Home >> Neurological Research, Volume 30, Number 7

Neurosonographical follow-up in patients with spontaneous cervical artery dissection

Authors: Sengelhoff, Christian1; Nebelsieck, Jonas1; Nassenstein, Isabelle2; Maintz, David2; Nabavi, Darius3; Kuhlenbaeumer, Gregor4; Ringelstein, Erich4; Dittrich, Ralf4

Source: Neurological Research, Volume 30, Number 7, September 2008 , pp. 687-689(3)

Publisher: Maney Publishing

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Abstract:

Objective: Neurovascular ultrasound (nUS) is widely used as a screening and monitoring tool in patients with spontaneous cervical artery dissection (sCAD). The aim of the study was to describe the sonographical course of the affected arteries in patients with a MRI-proven sCAD by repetitive nUS.

Methods: Thirty-seven consecutive patients aged <60 years with 1.5 T MRI-proven sCAD were prospectively investigated by nUS, and within 48 hours after admission before MRI. The patients were re-investigated after 6 months and again after a period >12 months.

Results: Forty-nine sCAD were detected in 37 patients; 24 lesions (49%) were located in the internal carotid arteries (ICA), and 25 (51%) in the vertebral arteries (VA). An arterial occlusion was found in 13 arteries (27%). The recanalization rate of occluded arteries was 62%. Regression of stenosis/occlusion within the first 6 months was found in 34 (69%) of the affected arteries, while between 6 and >12 months, the improvement rate was lower (19%). A complete recanalization without residual stenosis after 6 months was found in 39%. In only one artery, initial high grade ICA stenosis progressed to complete persistent occlusion (2%).

Discussion: The course of arterial stenosis or occlusion caused by sCAD is highly dynamic during the first 6 month after the event. The vast majority of arteries show regression of stenosis or recanalization of initial occlusion. Only a minority of patients experience a persistent deterioration of the vessel status.

Keywords: NEUROVASCULAR ULTRASOUND; MRI; FOLLOW-UP MONITORING; CERVICAL ARTERY DISSECTION

Document Type: Research Article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/174313208X319080

Affiliations: 1: Department of Neurology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany 2: Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany 3: Department of Neurology, Vivantes Klinikum Neukoelln, Berlin, Germany 4: Department of Neurology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany; Leibniz Institute for Atherosclerosis Research, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany

Publication date: 2008-09-01

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