The cerebral and spinal vasculature possesses several unique properties: it is composed of
relatively small vessels, it has a highly connected network architecture, and, due to the
confined space around the brain, disruptions in flow (rupture, shunting, or blockage) can
cause a clinical impact quickly. These features apply across various pathological conditions
that alter the distribution of blood through the cerebral vasculature, such as aneurysm,
intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) and arteriovenous malformation (AVM) as well as
others.
Neurovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality due to stroke in the United States and
encompasses a broad range of pathologies including but not limited to cerebral arteriovenous
malformation, intracranial atherosclerotic disease, intracranial aneurysms and other
neurovascular abnormalities. Novel modalities for assessing disease states in patients with
these pathologic conditions are constantly being developed and the understanding of risk
factors, disease progression, and effective therapy is rapidly evolving. Neurovascular
imaging is at the forefront of this progress. The identification of new predictive biomarkers
regarding the risk of rupture, progression, or recurrence will improve prognosis and
treatment planning.
In this study, there will be evaluation of the various types of brain lesions and different
treatment options that have been used by the treating physicians and, grade outcome based on
the standard of care MRI imaging. This can help the Investigators stratify the treatment
routes, that are better than the other by assessing the mortality and morbidity rates.
Investigators are evaluating intracranial lesions and their treatment outcomes can help
analyze which standard of care treatment is better than the others at a setting like
Northwestern.