Treating Basilar Artery Occlusion

A registry study suggests that intra-arterial thrombolysis is not superior to intravenous thrombolysis for BAO and that IVT is superior in patients with mild-to-moderate deficits.

To further our understanding of the best treatment for acute basilar artery occlusion (BAO), researchers conducted this prospective registry study of patients presenting with severe deficits (coma, locked-in syndrome, or quadriplegia) or mild-to-moderate deficits (any basilar artery territory signs other than “severe” signs). BAO was confirmed with CT, MR, or conventional angiography. Treatment, determined by the treating physician, fell into three categories: AT (antiplatelet or anticoagulation drugs), IVT (primary intravenous thrombolysis, with or without subsequent intra-arterial therapy), and IAT (intra-arterial thrombolysis, mechanical clot disruption, or stenting). The primary outcome measure was poor outcome (modified Rankin scale [m…

Reviewing Author

Barney J. Stern, MD

Treating Basilar Artery Occlusion

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Reviewing Author