Feedback Loop Between Intracranial Atherosclerosis and Cerebral Small Vessel Disease

Cerebrovascular disease is the most common cause of death worldwide. There is a close link in structure and function between the intracranial large arteries and cerebral small vessels. Moreover, growing evidences have demonstrated that large artery atherosclerosis often coexists with small vessel disease, which may deteriorate the clinical outcomes of stroke and dementia. The mutual feedback mechanism between them is not fully understood. The present study focuses on the mechanism of mutual feedback between large artery atherosclerosis and cerebral small vessel disease by using magnetic resonance imaging. The study may provide biomarkers for the early prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular disease.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥ 18 years
• At least one intracranial artery ≥ 50% atherosclerotic stenosis
• Modified Rankin Scale < 2
• Mini-mental State Examination > 24

Exclusion criteria

• Concurrent ipsilateral extracranial artery ≥ 50% stenosis
• Pregnant women
• Contraindications to magnetic resonance examination (patients with pacemakers, nerve stimulators, artificial metal heart valves and other metal foreign bodies)