Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for atherosclerotic stenosis of intracranial or skull base arteries

Abstract

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed in 14 patients for atherosclerotic stenotic lesions involving the intracranial or skull base cerebral arteries. The stenotic lesions involved the middle cerebral artery in 6 cases, the internal carotid artery in 4 cases, the basilar artery in 3 cases, and the intracranial vertebral artery in 1 case. PTA was performed using Stealth or Angel balloon angioplasty catheters. After PTA, the stenotic lesion dilated successfully in all cases (0–50% residual stenosis; mean 20%). No symptomatic complications occurred after PTA. After PTA, patients were followed up clinically for 5–28 months (mean: 15 months), and no clinical deterioration such as transient ischaemic attacks or stroke occurred. A follow-up angiogram was performed in 12 cases. Four out of 12 cases showed restenosis to an extent roughly equal to the original stenosis, but remained asymptomatic.