The role of Emboli Detection Studies in acute inpatient Vertebral Artery Dissection.

Introduction: Prompt diagnosis and treatment of vertebral artery dissection (VAD) is critical for preventing stroke. The use of emboli detection studies (EDS) using Doppler ultrasonography is an emerging method that has been proposed to predict stroke risk and guide subsequent treatment. Limited data exists on the predictive value of this emerging modality in the posterior circulation. This study aims to assess the predictive value of emboli detection studies (EDS) in forecasting inpatient stroke in VAD patients, and identify associated risk factors.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 104 consecutive patients with VAD who underwent EDS at our institution. Patients underwent transcranial ultrasonography for detection of microemboli and were followed clinically and radiographically thereafter for evidence of stroke.

Results: A total of 104 patients with spontaneous (58%), traumatic (39%) or iatrogenic (4%) VAD were included in our analysis. Stroke occurred more frequently in patients with spontaneous VAD compared to traumatic VAD (p < 0.001). Microemboli were detected in 17 patients (16%), including 18.3% of spontaneous VAD, 12.5% of traumatic VAD, and 25% of iatrogenic VAD. 61 patients (59%) suffered a posterior circulation stroke, however there was no significant association between detection of microemboli and stroke events (60% of patients without microemboli vs. 53% of patients with ≥1 HITS during EDS; p = 0.6). Similarly, no microemboli were detected in any of the patients who went on to develop a delayed stroke.

Conclusion : In our single-institution retrospective analysis of patients with VAD, the detection of microemboli on EDS was not associated with stroke nor was it predictive of delayed stroke. Additionally, patients with spontaneous VAD may be at higher risk for stroke compared to traumatic VAD.