Interventional neuroradiology.

Interventional neuroradiology is a dynamic subspecialty which is rapidly gaining new applications in the treatment of neurological diseases. The most common therapeutic role is still in the treatment of brain AVMs, aneurysms and fistulae in close association with neurosurgical support. Endovascular treatment of aneurysms with thrombogenic coils is a promising technique which can be performed with low morbidity. The goal of complete aneurysm occlusion, including the neck, has not yet been achieved in all cases and the procedure has not been shown to possess clear advantages over surgical clipping. Pre-operative embolization of tumours and spinal lesions are common procedures in some centres. Angioplasty and papaverine infusion for treatment of cerebral vasospasm are being performed in most neurosurgical teaching centres. Although angiographic results are often impressive, corresponding clinical improvement is not always seen, particularly when treatment is delayed. Thrombolysis for treatment of acute stroke and angioplasty for treatment of cerebrovascular atherosclerosis are new techniques which await scientific validation before being accepted as standard therapies.