Abstract:

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect and safety of stent-assisted angioplasty (SAA) on the progressive ischemic stroke with atherosclerosis. Methods Forty patients with progressive ischemic stroke with large artery atherosclerosis were selected, and were divided into SAA group (n=20) and medication group (n=20). Medication group received conventional treatment with aspirin, clopidogrel, statins and hypotensive drugs. In SAA group, digital subtraction angiography was conducted on the basis of conventional treatment, and balloon dilation and stent-assisted angioplasty were performed for main arteries with severe stenosis and instable plaque. National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores were obtained at enrollment and 21 d after disease onset, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores were observed 90 d after treatment, and adverse events during the treatment were recorded. Results The NIHSS score of SAA group was significantly lower than that of medication group 21 d after disease onset (P<0.001). The numbers of patients with 0 to 1 for scores of mRS in SAA group and medication group were 16 and 6, respectively (P=0.001). One case in medication group experienced recurrence of stoke, while no recurrence took place in SAA group. Conclusion Stentassisted angioplasty is a feasible therapy for progressive ischemic stroke with atherosclerosis.

Key words: progressive ischemic stroke, atherosclerosis, stent-assisted angioplasty