Endovascular therapy vs. conventional medical treatment for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis is a common cause of ischemic stroke, with high recurrence rates despite medical management. The present study investigated the short-term and long-term outcomes of endovascular therapy (ET) versus conventional medical therapy (CMT) in intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (sICAS) management.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. Searches were performed in PubMed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Web of Science (WOS), SCOPUS, and Embase. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. PROSPERO ID: (CRD42024601551).

Results

Five RCTs involving 1,531 patients were included, with 743 in the ET + CMT group and 748 in the CMT group. E

SUBMITTER: Abu Suilik H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12619716 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature