POSTERIOR CIRCULATION ISCHAEMIC STROKE IMAGING – CORRELATES AND PERSPECTIVES
Posterior circulation ischaemic stroke (PCIS) is a disease of high mortality and morbidity. However, current research predominantly focuses on the anterior circulation, specifically the internal carotid artery. Recommendations of change are required for the improvement of clinical outcomes. This article discusses the neuroimaging techniques used for diagnosis and three new research perspectives in neuroradiology concerning PCIS, which are namely (1) clinically significant anatomical variants, (2) artery-artery embolisation and, (3) collateralisation. The anatomical variants discussed include: (a) vertebral artery hypoplasia/agenesis, (b) Artery of Percheron, and (c) vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia. Such research perspectives are expected to increase clinical awareness and diagnostic accuracy, ensuring prompt treatment, improved patient care and ameliorated treatment outcomes. This article also suggests that, in the field of collateralisation in PCIS, prognostication can be improved by the construction of risk stratification models and synthesis of new therapeutic strategies.