title: [Cervical artery dissection - review].
abstract: In recent years carotid and vertebral artery dissections have been diagnosed more frequently, probably because new imaging techniques are more reliable and they are certainly less invasive. The cause of cervical artery dissections is largely unexplained but probably involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors such as trauma or infection. Most authors recommend intravenous heparin or low molecular weight heparin followed by oral warfarin to maintain INR between 2-3 for 3-6 months. If the artery has healed after 3-6 months of anti-coagulation all treatment can be stopped but if there is a remaining stenosis the patient can be put on aspirin 75-100 mg a day. The long-term prognosis of cervical artery dissection is favourable in the majority of patients. New dissections are uncommon.
authors: Taugadeild Karolinska, Sjúkrahússins í, Stokkhólmi. olafur.sveinsson@karolinska.se
authors: Olafur Arni
authors: OA
authors: Sveinsson
authors: Olafur
authors: O
authors: Kjartansson
authors: Einar Mar
authors: EM
authors: Valdimarsson
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000098:blood supply*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D020217:Vertebral Artery Dissection / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants