Intrinsic stenosing and occlusive pathologies of the vertebral artery: A narrative review

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Medicine
• Cerebrovascular Diseases

Background:

• Intrinsic pathologies of vertebral arteries are significant causes of vertebrobasilar insufficiency and cerebrovascular events.
• Conditions include atherosclerosis, dissection, fibromuscular dysplasia, radionecrosis, and vasculitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review non-aneurysmal intrinsic stenosing and occlusive pathologies of the vertebral arteries.
• To cover epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment options for these conditions.
• To summarize key clinical presentations, focusing on lateral medullary syndrome (Wallenberg's syndrome).

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on intrinsic vertebral artery pathologies.
• Synthesis of epidemiological data, diagnostic approaches, and therapeutic strategies.
• Detailed examination of clinical syndromes associated with vertebral artery disease.

Main Results:

• Non-aneurysmal intrinsic stenosing and occlusive pathologies are critical contributors to cerebrovascular events.
• A comprehensive overview of diagnostic modalities and treatment options is presented.
• Lateral medullary syndrome is highlighted as a key clinical manifestation of vertebral artery compromise.

Conclusions:

• Understanding these pathologies is crucial for managing patients at risk of stroke.
• Effective diagnosis and timely treatment can mitigate severe neurological outcomes.
• This review provides a valuable resource for clinicians and researchers in cerebrovascular medicine.