What is brachiocephalic artery stenosis?
Brachiocephalic artery stenosis is a narrowing of the main blood vessels in the neck and brain. The disease interferes with the normal process of blood circulation in the brain and is a major risk factor for transient ischemic attack and ischemic stroke.
Causes
The most common cause of brachiocephalic artery stenosis is atherosclerotic disease, in which lipid metabolism is disturbed and cholesterol accumulates in the inner wall of the vessels. Risk factors for the development of brachiocephalic artery stenosis are:
- Age;
- Tobacco use;
- High-fat diet;
- A sedentary lifestyle;
- Arterial hypertension;
- Diabetes mellitus;
- Genetically aggravated heredity.
Symptoms
Brachiocephalic artery stenosis is often asymptomatic until complications develop, but patients may complain of:
- Dizziness and loss of balance;
- Numbness in the arms and hands;
- Vision problems;
- Tinnitus;
- Headache;
- Brief episodes of loss of consciousness.
Complications
Complications of brachiocephalic artery stenosis can include transient ischemic attack and stroke.
A transient ischemic attack occurs because the blood supply to the brain is temporarily disrupted. The attack subsides in less than an hour. In this case, there is much less damage to brain cells, unlike an ischemic stroke.
An ischemic stroke is damage to brain tissue caused by an acute disruption of blood flow in the brain. It is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent and prompt medical attention.
Diagnosis
Brachiocephalic artery stenosis is diagnosed by various methods. It can be one or more examination methods, depending on the decision of the treating physician. The diagnosis of stenosis of the arteries of the neck and head is made on the basis of the following examinations:
- Ultrasound duplex scanning;
- X-ray contrast angiography;
- Computed tomography in angiography mode;
- Magnetic resonance angiography.
Treatment
Brachiocephalic artery stenosis varies in quality. Treatment is prescribed depending on the extent of the damage.
Treatment of hemodynamically insignificant or moderate stenosis may include:
- Lifestyle changes - smoking cessation, weight correction, healthy diet, salt restriction and exercise;
- Medication - medications that regulate blood pressure and lower cholesterol.
In more severe forms of brachiocephalic artery stenosis, doctors resort to invasive procedures such as:
- Carotid endarterectomy, in which the atherosclerotic plaque of the damaged carotid artery is removed through open surgery;
- Balloon angioplasty and stenting - during the procedure, the doctor inserts a catheter through the pelvic area and dilates the damaged portion of the artery with a balloon. A stent is placed in the dilated blood vessel to prevent the artery from narrowing again.
