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Published in: Neurological Sciences 10/2019

01-10-2019 | Stroke | Review Article

Posterior circulation ischaemic stroke—a review part I: anatomy, aetiology and clinical presentations

Authors: Marco Sparaco, Ludovico Ciolli, Andrea Zini

Published in: Neurological Sciences | Issue 10/2019

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Abstract

Posterior circulation ischaemia is a clinicopathological condition with complex symptomatology associated with an infarction within the vertebrobasilar arterial system. Posterior circulation strokes account for about 20–25% of all ischemic strokes and remain a significant cause of patient disability and mortality. Diagnosis can be challenging because presenting symptoms are often non-focal and because there is a substantial overlap in symptoms and signs of ischaemia in the anterior circulation. Despite better imaging techniques, diagnosis and treatment of life-threatening conditions, such as basilar artery occlusions, are often delayed. Therefore, early detection of symptoms and causes of posterior circulation ischaemia is essential for choosing the most appropriate therapy. In this review, we summarise the anatomy, aetiology, typical presentations and characteristic findings of common strokes resulting from disease in the vertebrobasilar arterial system.
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Metadata
Title
Posterior circulation ischaemic stroke—a review part I: anatomy, aetiology and clinical presentations
Authors
Marco Sparaco
Ludovico Ciolli
Andrea Zini
Publication date
01-10-2019
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
Neurological Sciences / Issue 10/2019
Print ISSN: 1590-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1590-3478
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-019-03977-2

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