Concurrent stenoses: A common etiology of stroke in Asians.

Atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels is a common cause of stroke. Racial differences in the distribution of cerebrovascular occlusive disease are well documented. Extracranial stenosis is more common in Caucasians, while intracranial stenosis is more common in Asians, Hispanics and African-Americans. Concurrent atherosclerosis of extracranial and intracranial vessels is common in Asians. The incidence of concurrent stenoses ranges from 10% to 48% in patients with symptomatic cerebrovascular disease. The long-term prognosis of these patients is poor and they are at high risk of further vascular events or death. The purpose of this review is to examine the epidemiology, risk factors, stroke mechanism and genetics of concurrent stenoses and to discuss strategies for treatment.