It has been recommended that patients receive long-term
antithrombotic therapy,11,12
but the optimal drug and duration have not been studied.
In the absence of documented healing of the vessel, it
is reasonable to provide some treatment, as stroke has
been reported as long as 14 years after injury. Coumadin
was recommended in early series,11,12
but with the apparent efficacy of antiplatelet therapy
in the early period, it seems that long-term
antiplatelet therapy is preferable to warfarin for its
safety and cost profile. Aspirin and clopidogrel have
different mechanisms of action; in addition, some
individuals are resistant to the effects of one or both
drugs. Several studies have evaluated the safety and
efficacy of dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin combined
with clopidogrel) in a number of clinical situations.
Dual therapy is indicated in the setting of acute
coronary syndromes and percutaneous coronary
interventions, with or without stent placement. On the
other hand, it is not recommended in patients who have
had a stroke or transient ischemic attack, based on
increased bleeding risk and the lack of benefit or
increase in mortality.38
More studies are necessary to determine the risk:benefit
of dual therapy in BCVI. Lifelong antiplatelet therapy
is recommended if the lesion persists. Aspirin is
currently the agent of choice, but newer agents with
reversible effects may be preferable in the future.
Platelet mapping may one day assist in choice of drug
and dose.