Recanalization of occlusive extracranial internal carotid artery dissection through medication of anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents:report of two cases with literature review / 介入放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To determine the effectiveness and safety of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents in the treatment of extracranial internal carotid artery dissection (eICAD). Methods Antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents were adopted to treat two cases of eICAD in our hospital. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed and the medical literatures concerning eICAD, which were obtained from Pubmed database, were reviewed. Results Most researches advocated the empirical use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant agents in eICAD. About 30% of occluded eICAD could be reopened in 8 days and about 60% - 80% in 3 months after the onset of the disease. During the period of treatment, the rate of ischemic stroke recurrence, disability or death was 8.3%-14.3% in anticoagulant group, while it was 7% - 23.7% in antiplatelet group. Conclusion Antiplatelet agents can be used in patients with eICAD who are contraindicated to anticoagulants. Anticoagulants should be used as early as possible in patients who are not contraindicated to anticoagulants.