Please select the eligibility criteria that correspond to the clinical trial below.
Title: Stenting vs. Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent Stroke in Intracranial Stenosis
Brief Summary: PRIMARY HYPOTHESIS:

Compared with intensive medical therapy alone, intracranial angioplasty and stenting combined with intensive medical therapy will decrease the risk of the primary endpoint by 35% over a mean follow-up of two years in high-risk patients patients with 70% - 99% intracranial stenosis who had a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke within 30 days prior to enrollment) with symptomatic stenosis of a major intracranial artery.

SUMMARY:

The best treatment for prevention of another stroke or TIA in patients with narrowing of one of the arteries in the brain is uncertain. A common treatment is the use of anti-clotting medications to prevent blood clots from forming in the narrowed vessel. There are a variety of medicines used for this purpose. These medications are usually taken for the rest of a patient's life.

However, a treatment that has been used successfully together with anti-clotting medications in patients with narrowing of the blood vessels of the heart is now being studied in the blood vessels of the brain. This treatment is called stenting.

Recent research has also indicated a benefit in prevention of recurring stroke by Intensive Medical Therapy, which is defined as treating risk factors for stroke like high blood pressure, elevated LDL (low density lipids - the "bad" form of cholesterol) and diabetes. The purpose of this study is to compare the safety and effectiveness of either Intensive Medical Therapy PLUS Stenting or Intensive Medical Therapy ONLY in preventing stroke, heart attacks or death.

The study will enroll patients over a 5 year period. Each participant will be involved in the study for a minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years.

Fifty different medical centers in the United States are part of this study. Both the Clinical Coordinating Center and the Statistical Coordinating Center for the entire study will be located at Emory University.


Options:
A: Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical lacunar stroke syndrome.
* Brain scanning\* with MR including diffusion imaging wherever possible, and obtained soon after the presentation with stroke, shows either:

  * a recent, relevant (in time and location) acute lacunar infarct on diffusion MR imaging1,
  * or, if no visible acute lacunar infarct on diffusion MR imaging2 then there is no competing pathology as a cause for stroke (e.g. no acute cortical infarct, no acute intra-cerebral haemorrhage, no stroke mimic such as tumour, subdural haematoma);
  * or, if only a CT brain scan is available2 as in section 3 above, then there is a small relevant (in age and location) subcortical infarct, or if no infarct then there is no competing pathology as a cause for stroke (e.g. no acute cortical infarct, no acute intra-cerebral haemorrhage, no stroke mimic such as tumour, subdural haematoma).

    1. Note that if there is no acute lacunar infarct on MR diffusion imaging but there is a recent-appearing lacunar infarct on FLAIR, T2, or T1 (i.e. no cavitation or ex-vacuo effect; may be slightly swollen, ill-defined edges; or scan in the few weeks before the stroke does not show a lesion but there is an acute lacunar infarct on MR T2, FLAIR, T1 scanning after the stroke in an appropriate area of the brain for symptoms), then the T2, FLAIR, T1 lesion may be counted as the acute lacunar infarct in the absence of a diffusion lesion. Similarly, on CT2 a recent relevant small subcortical infarct would not show cavitation or shrinkage/ex vacuo effect.
    2. Note that about a third of patients with a clinically definite lacunar syndrome do not have a corresponding recent infarct visible on MRI but should still be classed as 'lacunar stroke' if no other explanation can be found for the symptoms. The presence of a recent cortical infarct on FLAIR, T2, T1, the recent timing being indicated by the characteristics above, would count as a competing pathology.

Note that the complete absence of any abnormality on MR or CT brain imaging (no acute subcortical infarct or pre-existing SVD such as white matter hyperintensities, lacunes, etc.) while occasionally seen in lacunar stroke is unusual and should question the diagnosis of lacunar ischaemic stroke.

* Age \> 30 years
* Independent in activities of daily living (modified Rankin ≤2)
* Capacity to give consent themselves

Exclusion Criteria:

* Other significant active neurological illness present since suffering stroke (e.g. recurrent seizures, multiple sclerosis, brain tumour). Well-controlled epilepsy present prior to the stroke, a single seizure at onset of the stroke or provoked seizure is not an exclusion.
* Requiring assistance with activities of daily living (Modified Rankin ≥3)
* Has been diagnosed as having dementia on formal clinical assessment
* Active cardiac disease (atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction in past 6 months, active angina, symptomatic cardiac failure)
* Diagnosis of hypotension, defined as sitting systolic blood pressure less than 100mmHg
* Definite indication for (i.e. already prescribed) either trial medication, or definite contraindication to a trial drug as per SPCs - lactose intolerance is a contraindication to ISMN preparations which contain lactose monohydrate - (indication for or contraindication to one of the trial drugs still allows randomisation to the other trial drug)
* Unable to swallow tablets
* Bleeding tendency (e.g. known platelets\<100, active peptic ulcer, history of intracranial haemorrhage such as subdural haematoma, subarachnoid haemorrhage, intracerebral haemorrhage, but not asymptomatic haemorrhagic transformation of infarction or a few microbleeds, taking anticoagulant medication)
* Planned surgery during the trial period including carotid endarterectomy. Note prior and apparently successful carotid endarterectomy (or other surgery) is not an exclusion criterion and patients who would otherwise be eligible but require endarterectomy first may be randomised after recovery from successful endarterectomy.
* Other concurrent life threatening illness
* Unlikely to be available for follow-up (e.g. moving outside or visitor to the area)
* History of drug overdose or attempted suicide or significant active mental illness
* Pregnant or breastfeeding women, women of childbearing age not taking contraception. Acceptable contraception in women of childbearing age is a "highly effective" contraceptive measure as defined by the Clinical Trials Facilitation Group (http://www.hma.eu/fileadmin/dateien/Human_Medicines/01-About_HMA/Working_Groups/CTFG/2014_09_HMA_CTFG_Contraception.pdf) and includes combined (oestrogen and progesterone containing) or progesterone-only contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation, or intrauterine device or bilateral tubal occlusion. Contraception must be continued for up to 30 days after the end of the IMP dosing schedule.
* Prohibited medications to either trial drug (see sections 4.5 of the appended SPCs and protocol section 6.6.3, plus no anticoagulant drugs); (prohibited medications to one of the trial drugs still allows randomisation to the other trial drug).
* Renal impairment (creatinine clearance \<25 ml/min)
* Hepatic impairment
* Current enrolment in another Clinical Trial of Investigational Medicinal Product (CTIMP); still in extended follow-up beyond the CTIMP primary outcome and no longer taking that trial's IMP is not an exclusion to enrolment in LACI-2.
* Unable to tolerate MRI or contraindication to MRI (Claustrophobia, Pacemaker)
B: Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ranging from 40 to 80 years
2. After newly ischemic stroke from 3 months to 2 years
3. Brain CT or MRI shows stroke lesions and white matter lesions, ARWMC(Age Related White Matter Change)\>=4
4. Moderate or mild cognitive deficits: MMSE 12-26
5. Vascular or mixed dementia: Hachinski ischemic score\>4
6. Moderate or mild disability: MRS\<=4,NIHSS\<20
7. Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Definitive diagnosis of dementia prior to the stroke
2. Cerebral hemorrhage in the past
3. Cerebral embolism result from cardiogenic embolus
4. Critically ills: MRS\>4,NIHSS\>=20
5. Bed-ridden patient who is hardly discovered newly stroke
6. patient with sever cardiac, hepatic or nephric complication
7. dementia caused not by vascular lesions
8. other diseases disturb the cognitive evaluation
9. susceptibility to varieties of allergen
10. abstain from Cilostazol or Asprin
11. antiplatelet treatment, anticoagulation or fibrinolysis are needed because of other diseases
12. rejected to participate by the patient or the family
C: Inclusion criteria:

* Adult subjects (male or female≥40 years)
* Acute non-disabling ischemic stroke (NIHSS≤3 at the time of randomization) that can be treated with study drug within 24 hours of symptoms onset. Symptom onset is defined by the "last see normal" principle
* TIA (Neurological deficit attributed to focal brain ischemia, with resolution of the deficit within 24 hours of symptom onset), that can be treated with study drug within 24 hours of symptoms onset and with moderate-to-high risk of stroke recurrence (ABCD2 score≥4 at the time of randomization).Symptom onset is defined by the "last see normal" principle
* Informed consent signed

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of hemorrhage or other pathology, such as vascular malformation, tumor, abscess or other major non-ischemic brain disease (e.g., multiple sclerosis) on baseline head CT or MRI
* Isolated or pure sensory symptoms (e.g., numbness), isolated visual changes, or isolated dizziness/vertigo without evidence of acute infarction on baseline head CT or MRI
* Modified Rankin Scale Score\>2 at randomization (pre-morbid historical assessment)
* NIH Stroke Score≥4 at randomization
* Clear indication for anticoagulation(presumed cardiac source of embolus, e.g., atrial fibrillation, prosthetic cardiac valves known or suspected endocarditis)
* Contraindication to clopidogrel or ASA
* Known allergy
* Severe renal or hepatic insufficiency
* Severe cardiac failure, asthma
* Hemostatic disorder or systemic bleeding
* History of hemostatic disorder or systemic bleeding
* History of thrombocytopenia or neutropenia
* History of drug-induced hematologic or hepatic abnormalities
* Low white blood cell (\<2 x109/l) or platelet count (\<100 x109/l)
* Use of thrombolysis within 24 hours prior to randomization
* History of intracranial hemorrhage
* Anticipated requirement for long-term non-study antiplatelet drugs, or NSAIDs affecting platelet function
* Current treatment (last dose given within 10 days before randomization) with heparin therapy or oral anti coagulation
* Gastrointestinal bleed or major surgery within 3 months
* Planned or likely revascularization (any angioplasty or vascular surgery) within the next 3 months (if clinically indicated, vascular imaging should be performed prior to randomization whenever possible)
* Scheduled for surgery or interventional treatment requiring study drug cessation
* Qualifying TIA or minor stroke induced by angiography or surgery
* Severe non-cardiovascular comorbidity with life expectancy \< 3 months
* Women of childbearing age not practicing reliable contraception who do not have a documented negative pregnancy test
* Currently receiving an investigational drug or device
D: INCLUSION CRITERIA

1. Transient ischemic attack (TIA) or non-severe stroke within 30 days of enrollment attributed to 70-99% stenosis of a major intracranial artery (carotid artery, MCA stem (M1), vertebral artery, or basilar artery)

   • may be diagnosed byTranscranial Doppler (TCD), Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA), or computed tomography angiography (CTA) to qualify for angiogram performed as part of the study protocol but must be confirmed by catheter angiography for enrollment in the trial
2. Modified Rankin score of ≤ 3
3. Target area of stenosis in an intracranial artery that has a normal diameter of 2.00 mm to 4.50 mm
4. Target area of stenosis is less than or equal to 14 mm in length
5. Age ≥ 30 years and ≤ 80 years.

   • Patients 30-49 years are required to meet at least one additional criteria (i-vi) provided in the table below to qualify for the study. This additional requirement is to increase the likelihood that the symptomatic intracranial stenosis in patients 30-49 years is atherosclerotic.

   i. insulin dependent diabetes for at least 15 years ii. at least 2 of the following atherosclerotic risk factors: hypertension (BP \> 140/90 or on antihypertensive therapy); dyslipidemia (LDL \> 130 mg /dl or HDL \< 40 mg/dl or fasting triglycerides \> 150 mg/dl or on lipid lowering therapy); smoking; non-insulin dependent diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes of less than 15 years duration; family history of any of the following: myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass, coronary angioplasty or stenting, stroke, carotid endarterectomy or stenting, peripheral vascular surgery in parent or sibling who was \< 55 years of age for men or \< 65 for women at the time of the event ii. history of any of the following: myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass, coronary angioplasty or stenting, carotid endarterectomy or stenting, or peripheral vascular surgery for atherosclerotic disease iv. any stenosis of an extracranial carotid or vertebral artery, another intracranial artery, subclavian artery, coronary artery, iliac or femoral artery, other lower or upper extremity artery, mesenteric artery, or renal artery that was documented by non-invasive vascular imaging or catheter angiography and is considered atherosclerotic v. aortic arch atheroma documented by non-invasive vascular imaging or catheter angiography vi. any aortic aneurysm documented by non-invasive vascular imaging or catheter angiography that is considered atherosclerotic
6. Negative pregnancy test in a female who has had any menses in the last 18 months
7. Patient is willing and able to return for all follow-up visits required by the protocol
8. Patient is available by phone
9. Patient understands the purpose and requirements of the study, can make him/herself understood, and has provided informed consent

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

1. Tandem extracranial or intracranial stenosis (70%-99%) or occlusion that is proximal or distal to the target intracranial lesion (NOTE: an exception is allowed if the occlusion involves a single vertebral artery proximal to a symptomatic basilar artery stenosis and the contralateral vertebral artery is supplying the basilar artery)
2. Bilateral intracranial vertebral artery stenosis of 70%-99% and uncertainty about which artery is symptomatic (e.g. if patient has pontine, midbrain, or temporal - occipital symptoms)
3. Stenting, angioplasty, or endarterectomy of an extracranial (carotid or vertebral artery) or intracranial artery within 30 days prior to expected enrollment date
4. Previous treatment of target lesion with a stent, angioplasty, or other mechanical device, or plan to perform staged angioplasty followed by stenting of target lesion
5. Plan to perform concomitant angioplasty or stenting of an extracranial vessel tandem to an intracranial stenosis
6. Presence of intraluminal thrombus proximal to or at the target lesion
7. Any aneurysm proximal to or distal to stenotic intracranial artery
8. Intracranial tumor (except meningioma) or any intracranial vascular malformation
9. CT or angiographic evidence of severe calcification at target lesion
10. Thrombolytic therapy within 24 hours prior to enrollment
11. Progressive neurological signs within 24 hours prior to enrollment
12. Brain infarct within previous 30 days of enrollment that is of sufficient size (\> 5 cms) to be at risk of hemorrhagic conversion during or after stenting
13. Any hemorrhagic infarct within 14 days prior to enrollment
14. Any hemorrhagic infarct within 15 - 30 days that is associated with mass effect
15. Any history of a primary intracerebral (parenchymal) hemorrhage (ICH)
16. Any other intracranial hemorrhage (subarachnoid, subdural, epidural) within 30 days
17. Any untreated chronic subdural hematoma of greater than 5 mm in thickness
18. Intracranial arterial stenosis due to arterial dissection, Moya Moya disease; any known vasculitic disease; herpes zoster, varicella zoster or other viral vasculopathy; neurosyphilis; any other intracranial infection; any intracranial stenosis associated with Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis; radiation induced vasculopathy; fibromuscular dysplasia; sickle cell disease; neurofibromatosis; benign angiopathy of central nervous system; post-partum angiopathy; suspected vasospastic process, suspected recanalized embolus
19. Presence of any of the following unequivocal cardiac sources of embolism: chronic or paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, mitral stenosis, mechanical valve, endocarditis, intracardiac clot or vegetation, myocardial infarction within three months, dilated cardiomyopathy, left atrial spontaneous echo contrast, ejection fraction less than 30%
20. Known allergy or contraindication to aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, nitinol, local or general anesthesia
21. History of life-threatening allergy to contrast dye. If not life threatening and can be effectively pretreated, patient can be enrolled at physician's discretion
22. Active peptic ulcer disease, major systemic hemorrhage within 30 days, active bleeding diathesis, platelets \< 100,000, hematocrit \< 30, International normalized ratio (INR) \> 1.5, clotting factor abnormality that increases the risk of bleeding, current alcohol or substance abuse, uncontrolled severe hypertension (systolic pressure \> 180 mm Hg or diastolic pressure \> 115 mm Hg), severe liver impairment Aspartate Transaminase (AST) or Alanine transaminase (ALT) \> 3 x normal, cirrhosis, creatinine \> 3.0 (unless on dialysis)
23. Major surgery (including open femoral, aortic, or carotid surgery) within previous 30 days or planned in the next 90 days after enrollment
24. Indication for warfarin or heparin beyond enrollment (NOTE: exceptions allowed for use of systemic heparin during stenting procedure or subcutaneous heparin for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis while hospitalized)
25. Severe neurological deficit that renders the patient incapable of living independently
26. Dementia or psychiatric problem that prevents the patient from following an outpatient program reliably
27. Co-morbid conditions that may limit survival to less than 3 years
28. Pregnancy or of childbearing potential and unwilling to use contraception for the duration of this study
29. Enrollment in another study that would conflict with the current study

Answer: D