Abstract
Introduction: Cervical artery dissection (CAD) is a well-recognized cause of acute ischemic stroke, especially in young adults, accounting for up to 20-25% of all cases. Several studies reported an incidence between 2.5-5 per 100,000 in the general population. However, the actual incidence may be higher as many patients remain asymptomatic. Even though CAD is one of the leading causes of ischemic stroke, there is a lack of consensus in management. Our study surveyed practicing clinicians involved in the management of CAD to characterize current practice trends and provide a foundation for future research. Methods: An online case-based questionnaire with 11 questions regarding the management of cervical artery dissection was developed and piloted internally with 12 Mayo Clinic cerebrovascular neurologist/neurosurgeons. The survey was finalized, and initially sent to the STOP-CAD study group. We then sent the survey to practicing vascular neurologists across different academic institutions. Surveys were sent to 126 unique individuals. Results: A total of 42 clinicians completed the questionnaires. The response rate was 33% (42/126). Aspirin antiplatelet monotherapy was seen as the most appropriate therapy for asymptomatic CAD (81% [34/42]). Anticoagulation was the treatment of choice for cases with CAD and concomitant intraluminal thrombus (74% [31/42]). Most (74% [31/42]) of the participants recommended repeat imaging at three months. However, no consistent response regarding the type of antithrombotic agent for symptomatic CAD without intramural thrombus or cases with pseudoaneurysm. There was marked variability regarding the duration of antithrombotic therapy, ranging from three months to life-long treatment. Conclusion: Marked variability was seen in the management of CAD, especially regarding the choice of antithrombotic agent in symptomatic and complicated (stenosis or pseudoaneurysm) cases and the duration of such therapy, which reflects the lack of definitive clinical trial data. Ongoing research is needed to better guide the optimal management of these patients.
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