Symptomatic intracranial arterial disease: incidence, natural history, diagnosis, and management

Neurosurg Focus. 2011 Jun;30(6):E14. doi: 10.3171/2011.3.FOCUS1138.

Abstract

Symptomatic intracranial arterial disease is associated with a high rate of recurrent ischemic events. The management of this condition is controversial, with some advocating medical therapy as a sole means of treatment and others recommending endovascular therapy in addition to best medical management. In rare cases, surgical intervention is considered. A thorough review of the available literature was performed, and treatment recommendations based on these data are provided.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angioplasty, Balloon / instrumentation
  • Angioplasty, Balloon / methods
  • Brain Ischemia / diagnosis*
  • Brain Ischemia / epidemiology*
  • Brain Ischemia / therapy
  • Cerebral Arteries / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cerebral Arteries / pathology*
  • Cerebral Arteries / physiopathology
  • Cerebral Revascularization
  • Diagnostic Imaging / methods
  • Diagnostic Imaging / standards
  • Fibrinolytic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Intracranial Arteriosclerosis / diagnosis*
  • Intracranial Arteriosclerosis / epidemiology*
  • Intracranial Arteriosclerosis / therapy
  • Radiography
  • Stents / standards

Substances

  • Fibrinolytic Agents