FOLLOW-UP-STUDY AFTER PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL CEREBRAL ANGIOPLASTY

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of per cutaneous transluminal cerebral balloon angioplasty (PTCBA) of extra- and intra-cranial arteries by investigating procedural outcome. Eighty haemodynamically significant extra- and intra-cranial lesions (% diam eter stenosis > 70) in 74 clinically symptomatic patients were treated by elective and initial PTCBA between March 1991 and February 1996 an d thereafter followed. Death, stroke, surgery, or repeated angioplasty of restenosis or new lesions were regarded as cerebral events after t he initial PTCBA. The procedural and clinical success rates were 81% ( 65 of 80) and 81% (60 of 74), respectively. Progressively ischaemic sy mptoms disappeared completely after clinically successful dilatation. Angiographic restenosis rate at 3 months was 22% (14 of 65). By life-t able method, the death/stroke risk was 16%, and any cerebral event ris k was 49% at 2 years following PTCBA, respectively. The most common of first cerebral events presented was repeated angioplasty of restenosi s. In conclusion, PTCBA has great efficacy in decreasing recurrent neu rological symptoms and produces a favourable short-term outcome, where as restenosis limits long-term benefit.