Vertebral artery stenosis: a narrative review

Abstract

Burle et al. (St. George University School of
Medicine, Clarksville, USA) review the anatomic,
pathophysiologic, and therapeutic features of vertebral
artery stenosis (VAS). They are responsible for 20% of
subsequent ischemic cerebrovascular accidents (ICA).
The causes of VAS, in addition to calcification and
atherosclerotic lesions, are dissections, fibromuscular
dysplasia, giant cell arteritis, neurofibromatosis, and
bone compression. The most frequent symptoms are
vertigo, vision disorders, nystagmus, dizziness, loss
of consciousness, nausea, and ataxia. They can lead to
stroke, infarction, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, and
sudden death without diagnosis and treatment.