Trial to investigate the best treatment to prevent further stroke in patients with disease of the main blood vessel

Disease of blood vessel walls (atherosclerosis) can promote the formation of blood clots. If these break off they can be carried in the circulation to the brain where they can cause a stroke. Atherosclerosis of the main blood vessel from the heart (the aorta) is sometimes seen in patients who have had a stroke and these patients are at increased risk of having a further stroke. The best way to prevent this is not known.

ARCH (Aortic Arch Related Cerebral Hazard) is an international randomised clinical trial comparing two treatments to see which is best at preventing further strokes in patients with atherosclerosis in the aorta (aortic arch atheroma). One treatment makes cells in the blood (the platelets) less sticky (antiplatelet treatment), and the other interferes with the proteins needed to clot the blood (anticoagulant treatment). Both of these treatments are already in widespread use, but the best treatment for patients with aortic arch atheroma is not known.

Scientific title: Aortic Arch Related Cerebral Hazard - A randomised controlled clinical trial (EudraCT)

Classification:
Prevention, Vascular Pathology

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