What is intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD)?

Just as plaque may build up in the arteries of the heart, neck or legs, the arteries of the brain may become progressively narrowed by this disease. This may lead to stroke either secondary to poor blood flow to the brain beyond the narrowing, or from clot forming on the plaque and traveling out into the circulation causing blockage of a blood vessel.

What are the symptoms of ICAD?

Patients present with often progressive or recurrent strokes with specific symptoms depending on the territory of the brain affected. ICAD is otherwise commonly seen incidentally on scans when the degree of narrowing is not significant enough to cause a problem.

How is ICAD diagnosed?

ICAD is diagnosed by noninvasive imaging (CTA, MRA) or catheter angiography, demonstrating occlusion or tapered stenoses of affected arteries.

How is ICAD treated?

Currently, the primary treatment modality for symptomatic ICAD is medication, as this has been shown to have similar effectiveness at a lower risk than intervention. Elective treatment with the Wingspan stent system is limited to a highly selected group of patients. However, new devices are being constantly developed, along with new research, that will hopefully ultimately lead to the expansion of safe interventional options.