Global overview of vertebrobasilar stenosis: a narrative review

Abstract

Objective: To broadly describe the vertebrobasilar stenosis in order to elucidate its main developments and synergistic pathologies, as well as its particularities with a view focused on updates of the global approach. Bibliographic review: Vertebrobasilar stenosis has its own singularities since its genesis, therefore, its management is no different. Its diagnosis is difficult and varies according to the manifestations arising from luminal narrowing, whether clinical or radiological, which may determine differential diagnoses or culminate in a symptomatology that determines the main outcome, ischemic stroke, especially in the posterior region. Moreover, the therapeutic approach also oscillates according to this scenario, ranging from pharmacological measures, endovascular interventions and even open surgery, depending on the affected circulation route and more specifically on the stenosed arterial segment. Final considerations: Therefore, understanding the individualities of vertebrobasilar stenosis is of paramount importance for the proper management of the disease and its associated complications, and ranges from attention to the predominant signs for the beginning of the diagnostic process, with the establishment of clinical suspicion, to the choice of therapy with better risk-benefit for the case.