Large artery intracranial occlusive disease: a large worldwide burden but a relatively neglected frontier.
OBJECTIVE
Large artery intracranial occlusive disease (LAICOD) is a common and important stroke subtype. In this commentary, we review key epidemiological aspects of LAICOD.


RESULTS
LAICOD has emerged as the most common stroke subtype worldwide and is associated with a high risk of recurrent stroke. Hypotheses have been proposed to explain causation, which include such factors as traditional cardiovascular risk factors, high blood volume states, and genetic abnormalities. Approaches to treatment such as antithrombotic therapies, revascularization procedures, and counterpulsation devices hold promise.


CONCLUSIONS
LAICOD poses a major stroke problem worldwide and is likely the most common stroke subtype. The etiology and treatment of this disorder remain poorly defined. International collaborations are needed to pool collective knowledge and develop definitive studies to better understand causation and treatment of LAICOD.
Center for Stroke Research, Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. pgorelic@uic.edu
Philip B
PB
Gorelick
Ka Sing
KS
Wong
Hee-Joon
HJ
Bae
Dilip K
DK
Pandey
D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D002536:Cerebral Arteries; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D020521:Stroke / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy