Effect of endovascular primary stent-assisted angioplasty on atherosclerotic intracranial stenosis

Objective: To analyse the preliminary outcome and its relevant factors of endovascular stent-assisted angioplasty for intracranial stenosis. Methods: Sixty-one atherosclerotic intracranial stenosis in 57 patients (23 stenosis in posterior and 38 in anterior circulation) were treated with endovascular angioplasty using balloon-expandable coronary stents. Results: Technical success was achieved in all patients, with no procedural and associated complications except one of intracranial hemorrhage. Angiographic results immediately after stenting suggested that the residual postprocedure stenosis was 0%-32% (mean 8.7% ± 4.4%), with significant reduction from preprocedure stenosis (74.5% ± 6.7%). The patients were clinically asymptomatic and had no recurrent TIA and stroke. Follow-up angiogram in 43 patients revealed no restenosis (<50%), though 3 patients revealed mild endothelial hyperplasia. Conclusions: Endovascular stenting for intracranial stenosis is safe and feasible, and would be favorable for decreasing incidence of stroke during short-term follow up