Kocak B, Korkmazer B, Islak C, Kocer N, Kizilkilic O. Endovascular treatment of extracranial vertebral artery stenosis. World J Radiol 2012; 4(9): 391-400 [PMID: 23024840 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v4.i9.391]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Osman Kizilkilic, MD, Associated Professor of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, 34098 Istanbul, Turkey. osmank@istanbul.edu.tr
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Editorial
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World J Radiol. Sep 28, 2012; 4(9): 391-400 Published online Sep 28, 2012. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v4.i9.391
Endovascular treatment of extracranial vertebral artery stenosis
Burak Kocak, Bora Korkmazer, Civan Islak, Naci Kocer, Osman Kizilkilic
Burak Kocak, Bora Korkmazer, Civan Islak, Naci Kocer, Osman Kizilkilic, Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, 34098 Istanbul, Turkey
Author contributions: Kizilkilic O, Kocak B contributed to concepts and design; Kocak B, Korkmazer B participated in literature research; Kocak B, Kizilkilic O prepared the manuscript; Islak C, Kizilkilic O, Kocer N edited and supervised writing of the manuscript; and Kocak B and Kizilkilic O revised the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Osman Kizilkilic, MD, Associated Professor of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Division of Neuroradiology, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, 34098 Istanbul, Turkey. osmank@istanbul.edu.tr
Telephone: +90-212-4143000 Fax: +90-212-4143021
Received: June 4, 2012 Revised: September 3, 2012 Accepted: September 10, 2012 Published online: September 28, 2012
Abstract
Percutaneous angioplasty and stenting for the treatment of extracranial vertebral artery (VA) stenosis seems a safe, effective and useful technique for resolving symptoms and improving blood flow to the posterior circulation, with a low complication rate and good long-term results. In patients with severe tortuosity of the vessel, stent placement is a real challenge. The new coronary balloon-expandable stents may be preferred. A large variability of restenosis rates has been reported. Drug-eluting stents may be the solution. After a comprehensive review of the literature, it can be concluded that percutaneous angioplasty and stenting of extracranial VA stenosis is technically feasible, but there is insufficient evidence from randomized trials to demonstrate that endovascular management is superior to best medical management.
