Intracranial atherosclerosis is the narrowing or blockage of circle of Willis arteries due to the accumulation and hardening of lipids, which results in atherosclerotic plaques. These atherosclerotic plaques are characterized by fatty deposits, cholesterol, inflammatory cells and calcified nodules, and other substances on the in walls of the arteries. Over time, these plaques grow and narrow the arteries, restricting blood flow to the affected areas. This growth can lead to various complications such as ischemic stroke or vascular cognitive impairment.
There are several risk factors for intracranial atherosclerosis, which can be grouped into two categories:
The non-modifiable risk factors, such as:
- Age: risk of atherosclerosis increases with age
- Family history: high familial LDL/cholesterol levels
The modifiable risk factors, such as:
- Smoking: Tobacco use significantly increases the development of atherosclerosis
- Diabetes: uncontrolled leads to an increased risk for atherosclerosis
- Hypertension: elevated blood pressure can contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis
The Circle of Willis Guide 