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Idiopathic Non-atherosclerotic Carotid Artery Disease

  • Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke (S Silverman, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of idiopathic non-atherosclerotic causes of carotid artery disease and its manifestations.

Recent findings

Four major causes of non-atherosclerotic carotid artery disease including dissection, fibromuscular dysplasia, moyamoya disease, and inflammatory large vessel vasculitis are discussed. While there is a dearth of clinical trials involving some of the rarer conditions, recent data from clinical trials supporting antiplatelet over anticoagulation treatment of cervical artery dissection, recent consensus statements on the management of fibromuscular dysplasia, and guideline approaches to diagnosis and treatment of large vessel vasculitis are summarized.

Summary

Idiopathic non-atherosclerotic causes of carotid artery disease are under appreciated and may lead to significant morbidity and mortality. While less common compared with atherosclerotic disease, non-atherosclerotic disease may affect younger patient populations and result in non-cerebrovascular arterial involvement and systemic organ damage. Therefore, prompt recognition of these disorders is key to their management.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Andrea Harriott MD, PhD

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  1. Andrea Harriott MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Andrea Harriott MD, PhD.

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Andrea Harriott reports consulting fees from Bristol Myers Squibb and funding support from electroCore.

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Harriott, A. Idiopathic Non-atherosclerotic Carotid Artery Disease. Curr Treat Options Cardio Med 21, 64 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11936-019-0780-x

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