症状性颅内动脉狭窄血管内支架成形术的疗效观察

目的观察症状性颅内动脉狭窄患者血管内支架成形术的疗效和安全性。方法对4例症状性颅内动脉狭窄患者行血管内支架成形术,通过临床症状、数字减影血管造影(DSA)、经颅多普勒(TCD)评价其疗效,并随访7～10个月。结果4例患者手术全部成功,术后即刻造影显示狭窄程度明显改善,平均狭窄程度从术前的75%下降到8.0%。术中发生短暂性抽搐1例,无脑栓塞及颅内出血等并发症。术后随访7～10个月,未见新的TIA或脑梗死,TCD复查未见再狭窄。结论血管内支架成形术是治疗症状性颅内动脉狭窄的一个相对安全、有效的手段。     

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for symptomatic middle cerebral artery stenosis: long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is an effective treatment modality in the coronary and peripheral arterial diseases, its efficacy for intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis has not been verified. We assessed the long-term outcome of PTA for symptomatic middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis. METHODS: We performed PTA in 10 patients with symptomatic high-grade stenosis (>70%) on M1 segment of MCA, who had either recurrent transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) resistant to medical therapy or perfusion problems. PTA was performed with a microballoon (2-2.5 mm diameter and 10-13 mm length) without insertion of a stent. After PTA, we evaluated the possible occurrence of restenosis, which was defined as >50% stenosis on follow-up conventional angiogram or increased M1 flow velocity on follow-up transcranial doppler up to the baseline value. RESULTS: PTA was successfully performed in 9 patients without any serious complications. One patient had asymptomatic dissection. Residual stenosis was less than 50% in diameter in all the patients. During follow-up period (mean 34.5 months), TIAs did not recur in 6 of 7 patients who had had intractable TIAs. Two patients developed strokes, which were not referable to the index MCA lesions. Among the 6 patients who underwent follow-up conventional angiography or serial TCD, restenosis was noticed in 3 patients (50%). CONCLUSION: Although restenosis is not uncommon, PTA for symptomatic MCA stenosis is a relatively safe procedure, and can be used to prevent recurrent TIAs or strokes in selected patients.     

Patterns of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging associated with etiology improve the accuracy of prognosis after transient ischaemic attack

Objective: Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) is a sensitive diagnostic tool for detecting acute ischaemic lesions in patients with transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs). The additional predictive value of DWI lesion patterns is not well known. Methods: Two hundred and fifty‐four consecutive patients with TIA underwent DWI within 7 days of symptom onset. The presence and pattern of acute ischaemic lesions were related to clinical features, etiology, and stroke recurrence at seven‐ and 90‐day follow‐up. Results: Diffusion‐weighted images abnormalities were identified in 117 (46.1%) patients. The distribution of DWI lesions was cortical, 31; subcortical, 32; scattered lesions in one arterial territory (SPOT) 42; and in multiple areas, 12. SPOT were significantly associated with motor weakness, large‐artery atherosclerosis (LAA), and the cardioembolic subtype of TIA. Single cortical lesions were also associated with cardioembolism, whereas subcortical acute lesions were associated with recurrent episodes, dysarthria, and motor weakness. During follow‐up, seven patients had a stroke within 7 days (2.8%, 95% CI 2.9–6.4%), and 12 had a stroke within 3 months (4.7%%, 95% CI 2.9–6.4%). In the Cox logistic regression model, the combination of LAA and positive DWI remained as independent predictors of stroke recurrence at 90‐day follow‐up (HR 5.78, 95 CI 1.74–19.21, P = 0.004). Conclusion: According to our results, MRI, including DWI, should be considered a preferred diagnostic test when investigating patients with potential TIAs. The combination of neuroimaging and vascular information could improve prognostic accuracy in patients with TIA.     

Enterprise支架治疗复杂症状性颅内动脉粥样硬化性狭窄

目的评估Enterprise支架治疗复杂症状性颅内动脉粥样硬化性狭窄(intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis,ICAS)的安全性和有效性。方法收集2014年1月-2016年6月首都医科大学附属北京天坛医院介入神经病学科收治的24例复杂症状性ICAS[如路径迂曲,病变长(15 mm),病变接近分叉,狭窄合并动脉瘤等]并经亚满意球囊扩张+Enterprise支架治疗的患者资料。主要终点事件定义为支架术后30 d内任何卒中(包括缺血性和出血性)、短暂性脑缺血发作(transient ischemic attack,TIA)或者死亡。次要终点事件为支架治疗成功;随访期间50%的支架内再狭窄或者靶血管供血区的卒中或TIA。结果 24例入组患者中,主要终点事件发生率为4.2%(1/24),表现为无症状性蛛网膜下腔出血(subarachnoid hemorrhage,SAH),无缺血性并发症发生。支架治疗技术成功率为100%,血管狭窄率从(87.1±9.3)%降为(17.5±8.7)%。4枚狭窄附近动脉瘤同时栓塞。共18例患者进行了影像学随访,6例患者(33.3%)发生了支架内再狭窄。其中3例患者为症状性再狭窄并进行了支架内球囊扩张。结论亚满意球囊扩张+Enterprise支架置入治疗颅内复杂动脉粥样硬化性狭窄技术可行,具有较低并发症。经导管释放的支架可能提高支架治疗的安全性。     

Outcome of patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to estimate the recurrence rate and to define subgroups at increased risk for recurrent cerebral ischaemia in patients with patent foramen ovale (PFO) and so called cryptogenic stroke due to paradoxical embolism. METHODS: Patent foramen ovale was diagnosed in 318 patients with otherwise unexplained ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). One hundred and fifty nine were treated medically (oral anticoagulation 79, platelet inhibitors 80) and represent the study population. The remaining 159 patients underwent endovascular or surgical closure of the PFO and are not part of this study. RESULTS: Mean age was 50.7 (SD 13.5) years. The event leading to the diagnosis of PFO was a TIA in 38 patients (23.9%), an ischaemic stroke in 119 (74.8%), and an amaurosis fugax in two patients (1.3%). Forty four patients (27.7%) had experienced multiple cerebrovascular ischaemic events before the diagnosis of the PFO. During mean follow up of 29 (SD 23) months 21 patients (13.4%) had a recurrent cerebrovascular event (seven strokes and 14 TIAs). The average annual rate of recurrent strokes was 1.8% and that of recurrent strokes or TIAs was 5.5%. When patients with PFO with multiple cerebrovascular events before the diagnosis of the PFO were analyzed separately, the average annual rates of recurrent cerebral ischaemia were 3.6% for recurrent strokes and 9.9% for recurrent strokes or TIAs. These rates were significantly higher than in patients with first ever stroke or TIA (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms a risk of stroke recurrence that is similar to the rates of previously published series of patients with PFO and cryptogenic strokes. Patients with more than one previous event were at increased risk of recurrent cerebral ischaemia.     

Treatment of posterior circulation ischemia with extracranial percutaneous balloon angioplasty and stent placement.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vertebrobasilar territory ischemia (VBI) leads to disabling neurological symptoms and poses a risk for stroke by an embolic or flow-related mechanism. We present our clinical experience in the endovascular treatment of patients with symptomatic VBI from severe atherosclerosis or dissection of the vertebral and subclavian arteries that was unresponsive to medical therapy. METHODS: Twenty-one patients (9 female, 12 male) with a mean age of 65.7 years (range 47 to 81 years) underwent treatment with percutaneous endovascular balloon angioplasty and stent placement. Sixteen patients (76.2%) had evidence of contralateral involvement, and 9 (42.8%) demonstrated severe anterior-circulation atherosclerosis. Nine patients had a previous infarct in the occipital lobe, cerebellum, or pons before treatment. Follow-up was available for all patients. RESULTS: Balloon angioplasty with intravascular stent placement was performed in 13 vertebral artery lesions (10 at the origin, 3 in the cervical segment) and in 8 subclavian lesions. The prestenting stenosis was 75% (50% to 100%) and was reduced to 4.5% (0% to 20%) after stenting. Six of the patients with proximal subclavian stenosis demonstrated angiographic evidence of subclavian steal, which resolved in all cases after treatment. All patients showed improvement in symptoms after the procedure except for 1 who developed a hemispheric stroke after thrombotic occlusion of an untreated cavernous carotid artery stenosis (rate of major stroke and mortality=4.8%). One patient (4.8%) had a periprocedural transient ischemic attack (TIA), and none had minor stroke. At long-term follow-up (mean=20.7+/-3.6 months) of the surviving 20 patients, 12 (57.1%) remained symptom-free, 4 (19%) had at most 1 TIA over a 3-month period, 2 (9.5%) had at most 1 TIA per month, and 2 (9.5%) had persistent symptoms. There were no clinically evident infarcts during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment using balloon angioplasty with intravascular stent placement for symptomatic stenotic lesions resulting in VBI that is unresponsive to medical therapy appears to be of benefit in this high-risk subset of patients with poor collateral flow.     

Impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation in middle cerebral artery stenosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Analysis of dynamic cerebral autoregulation during transient falls in blood pressure is considered a sensitive and convenient method for evaluating patients with carotid artery stenosis. To this point, there have been few reports on the efficacy of using the thigh cuffs technique to analyse middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis. If it could be determined whether cerebral blood flow can be maintained (autoregulated) during sudden falls in arterial blood pressure (ABP), then it might be possible to identify patients with MCA stenosis who are at risk of stroke. METHODS: We used the thigh cuff technique to estimate dynamic cerebral autoregulation in 57 patients with MCA stenosis and 72 normal controls. After a stepwise fall in arterial blood pressure, we determined the rate of the rise of MCA blood velocity and compared it with the rate of the rise of arterial blood pressure. In this manner, the dynamic cerebral autoregulation of 11 patients undergoing MCA M1 stent angioplasty was estimated both pre- and post-operation. RESULTS: The autoregulatory index (ARI) was significantly reduced in patients with stenosed/occluded MCA (3.24 +/- 1.52), as compared with normal controls (5.25 +/- 1.39; p<0.001) (results reported as mean +/- SD). Poor ARI values are usually observed in patients with a higher degree of stenosis and particularly in patients with insufficient collateral compensation. ARI was significantly reduced in severe stroke patients (modified ranking scale>or=1), as compared with asymptomatic or TIA patients (p<0.05). After MCA stent angioplasty was performed, there was a significant improvement in ARI in 11 subjects, which caused a mean increase in ARI from 2.08 +/- 1.10 to 3.80 +/- 1.36 (p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic cerebral autoregulation is impaired in patients with middle cerebral artery stenosis. Assessing dynamic cerebral autoregulation may allow a subgroup of patients with MCA stenosis who are at risk of hemodynamic stroke to be identified. Dynamic cerebral disautoregulation in patients with severe MCA stenosis is mostly remedied by stent angioplasty.     

Impaired dynamic cerebral autoregulation in middle cerebral artery stenosis

Abstract

Background and purpose: Analysis of dynamic cerebral autoregulation during transient falls in blood pressure is considered a sensitive and convenient method for evaluating patients with carotid artery stenosis. To this point, there have been few reports on the efficacy of using the thigh cuffs technique to analyse middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis. If it could be determined whether cerebral blood flow can be maintained (autoregulated) during sudden falls in arterial blood pressure (ABP), then it might be possible to identify patients with MCA stenosis who are at risk of stroke.

Methods: We used the thigh cuff technique to estimate dynamic cerebral autoregulation in 57 patients with MCA stenosis and 72 normal controls. After a stepwise fall in arterial blood pressure, we determined the rate of the rise of MCA blood velocity and compared it with the rate of the rise of arterial blood pressure. In this manner, the dynamic cerbral autoregulation of 11 patients undergoing MCA M1 stent angioplasty was estimated both pre- and post-operation.

Results: The autoregulatory index (ARI) was significantly reduced in patients with stenosed/occluded MCA (3.24 ± 1.52), as compared with normal controls (5.25 ± 1.39; p<0.001) (results reported as mean ± SD). Poor ARI values are usually observed in patients with a higher degree of stenosis and particularly in patients with insufficient collateral compensation. ARI was significantly reduced in severe stroke patients (modified ranking scale≥1), as compared with asymptomatic or TIA patients (p<0.05). After MCA stent angioplasty was performed, there was a significant improvement in ARI in 11 subjects, which caused a mean increase in ARI from 2.08 ± 1.10 to 3.80 ± 1.36 (p=0.008).

Conclusions: Dynamic cerebral autoregulation is impaired in patients with middle cerebral artery stenosis. Assessing dynamic cerebral autoregulation may allow a subgroup of patients with MCA stenosis who are at risk of hemodynamic stroke to be identified. Dynamic cerebral disautoregulation in patients with severe MCA stenosis is mostly remedied by stent angioplasty.     

Symptomatic stenosis of the vertebrobasilar arteries: results of extra- and intracranial stent-PTA

Background and purpose:  About half of all transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) or strokes in the posterior circulation are caused by the arterial stenosis. The purposes of this study were to determine the safety of stent-assisted percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (stent-PTA) and its efficacy for the prevention of recurrent stroke in patients with symptomatic artery stenosis in the extra- and intracranial posterior circulation.
Methods:  Forty-six patients with a previous stroke or TIA who received balloon-mounted coronary stents for vertebral artery origin stenosis (VAOS; 29 patients) or self-expanding nitinol stents for vertebrobasilar intracranial stenosis (VBIS; 17 patients) were followed-up for a mean of 24.1 (VAOS) and 12.7 (VBIS) months.
Results:  When all cause morbidity/mortality within 30 days from stent-PTA and stroke or death from stroke in the treated vascular territory during the first 12 months of follow-up are combined, the incidence of periprocedural complications and disease progression for the first year is 10.3% in VAOS patients and 17.6% in the VBIS group. Vessel restenosis ≥50% was found in 52.0% of VAOS and in 32.1% of VBIS patients who completed 6 months follow-up.
Conclusions:  We observed a higher periprocedural complication rate for patients with VBIS and a higher rate of restenosis in VAOS patients after stent-PTA for symptomatic artery stenosis.     

Wingspan支架治疗国人症状性颅内动脉狭窄的初步经验

目的 研究颅内专用自膨式支架系统 (Wingspan支架)联合Gateway球囊治疗国人症状性颅内动脉狭窄的可行性。方法 10例症状性颅内动脉狭窄患者（12处病变）接受了Wingspan支架联合Gateway球囊治疗，前瞻性收集所有患者的临床及影像学资料，临床随访观察30 d。结果 12处靶病变分别位于大脑中动脉（n＝6）、颅内颈内动脉（n＝4）、颅内椎基底动脉（n＝2），支架成功率91.7%（11/12)，手术成功率90.0％（9/10），治疗前平均狭窄率为71.4％，球囊扩张后改善为33.3％，支架成形术后改善为20.0％。所有病变均使用了Gateway球囊扩张，1例基底动脉狭窄Wingspan支架到达靶病变部位后未能成功释放；围手术期30 d内，1例患者术后发生1次短暂性脑缺血发作（TIA），其余患者均未发生手术相关并发症。结论 采用Wingspan支架联合Gateway球囊治疗国人颅内动脉狭窄技术上是可行的，长期疗效还需要更大量病例样本及更长时间的病例随访数据。     

Carotid stenting without angioplasty

BACKGROUND: Carotid angioplasty and stenting is gaining popularity as an alternative to carotid endarterectomy for the treatment of carotid bifurcation stenosis. The major concern with the procedure is the risk of embolic stroke which may be initiated by balloon angioplasty of friable atherosclerotic plaque. Elimination of angioplasty may result in a lower incidence of embolic complications. METHOD: We describe a case in which a self-expanding stent alone, without balloon angioplasty, was used to successfully dilate an atherosclerotic stenosis of the carotid bifurcation. RESULTS: A moderate increase in vessel diameter, from 75% to 50%, was immediately observed after stent placement alone. No embolic complications were observed and follow-up plain film and ultrasound examinations showed progressive stent enlargement with excellent anatomic and hemodynamic results. CONCLUSIONS: In this case of severe carotid stenosis, the use of a self-expanding stent alone, without balloon angioplasty, resulted in excellent anatomic and hemodynamic improvement.     

113例脑动脉狭窄患者支架成形术治疗体会

目的探讨应用支架成形术治疗症状性脑动脉狭窄患者的可行性与安全性。方法回顾性分析113例症状性脑动脉狭窄患者支架成形术中及术后随访3年期间TIA或卒中发生率及病死率。结果全组技术成功率98.23%(111/113),术前平均狭窄81.10%,术后残余狭窄率20%。TIA或卒中率为6.19%(7/113),病死率2.65%(3/113)。术中严重血管痉挛1例(0.88%);2例椎动脉开口出现再狭窄(1.77%)。全组病例未见支架成形术后再发卒中致残者。结论支架成形术是治疗症状性脑动脉狭窄比较安全与有效的方法。     

药物洗脱支架治疗椎动脉起始段狭窄

目的 评价药物洗脱支架治疗椎动脉起始段狭窄的安全性及中、长期疗效.方法 回顾分析47例采用药物洗脱支架成形术治疗椎动脉起始段狭窄病例资料、术后临床和影像学随访结果.结果 47例患者椎动脉单侧狭窄41例,双侧狭窄6例;同侧椎动脉串联狭窄2例,BX支架术后再狭窄1例,并存其他部位动脉狭窄17例.先后共治疗椎动脉起始段狭窄49处.椎动脉起始段术前、术后平均狭窄程度分别为72%和9%.无手术并发症.术后临床症状消失11例,症状改善30例,症状无变化6例.所有病例术后临床随访2-48个月,平均28.3个月,2例患者再发后循环缺血性事件.28例(59%)血管造影随访3-34个月,平均12.2个月,2例发生支架内再狭窄.其中1例为症状性;4例无症状性支架断裂.结论 中长期随访结果显示药物洗脱支架治疗椎动脉起始段狭窄是安全有效的,支架内再狭窄率明显低于裸支架.     

Transluminal angioplasty for arteriosclerotic disease of the distal vertebral and basilar arteries.

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for the distal vertebral and basilar artery is now being performed in selected patients with haemodynamically significant lesions of the posterior cerebral circulation. Its effect and overall results were examined. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A balloon dilatation catheter specifically developed for these procedures, with a 2.0-3.5 mm balloon diameter, at 6 atmospheres of pressure, was used. Angioplasty was performed in 12 patients (including six whose initial results have been reported) with angiographically documented stenotic lesions involving either the intracranial vertebral artery (C1-C2 portion) or the basilar artery, and satisfying the following criteria: (1) clinical symptoms suggestive or consistent with a transient ischaemic attack refractory to medical treatment, or small infarction of the posterior circulation; and (2) angiographically documented stenosis greater than 70%. Two of 12 patients had complete thrombosis of the distal vertebral and basilar artery and PTA was performed after successful intra-arterial thrombolysis. RESULTS: Successful results, without complications, were obtained in eight patients, with complete resolution of vertebrobasilar ischaemic symptoms. Immediate complications occurred in four patients including two with vessel dissection, and two with thromboembolism. The two patients with acute arterial dissection were reoperated but developed small infarctions with permanent neurological deficits. The two patients with thromboembolic complication showed transient neurological deficit. The overall stenosis ratio decreased from a mean of 84% pretreatment to 44% after the angioplasty procedure. Restenosis occurred in two patients. Long term clinical follow up in 11 patients who survived more than six months showed resolution of ischaemic symptoms after PTA in all except for one with a restenosis who had recurrent transient ischaemic attacks. CONCLUSION: Transluminal angioplasty may be an effective procedure to treat vertebrobasilar ischaemia secondary to high grade arteriosclerotic disease affecting either the distal vertebral or basilar artery regions that do not respond to medical treatment.     

症状性椎基底动脉狭窄血管内支架成形术疗效观察

目的 探讨血管内支架治疗椎基底动脉狭窄的安全性、有效性及与药物治疗相比的优越性.方法 对我院2005-05-2010-05收治的27例椎基底动脉狭窄的患者行血管内支架植入术治疗(支架组),对同期32例椎基底动脉狭窄的患者采取单纯药物治疗(药物组),比较2组发病后3个月、6个月、12个月及1 a后卒中及TIA发生率、美国国立卫生院卒中量表神经功能缺损评分(NIHSS).结果 支架组:1例因径路差而手术终止;1例术中发生蛛网膜下腔出血,最终死于脑干梗死;5例术中出现一过性头晕、恶心、呕吐,支架释放后症状迅速改善;1例出现穿刺点血肿,局部压迫处理后血肿未再扩大.随访中,1例椎动脉开口部位支架于术后6个月再次TIA发作,复查造影证实为支架内再狭窄,单纯球囊扩张治疗症状缓解;1例椎动脉V4段支架于术后2 a再次出现眩晕、共济失调,造影证实为支架内再狭窄,球囊扩张后症状消失.1例手术失败者于术后18个月再次脑干梗死.药物组:发病后3个月、6个月、12个月、1 a后分别有5例、7例、6例及13例卒中复发,3例1 a后随访,死于脑干梗死.2组卒中、TIA复发率及神经功能评分比较,支架组均低于药物组,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 血管内支架成形术治疗症状性椎基底动脉狭窄安全、有效,与内科药物治疗相比,能更好地预防卒中复发,值得临床推广应用.     

Pathogenetic and prognostic features of lacunar transient ischaemic attack syndromes.

Lacunar ischaemic stroke syndromes are a well defined subgroup of ischaemic strokes. To determine whether a similar subgroup can be identified among patients with transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) we studied prospectively 102 consecutive patients within 24 hours of their first TIA. Based on their history they were classified as lacunar TIA syndromes (LTIAS; n = 45) if isolated motor or sensory symptoms or their combination had involved at least two of three body parts (face, arm, leg), whereas all other subjects were grouped as non-lacunar TIA syndromes (NLTIAS; n = 57). All patients were investigated according to a standardised protocol and followed up for an average of 51.1 months. Cardiac and arterial sources of thromboembolism were more frequent among NLTIAS (p = 0.0001). Survival curve analysis demonstrated that LTIAS had a significantly lower long term mortality and incidence of major vascular events. In a multivariate regression analysis, the type of TIA (that is, NLTIAS) was an independent predictor of stroke or death. LTIAS share the same distinct pathogenetic and prognostic features of lacunar ischaemic stroke syndromes. These findings have implications for management of TIAs and for studies of their natural history and treatment.     

Angioplasty and stenting of symptomatic and asymptomatic vertebral artery stenosis: to treat or not to treat

Background and purpose: Comprehensive indications for treatment of symptomatic vertebral stenosis remain unavailable. Even less is known about endovascular treatment of asymptomatic cases. We treated symptomatic and asymptomatic vertebral ostium stenosis with angioplasty and stenting and investigated the long term outcome. Methods: Consecutive patients with two different indications were included. Group 1 (G1) had symptomatic >50% stenosis. Group 2 (G2) had asymptomatic >50% stenosis and severe lesions of anterior circulation and were expected to benefit from additional cerebral blood supply. Results: Twenty nine vertebral origin stenoses in 28 patients (75% men, mean age 64 ± 9 years) were treated. There were 16 G1 and 13 G2 cases. Technical success rate was 100%. Immediate neurological complications rate was 3.4% (one G1 patient with vertebral TIA due to release of emboli). Two further strokes were seen during follow up (32 ± 24 months): vertebrobasilar stroke in a G2 patient with permeable stent in V1 segment, new ipsilateral V3 occlusion and high‐risk cardioembolic source, and carotid stroke in a G1 patient who had had ipsilateral carotid stenting. There were no deaths of any cause. Asymptomatic restenosis was observed in one out of 19 patients from both groups who underwent a follow up angiography. Conclusions: Angioplasty and stenting appears to be technically feasible and safe in asymptomatic and symptomatic vertebral stenosis. More studies are needed in order to clarify its role in primary and secondary prevention of vertebrobasilar stroke. High risk anterior circulation lesions should be taken into account as a possible indication in patients with asymptomatic vertebral stenosis.     

Prognosis in patients with transient ischaemic attacks and minor stroke associated with a normal angiogram

61 patients with a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke and a normal angiogram and with no other explanation for the ischaemic event were followed up for a mean period of 6.3 years. Of 19 patients with a TIA 5 suffered further TIAs, and 1 of the 5 also an ischaemic stroke. 3 of 42 patients with a minor stroke had a new ischaemic stroke, in 1 case preceded by a TIA. In 2 stroke patients the lesion affected a new arterial region. 3 patients died of cerebral haematoma, in 1 preceded by an ischaemic stroke. 4 patients suffered myocardial infarction, and 1 of these died. The overall incidence of recurrent cerebral and cardiovascular symptoms was 23% (14 of 61 patients). The mean age was significantly higher (p less than 0.01) in patients with recurrent cerebral and cardiovascular lesions. No correlation emerged between risk factors. Patients with a TIA or minor stroke and a normal angiogram and with no other known source of embolism have a better prognosis than patients with a known source of embolism. However, elderly patients in particular run an increased risk of cardiac and cerebral vascular incidents.     

The prognosis of carotid siphon stenosis

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical course and angiograms of 15 patients with carotid siphon stenosis of 50% or greater. Fourteen had less than 50% stenosis at the origin of the ipsilateral internal carotid artery, and one had a greater degree of stenosis but underwent endarterectomy after an initial angiogram. Angiograms were examined for evidence of hemodynamic abnormalities in addition to residual lumen diameter. Seven patients initially had TIAs, 5 had strokes, and 3 were asymptomatic. In an average followup of 51 months (range 4-123 months) subsequent cerebral ischemic events occurred in 6 (40%), but only 1 had a stroke with a persisting neurological deficit that could be directly attributed to the siphon stenosis. Stenoses were hemodynamically significant by angiography in 5 of 7 TIA patients, and only 1 of 5 stroke patients. The incidence of subsequent ischemic events in this study was similar to 2 previous studies of siphon stenosis, however in this study most of the events ipsilateral to the siphon stenosis were TIAs or minor strokes. The association of hemodynamic angiographic abnormalities and initial TIAs but not strokes suggests that the mechanism producing ischemic symptoms may differ in patients with TIA and stroke who have carotid siphon stenosis.     

症状性颈、椎动脉狭窄的临床诊断与血管内介入治疗

目的探讨颅外段颈、椎动脉狭窄的临床诊断方法,评价颈、椎动脉狭窄血管内介入治疗的临床应用价值。方法对106例颅外段颈动脉和椎动脉狭窄患者的临床表现、颈部血管超声、全脑血管造影和血管内介入治疗等相关资料进行系统回顾。结果(1)颈部血管听诊发现血管杂音95例(89.6%),脑血管疾病危险因素排序依此为高脂血症83例(78.3%)、高血压62例(58.5%)、糖尿病49例(46.2%)、长期饮酒44例(41.5%)、吸烟41例(38.7%)和高尿酸血症23例(21.7%);(2)本组患者DSA发现单纯颅外段颈动脉狭窄40例,单纯椎动脉起始部狭窄30例,颅外段颈动脉和椎动脉狭窄合并存在36例,共检出狭窄血管169条;(3)104例患者血管内成功植入支架123枚,术后即刻DSA显示狭窄程度10%~20%,围手术期严重并发症3例(2.88%),92例患者术后6~12个月随访无短暂性脑缺血发作(TIA)及新发脑梗死。结论血管内介入诊疗技术在症状性颈、椎动脉狭窄的临床诊治中具有重要价值。