Intracranial Atherosclerosis: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment

Book excerpt: Intracranial atherosclerosis is a leading cause of stroke in Asians and Africans. As these ethnic groups account for more than 70% of the world’s population, it is in fact the major cause of ischemic stroke worldwide. This timely book provides readers with up-to-date knowledge of intracranial atherosclerosis, covering vascular anatomy, pathology, epidemiology, stroke mechanisms and syndromes, diagnostic methods as well as treatment strategies such as antithrombotics, angioplasty/stenting and surgery. Furthermore, nonatherosclerotic intracranial arterial diseases like Moyamoya disease, dissection, vasculitis and other miscellaneous disorders are extensively discussed. Experts from both East and West present the latest findings from cutting-edge research and discuss controversial topics from different yet balanced points of view, allowing readers to form their own unbiased opinion on these issues. With this approach, the book serves as a useful and stimulating guide on the diagnosis and management of intracranial atherosclerosis for neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and vascular interventionists.