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==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
The vertebral and basilar arteries supply the brainstem, cerebellum, and in most cases also the inferior temporal lobe, occipital lobe, and the thalamus.Variaties of reasons lead to impress the vertebral artery directly or indirectly can reduce the blood stream of posterior circulation of the brain; stimulation caused by the pathologic changes excite the sympathetic nerve and lead to the spasm of vertebral artery finally.Normally,the reduction of blood supply of unilateral veterbrobasilar artery doesn't arouse the ischemia of brain.However,beacuse of the pre-existing maldevelopment,stenosis,embolism or other reasons leads to the reduction of blood supply of contralateral veterbrobasilar artery, patient will suffer the symptoms of ischemia of conrresponding brain area.Sometimes,the reduction of unilateral vertebralbasilar is too serious that the compensation of blood from the unjuried side isn't enough to maintain the normal function of brain,the patient also suffer the symptoms.The sense organs of the visual, vestibular, and propri-
The vertebral and basilar arteries supply the [[brain stem]], [[cerebellum]], and in most cases also the inferior [[Temporal lobe|temporal lobe]], [[occipital lobe]], and the [[thalamus]]. Variaties of reasons lead to impress the vertebral artery directly or indirectly may reduce the blood stream of posterior circulation of the brain; stimulation caused by the pathologic changes excite the [[Autonomic nervous system|sympathetic nerve]] and lead to the spasm of vertebral artery finally. Normally, the reduction of blood supply of unilateral veterbrobasilar artery doesn't arouse the ischemia of brain. However, beacuse of the pre-existing maldevelopment, stenosis, [[embolism]] or other reasons leads to the reduction of blood supply of contralateral veterbrobasilar artery, patient will suffer the symptoms of ischemia of conrresponding brain area. Sometimes, the reduction of unilateral vertebralbasilar is too serious that the compensation of blood from the unjuried side isn't enough to maintain the normal function of brain, the patient also suffer the symptoms. The sense organs of the [[Visual system|visual]], vestibular, and proprioceptive systems are connected with the [[cerebellum]] by way of the [[vestibular nuclei]] in the brainstem. Any disease that interrupts the integration of these 3 systems may give rise to symptoms of [[vertigo]] and [[disequilibrium]].<ref name="pmid22974644">Schneider JI, Olshaker JS (2012) [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22974644 Vertigo, vertebrobasilar disease, and posterior circulation ischemic stroke.] ''Emerg Med Clin North Am'' 30 (3):681-93. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.emc.2012.06.004 DOI:10.1016/j.emc.2012.06.004] PMID: [http://pubmed.gov/22974644 22974644]</ref>
oceptive systems are connected with the cerebellum by way of the vestibular nuclei in
the brainstem. Any disease that interrupts the integration of these 3 systems may give
rise to symptoms of vertigo and disequilibrium.<ref name="pmid22974644">Schneider JI, Olshaker JS (2012) [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=22974644 Vertigo, vertebrobasilar disease, and posterior circulation ischemic stroke.] ''Emerg Med Clin North Am'' 30 (3):681-93. [http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.emc.2012.06.004 DOI:10.1016/j.emc.2012.06.004] PMID: [http://pubmed.gov/22974644 22974644]</ref>


==Causes==
==Causes==

Revision as of 18:53, 5 December 2013

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Synonyms and keywords: VBI

Overview

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI), or vertebral basilar ischemia, refers to a temporary set of symptoms due to decreased blood flow in the posterior circulation of the brain. The posterior circulation supplies blood to the medulla, cerebellum, pons, midbrain, thalamus, and occipital cortex (responsible for vision). Therefore, the symptoms due to VBI vary according to which portions of the brain experience significantly decreased blood flow. In the United States, 25% of strokes (see stroke) and transient ischemic attacks (see transient ischemic attack) occur in the vertebrobasilar distribution. These must be separated from strokes arising from the anterior circulation, which involves the carotid arteries.

Historical Perspective

Overview

Vertebrobasilar insufficiency is a pathological hypoperfuse of the posterior circle of brain characterized by an series of symptoms due to insufficient blood flow to the related brain area.The concept “vertebrobasilar insufficiency was first described in 1961 by NIEDERMEYER E.[1]Throughout history many renowned researchers and health care professionals have contributed to the understanding, definition, and recognition of vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

Development of Treatment Strategies

The first surgical correction of vertebral artery stenosis was published by Crawford and De Bakey in 1958.[2] Transposition of the proximal vertebral artery to the common carotid was described by Clark and Perry in 1966.[3] The saphenous vein was used to bypass vertebral artery origin stenoses during 1970s.[4] The approach to the distal vertebral artery was first described by Matas[5]and was used for the treatment of traumatic injury.And in 1978,the carotid endarterectomy was proved to produced relief of symptoms in 90% of the patients.[6] In 1981, Motarjeme et al18 published the first case of vertebral artery origin angioplasty.[7] In the recent 30 years, different kinds of surgery was rapidly developed to treat the VBI, such as fenestration, passby surgery, angioplasty. With the development of interventional techniques, more and more attemps have been made to treat the VBI, but there isn't enough comparative evidence to support the benefit of interventional therapy.

Classification

Overview

There isn't classification about the VBI yet, but there are three phenotypes of the basilar artery occlusion depending on the modal of initial symptoms.

Classification

  • phenotype 1: patients present progressive brain stemsymptoms(for example: vertigo, doublevision, dysarthria, hemiparesis, or paresthesia) without any prodromal symptoms.[8]
  • phenotype 2: patients present nonspecific, such as nausea, tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo, which can precede the onset of the monophasic, progressive deficits by days, but typically by several weeks.[9][10]
  • phenotype 3: patients present symptoms with onset of severe, often bilateral motor weakness, ophtalmoplegia, and coma. The patients may have a severe outcome if basilar artery cannot be recanalized fast.[8]

Pathophysiology

The vertebral and basilar arteries supply the brain stem, cerebellum, and in most cases also the inferior temporal lobe, occipital lobe, and the thalamus. Variaties of reasons lead to impress the vertebral artery directly or indirectly may reduce the blood stream of posterior circulation of the brain; stimulation caused by the pathologic changes excite the sympathetic nerve and lead to the spasm of vertebral artery finally. Normally, the reduction of blood supply of unilateral veterbrobasilar artery doesn't arouse the ischemia of brain. However, beacuse of the pre-existing maldevelopment, stenosis, embolism or other reasons leads to the reduction of blood supply of contralateral veterbrobasilar artery, patient will suffer the symptoms of ischemia of conrresponding brain area. Sometimes, the reduction of unilateral vertebralbasilar is too serious that the compensation of blood from the unjuried side isn't enough to maintain the normal function of brain, the patient also suffer the symptoms. The sense organs of the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems are connected with the cerebellum by way of the vestibular nuclei in the brainstem. Any disease that interrupts the integration of these 3 systems may give rise to symptoms of vertigo and disequilibrium.[11]

Causes

Overview

The causes leading to VBI is primarily the vasulcar ones,like atherosclerosis and cardioembolism,etc.As the vertebral artery is in the cervical vertebra,the orthopedical reason also contribute to part of the causes.

Life Threatening Causes

  • Basilar aneurysm
  • Stroke caused by arterial embolism
  • subarachnoid hemorrhage caused by vertebrobasilar dissection

Common Causes

The most common causes of VBI are cardioembolism, artery atherosclerosis, and small artery disease.[12]

Causes by Organ System

Cardiovascular Intracranial atherosclerosis , vertebral artery dissections ,maldevelopment or absent of unilateral vertebral artery,arterial embolism ,subclavian steal syndrome ,rotational VA occlusion,
Chemical / poisoning No underlying causes
Dermatologic No underlying causes
Drug Side Effect No underlying causes
Ear Nose Throat No underlying causes
Endocrine No underlying causes
Environmental No underlying causes
Gastroenterologic No underlying causes
Genetic Fabry disease
Hematologic No underlying causes
Iatrogenic physiatric cervical manipulation
Infectious Disease No underlying causes
Musculoskeletal / Ortho Cervical spondylosis ,degenerative cervical spine changes ,cervical compressive lesions ,Cervical tuberculosis,Cervical injury,osteoporosis
Neurologic No underlying causes
Nutritional / Metabolic No underlying causes
Obstetric/Gynecologic No underlying causes
Oncologic No underlying causes
Opthalmologic No underlying causes
Overdose / Toxicity No underlying causes
Psychiatric No underlying causes
Pulmonary No underlying causes
Renal / Electrolyte No underlying causes
Rheum / Immune / Allergy Takayasu diseasearteritides
Sexual No underlying causes
Trauma Cervical injury
Urologic No underlying causes
Dental No underlying causes
Miscellaneous Postural changes,like head rotation or extension ,fibromuscular dysplasia

Causes in Alphabetical Order

arterial embolism

fibromuscular dysplasia

arteritides

cervical compressive lesions

Cervical injury

Cervical spondylosis

Cervical tuberculosis

degenerative cervical spine changes

Intracranial atherosclerosis

maldevelopment or absent of unilateral vertebral artery

Osteoporosis

Postural changes

rotational VA occlusion

subclavian steal syndrome

Takayasu's arteritis

vertebral artery dissections

vertebrobasilar aneurysm*vertebrobasilar aneurysm

Differentiating Vertebral Artery Disease from other Diseases

It's not easy to make differentia diagnosis between the high-risk posterior circulation ischaemic events and carotid artery events before brain imaging.The Digital subtraction angiography(DSA)is the gold standard to diagosis the VBI.

Epidemiology and Demographics

The incidence of VBI increases with age and typically occurs in the seventh or eighth decade of life. Reflecting atherosclerosis, which is the most common cause of VBI, it affects men twice as often as women and is more prevalent in African Americans. Patients with hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and dyslipidemias also have a higher risk of developing VBI.And intracranial atherosclerosis is more common in individuals with black African[13]or East Asian ethnic origin than in Caucasian populations[14] The stroke caused by VBI account for approximately 20% to 30%21–23 of all strokes[11] a study indicates that prev- alence of >50% vertebral and basilar arterial stenosis, and vertebrobasilar arterial stenosis was more often associated with multiple ischemic episodes and a higher risk of early recurrent stroke.[15]

Risk Factors

The risk factors of VBI is similar to arteriosclerosis and artery embolisom. Sudden or excessive neck movement might increase the risk of vertebral artery dissection which might cause the VBI.[16]

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Natural History

Some VBI is caused by the embolus from subclavian artery or atherosclerotic lesions and dissections,etc.Once the blocked vertebral artery doesn't enough compensation from the contralateral,obviously multiple and multifocal infarcts in the brain stem, cerebellum symptoms will be observed immediately,and quickly develop to a severe outcome.

Some patients present nonspecific, such as nausea,tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo,which can precede the onset of the monophasic, progressive deficits by days, but typically by several weeks.


Prognosis

The prognosis of VBI vary depend on the severity of symptoms the patients present. For patients who experience vertebrobasilar transient ischemic attacks, disease identified in the vertebral arteries portends a 30%to 35%risk for stroke during a 5-year period.[17][18][19]Medical refractory disease of the vertebrobasilar system carries a 5% to 11% risk of stroke or death at 1 year[20]mortality associated with a posterior circulation stroke is high, ranging from 20% to 30%.[20] [21][22][23]

Complications

One of the complications is vertebral artery dissection. It is the development of dissection (a flap-like tear) in the vertebral artery. It is commonly associated with physical trauma but may also develop spontaneously. It is a major cause of stroke in young people.

Diagnosis

The evaluation for VBI starts with a history and physical exam, with great emphasis on the cardiovascular and neurologic exam. It also includes a work-up to exclude benign conditions (such as labyrinthitis, vestibular neuronitis, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) that have overlapping signs and symptoms. However, the exact work-up largely depends on the patient’s age and known risk factors. For middle-aged patients, a cardiovascular risk factor evaluation is important. This often includes a cholesterol level, lipid profile (see this [2] to determine what your cholesterol level means), ECG, and echocardiogram. If a person with VBI is under age 45 and has no evidence for atherosclerosis, a work-up for hypercoagulable states (Lupus anticoagulant, anti-cardiolipin antibodies, protein C, protein S, antithrombin III deficiencies) is indicated.

Imaging studies are rarely required to diagnose VBI, but sometimes computed tomography (CT) is performed first. The CT is extremely sensitive in detecting hemorrhage. Duplex ultrasound is widely used to identify carotid stenosis, but is much less sensitive in the detection of vertebral artery stenosis. The vertebral origin can be often, but not always, visualised, but the more distal segments of the vertebral artery cannot be directly seen However, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is superior to the CT in detecting ischemic changes in the vertebrobasilar distribution. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) also can be used to identify vertebrobasilar occlusions, but it can often overestimate the degree of occlusion.


Symptoms

Vertigo (commonly described as the environment spinning or as if the person is twirling in space) is the most recognizable and quite often the sole symptom of decreased blood flow in the vertebrobasilar distribution. The vertigo due to VBI rarely is brought on by head turning, which could occlude the ipsilateral vertebral artery and result in decreased blood flow to the brain if the contralateral artery is occluded. When the vertigo is accompanied by double vision (diplopia), graying of vision, and blurred vision, patients often go to the ophthalmologist. If the VBI progresses, there may be weakness of the quadriceps and, to the patient, this is felt as a buckling of the knees. The patient may suddenly become weak at the knee and crumple (often referred to as a “drop attack”). Such a fall can lead to significant head and orthopedic injury, especially in the elderly.

Transient ischemic attacks due to VBI will, by definition, have symptoms resolved within 24 hours. More often, however, the symptoms are very brief, lasting a few seconds to half an hour. These symptoms are often provoked by sudden and temporary drops in blood pressure. Postural changes (see orthostatic hypotension), such as getting out of bed too quickly or standing up after sitting for extended periods of time, often provoke these attacks. Exercise of the legs may also bring on the symptoms of VBI. For the sedentary older subject, going up a flight of stairs or walking the dog may be enough to cause pooling of blood in the legs and a drop in blood pressure in the distal arteries of the head. Heat and dehydration may also be contributing causes.

Dysarthria should also raise suspicion for VBI.[24]And there are also some nonspecific symptoms such as unilateral weakness; disturbances of respiration,anomalous hemodynamic change; and disorientation, confusion, and memory loss.The most frequent symptoms were dizziness (47%), unilateral limb weakness (41%), dysarthria (31%), headache (28%), and nausea or vomiting (27%). The most frequent signs were unilateral limb weakness (38%), gait ataxia (31%), unilateral limb ataxia (30%), dysarthria (28%), and nystagmus (24%).[25] Some person with vertebralbasilar insufficency are asymptomatic.In a recent hospital-based study of 3717 patients with clinically manifest atherosclerotic arterial disease, 7·6% of patients (95% CI 6·8–8·5) had an asymptomatic vertebral artery origin stenosis of at least 50% or occlusion on duplex ultrasound. [26]

Physical Examination

Physical examination of VBI isn't enough to diagnosis the disease.Normally,phsician can take several items below:

  • Vital signs:In some cases, pulses and blood pressure should be checked in both arms. Most patients with subclavian steal syndrome, which can also cause vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency, have pulse or systolic blood pressure differences between the two arms[11]
  • auscultated on neck:The vertebral artery bruitscan be found by auscultated,which suggest atherosclerosis.
  • eyes:Positional nystagmus, induced by rapidly changing the position of the head,strongly suggests an organic vestibular disorder caused by central nervous system cause like VBI.internuclear ophthalmoplegia,unreactive pupils, skew deviation, hemianopia, and cortical blindness suggests an vertebrobasilar ischemia.[25]
  • Positional testing:If no nystagmus was observed, we can choose the positional testing.In the Hallpike maneuver, patients are moved quickly from an upright seated position to a supine position and the head is turned to one side and extended (to a head-down posture) approximately 30 from the horizontal plane off the end of the stretcher. The eyes should be observed for nystagmus, and patients should be queried for the occurrence of symptoms.This test should be repeated with the head turned to the other side.[11] This test should be performed with caution because of the risk of suddenly dropping of atheromatous plaques.
  • other:Some patients are obseved to have right arm weakness and expressive aphasia.

Laboratory Finding

The patients suffered the VBI don't present speciafic laboratory findings.As the main cause of VBI is atherosclerosis and artery embolism,so corrsponding laboratory findings will be obtained.In some uncommom reason caused VBI,specific results appear.for exsample, the abnormal galactosidase activity level in Fabry's disease.

CT

The normal CT can diagnose subarachnoid hemorrhage following the intracranial vertebral artery dissection,but can't provide enough definition to the artery. The contrast CT (CTA) has high sensitivity (94%) and specificity (95%) to make a correct diagnosis compared against the DSA.[27]And some researchs reveal that the CT-baesd score can be used in predicting the final infarct size[28] and also for a prognostic assesment early ischemic injury in basilar artery occllusion.[28][29][30][31]

MRI

The CE-MRA(Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography)had the highest sensitivity and specificity compared against the gold standard of intra-arterial angiography.CE-MRA offers better visualisation of the extracranial vertebral system than non-contrast MRA.

DSA

The digital subtraction angiography(DSA)is the gold stardard to diagnose the VBI.

Treatment

Patients should discuss with their physician possible causes for their VBI symptoms. As discussed above, postural changes, exercise, and dehydration are some of the likely culprits. Treatment usually involves lifestyle modifications. For example, if VBI is attributed mainly to postural changes, patients are advised to slowly rise to standing position after sitting for a long period of time. An appropriate exercise regimen for each patient can also be designed in order to avoid the excessive pooling of blood in the legs. Dehydrated patients are often advised to increase their water intake, especially in hot, dry climates. Finally, when applicable, patients are often advised to stop smoking and to control their hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol level.

In the event that a patient suffers a “drop attack,” and especially for the elderly population, the most important action is to be evaluated for associated head or other injuries. To prevent drop attacks, patients are advised to “go to the ground” before the knees buckle and shortly after feeling dizzy or experiencing changes in vision. Patients should not be concerned about the social consequences of suddenly sitting on the floor, whether in the mall or sidewalk, as such actions are important in preventing serious injuries.

Sometimes, to prevent further occlusion of blood vessels, patients are started on an antiplatelet agent (aspirin, clopidogrel, or aspirin/dipyridamole) or sometimes an anticoagulant (warfarin) once hemorrhage has been excluded with imaging.

For treatment of vertebrobasilar stenosis due to atherosclerosis, researchers from Stanford University found that intracranial angioplasty can be performed with an annual stroke rate in the territory of treatment of 3.2% and 4.4% for all strokes, including periprocedural events. Randomized control trials need to be performed.

Researchers from Poland found that the Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is a very useful treatment of patient with VBI, The main reason for improvement in global stability, balance, and other VBI symptoms is better blood perfusion.Significant improvement after therapy in headache (p=0.0005), vertigo (p<0.0000), and tinnitus (p=0.0387) and a tendency towards improved stability in all parameterswas was observed[32].

Pharmacotherapy

Aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs have been used to treat vertebrobasilar disease,however,none of the drug used in the treatment of VBI has been evaluated in the ramdomized controlled trials. For patients with acute ischemic syndromes that involve the vertebral artery territory and angiographic evidence of thrombus in the extracranial portion of the vertebral artery, anticoagulation is generally recom- mended for at least 3 months, whether or not thrombo- lytic therapy is used initially[33][34][35][36]The WASID (War- farin versus Aspirin for Symptomatic Intracranial Dis- ease) trial found aspirin and warfarin to be equally efficacious after initial noncardioembolic ischemic stroke[37][38] Ticlopidine was superior to aspirin for secondary prevention of ischemic events in patients with symptomatic posterior circulation disease.[39]

Surgery and Device Based Therapy

Operations are rarely performed to treat vertebral ar- tery occlusive disease, and no randomized trials have addressed operative procedures for posterior cerebral circulation disease, but studies of surgical treatment have demonstrated the feasibility of endarterectomy and vessel reconstruction[40]

Indications for Surgery

There isn't guideline about the indication for surgery accepted by most reseachers.But some researchers suggest that:

  • The minimal stenosis extent to meet the reconstruction surgery is
  • 1.stenosis 60% diameter in both vertebral arteries if both are patent and complete
  • 2.the same degree of stenosis in the dominant vertebral artery if the opposite vertebral artery is hypoplastic,ends in a posteroinferior cerebellar artery, or is occluded[41]

In appropriately selected patients,if the patients suffer the atherosclerosis

    • If the lesion locates at the origin,we can choose:
      • 1. trans-subclavian vertebral endarterectomy.
      • 2. transposition of the vertebral artery to the ipsilateral common carotid artery
      • 3. reimplantation of the vertebral artery with vein graft extension to the subclavian artery
    • If the lesion invades the distal part,we can choose
      • 1. trans-subclavian vertebral endarterectomy
      • 2. anastomosis of the principal trunk of the external carotid artery to the vertebral artery

The Interventional Therapy

Some reports suggest that the endovasuclar treatment have a high technical success rate(95%)[42],but meanwhile,it has a high rate of restenosis.The elute stent is believed to be the resotion for decreasing the in-stent restenosis rate.[43]No matter what kind of stents used to treat the VBI,there isn't enough evidence to support the safety and effectiveness.In recent years,the intravenous thrombolysis(IVT)and intra-arterial thrombolysis(IAT)and mechanical thrombectomy are developed to treat the embolism of vertebrobasilar artery,but still need the ramdom control trials to prove the safety and effectiveness.

2011 ASA/ACCF/AHA/AANN/AANS/ACR/ASNR/CNS/SAIP/SCAI/SIR/SNIS/SVM/SVS Guideline on the Management of Patients With Extracranial Carotid and Vertebral Artery Disease (DO NOT EDIT)[44]

Vascular Imaging in Patients with Vertebral Artery Disease (DO NOT EDIT)[44]

Class I
"1. Noninvasive imaging by CTA or MRA for detection of vertebral artery disease should be part of the initial evaluation of patients with neurological symptoms referable to the posterior circulation and those with subclavian steal syndrome. (Level of Evidence: C)"
"2. Patients with asymptomatic bilateral carotid occlusions or unilateral carotid artery occlusion and incomplete circle of Willis should undergo noninvasive imaging for detection of vertebral artery obstructive disease. (Level of Evidence: C)"
"3. In patients whose symptoms suggest posterior cerebral or cerebellar ischemia, MRA or CTA is recommended rather than ultrasound imaging for evaluation of the vertebral arteries. (Level of Evidence: C)"
Class IIa
"1. In patients with symptoms of posterior cerebral or cerebellar ischemia, serial noninvasive imaging of the extracranial vertebral arteries is reasonable to assess the progression of atherosclerotic disease and exclude the development of new lesions. (Level of Evidence: C)"
"2. In patients with posterior cerebral or cerebellar ischemic symptoms who may be candidates for revascularization, catheter-based contrast angiography can be useful to define vertebral artery pathoanatomy when noninvasive imaging fails to define the location or severity of stenosis. (Level of Evidence: C)"
"3. In patients who have undergone vertebral artery revascularization, serial noninvasive imaging of the extracranial vertebral arteries is reasonable at intervals similar to those for carotid revascularization. (Level of Evidence: C)"

Management of Atherosclerotic Risk Factors in Patients with Vertebral Artery Disease (DO NOT EDIT)[44]

Class I
"1. Medical therapy and lifestyle modification to reduce atherosclerotic risk are recommended in patients with vertebral atherosclerosis according to the standards recommended for those with extracranial carotid atherosclerosis[45][46]. (Level of Evidence: B)"
"2. In the absence of contraindications, patients with atherosclerosis involving the vertebral arteries should receiveantiplatelet therapy with aspirin (75 to 325 mg daily) to prevent MI and other ischemic events[47][48]. (Level of Evidence: B)"
"3. Antiplatelet drug therapy is recommended as part of the initial management for patients who sustain ischemic stroke or TIA associated with extracranial vertebral atherosclerosis. Aspirin (81 to 325 mg daily), the combination of aspirin plus extended-release dipyridamole (25 and 200 mg twice daily, respectively), and clopidogrel (75 mg daily) are acceptable options. Selection of an antiplatelet regimen should be individualized on the basis of patient risk factor profiles, cost, tolerance, and other clinical characteristics, as well as guidance from regulatory agencies[49][47][50][51][52][53]. (Level of Evidence: B)"
Class IIa
"1. For patients with atherosclerosis of the extracranial vertebral arteries in whom aspirin is contraindicated by factors other than active bleeding, including those with allergy to aspirin, either clopidogrel (75 mg daily) or ticlopidine (250 mg twice daily) is a reasonable alternative. (Level of Evidence: C)"

References

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  2. CRAWFORD ES, DE BAKEY ME, FIELDS WS (1958) Roentgenographic diagnosis and surgical treatment of basilar artery insufficiency. J Am Med Assoc 168 (5):509-14. PMID: 13575180
  3. Clark K, Perry MO (1966) Carotid vertebral anastomosis: an alternate technic for repair of the subclavian steal syndrome. Ann Surg 163 (3):414-6. PMID: 5907566
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  6. Rosenthal D, Cossman D, Ledig CB, Callow AD (1978) bypass and skull base transposition procedures to revascularize the distal vertebral artery were developed dbfrom=pubmed&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=708258 Results of carotid endarterectomy for vertebrobasilar insufficiency: an evaluation over ten years. Arch Surg 113 (11):1361-4. PMID: 708258
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