Recent advances in understanding the role of inflammatory vascular disorders in the production of ischemic stroke have resulted in improved diagnosis and treatment of this subset of stroke patients. These disorders include collagen vascular diseases, the primary anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome and vasculitic diseases. However, the interest generated in this area has led to an overdiagnosis of vasculitis in stroke patients, some overuse of steroids, and the routine ordering of expensive laboratory tests which do not contribute to the evaluation and treatment of most cases of stroke. Inflammatory vascular disorders are reviewed in relation to the potential mechanisms of ischemic stroke, along with specific diagnostic and therapeutic considerations. The appropriate use of specialized laboratory tests and diagnostic pitfalls are also reviewed.
© Lippincott-Raven Publishers.
