Clinical Report: Cerebral Artery Stump Syndrome: A Detailed Pooled Analysis

Overview

This study presents a pooled analysis of 188 cases of cerebral artery stump syndrome (CASS). Anticoagulation therapy was identified as the preferred medical treatment.

Background

Cerebral artery stump syndrome (CASS) is a rare but significant cause of ischemic strokes, characterized by thrombus formation at occluded arterial stumps. The condition can lead to recurrent cerebrovascular events, necessitating timely diagnosis and effective treatment strategies. Current therapeutic approaches remain controversial, highlighting the need for comprehensive evaluations to guide clinical decision-making.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• A total of 188 patients were analyzed, with 103 cases of carotid stump syndrome (CSS) and 85 cases of vertebral artery stump syndrome (VASS).
• The recurrence rate for medical treatment alone was significantly higher (19.0%) compared to invasive treatments.
• Invasive treatments showed lower recurrence rates: carotid endarterectomy (1.7%), endovascular embolization (0.0%), and external carotid stenting (0.0%).
• Initial anticoagulant therapy had a recurrence rate of 42.1%, lower than antiplatelet therapy at 93.0%.
• Embolus source occlusion is central to the treatment of CASS.
• Individualized diagnosis and treatment strategies for CSS and VASS are recommended.

Clinical Implications

Anticoagulation therapy should be prioritized in medical management, particularly for those not undergoing invasive procedures.

Conclusion

This comprehensive analysis highlights the importance of treatment modality in managing CASS.

Related Resources & Content

1. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Cerebral Artery Stump Syndrome: A Comprehensive Pooled Analysis of 188 Angiographically Confirmed Cases
2. Carotid stump syndrome in radiation-induced bilateral carotid occlusive vasculopathy, Neuroradiology, 2026
3. Exploring vertebral artery stump syndrome: An overlooked cause of posterior ischemic strokes, ScienceDirect, 2024
4. 2026 Acute Ischemic Stroke Guidelines, AHA/ASA
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9. Frontiers | Cerebral Artery Stump Syndrome: A Comprehensive Pooled Analysis of 188 Angiographically Confirmed Cases
10. Carotid stump syndrome in radiation-induced bilateral carotid occlusive vasculopathy | Neuroradiology | Springer Nature Link
11. Exploring vertebral artery stump syndrome: An overlooked cause of posterior ischemic strokes. A narrative review of current management options - ScienceDirect
12. 2026 Acute Ischemic Stroke Guidelines
13. European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Atherosclerotic Carotid and Vertebral Artery Disease
14. Endovascular Recanalization in Patients With Vertebral Artery Stump Syndrome: A Single-Center Experience - PubMed