The short- and long-term efficacy of intravascular stenting in the treatment of intracranial artery stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short- and long-term efficacy of intravascular stenting in the treatment of intracranial artery stenosis. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in 132 patients who underwent intravascular stenting for intracranial artery stenosis. In the perioperative period, complications were recorded. During a 2-year follow-up, postoperative stenosis rate, collateral circulation, changes in peak blood flow velocity, National Institute of Health stroke scale score, modified Rankin scale score, and restenosis were recorded. Factors influencing postoperative restenosis were analyzed using univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In the perioperative period, 4 patients had complications, while 1 patient died. Compared with before operation, peak stenosis rate, blood flow velocity, National Institute of Health stroke scale score, and modified Rankin scale score at 1 year and 2 years after operation were significantly decreased, while the classification of collateral circulation was increased (all P<0.05). However, there were no statistical differences in the above indicators between 1-year and 2-year postoperative patients (all P>0.05). Two years after surgery, a total of 8 patients suffered from restenosis. There were statistical differences concerning age (≥70 years), the history of hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease between the restenosis group and the non-restenosis group (all P<0.05). The results of multivariate analysis showed that the history of coronary heart disease and advanced age (≥70 years) were independent risk factors that affect the occurrence of postoperative restenosis. CONCLUSION: The short- and long-term efficacy of intravascular stenting in the treatment of intracranial artery stenosis is significant. What's more, a history of coronary heart disease and advanced age (≥70 years) are independent risk factors contributing to postoperative restenosis.