Retrospective Study On Subclavian Artery Stenosis:Risk Factors,Manifestation And Imaging Characteristics Of56Patients

Objective To analyze risk factors, manifestation and imaging characteristics of subclavian artery stenosis(SAS) firstly diagnosed in the Second Affilliated hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine recent years, so that to guide clincal practice.Methods A total of56subjects(from2012.3to2015.3) were included in this retrospective analysis, recording the data of risk factors, ischemic symptoms, imaging characteristics. SAS was defined with ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance angiography or digital subtraction angiography. The patients were divided into A and B groups according to the degree of stenosis(<70%and>70%).Results Group A contains21patients, and group B contains35patients. Male, hypertension, smoking habit were in close relationship with severe SAS(p=0.004、 p=0.041、p=0.042). The ischemic symptoms of posterior circulation and upper extremity had no definitively relationship with the degree of SAS(p=0.883). There were no patients in group A having a reversal of flow in the vertebral artery, while the occurrence in group B were50%(p=0.001). CT angiography, contrast-enhanced MR angiography had no difference with Digital Subtraction Angiography confirming the presence and degree of SAS.17patients underwent the angioplasty and stenting treatment, of whom14ones resulted in reasonable patency with no major complications.Conclusions (1)Male was the risk factors of severe SAS.(2) CDFI could clearly show the reversal of flow in the vertebral artery which signified the severe stenosis in subclavian artery.(3) CT angiography may be used as confirmatory tests after SAS has been suggested by clinical examination and/or CDFI.(4) Angioplasty and/or stenting is an acceptable option in patients with SAS.