Stenosis of extracranial vertebral artery (VA) is not an infrequent lesion, and it can pose a significant clinical problem. However, the standard treatment for a significant VA stenosis has still not been established. Here in this study, we report our experiences of VA stenting in 25 patients (age 56.2 +/-15.2 years, male 76%). The patients had comorbidities as follows: DM (36%), hypertension (64%), Takayasu's (12%) and Behcet's diseases (4%). There were combined involvement of other vessels such as the coronary artery (72%), carotid artery (36%), subclavian artery (32%) and the contralateral vertebral artery (24%). Indications for stenting were prior stroke or symptoms related to vertebrobasilar ischemia in 11 patients, and an asymptomatic but angiographically significant stenosis (> 70% stenosis) in 14 patients. Twenty-three balloon-expandable stents and two self-expandable stents were deployed. A drug-eluting coronary stent and distal balloon protection device were each used in one case. A technically successful procedure was achieved in all patients. The baseline reference diameter was 4.7 +/-1.3 mm, minimal luminal diameter (MLD) 1.0 +/-0.6 mm (diameter stenosis 77.8 +/-12.5%) and lesion length 6.4 +/-3.9 mm. After stenting and adjuvant dilation, the MLD was increased to 4.5 +/-0.9 mm (diameter stenosis 3.1 +/-17.9%). There were no procedure-related complications. During the further follow-up period of 25 (3-49) months, no stroke or death occurred. Restenosis was observed in 4 (30.8%) of 13 eligible patients. In conclusion, VA stenting is feasible with a high degree of technical success, and this treatment is associated with a relatively low incidence of procedure-related complications. However, a relative high rate of in-stent restenosis remains as a problem to be resolved.
Adult ; Aged ; Angiography ; *Angioplasty, Balloon ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Stents ; Treatment Outcome ; Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency/diagnosis/*therapy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of high-frequency stimulation ABR in the diagnosis and treatment of posterior circulation ischemia. METHOD: Twenty-three patients complaining vertigo diagnosed by neurologist were selected to accept the examination of high-frequency stimulation ABR. After two weeks of treatment, they were tested again. At the same time,20 healthy persons were chosen as control group. The data were analyzed. RESULT: The patients had longer ABR latency and wave interval than the normal controls, and the results improved after the proper treatment. CONCLUSION High-frequency stimulation ABR can be used to facilitate the diagnosis and to evaluate the therapeutic effect of posterior circulation ischemia.
Acoustic Stimulation ; methods ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency ; diagnosis ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Yinxing Damo (YXDM) combined with Betahistine Hydrochloride Injection (BHI) on vertebra basilar artery ischemic vertigo (VBIV).

METHODSNinety patients with VBIV were randomly divided into two groups; 45 patients (the treated group) were treated with YXDM and BHI intravenous dripping, once a day for 14 days. Another 45 patients (control group) were treated with Xueshuantong and BHI intravenous dripping, once daily for 14 days. The clinical syndromes and the index of the transcranial Doppler (TCD) and hemorheology were observed.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 100% in the treated group, which was better than that in the control group 90.5%, (P < 0.05). The indexes of TCD and hemorheology in the treated group were obviously improved after treatment, (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONYXDM combined with BHT injection had better effect in treating patients with VBIV is an ideal drug for VBIV.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Betahistine ; administration & dosage ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Hemorheology ; Humans ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Transcranial ; Vasodilator Agents ; administration & dosage ; Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency ; complications ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; Vertigo ; drug therapy ; etiology