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Published on: May 9, 2013
Pathophysiology and Optimal Treatment of Intracranial Branch Atheromatous Disease
Ichiro Deguchi1, Shinichi Takahashi1
1Department of Neurology and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center.
Insights
Branch atheromatous disease (BAD) is a difficult-to-treat stroke subtype. Current treatments for other strokes do not prevent BAD progression, highlighting the need for effective therapies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cerebrovascular Disease
- Atherosclerosis
Background:
- Intracranial branch atheromatous disease (BAD) involves occlusion of large perforating arteries by atherosclerotic plaque and thrombus.
- BAD is characterized by progressive worsening, particularly motor paralysis, and is refractory to standard stroke treatments.
- Existing treatments for atherothrombotic and lacunar infarction do not prevent BAD progression, impacting functional prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Optimal treatment methods for BAD are urgently needed due to its refractory nature and poor prognosis.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to develop effective interventions for BAD.
- Addressing BAD is critical for improving outcomes in complex cerebral infarction cases.
Abstract:
Intracranial branch atheromatous disease (BAD) is a pathological condition characterized by the occlusion of a relatively large perforating branch (700-800 µm) near the orifice of a parent artery due to atherosclerotic plaque-based thrombus (microatheroma). BAD is refractory to treatment and follows a course of progressive exacerbation, especially motor paralysis. Uniform treatment for common atherothrombotic cerebral infarction or lacunar infarction does not prevent the progressive exacerbation of BAD, and consequently affects functional prognosis. To date, various combinations of treatments have been investigated and proposed to attenuate the worsening symptoms of BAD. However, no therapy with established efficacy is yet available for BAD. Since it is the most difficult condition to treat in the area of cerebral infarction, the establishment of optimal treatment methods for BAD is keenly awaited. This review presents an overview of the acute treatments available for BAD and discusses the prospects for optimal treatment.
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