[Cervical artery dissection: recent data physiopathologic hypotheses].

INTRODUCTION: Cervicocranial arterial dissection is a major cause of cerebral infarction in young subjects. Traumatic and infectious factors are frequently suspected to be at the origin of cervicocranial artery dissection. However, they are usually too minor or too common to explain the vessel wall split-off. Underlying arteriopathy predisposing to dissections is therefore often suspected. CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS: The hypothesis of an underlying arteriopathy is based in certain cases on either the discovery of hereditary connective tissue disorders (or secondary signs of these diseases) or their frequent association with vascular and cardiac morphological abnormalities, thus suggesting extracellular matrix abnormalities. Current histological and biochemical data do not suggest the existence of a unique form of the disease but rather indicate the presence of various matrix abnormalities that could involve one of the fibrillar components or its enzymatic regulation. FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS: Classification of dissections according to the various vascular wall alterations would therefore permit to better define recurrence and familial risks and to improve overall management of the patients.