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Semin Neurol 2021; 41(01): 039-045
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722638
Review Article

Basilar Artery Occlusion and Emerging Treatments

Zuolu Liu
1   Department of Neurology and UCLA Stroke Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
,
David S. Liebeskind
1   Department of Neurology and UCLA Stroke Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
2   Neurovascular Imaging Research Core, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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Abstract

Basilar artery occlusion is a relatively uncommon but neurologically devastating condition. If revascularization is not achieved, the potential for death and disability is substantial. During the last several years, there have been positive endovascular stroke trials for the treatment of large vessel occlusion; however, all of them excluded patients with basilar artery occlusion. The current treatment of basilar artery occlusion is still founded on small observational studies or meta-analyses. As case selection for revascularization and treatment protocols often vary widely across institutions, sample sizes remain limited. In this article, we aim to review some of the larger observational studies in stroke due to basilar artery occlusion, considering potential treatment strategies and resultant outcomes.

Keywords

basilar artery occlusion - posterior circulation stroke - angiography


Publication History

Article published online:
14 January 2021

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