Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) affecting the cervical arteries can precipitate spontaneous dissection of the carotid or vertebral arteries. When that dissection is associated with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), a specific, guideline-supported management strategy applies.
Cervical (carotid or vertebral) artery dissection related to fibromuscular dysplasia, presenting with ischemic stroke or TIA. Focal neurologic findings — with or without neck, face, or head pain — may accompany this presentation.
Management involves antithrombotic therapy; the full protocol details the choice of agent, the clinical factors that guide selection between options, and the recommended treatment duration.
In cases of CeAD (carotid or vertebral) related to FMD, focal neurologic findings with or without associated neck, face, or head pain may occur.
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines recommend treatment with either an anticoagulant or an antiplatelet agent for at least 3–6 months in patients with CeAD associated with ischemic stroke or TIA, and this position has been supported by the results of the CADISS trial.
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