Cerebral arterial revascularization: the value of repeated angiography in selection of patients for operation.

Three patients with occlusive cerebrovascular disease were evaluated for possible extracranial-intracranial arterial anastomosis. Cerebral angiography repeated at a later date revealed disappearance of the initial vascular stenosis or occlusion and development of extensive collateral circulation. It was concluded in these cases that surgical revascularization would not improve upon natural revascularization. Repeated angiography provides information of value to the physician who must make a decision about such surgical treatment.