Dolichoectatic Intracranial Arteries: Review of Selected Aspects

Abstract

Dolichoectasia of intracranial arteries may cause a variety of neurological problems including cranial nerve and brain tissue compression, hydrocephalus, and cerebral ischemia. Different mechanisms may be involved in ischemia due to dolichoectatic intracranial vessels. Thrombotic occlusion at cerebral penetrating vessels, embolism to distal vascular territories, and obstruction of large vessels may occur. The vertebrobasilar system seems to be most frequently involved. Magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance angiography and ultrasound are diagnostic tools for the noninvasive detection of dolichoectatic intracranial vessels. Data concerning the natural history and treatment are limited.