Cost-Effectiveness of Quantitative MRA Screening and Submaximal Angioplasty for Symptomatic Vertebrobasilar Disease

摘要

Background and Purpose—The Vertebrobasilar Flow Evaluation and Risk of Transient Ischemic Attack and Stroke (VERiTAS) study demonstrated posterior circulation distal flow status, determined by quantitative magnetic resonance angiography (qMRA), is a robust predictor of vertebrobasilar (VB) stroke risk in patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic VB disease. Flow-compromised high-risk patients may benefit from flow-restoring endovascular procedures, such as submaximal angioplasty. In this study we examine the cost-effectiveness of qMRA screening to identify patients who may benefit from submaximal angioplasty to restore VB flow.