Dissection of Cervical and Cerebral Arteries

Purpose of review: We aimed to summarize recent findings in cervical (CeAD) and intracranial artery dissection (IAD) research.

Recent findings: Considered a disease of the young- and middle-aged, an analysis on the largest CeAD-population to date (n = 2391) revealed that about 1 of 14 CeAD-patients was aged ≥60 years. Distinct genetic variants were associated with CeAD. However, in clinical practice, genetic investigations are not helpful due to the small effect size. Despite the paucity of data from randomized-controlled trials in CeAD-stroke patients, both intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular treatment should be considered as acute treatment in such patients. Future research is needed to clarify which patients benefit most from each treatment modality. Whether to use antiplatelets or anticoagulants in stroke prevention in CeAD-patients is still a matter of debate. One randomized-controlled feasibility trial has been published, and another trial designed to show non-inferiority of aspirin to vitamin-K-antagonists is underway and will be terminated in late 2018. Non-vitamin-K-oral anticoagulants should not be used in CeAD outside a properly designed trial, as experience with these drugs in CeAD-patients is limited. With many IAD patients developing intracranial hemorrhage, antithrombotic therapy should be used with caution. Knowledge about CeAD and IAD has advanced substantially. Nevertheless, further research is mandatory, in particular regarding pathophysiology, acute treatment, and stroke-preventive therapy, as well as long-term outcome and prognosis.