Chronic basilar artery occlusion: a retrospective monocentric study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vascular Medicine
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Acute basilar artery occlusion is a critical condition with high mortality.
• Clinical presentation and progression of chronic basilar artery occlusion (CBAO) are poorly understood.
• This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with CBAO.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically analyze the clinical presentation of patients diagnosed with chronic basilar artery occlusion (CBAO).

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of adult patients with CBAO treated between 2015 and 2023.
• Inclusion criteria: basilar artery occlusion without brainstem infarction or unrevascularized occlusion with >3 months follow-up.

Main Results:

• Fifteen patients with CBAO were identified.
• Presentations varied: incidental finding (5), mild neurological symptoms (4), or acute occlusion with follow-up (6).
• Midbasilar occlusion was most common (80%); posterior communicating artery collateralization was universal. Hypertension (100%) and hypercholesterolemia (67%) were prevalent vascular risk factors.

Conclusions:

• Chronic basilar artery occlusion (CBAO) can be asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and compatible with long-term survival.
• High prevalence of vascular risk factors suggests arteriosclerosis as a primary cause.
• Further research into CBAO management and long-term outcomes is warranted.