key Points:
- Intensive dual antiplatelet therapy is now recommended for transient ischemic attack and stroke patients.
- Stringent blood pressure and lipid management are advised.
- High-resolution carotid plaque imaging is gaining importance.
Conclusions:
- Medical therapy advancements have enhanced stroke prevention for large vessel atherosclerosis.
- The necessity of carotid revascularization is decreasing due to improved medical treatments.
- The role of revascularization for asymptomatic carotid stenosis is controversial, while symptomatic intracranial stenosis warrants intensive medical therapy.
Objective:
Ischemic stroke due to large vessel atherosclerosis is a significant cause of stroke globally. With the aging population, the number of people with atherosclerotic stroke will increase in the coming decades. This article reviews the recent developments in the assessment and treatment of extracranial and intracranial atherosclerotic disease.
Latest Developments:
More intensive dual antiplatelet therapy can now be recommended for patients with transient ischemic attack or stroke. More stringent blood pressure and lipid control is also advised. The need for carotid revascularization will likely decrease in the coming decades because of advances in multimodal medical therapy; in particular, the role of revascularization for treating asymptomatic carotid stenosis is controversial. Patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis should receive intensive medical therapy. Interest in high-resolution carotid plaque imaging is growing.
Essential Points:
The prevention of stroke due to large vessel atherosclerosis has improved owing to advances in medical therapies. The role of carotid revascularization is unclear for many patient subgroups.
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