Prognosis of asymptomatic stenosis of the middle cerebral artery

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Background: The risk of ischaemic events in asymptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis is unknown. Objective: To follow up patients with asymptomatic atherosclerotic middle cerebral artery stenosis (MCAS) to evaluate the long term stroke risk in its territory. Methods: Consecutive white patients with asymptomatic atherosclerotic MCAS were enrolled. Patients with MCAS of possible or proven non-atherosclerotic origin were excluded. MCAS was assessed by transcranial colour duplex sonography according to published angiography validated criteria. Medical treatment was given at the discretion of the treating physician. Results: 50 patients were included and followed for (mean (SD)) 815 (351) days; three were lost to follow up. MCAS was Conclusions: Asymptomatic MCAS of atherosclerotic origin appears to have a benign long term prognosis with a low risk of ipsilateral stroke in medically treated white patients.