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Semin Neurol 2017; 37(03): 307-315
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1603588
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Large Artery Atherosclerosis: Extracranial and Intracranial

Authors

  • Chirantan Banerjee

    1   Department of Neurology, Stroke Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina

  • Tanya N. Turan

    1   Department of Neurology, Stroke Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
31 July 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Large vessel atherosclerotic disease (affecting both intracranial and extracranial arteries) is a highly prevalent cause of stroke. In this review, the authors describe the epidemiology, evaluation, diagnosis, and therapeutic aspects of large-vessel atherosclerotic disease. Endarterectomy and stenting have proven to be effective methods for carotid artery revascularization and stroke prevention, although some of the clinical trials demonstrating this benefit predated the advances in modern medical therapy. Randomized clinical trials comparing aggressive management with surgical and endovascular stenting plus aggressive medical management have shown medical management alone to be safer and more effective for preventing stroke in intracranial and vertebrobasilar stenosis.

Keywords

carotid stenosis - ischemic stroke - intracranial atherosclerosis - risk factors