Review ArticleContributing Mechanisms of Aortic Atheroma in Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease

In recent years, the correlation between aortic atheroma (AA) and the occurrence and recurrence of ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD) has attracted much attention, but the contributory mechanisms remain controversial. This review analyzes related research on the roles of AA in ICVD, and demonstrates the correlation between the formation and development of AA and abnormal metabolism, inflammation, hemodynamic changes, and other contributory factors. The presence of complex aortic plaque (CAP) in the ascending aorta and aortic arch increases the risk of cerebral embolism and degree of injury, while the association between CAP in the descending aorta and cerebral embolism remains ambiguous. AA also functions as an indicator of atherosclerosis burden as well as hypercoagulability, which may further increase the risk of ICVD. Further study on the relationship of AA to ICVD will improve diagnosis and treatment in clinical practice.