Aspirin versus anticoagulation in intra- and extracranial vertebral artery dissection

Association between cervicocerebral artery dissection and tortuosity - a review on quantitative and qualitative assessment

Cervicocerebral artery dissection stands out as a significant contributor to ischemic stroke in young adults. Several studies have shown that arterial tortuosity is associated with dissection. We searched Pubmed and Embase to identify studies on the association between arterial tortuosity and cervicocerebral artery dissection, and to perform a review on the epidemiology of cervicocerebral artery tortuosity and dissection, pathophysiology, measurement of vessels tortuosity, strength of association between tortuosity and dissection, clinical manifestation and management strategies. The prevalence of tortuosity in dissected cervical arteries was reported to be around 22%-65% while it is only around 8%-22% in non-dissected arteries. In tortuous cervical arteries elastin and tunica media degradation, increased wall stiffness, changes in hemodynamics as well as arterial wall inflammation might be associated with dissection. Arterial tortuosity index and vertebrobasilar artery deviation is used to measure the level of vessel tortuosity. Studies have shown an independent association between these two measurements and cervicocerebral artery dissection. Different anatomical variants of tortuosity such as loops, coils and kinks may have a different level of association with cervicocerebral artery dissection. Symptomatic patients with extracranial cervical artery dissection are often treated with anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents, while patients with intracranial arterial dissection were often treated with antiplatelets only due to concerns of developing subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients with recurrent ischemia, compromised cerebral blood flow or contraindications for antithrombotic agents are usually treated with open surgery or endovascular technique. Those with subarachnoid hemorrhage and intracranial artery dissection are often managed with surgical intervention due to high risk of re-hemorrhage.

High pillow and spontaneous vertebral artery dissection: A case-control study implicating "Shogun pillow syndrome"

INTRODUCTION

The underlying causes of spontaneous vertebral artery dissection (sVAD) remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to determine whether high-pillow usage is associated with an increased risk of sVAD and evaluate the frequency of sVAD attributable to high-pillow usage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This case-control study identified patients with sVAD and age- and sex-matched non-sVAD controls (case-to-control ratio: 1:1) treated at a certified comprehensive stroke center in Japan between 2018 and 2023. The pillow height used at the onset of the index disease was measured and classified into three categories between 12 and 15 cm boundaries. Univariable logistic regression was performed to assess the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of high-pillow usage for sVAD development. A subgroup of sVAD attributable to high-pillow usage was defined with the following three conditions: high-pillow usage (⩾12 or ⩾15 cm); no minor preceding trauma; and wake-up onset.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients with sVAD and 53 non-sVAD controls (42% women, median age: 49 years) were identified. High-pillow usage (⩾12 and ⩾15 cm) was more common in the sVAD group than in the non-sVAD group (34 vs 15%; OR = 2.89; 95%CI = 1.13-7.43 and 17 vs 1.9%; OR = 10.6; 95%CI = 1.30-87.3, respectively). The subgroup of sVAD attributed to high-pillow usage (⩾12 and ⩾15 cm) was found in 11.3% (95%CI = 2.7%-19.8%) and 9.4% (95%CI = 1.5%-17.3%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

High-pillow usage was associated with an increased risk of sVAD and accounted for approximately 10% of all sVAD cases. This tentative subgroup of sVAD may represent a distinct spectrum of disease-Shogun pillow syndrome.

Behavior of Extracranial-to-Intracranial Extended Arterial Dissections of the Vertebral Artery

BACKGROUND

Vertebral artery dissections (VADs) may extend from the extracranial to the intracranial vasculature (e+iVAD). We evaluated how the characteristics of e+iVAD differed from those of intracranial VAD (iVAD).

METHODS AND RESULTS

From 2002 to 2019, among consecutive patients with cervicocephalic dissection, those with iVAD and e+iVAD were included, and their clinical characteristics were compared. In patients with unruptured dissections, a composite clinical outcome of subsequent ischemic events, subsequent hemorrhagic stroke, or mortality was evaluated. High-resolution magnetic resonance images were analyzed to evaluate intracranial remodeling index. Among 347 patients, 51 (14.7%) had e+iVAD and 296 (85.3%) had iVAD. The hemorrhagic presentation occurred solely in iVAD (0.0% versus 19.3%), whereas e+iVAD exhibited higher ischemic presentation (84.3% versus 27.4%; P<0.001). e+iVAD predominantly presented steno-occlusive morphology (88.2% versus 27.7%) compared with dilatation patterns (11.8% versus 72.3%; P<0.001) of iVAD. The ischemic presentation was significantly associated with e+iVAD (iVAD as a reference; adjusted odds ratio, 3.97 [95% CI, 1.67-9.45]; P=0.002]). Patients with unruptured VAD showed no differences in the rate of composite clinical outcome between the groups (log-rank, P=0.996). e+iVAD had a lower intracranial remodeling index (1.4±0.3 versus 1.6±0.4; P<0.032) and a shorter distance from dural entry to the maximal dissecting segment (6.9±8.4 versus 15.7±7.4; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

e+iVAD is associated with lower rates of hemorrhages and higher rates of ischemia than iVAD at the time of admission. This may be explained by a lower intracranial remodeling index and less deep intrusion of the dissecting segment into the intracranial space.

Cerebral revascularization for complex vertebrobasilar artery dissecting aneurysms

Vertebrobasilar artery dissecting aneurysms (VBDAs) are the most surgically challenging type of aneurysm. Cerebral revascularization is the ultimate treatment for complex VBDAs. We retrospectively analysed the characteristics, surgical outcomes and follow-up data of 21 patients who underwent cerebral revascularization to treat complex VBDAs from 2015 to 2022. According to the location of the aneurysm and the anatomic relationship between the VBDA and the PICA, VBDA patients were classified into four groups: aneurysms located at the VA with PICA involvement (10 patients), aneurysms located at the VA without PICA involvement (1 patient), aneurysms located at the basilar apex segment (1 patient) and aneurysms located at the basilar trunk segment (9 patients). A surgical algorithm for complex VBDAs was determined primarily by the location of the aneurysm, the status of the aneurysm and the ability of retrograde blood flow to reach the proximal vertebrobasilar artery. Surgical modalities for patients with aneurysms in the VA with PICA involvement included low-flow (OA-PICA) bypasses with aneurysm trapping, aneurysm excision or reconstructive clip in 8 patients and STA-PCA bypass combined with PICA preservation and aneurysm trapping in 2 patients. In patients with aneurysms in the VA without PICA involvement, aneurysm excision was performed without cerebral bypass. In patients with aneurysms in the basilar apex segment, high-flow bypass (ECA-RA-P2) with aneurysm trapping was performed. In patients with aneurysms in the basilar trunk segment, surgical modalities included high-flow bypasses (ECA-RA-P2 and LVA-RA-P2) with aneurysm trapping or proximal occlusion in 6 patients, ECA-RA-P2 bypass with partial proximal occlusion in 1 patient, ECA-RA-P2 bypass alone in 1 patient, and STA-PCA bypass with R-VA narrowing in 1 patient. Of the 21 patients, 20 experienced clinical improvement or no change, and 17 of 21 patients achieved favourable functional outcomes (mRS ≤ 2). However, one patient died of infarction and respiratory failure postoperatively. Aneurysms were completely obliterated in 13 patients, shrank in 5 patients and stabilized in 2 patients. The median follow-up period was 32.5 months. During the follow-up period, all bypasses were patent, and further clinical improvement was observed in 11 patients. Cerebral revascularization appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of complex VBDAs, and cerebral revascularization could act as a complementary treatment strategy.

Recurrence of cervical artery dissection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cervical artery dissection (CAD) involving the carotid or vertebral arteries is an important cause of stroke in younger patients. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the risk of recurrent CAD.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on studies in which patients experienced radiographically confirmed dissections involving an extracranial segment of the carotid or vertebral artery and in whom CAD recurrence rates were reported.

RESULTS

Data were extracted from 29 eligible studies (n = 5898 patients). Analysis of outcomes was performed by pooling incidence rates with random effects models weighting by inverse of variance. The incidence of recurrent CAD was 4% overall (95% confidence interval (CI) = 3-7%), 2% at 1 month (95% CI = 1-5%), and 7% at 1 year in studies with sufficient follow-up (95% CI = 4-13%). The incidence of recurrence associated with ischemic events was 2% (95% CI = 1-3%).

CONCLUSIONS

We found low rates of recurrent CAD and even lower rates of recurrence associated with ischemia. Further patient-level data and clinical subgroup analyses would improve the ability to provide patient-level risk stratification.

In-hospital recurrence and functional outcome between ischemic stroke caused by intracranial arterial dissection and intracranial atherosclerosis: Retrospective cohort study of the nationwide multicenter registry

BACKGROUND

Intracranial arterial dissection (ICAD) and intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) are often difficult to differentiate, and studies on their background factors and prognosis are scarce. Information on prognosis, including recurrence, is necessary for stroke care, and clarification of epidemiological and clinical differences between the two diseases is important for appropriately handling their heterogeneity. This study aimed to determine the association of ICAD and ICAS with in-hospital recurrence and prognosis and compare their background and clinical findings.

METHODS

In this multicenter cohort study, we retrospectively analyzed data from the Saiseikai Stroke Database. Adults with ischemic stroke caused by ICAD or ICAS were included in this study. Patients' backgrounds and clinical findings were compared between the ICAD and ICAS groups. The outcome showed an association of ICAD with in-hospital recurrence of ischemic stroke and poor functional outcome relative to ICAS. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for ICAD with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each outcome.

RESULTS

Among 15,622 patients registered in the Saiseikai Stroke Database, 2,020 were enrolled (ICAD group: 89; ICAS group: 1,931). In the ICAD group, 65.2% of the patients were aged <64 years. Vascular lesion location was more common in ICAD with the vertebral artery [42 (47.2%)], anterior cerebral artery [20 (22.5%)], and middle cerebral artery (MCA) [16 (18.0%)], and in ICAS with MCA 1046 (52.3%). Multivariable logistic regression analyses of the association between ICAD and in-hospital recurrence and poor functional outcome yielded a crude OR (95% CI) of 3.26 (1.06-9.97) and 0.97 (0.54-1.74), respectively, relative to ICAS.

CONCLUSION

ICAD was associated with a higher in-hospital recurrence than ICAS; however, there was no significant difference in prognosis between the two groups. Differences in background characteristics and vessel lesions may be of interest in these two diseases.

Association between smoking and intracranial artery dissection in patients aged less than 50 years: A propensity score-matched analysis

INTRODUCTION

Smoking is a common risk factor for stroke in the young population. Intracranial artery dissection (ICAD) is a major cause of stroke in this population. However, the association between smoking and ICAD in young patients is not well characterized. We aimed to evaluate the association between smoking and ICAD in young individuals using propensity score-matched analysis.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of consecutive patients aged <50 years with ICAD who were admitted to Beijing Tiantan Hospital between January 2016 and December 2020. Patients with other non-atherosclerotic/non-aneurysmal cerebrovascular diseases were selected as controls. Propensity score matching was based on age and sex. Smoking and other vascular risk factors were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The ICAD and control group included 120 and 197 patients, respectively. Propensity score matching resulted in 70 matched pairs. Smoking was the only significant factor association with ICAD in the matched cohort (p=0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

In this propensity score-matched analysis, smoking showed a positive association with ICAD in young patients with common cerebrovascular diseases that were neither atherosclerotic nor aneurysmal. Further studies are required to investigate the predictive role of smoking for ICAD in the young population.

Antiplatelets or anticoagulants? Secondary prevention in cervical artery dissection: an updated meta-analysis

Background

Extracranial artery dissection involving either internal carotid artery or vertebral artery is a major cause of stroke in adults under 50 years of age. There is no conclusive evidence whether antiplatelets or anticoagulants are better suited in the treatment of extracranial artery dissection.

Objectives

To determine whether antiplatelets or anticoagulants have advantage over the other in the treatment of extracranial artery dissection for secondary prevention of recurrent ischemic events or death.

Methods

Present meta-analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement. Database search was done in Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to May 2021 using pre-defined search strategy. Additional studies were identified from reference lists from included studies, reviews and previous meta-analyses. Outcome measures were ischaemic stroke, ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), and death.

Results

Two RCTs and 64 observational studies were included in the meta-analysis. While the outcome measures of stroke, stroke or TIA and death were numerically higher with antiplatelet use, there were no statistically significant differences between antiplatelets and anticoagulants.

Conclusion

We found no significant difference between antiplatelet and anticoagulation treatment after extracranial artery dissection. The choice of treatment should be tailored to individual cases.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42466-022-00188-7.

Antiplatelets Versus Anticoagulation in Cervical Artery Dissection: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 2064 Patients

Background and Objectives

In young people aged < 50 years, cervical artery dissection (CeAD) is among the most common causes of stroke. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the safest and most effective antithrombotic treatment for CeAD. We aimed to synthesize concrete evidence from studies that compared the efficacy and safety of antiplatelet (AP) versus anticoagulant (AC) therapies for CeAD.

Methods

We searched major electronic databases/search engines from inception till September 2021. Cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing anticoagulants with antiplatelets for CeAD were included. A meta-analysis was conducted using articles that were obtained and found to be relevant. Mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used for continuous data and odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI for dichotomous data.

Results

Our analysis included 15 studies involving 2064 patients, 909 (44%) of whom received antiplatelets and 1155 (56%) received anticoagulants. Our analysis showed a non-significant difference in terms of the 3-month mortality (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.03–7.58), > 3-month mortality (OR 1.63, 95% CI 0.40–6.56), recurrent stroke (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.46–2.02), recurrent transient ischaemic attack (TIA) (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.44–1.98), symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.12–1.19), and complete recanalization (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.46–1.06). Regarding primary ischaemic stroke, the results favoured AC over AP among RCTs (OR 6.97, 95% CI 1.25–38.83).

Conclusion

Our study did not show a considerable difference between the two groups, as all outcomes showed non-significant differences between them, except for primary ischaemic stroke (RCTs) and complete recanalization (observational studies), which showed a significant favour of AC over AP. Even though primary ischaemic stroke is an important outcome, several crucial points that could affect these results should be paid attention to. These include the incomplete adjustment for the confounding effect of AP–AC doses, frequencies, administration compliance, and others. We recommend more well-designed studies to assess if unnecessary anticoagulation can be avoided in CeAD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40268-022-00398-z.

Vitamin K antagonist versus novel oral anticoagulants for management of cervical artery dissection: Interactive systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose:

Cervical artery dissection (CAD) represents a unique clinical entity with a high risk of ischemic stroke. Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) showed good efficacy in CAD management but are cumbersome to use with potentially higher bleeding rates. Novel oral anticoagulants (NOAC) are easier to use and may have similar effects but lower hemorrhagic risk. In this systematic review, we compare the efficacy of NOAC to VKA as a potential alternative treatment.

Methods:

The literature was searched on Pubmed, PMC, and Embase via API through the Nested Knowledge AutoLit software in February 2022 for studies evaluating both NOAC and VKA. Baseline characteristics, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and hemorrhagic and ischemic complications were collected for single and double-arm studies and analyzed using random-effect subgroup meta-analysis.

Findings:

Overall, 11 studies were included with 699 patients treated with VKA and 53 treated with NOAC (from three studies; two were head-to-head comparative studies). There was no statistical difference in the baseline characteristics of VKA and NOAC patients. The rates of TIA/stroke in VKA and NOAC groups were 12.3% (95% CI; 0%, 28.6%) and 5.7% (95% CI; 0%, 12.2%), respectively. Major bleeding or intracranial bleeding were comparable between groups. Lesions treated with VKA showed angiographic recanalization with a rate of 51.4% (95% CI; 35.6%, 67.1%) and for those treated with NOAC was 58.4% (95% CI; 23.9%, 93.9%). The rates of good clinical outcomes were 79.9% (95% CI; 67.6%, 92.2%) in the VKA group and 91.4% (95% CI; 78.1%, 100%) in NOAC. No statistical difference was noted among any of the outcomes between the two treatment groups.

Discussion and conclusion:

We highlighted comparable efficacy and safety of NOAC to VKA for stroke prevention in CAD. Further head-to-head studies are warranted to validate these results.

ESO guideline for the management of extracranial and intracranial artery dissection

The aim of the present European Stroke Organisation guideline is to provide clinically useful evidence-based recommendations on the management of extracranial artery dissection (EAD) and intracranial artery dissection (IAD). EAD and IAD represent leading causes of stroke in the young, but are uncommon in the general population, thus making it challenging to conduct clinical trials and large observational studies. The guidelines were prepared following the Standard Operational Procedure for European Stroke Organisation guidelines and according to GRADE methodology. Our four recommendations result from a thorough analysis of the literature comprising two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing anticoagulants to antiplatelets in the acute phase of ischemic stroke and twenty-six comparative observational studies. In EAD patients with acute ischemic stroke, we recommend using intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) with alteplase within 4.5 hours of onset if standard inclusion/exclusion criteria are met, and mechanical thrombectomy in patients with large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation. We further recommend early endovascular or surgical intervention for IAD patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Based on evidence from two phase 2 RCTs that have shown no difference between the benefits and risks of anticoagulants versus antiplatelets in the acute phase of symptomatic EAD, we strongly recommend that clinicians can prescribe either option. In post-acute EAD patients with residual stenosis or dissecting aneurysms and in symptomatic IAD patients with an intracranial dissecting aneurysm and isolated headache, there is insufficient data to provide a recommendation on the benefits and risks of endovascular/surgical treatment. Finally, nine expert consensus statements, adopted by 8 to 11 of the 11 experts involved, propose guidance for clinicians when the quality of evidence was too low to provide recommendations. Some of these pertain to the management of IAD (use of IVT, endovascular treatment, and antiplatelets versus anticoagulation in IAD with ischemic stroke and use of endovascular or surgical interventions for IAD with headache only). Other expert consensus statements address the use of direct anticoagulants and dual antiplatelet therapy in EAD-related cerebral ischemia, endovascular treatment of the EAD/IAD lesion, and multidisciplinary assessment of the best therapeutic approaches in specific situations.

Intramural Hematoma Shape and Acute Cerebral Infarction in Intracranial Artery Dissection: A High-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study

BACKGROUND

Intracranial artery dissection (IAD) is gaining recognition as an important cause of stroke, but limited information is available about the morphology of the dissection. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between acute cerebral infarctions and the shape of hematoma in patients with IADs using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI).

METHODS

We enrolled consecutive patients who presented with vascular headaches, transient ischemic attacks, or ischemic strokes with acute IAD confirmed by HRMRI using key pathognomonic radiological findings of IAD, including intimal flap, intramural hematoma (IMH), and double lumen. All patients were enrolled and HRMRI was performed, both within 7 days of symptom onset. All patients with acute ischemic infarction within 7 days were enrolled. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with a proximal dominant intramural hematoma (PIMH) and those with a distal dominant intramural hematoma (DIMH). A PIMH was defined as when the volume of the hematoma in the proximal region was greater than that in the distal region, and a DIMH was defined as when the distal region was greater than that in the proximal region. Clinical and radiological characteristics between the 2 groups were compared using univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 42 participants was 52.6 ± 12.7 years, and 24 (57.1%) were male. Twenty-seven (64.3%) had a PIMH and 15 (35.7%) had a DIMH. Thirty-six (85.7%) showed a double lumen and 27 (64.3%) showed a dissecting flap. Acute infarction was observed in 31 (73.8%) patients. Patients with PIMHs showed a higher prevalence of cerebral infarction than those with DIMHs (96.3 vs. 33.3%; p < 0.001). Univariable (odds ratio [OR] 52.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.386-502.082; p = 0.001) and multivariable (OR 65.43; 95% CI 5.20-822.92; p = 0.001) analyses showed that only dissection type was independently associated with the risk of cerebral infarction.

CONCLUSION

In patients with cerebral artery dissections, the shape of IMHs was independently associated with cerebral infarction. PIMHs may be more closely associated with cerebral infarctions than DIMHs.

Antiplatelets versus Anticoagulants in the Treatment of Extracranial Carotid and Vertebral Artery Dissection

Background

Very few studies have compared the safety and efficacy of antiplatelets and anticoagulants in the treatment of extracranial carotid and vertebral artery dissection. Our study was aimed at comparing the two types of antithrombotic treatment in extracranial dissection and to study the predictors of outcome in these patients.

Materials and Methods

Prospective data of 200 consecutive patients with a confirmed diagnosis of extracranial carotid (n = 132) or vertebral (n = 68) artery dissection (76% males; mean age, 43.5 ± 13 years) treated with antiplatelets (n = 136) or anticoagulants (n = 64) were analyzed retrospectively. The presenting symptom was stroke in 74.5%, transient ischemic attack (TIA) in 18.5%, and local symptoms in 7% of the patients. Follow-up was done at three and six months. Primary outcome measures were TIA or stroke and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) at three months.

Results

At the three-month follow-up, 106 (53%) patients had an excellent outcome. Recurrent ischemic events occurred in 7 (3.5%) and SICH in 11 (5.55%) patients. Six (4.41%) patients in the antiplatelet group and 1 patient (1.56%) in the anticoagulant group had recurrent ischemic events (P = 0.434); SICH was more frequent in the anticoagulant group (9.4% vs 3.7%, P = 0.185). On multivariate analysis, significant predictors of a poor three-month outcome were stroke as the presenting event and severity of stroke at onset.

Conclusions

The risk of recurrent ischemic events in carotid and vertebral artery dissection is low and is irrespective of the type of antithrombotic treatment. Stroke as the presenting event and severity of stroke at onset were significant predictors of a poor three-month outcome.

Profiles of Vertebral Artery Dissection with Congenital Craniovertebral Junction Malformation: Four New Cases and a Literature Review

OBJECTIVE

Vertebral artery dissection (VAD) combined with congenital craniovertebral junction malformation (CVJM) is rare. This study aimed to analyze the etiology, clinical and imaging features, treatment, and prognosis of VAD with CVJM.

METHODS

Four new cases of VAD with congenital CVJM and 28 similar cases found in the literature were included. Detailed clinical data from all cases were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 32 patients (28 men, four women; mean age 19.01±12.53 years) were included. Seventeen of 32 cases (53.1%) had had multiple ischemic episodes. The most common neurological symptoms were limb numbness/weakness (20/32), ataxia (15/32), and dizziness/vertigo (12/32). In sum, 31 of 32 cases had multiple infarcts scattered throughout the posterior circulation area on cranial computed tomography or resonance imaging. Dissection had occurred in the V3 segment of the VA in 29/31 cases (93.5%). The most common congenital CVJMs were atlantoaxial dislocation and atlantoaxial subluxation (found in 20/32 cases [62.5%]), while 27/32 cases (84.3%) had multiple combined abnormalities. Seven of eleven cases (63.6%) with initial antiplatelet treatment and one of eleven (9.1%) with initial anticoagulation treatment experienced stoke recurrence. Fusion or vertebral fixation was performed in 16 patients and aneurysm resection in one patient. There was no reported recurrence after surgery in 13 patients with follow-up data.

CONCLUSION

Underlying CVJM is a rare but overlooked etiology in VAD, and is prone to induce recurrent ischemic stroke. Patients with VAD, especially that localized in the V3 segment, should be examined for CVJM. Timely assessment is critical for determining the specific cause and to provide targeted intervention.

Arterial dissection as a cause of intracranial stenosis: A narrative review

Intracranial artery dissection (IAD) is an underdiagnosed, non-atherosclerotic cause of stroke with various clinical manifestations. To identify all the potential studies investigating the epidemiology, risk factors, symptoms, radiology findings, and treatment methods of IAD, we conducted a literature search screening PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and BIREME. According to the results of several studies, IAD is the major cause of ischemic stroke in at least one-third of the cervical-cranial artery dissection (CCAD) cases presenting with ischemic stroke. Mechanical causes are associated with cervical artery dissections (CAD) in up to 40 % of the cases. However, the risk factors for IAD are still not completely understood. Antithrombotic therapy with either antiplatelet or classic anticoagulants is the mainstay of treatment for preventing further thromboembolic complication after a stroke. Endovascular or surgical treatment options can be considered when medical therapies are not effective or when there is a high rate of recurrence or increased risk of bleeding. The observational studies have shown that these methods are very effective in preventing recurrence and significantly improving morbidity and mortality in patients with ruptured dissections. Clinical trials are required to establish the best option for each mechanism of ischemic lesion.

Intracranial Extension of Extracranial Vertebral Dissection Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Ischemic Events

Background and Purpose—

Intracranial artery dissection can eventually lead to subarachnoid or intracerebral hemorrhage. Little is known about the clinical features and risks associated with extracranial vertebral artery dissection that extends intracranially. The clinical and imaging characteristics of extracranial vertebral artery dissection (eVAD) with (e+iVAD) or without (eVAD) intracranial extension were analyzed.

Methods—

The frequency of ischemic events, including ischemic strokes and transient ischemic attacks, was compared between e+iVAD and eVAD patients from a monocentric cohort study.

Results—

Among 328 patients with cervical artery dissection, vertebral artery dissection was diagnosed in 153 individuals. Twenty-nine patients had e+iVAD (19%) and 124 patients had only eVAD (81%). Cardiovascular risk factors did not differ between these 2 groups, but ischemic events were more frequent in patients with e+iVAD than in patients with eVAD (86% versus 48%, P =0.0002). Subarachnoid hemorrhage occurred in 1 patient with e+iVAD and in 9 with eVAD (6% versus 3%, P =0.53). Intracranial extension was an independent factor associated with ischemic stroke at admission (odds ratio, 6.43; 95% CI, −1.96 to 21.08; P =0.002) after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and imaging findings.

Conclusions—

In a large cohort of patients with vertebral artery dissection, intracranial extension of the vessel dissection appears associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke.

Chinese Cervicocephalic artery dissection study (CCADS): rationale and protocol for a multicenter prospective cohort study

Background

Cervicocephalic artery dissection (CAD) is an important etiology of stroke in the youth. Findings from recent studies suggest it a “group of disease entities” with different underlying etiologies, presentations and prognosis, necessitating an integral study including various types of CAD to get a better understanding of this disease. In addition, Chinese patients with CAD are likely to carry different features from their western counterparts, which remains uncertain yet. Chinese Cervicocephalic Artery Dissection Study (CCADS) therefore aims at exploring the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical/radiological features, diagnosis and prognosis of CAD in Chinese patients.

Methods/design

CCADS is a multicenter prospective cohort study enrolling patients age ≥ 18 years with recent (<14 days after onset) CAD. Baseline clinical data, laboratory tests and imaging studies are performed within 3 days after admission, and follow-ups will be conducted through face-to-face interviews at discharge, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after admission, when the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), cerebrovascular events, medication compliance, CAD evolution and so on are evaluated. Additional blood samples will also be collected at baseline, 3 and 12 months follow-up. The primary outcome is radiographic evolution of CAD; secondary outcomes include cerebrovascular events, major bleeding complications, all-cause mortality and functional independence.

Discussion

Through the integration of information on epidemiology, risk factors, clinical/radiological features and prognosis of various types of CAD in Chinese population, combined with the application of advanced imaging techniques, collection of potential blood biomarkers, and assessment of novel treatment strategies. CCADS will provide thorough information on CAD - the major cause of stroke in the youth, and play a role in prevention and treatment determination in the future.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12883-018-1011-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Recanalization after Extracranial Dissection: Effect of Antiplatelet Compared with Anticoagulant Therapy

BACKGROUND

Cervical arterial dissection is a leading cause of stroke in young patients, yet optimal management remains controversial. Existing studies focusing on recurrent stroke were underpowered to demonstrate differences between antithrombotic strategies. Vessel recanalization is a more prevalent outcome and is potentially clinically important. We aimed to assess recanalization rates with anticoagulation compared with antiplatelet therapy.

METHODS

We studied a single-center retrospective cohort of patients with extracranial carotid or vertebral artery dissection. Subjects with baseline and follow-up imaging between 1999 and 2013 were included. Stenosis was measured using North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial methodology. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to determine factors associated with recanalization, defined as ≥50% relative improvement in stenosis from baseline to follow-up imaging. Secondary analyses assessed absolute and relative stenosis change and limited the cohort to >50% stenosis at diagnosis.

RESULTS

We identified 75 patients with 84 dissections, mean age 47 years, 43% female, 39% non-white. Patients treated with anticoagulation had worse stenosis at baseline (median 99% versus 50%, P = .02). Comparing anticoagulation with antiplatelet therapy in the first month, there were no differences in the rates of ≥50% relative improvement in stenosis (50% versus 48%, P = .84) nor in absolute (median 16% versus 7%, P = .34) or relative (median 48% versus 43%, P = .92) change in stenosis from baseline to follow-up. In multivariable analysis, anticoagulation was not associated with recanalization (odds ratio [OR] 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: .5-4.1, P = .52), whereas hypertension was negatively associated (OR .26, 95% CI: .09-.72, P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS

Anticoagulation was not associated with greater likelihood of recanalization compared with antiplatelet medication therapy.

Extracranial Cervical Artery Dissections

Cervical artery dissections (CeAD) include both internal carotid and vertebral artery dissections. They are rare but important causes of stroke, especially in younger patients. CeAD should be considered in patients with strokelike symptoms, a new-onset headache and/or neck pain, and/or other risk factors. Early imaging with computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is key to making the diagnosis. Treatment may vary depending on the extent of the dissection, timing of the dissection, and other comorbidities. The overall prognosis is good, but does depend on the initial severity of symptoms.

State-of-art in surgical treatment of dissecting posterior circulation intracranial aneurysms

Vertebrobasilar (VB) intracranial dissecting aneurysms (IDAs) pose difficult therapeutic issues and are especially among the most difficult to manage surgically. There are, however, some cases where selective aneurysm obliteration by endovascular approach is impossible or is associated with an unacceptable risk of morbidity. This is particularly true when the aneurysm is dissecting, giant, or has a large neck. In such cases, surgical treatment may be the only alternative. Optimal management of these lesions is therefore challenging and treatment decisions have to be made on a case-by-case basis. Ideal treatment should be a complete surgical excision of the lesion; however, this procedure might only be possible after distal and proximal vessel wall occlusion which might not be tolerated by the patient depending on the location of the aneurysm. Therefore, formulation of recommendations concerning the surgical strategy remains still difficult due to inconsistency of surgical outcomes. The literature describing surgical strategy of VB IDAs is varying in quality and content, and many studies deal with only a few patients. In the presented review, the authors summarize the current knowledge on the incidence, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnostic procedures with special emphasis on surgical treatment of IDAs in posterior circulation.

Cervical Artery Dissection: A Review of the Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Outcome

CONTEXT

Cervical artery dissection (CAD) is a common cause of stroke in young adults. There is controversy over whether anticoagulation is superior to antiplatelet therapy in preventing stroke in patients with CAD, although meta-analyses to date have not shown any difference between the two treatments.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a PubMed search using each of the keywords: "Cervical artery dissection", "Dissection", "Carotid dissection", and "Vertebral dissection" between January 1^st, 1990 and July 1^st 2015. We identified evidence-based peer-reviewed articles, including randomized trials, case series and reports, and retrospective reviews that encompass the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, treatment, and outcome of cervical artery dissection.

RESULTS

This paper highlights the mechanisms of cervical artery dissection and stroke in patients with dissection as well as the natural history and treatment.

CONCLUSION

Given the relatively rare incidence of this disease, multicenter studies with collaborative effort among stroke centers worldwide should be considered to enroll patients with cervical artery dissection in a randomized trial comparing the two treatments.

Vessel Wall Imaging of the Intracranial and Cervical Carotid Arteries

Vessel wall imaging can depict the morphologies of atherosclerotic plaques, arterial walls, and surrounding structures in the intracranial and cervical carotid arteries beyond the simple luminal changes that can be observed with traditional luminal evaluation. Differentiating vulnerable from stable plaques and characterizing atherosclerotic plaques are vital parts of the early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of stroke and the neurological adverse effects of atherosclerosis. Various techniques for vessel wall imaging have been developed and introduced to differentiate and analyze atherosclerotic plaques in the cervical carotid artery. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HR-MRI) is the most important and popular vessel wall imaging technique for directly evaluating the vascular wall and intracranial artery disease. Intracranial artery atherosclerosis, dissection, moyamoya disease, vasculitis, and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome can also be diagnosed and differentiated by using HR-MRI. Here, we review the radiologic features of intracranial artery disease and cervical carotid artery atherosclerosis on HR-MRI and various other vessel wall imaging techniques (e.g., ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and positron emission tomography-computed tomography).

Epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of intracranial artery dissection

Spontaneous intracranial artery dissection is an uncommon and probably underdiagnosed cause of stroke that is defined by the occurrence of a haematoma in the wall of an intracranial artery. Patients can present with headache, ischaemic stroke, subarachnoid haemorrhage, or symptoms associated with mass effect, mostly on the brainstem. Although intracranial artery dissection is less common than cervical artery dissection in adults of European ethnic origin, intracranial artery dissection is reportedly more common in children and in Asian populations. Risk factors and mechanisms are poorly understood, and diagnosis is challenging because characteristic imaging features can be difficult to detect in view of the small size of intracranial arteries. Therefore, multimodal follow-up imaging is often needed to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment of intracranial artery dissections is empirical in the absence of data from randomised controlled trials. Most patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage undergo surgical or endovascular treatment to prevent rebleeding, whereas patients with intracranial artery dissection and cerebral ischaemia are treated with antithrombotics. Prognosis seems worse in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage than in those without.

Transposition of the vertebral artery after a unilateral c1 lateral mass fracture: a case report and review of the literature

In any cervical spine trauma involving dislocation of the facet joints or transverse foramen, a concomitant injury of the vertebral arteries must be excluded. Early diagnosis of an arterial occlusion is important because therapeutic intervention can prevent further complications, such as irreversible vertebrobasilar ischemia. Conservative and surgical treatment strategies are chosen depending on patient symptoms, fracture morphology, and grade of vascular injury. The benefit of anticoagulant medication after blunt injuries of the vertebral arteries in preventing thromboembolic events remains a matter of debate in the current literature. We present a case report of a professional biathlete with a unilateral vertebral artery injury. Adequate interpretation of both initial clinical and radiological findings is essential to detect this injury and to determine appropriate therapeutic intervention to optimize clinical outcome.

Vertebral artery dissection after a chiropractor neck manipulation

The differential diagnosis for ischemic central nervous system infarcts in young patients includes paradoxic emboli through cardiac shunts, vasculitis, and vascular trauma. We report a young woman who developed headache, vomiting, diplopia, dizziness, and ataxia following neck manipulation by her chiropractor. A computed tomography scan of the head revealed an infarct in the inferior half of the left cerebellar hemisphere and compression of the fourth ventricle causing moderate acute obstructive hydrocephalus. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed severe narrowing and low flow in the intracranial segment of the left distal vertebral artery. The patient was treated with mannitol and a ventriculostomy and had an excellent functional recovery. This report illustrates the potential hazards associated with neck trauma, including chiropractic manipulation. The vertebral arteries are at risk for aneurysm formation and/or dissection, which can cause acute stroke.

Pathophysiology and risk factors of cervical artery dissection: what have we learnt from large hospital-based cohorts?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cervical artery dissection (CeAD) is a major cause of ischemic stroke in young and middle-aged adults, although relatively uncommon in the community. Recent large collaborative projects have provided new insights into mechanisms and risk factors of CeAD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pathologic changes observed at the media-adventitia border in temporal arteries of CeAD patients suggest a predisposing arterial wall weakness. In large multicenter series of CeAD patients, compared to age-matched healthy controls and patients with an ischemic stroke of another cause, hypertension and migraine, especially without aura, were confirmed as risk factors for CeAD, in addition to cervical trauma and recent infection. Hypercholesterolemia and being overweight were shown to be inversely associated with CeAD. Differences in risk factor profile and structural features between carotid and vertebral dissection suggest that their pathophysiology may partly differ. An association of CeAD with fibromuscular dysplasia and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome was described. Genetic risk factors of CeAD are still poorly understood.

SUMMARY

Large cohorts of CeAD patients have refined our understanding of the pathophysiology and risk factors of CeAD, but the molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Ongoing high-throughput genetic projects will hopefully provide novel insight into the biological substrate of CeAD.

Pediatric arterial ischemic stroke

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article aims to provide a broad overview of pediatric arterial ischemic stroke, from recognition and diagnosis to the short-term and long-term management based on current available literature.

RECENT FINDINGS

Arterial ischemic stroke in children represents a significant disorder with a concerning high rate of adverse outcomes, including potentially preventable recurrent stroke. Although awareness of pediatric stroke is increasing, diagnosis is still commonly delayed or missed altogether, particularly in younger children. Current vascular imaging techniques have limitations in accurate diagnosis of arteriopathies that are now recognized as an important cause of childhood stroke. Significant variability exists in treatment of pediatric stroke. Management is based on published consensus guidelines; however, individual children require an individualized approach.

SUMMARY

As pediatric stroke specialists become increasingly available, the collaboration of such experts on individual management is crucial. Definitive evidence-based treatment for pediatric stroke awaits the development of randomized controlled trials.