Vertebrobasilar Artery Stenosis Research Articles

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS) in patients with symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar artery stenosis (IVBS)

BackgroundApproximately 20% of all transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs) and ischaemic strokes occur within the posterior circulation, with vertebrobasilar stenosis identified as the cause in roughly 25% of the cases. Studies...

Intracranial and Extracranial Vertebrobasilar Artery Stenosis Patient Profile in Dr. Moewardi General Hospital

Intracranial and Extracranial Vertebrobasilar Artery Stenosis Patient Profile in Dr. Moewardi General Hospital

The effects of fibroblast growth factor-23 on diagnosis of cerebral infarction and vertebral basilar artery stenosis☆

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the correlation between Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 (FGF23) levels and Cerebral Infarction (CI), and to determine whether there is a significant relationship between FGF23 and the occurrence and severity of CI. MethodsThe study categorized Cerebral Infarction (CI) patients into severe and mild stenosis groups based on vertebrobasilar artery stenosis, using Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The study compared the levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 (FGF23) in the serum of CI patients and healthy controls using a t-test and evaluated the diagnostic effectiveness of serum FGF23 using a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Additionally, the study analyzed the correlation between FGF23 levels and CI severity after treatment using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score. ResultsThe study found a significant increase in serum Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 (FGF23) levels in patients with Cerebral Infarction (CI) compared to healthy volunteers, (p < 0.001). A higher serum FGF23 level was observed in the severe stenosis group than in the mild stenosis group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the study showed that a high FGF23 level at admission was significantly related to more severe symptoms of CI as indicated by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on the 7th day after treatment (p < 0.001). ConclusionsThis study discovered a correlation between Fibroblast Growth Factor-23 (FGF23) levels, vertebrobasilar artery stenosis, and short-term prognosis in patients who had recently experienced acute Cerebral Infarction (CI).

Association of Cerebral Hypoperfusion and Poor Collaterals with Cognitive Impairment in Patients with Severe Vertebrobasilar Artery Stenosis.

Effect of stenosis of vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) on cognitive function is elusive. To investigate association of cerebral hypoperfusion and poor collaterals with vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) in severe VBA stenosis patients. We consecutively enrolled patients with severe VBA stenosis confirmed by digital subtraction angiography who underwent computed tomographic perfusion (CTP) and cognitive assessments. Patients were divided into poor or good collaterals groups according to the collateral circulation status, and were grouped into different perfusion groups according to CTP. Cognitive function was measured by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Clock Drawing Test, Stroop Color Word Test, Trail Making Test, Digital Span Test, Auditory Verbal Learning Test, and Boston Naming Test scales. The association of cerebral perfusion and collaterals with VCI were explored. Among 88 eligible patients, VCI occurred in 51 (57.9%) patients experienced. Poor collateral was present in 73 (83.0%) patients, and hypoperfusion in 64 (72.7%). Compared with normal perfusion patients, the odds ratio with 95% confidence interval for VCI was 12.5 (3.7-42.4) for overall hypoperfusion, 31.0 (7.1-135.5) for multiple site hypoperfusion, 3.3 (1.0-10.5) for poor collaterals, and 0.1 (0-0.6) for presence of posterior communicating artery (PcoA) compensated for posterior cerebral artery (PCA) and basilar artery (BA). Additionally, decreased scores of cognitive function tests occurred in patients with decompensated perfusion or poor collaterals. Hypoperfusion and poor collaterals were positively associated with cognitive impairment in patients with severe VBA. However, PcoA compensated for the PCA and BA had a protective role in cognitive impairment development.

Effect of collateral circulation in patients with multiple craniocervical artery stenoses.

Based on previous findings, collateral circulation in the brain is vital in mitigating cerebral ischemia's effects and influencing stroke risk. This retrospective study examined collateral circulation, admission ischemic stroke status, and long-term recurrence in patients with multiple craniocervical artery stenoses. Consecutive symptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were recruited. Baseline data including medical histories and neurological function at admission were collected. Imaging techniques assessed collateral compensative capacity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between collateral circulation and case status. A total of 559 patients with symptomatic ICA stenosis were included, among whom 153 (27.4%) had concurrent moderate to severe vertebro-basilar artery (VBA) stenosis. Dizziness, weakness/numbness, and slurring of speech were the primary symptoms in all patients. Over 36 months, 71 (12.7%) patients experienced a recurrence of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In multivariate analysis, collateral circulation was found to be negatively associated with AIS (regional leptomeningeal collateral [rLMC] scores: OR: 0.798, 95% CI: 0.743-0.857, p < 0.001; Tan scores: OR: 0.478, 95% CI: 0.336-0.679, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the collateral circulation scores were significantly associated with the recurrence of AIS within 3 years (rLMC scores: OR: 0.926, 95% CI: 0.860-0.997, p = 0.042; Tan scores: OR: 0.467, 95% CI: 0.306-0.712, p < 0.001). Most associations remained significant in the subgroup of patients with VBA stenosis. Favorable collateral circulation in multiple craniocervical artery stenosis patients reduced long-term ischemic event recurrence. Stratifying treatment risks is essential for optimizing outcomes.

Intimal predominant calcification is associated with plaque instability in the vertebrobasilar artery by vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography

Background and aimsIt remains unknown about the relationship between vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) calcification and plaque instability. We aimed to investigate the characteristics of VBA calcification using vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) and its association with acute cerebral infarction (ACI). MethodsNine hundred and thirty patients with VBA stenosis who underwent vessel wall MRI and CT examinations were evaluated retrospectively. Calcification morphology was classified as either intimal or non-intimal predominant using a CT-pathology-validated grading method. Qualitative and quantitative plaque MRI variables and calcification characteristics were compared between culprit and non-culprit lesions. The association between VBA calcification and the occurrence of culprit lesions was investigated using multivariate logistic regression. ResultsA total of 150 patients with ACI and 142 patients without ACI were eligible for subsequent analyses, respectively. In the qualitative analysis, T1 hyperintensity (p < 0.001) and intimal predominant calcification (p = 0.021) were more frequently observed in the culprit than non-culprit lesions. In the quantitative analyses, culprit lesions had a larger stenosis degree, plaque length, normal wall index, contrast enhancement ratio, lower calcification density and smaller calcification volume than non-culprit lesions (p all < 0.05). Intimal predominant calcification (odds ratio [OR], 2.51; 95 % confident interval [CI], 1.31–4.82, p = 0.006) and calcification density (OR, 0.53; 95 % CI, 0.35–0.78, p = 0.001) were independently associated with the presence of ACI after adjusting for clinical risk factors and plaque variables. ConclusionsIntimal predominant calcification in vertebrobasilar atherosclerosis is associated with the likelihood of having caused acute cerebral infarction. The morphology and density of VBA calcification may provide insight into stroke risk stratification in the posterior circulation.

Association between vertebrobasilar artery geometry and vertebrobasilar stenosis, recurrence, and death in posterior circulation stroke and transient ischemic attack

BackgroundIntracranial atherosclerosis is one of the primary causes of posterior circulation stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA), particularly in people of South and East Asian heritage. Focal vessel geometry may play a role in atherosclerosis progression. Thus, we investigated the relevance of vertebrobasilar artery (VBA) geometry and vertebrobasilar atherosclerotic stenosis, recurrence, and death in posterior circulation stroke and TIA. MethodsFour hundred and twenty patients with posterior circulation ischemic stroke or TIA were included. The VBA geometric features, comprising the geometric configurations (Tuning fork, Walking, Lambda, and No confluence), vascular bends (multi-bending and oligo-bending), and VBA stenosis degrees, were defined based on computed tomography angiography (CTA) images. Recurrence of stroke or TIA and death were assessed through a 1-year follow-up. Additionally, the relationship between VBA geometric features, VBA stenosis, and prognosis were analyzed. ResultsWalking type and vascular multi-bending showed significant associations with more severe VBA stenosis and distribution, and these were also more frequently observed in patients with large-artery atherosclerosis (LAA) stroke (all P < 0.05). Sixty-four patients exhibited recurrent stroke or TIA, and 31 died during the 1-year follow-up. In the binary logistic regression analysis, Walking type (P = 0.018), Lambda type (P = 0.021), and multi-bending type (P = 0.004) were found to be independently associated with stroke recurrence, while No confluence type was independently associated with death (P = 0.010). ConclusionsThe geometric characteristics of the VBA are associated with vertebrobasilar stenosis, LAA stroke, 1-year recurrence, and death in posterior circulation stroke and TIA. VBA geometry may be used to stratify the risk of stroke and TIA in the posterior circulation.

Clinical characteristics of sudden sensorineural hearing loss with acute cerebral infarction

Objective: To analyze the clinical and imaging features of patients with sudden sensorineural deafness and acute cerebral infarction in order to provide evidence for early recognition of such diseases. Methods: This was a case series reporting study. A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical and imaging data of 29 patients with sudden hearing loss (SHL) who admitted to the Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department of Beijing Tiantan Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 and diagnosed with acute cerebral infarction using MRI-DWI. Results: The patients were aged 31-71 years, with an average age of 56±12 years, and 82.8% (24/29) were men. In total, 82.8% (24/29) of the patients had three or more atherosclerotic risk factors, and 24.1% (7/29) had a history of SHL. The hearing types were flat and total deafness: 86.2% (25/29) of the patients had severe hearing loss, 27.6% (8/29) had bilateral SHL, 17.2% (5/29) had further hearing loss during hospitalization, and 82.8% (24/29) had dizziness or vertigo at the onset. The signs of central nervous system involvement mainly included speech impairment, diplopia, dysphagia, central facial paralysis, facial and limb hypoesthesia, ataxia, and decreased muscle strength. Imaging evaluation showed that 21 cases were located in the posterior circulation supply area and 8 cases in the anterior circulation supply area. Additionally, 82.8% (24/29) patients had vertebrobasilar artery stenosis, and 58.6% (17/29) patients had severe vertebrobasilar artery stenosis or occlusion. Conclusion: Patients with SHL who progress to cerebral infarction often have multiple atherosclerotic risk factors and SHL. Most of the patients are middle-aged and older men who often complain of dizziness or dizziness accompanied by severe flat and total deafness with unilateral or bilateral SHL. Imaging findings suggest that most patients have posterior circulation infarction, often accompanied by severe stenosis or occlusion of the vertebrobasilar artery..

Invasive Management of Vertebrobasilar Artery Stenosis and Occlusion: A Meta-Analysis on Efficacy and Safety Endpoints.

Vertebrobasilar angioplasty and stenting or mechanical thrombectomy (MT) using a stent retriever or suction thrombectomy are effective interventions in managing acute ischemic stroke caused by vertebrobasilar artery occlusion (VBAO). This study aims to investigate the safety and efficacy of self-expanding stents and balloon angioplasty in managing ischemic stroke. We reviewed the literature for relevant clinical trials and included those reporting the following primary outcomes: successful recanalization, favorable clinical outcome, and stenosis degree change. We included 24 studies (858 patients). In the subgroup analysis, participants were divided into three main subgroups based on the type of intervention: mechanical thrombectomy (MT), percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting (PTAS), and MT+PTAS. Regarding overall mortality, the incidence was 34.5%, 9.9%, and 28.9% in the MT, PTAS, and MT+PTAS groups, respectively. The incidence of arterial dissection was 3.6% in the MT group, 3.1% in the PTAS group, and 16.7% in the MT+PTAS group. Incidence of distal embolization, MT, PTAS, and MT+PTAS groups had 3.4%, 5.8%, and 9.5% incidence rates, respectively. Favorable clinical outcomes were reported in 42.8% of subjects in the MT+PTAS group, 64.7% in the PTAS group, and 39.2% in the MT group. The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage was 5.2%, 4.5%, and 15.3% in the MT, PTAS, MT + PTAS groups, respectively. The incidence of successful recanalization was 85.3% in the MT group, 99.4% in the PTAS group, and 92.7% in the MT+PTAS group. Our analysis concludes that PTAS is the most effective intervention for VBAO and is associated with a lower rate of mortality compared to mechanical thrombectomy alone.

Non-invasive Detection of Diffuse Intracranial Vertebrobasilar Artery Stenosis: A Prospective Comparison with Digital Subtraction Angiography

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate diffuse intracranial vertebrobasilar artery stenosis by ultrasonic examination with digital subtraction angiography as the reference. Five hundred forty-one vertebrobasilar arteries with a normal lumen or intracranial stenosis were enrolled. Peak systolic velocity, mean flow velocity and end-diastolic velocity (EDV) at the intracranial vertebrobasilar arteries and extracranial vertebral arteries (VAs) were measured. The resistance index (RI) at extracranial VAs and the difference between the RI of extracranial VAs and the RI of the extracranial internal carotid artery (RIica) were calculated. Compared with normal arteries, all stenotic arteries were divided into the high-velocity group (focal stenosis, multiple-segment stenosis and multiple-artery stenosis) and low-velocity group (critical stenosis and long stenosis). The consistency between ultrasonic examination and digital subtraction angiography for evaluation of vertebrobasilar arteries with multiple-segment stenosis and multiple-artery stenosis was not favorable when applying the widely used Stroke Outcomes and Neuroimaging of Intracranial Atherosclerosis criteria (κ=0.442 and 0.438, respectively). The optimal low-velocity criteria for identifying intracranial vertebrobasilar arteries with critical stenosis and long stenosis were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and were as follows: EDV ≤15 cm/s and RI ≥0.68 at the extracranial VA and RIica ≥0.10.

The effects of serum ischemia modified albumin on diagnosis of cerebral infarction and vertebral basilar artery stenosis

ABSTRACT Objectives Serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is higher in patients with cerebral infarction (CI). In this study, we aimed at studying the association between IMA and CI. Methods Patients with CI were divided to severe stenosis group and mild stenosis group according to the stenosis of vertebrobasilar artery. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used for diagnosis. Cobalt-combined with Albumin test was used to determine the serum IMA levels. Serum IMA levels in patients with CI and healthy volunteers were compared by t test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed for evaluating the diagnostic efficiency of serum IMA for CI. The correlation between IMA level and the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS) score after treatment was analyzed. Results Serum IMA levels in patients with CI was increased compared to healthy volunteers(P < .05). Patients in severe stenosis group had a higher serum IMA level than mild stenosis group(P < .05). Serum IMA level at admission was associated with NIHSS score on the 7th day after treatment(P < .05). Conclusions Serum IMA level was correlated with vertebrobasilar artery stenosis and short-term prognosis in patients with acute CI.

Stenting for Symptomatic Intracranial Vertebrobasilar Artery Stenosis in Northeast of China: A Single-Center Study.

Objective: We described the incidence of surgery-related complications to evaluate the safety of endovascular therapy for severe symptomatic intracranial vertebral basilar artery stenosis (IVBS) in our stroke center in Northeast of China.Methods: Consecutive patients with symptomatic IVBS caused by 70–99% stenosis despite standard medical treatment of antiplatelet agents plus statin were enrolled. Either balloon-mounted stent or balloon predilation plus self-expanding stent was performed. Clinical adverse events such as stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and death after the surgery were documented. Radiological events such as in-stent thrombosis, dissection, and guide-wire perforation during the process were recorded as complications as well. The baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients among different Mori types were compared.Results: From January 2017 to December 2018, 97 patients with stroke or TIA due to intracranial IVBS were treated by stenting, including 30 patients with basilar artery (BA) stenosis, 55 patients with intracranial vertebral artery (V4) stenosis, and 12 patients with V4-BA stenosis. The primary events include two intracranial hemorrhage (2.1%, 2/97), seven ischemic events (7.2%, 7/97), and two death (2.1%, 2/97). The successful stent deployment rate was 98.9% (96/97). The Apollo stents were used more for Mori A lesions. Self-expanding stents were more used in Mori C lesions. Mori C lesions were more vulnerable to endovascular procedure and showed higher rate of complications than A (p = 0.008) and B type (p = 0.047).Conclusion: A high technical success rate of IVBS stenting could be achieved, and the safety was acceptable, whereas Mori C lesions were more vulnerable to endovascular procedure and showed a higher rate of complications than A and B types.

A High Resolution MRI Study of the Relationship Between Plaque Enhancement and Perforator Stroke after Stenting for Symptomatic Vertebrobasilar Artery Stenosis

Background and PurposePerforator stroke is one of the most common complications of vertebrobasilar arterial stenting. We investigated whether perforator stroke after vertebrobasilar arterial stenting is associated with plaque enhancement in patients with severe vertebrobasilar artery stenosis. MethodsWe studied patients with symptomatic vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis who underwent stenting from January 2017 to July 2020. Patients who underwent high resolution magnetic resonance imaging were recruited among them. Demographic data, risk factors of atherosclerosis, procedure details, and characteristics of imaging were extracted from electronic health records and imaging data. Plaque features were investigated by high resolution magnetic resonance imaging. Results136 patients were enrolled in this study, 39 of whom fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 18 patients (46.2%) had obvious plaque enhancement among the 39 patients, and 21 (53.8%) had plaque non-enhancement. 21 patients (53.8%) had diffuse distribution, and 22 patients (56.4%) had irregular plaques surface. Patients were divided into plaque enhanced and plaque non-enhanced groups according to the degree of plaque enhancement. Clinical characteristics and other plaque features were similar between two groups. Procedure-related perforator stroke was identified in 4 patients (10.3%). Patients with plaque enhancement were more likely to have perforator stroke after stenting compared with those with plaque non-enhancement (22.2% versus 0%, P = 0.037). ConclusionsPlaque enhancement in high resolution magnetic resonance imaging may be associated with perforator stroke after vertebrobasilar artery stenting.

Preliminary application of drug-coated balloon in patients with symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar artery stenosis

Objective: To explore the safety and short-term efficacy of drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for patients with symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar artery stenosis. Methods: Sixteen patients with symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar artery stenosis who received DCB angioplasty from September 2018 to December 2019 at Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. There were 15 males and 1 female, aged (63.1±9.2) years (range: 48 to 77 years). Patients' demographics, lesions characteristics, complications, clinical and imaging follow-up data were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 19 symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar artery stenosis were successfully treated with DCB.The degree of stenosis of lesion was 75% (20%) (M(Q(R))) before operation and 0 (20%) after operation. One posterior circulation stroke due to perforator artery occlusion happened in peri-procedural period.With a mean imaging follow-up time of 5.5 months, there was no restenosis occurred. Within a mean clinical follow-up period of 6.3 months, no new symptoms happened. Conclusion: For patients with symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar artery stenosis, DCB angioplasty seems relatively high safety with satisfactory short-term clinical and imaging outcomes.

A new simple method using carotid duplex ultrasonography to assess intracranial vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis

ObjectivesMagnetic resonance angiography (MRA), three-dimensional computed tomography angiography, and cerebral angiography may be used to assess intracranial vertebrobasilar stenosis. However, these examinations cannot be performed at patients' bedsides. Our purpose was to develop a new bedside method to assess intracranial vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis. MethodsWe developed the new method using carotid duplex ultrasonography combined with the head-up test. A total of 141 subjects admitted between June 1, 2017 and March 31, 2019 were enrolled in this study. We calculated vertebral arterial peak systolic velocities (PSVs), end-diastolic velocities (EDVs), and mean velocities (MVs) at 0°, 16°, and 30° head-up angles. Vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis was confirmed using MRA. ResultsWe excluded 28 subjects and included data for 113 subjects and 226 vessels in the final analysis. Cervical vertebral arterial PSV, EDV, and MV gradually decreased from 0° to 30° only in stenotic intracranial vertebral arteries. Sensitivity (probability of detection) was 75.5% and specificity (true negative rate) was 79.7% when EDV at the 30° head-up angle decreased ≥19.5% from the initial 0° head-up angle. Specificity was better (86.4%; sensitivity: 69.4%) when EDV was <9.1 cm/s at the 30° head-up angle. ConclusionThis new method easily detects intracranial vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis.

Clinical value of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography combined with carotid ultrasonography in the diagnosis of vertebral-basilar artery stenosis

Objective To investigate the clinical value of transcranial Doppler ultrasound(TCD) combined with carotid ultrasound in the diagnosis of vertebral-basilar artery stenosis. Methods From March 2016 to December 2018, 147 patients with suspected vertebrobasilar artery stenosis admitted to the People's Hospital of Zhuji were selected.TCD combined with carotid artery ultrasonography were used to diagnose vertebrobasilar artery stenosis, and X-ray computed tomography angiography (CTA) was performed.The diagnostic accuracy of TCD combined with carotid artery ultrasonography for vertebrobasilar artery stenosis was analyzed based on the results of CTA. Results The diagnostic value of TCD combined with carotid ultrasound for vertebrobasilar artery stenosis was analyzed by using CTA as diagnostic gold standard.The diagnostic sensitivity for left vertebral artery was 86.42%, specificity was 89.39%, positive predictive value was 90.91%, negative predictive value was 84.29%.The diagnostic sensitivity for right vertebral artery was 80.26%, specificity was 90.14%, positive predictive value was 89.71%, negative predictive value was 81.01%.The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for basilar artery were 81.69%, 93.42%, 92.06% and 84.52%.respectively.There were no statistically significant differences between TCD combined with carotid ultrasound and CTA in the diagnosis of left vertebral artery, right vertebral artery and basilar artery stenosis (Z=-0.360, -0.851, -0.828, all P>0.05). Conclusion TCD combined with carotid ultrasonography is an effective screening method for patients with vertebrobasilar artery stenosis, which is helpful to the detection of patients' condition and the guidance of clinical treatment, and is worthy of clinical application. Key words: Ultrasonography, doppler, transcranial; Ultrasonography, doppler, color; Basilar artery; Vertebral artery; Carotid arteries; X-ray computed tomography angiography; Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis

Effects of Endovascular Stent-Assisted Angioplasty on Cellular Metabolism in the Hippocampus of Elderly Patients with Symptomatic Vertebrobasilar Artery Stenosis.

BackgroundCerebral artery stenosis is closely related to cognitive function, and angioplasty can improve the cognitive function of elderly patients with vertebrobasilar artery stenosis. The specific mechanism, however, is not clear. This study explored the effect of angioplasty on cellular metabolism in the hippocampus of elderly patients with symptomatic vertebrobasilar artery stenosis.Material/MethodsEighteen elderly patients with symptomatic vertebrobasilar artery stenosis who underwent endovascular stent-assisted angioplasty (ESAA) in our department were studied. The changes in cellular metabolism (NAA/Cr, CHO/Cr, NAA/CHO) in bilateral hippocampal areas were detected by MRS before and at 6 months and 12 months after the ESAA. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), Hamilton Depression Self-assessment Scale (HAMD), and Hamilton Anxiety Self-assessment Scale (HAMA) were also used to evaluate the cognition, depression, and anxiety of patients at different time points of the study, and analyzed the correlation between the changes of cellular metabolism in the hippocampus and the scores of MoCA, HAMD, and HAMA.ResultsThe levels of NAA/Cr in left/right hippocampal areas were significantly higher at 6 and 12 months after the ESAA than before (1.01±0.17/1.22±0.26 vs. 1.10±0.20/1.05±0.26 vs. 0.82±0.10/0.84±0.11, respectively) (P<0.01). MoCA scores were positively correlated with the levels of NAA/Cr in the left/right hippocampal areas (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively).ConclusionsESAA can improve cognitive function of patients by changing the cellular metabolism of the hippocampus in elderly patients with symptomatic vertebrobasilar artery stenosis.

Optical coherence tomography evaluation of vertebrobasilar artery stenosis: case series and literature review

BackgroundIntracranial vertebrobasilar artery stenosis is an important cause of ischemic stroke. With its high resolution, intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides detailed assessment of vessel wall features. It is widely...

An Analysis of Clinical Characteristics of Rare Bilateral Cerebral Peduncular Infarction.

Objective: To investigate the anatomical characteristics, clinical manifestations, and imaging features of bilateral cerebral peduncular infarction.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 11 patients diagnosed with bilateral cerebral peduncular infarction in the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from December 2014 to December 2018. Their clinical and imaging features were analyzed and summarized in combination with the relevant national and international literature.Results: Among all the patients, there were eight cases with a history of hypertension, four cases with a history of diabetes mellitus, and four cases with a history of smoking. Conscious disturbance was observed in nine cases, quadriplegia in seven cases, pseudobulbar paralysis in three cases, and ataxia in one case. Brain magnetic resonance (MR) scans of bilateral cerebral peduncles showed patchy abnormal shadows with a hypointense signal on T1-weighted imaging (T1WI) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and hyperintense signal on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans of head and neck showed severe stenosis or occlusion of vertebral artery, basilar artery, or posterior cerebral artery. All the patients received standardized treatment for cerebral infarction. Six patients died while five were left disabled.Conclusion: Bilateral cerebral peduncle infarction may be related to cerebral perfusion insufficiency caused by the stenosis or occlusion of vertebrobasilar artery and its branches. The main clinical manifestations are locked-in syndrome and persistent vegetative state. The specific imaging feature of “Mickey Mouse ear”-like infarction is associated with a poor prognosis.

Balloon-mounted versus self-expanding stents for symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar artery stenosis combined with poor collaterals

ABSTRACTObjectives: To compare the technical and 1-year outcomes of balloon-mounted versus self-expanding stents for symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar artery stenosis.Methods: 167 patients with severe intracranial vertebrobasilar artery atherosclerotic stenosis with poor collaterals were enrolled. Both balloon-mounted stenting and self-expanding stent placement were selected to treat patients. The baseline characteristics, cerebral angiography and clinical follow-up were assessed between the two groups.Results: The overall mean stenosis degree was reduced from 82.8 ± 11.8% pre-stent placement to 9.41 ± 8.20% post-stent placement. Patients treated with self-expanding stent were more likely to undergo general anesthesia (81.2% versus 67.3%; P = 0.048) and have longer operative times (91.0 ± 25.1 min versus 67.9 ± 17.1 min, P = 0.012) than those treated with self-expanding stents. Patients treated with self-expanding stents were more likely to require longer and larger diameter stents (14.99 ± 3.26 mm versus 9.23 ± 2.46 mm, P = 0.000; 3.28 ± 0.57 mm versus 2.74 ± 0.30 mm, P = 0.000, respectively). The degree of residual stenosis in self-expanding stent group was higher than patients treated with balloon-mounted stents (13.39 ± 8.64% versus 6.70 ± 6.62%, P = 0.000). The rates of stroke, transient ischemic attack or death at 1-year follow-up were not significantly different between two groups (P > 0.05).Conclusions: Stenting for patients with severe symptomatic intracranial vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis with poor collaterals can be performed safely with efficacy. Patients treated with balloon-mounted stents appear to have shorter operative times and lower re-stenosis rates than treated with self-expanding stents.