Raffaele Del Guercio
Cattedra di Angiologia, II Università,  Napoli

Among the various pathologies regarding the encephalon a prominent position should be assigned to those of a vascular nature and among these in particular the stroke. Many studies have been carried out in order to highlight its incidence and alleoeosis. In a recent Framingham study the frequency of alloeosis was evaluated for the general population. The data drawn from this study highlighted the following percentages concerning cerebral vascular pathology. 75% is to be attributed to atherothrombosis, 16% to cerebral embolism, 4% to intracerebral haemorrhage, 10% to subarachnoid haemorrhage and finally 13% to other causes. As we can clearly see, thrombosis is the integral part of the physiopathologic mechanisms. To support the above data primary and secondary prevention is important and also to recognise the need for a therapy capable of preventing, inhibiting and reversing thrombus formation. Currently stroke incidence and mortality rate is decreasing in many parts of the world. Is this due to specific types of medical therapy? Has medical therapy had an effect on specific risk factors for the cerebrovascular illness?
Antiaggregants and anticoagulants in all their shapes and forms are among the various drugs currently used for treating this pathology and for eliminating risk factors correctly.
As we can clearly see, the problem is a serious one and dealing with it in all its aspects will certainly help to throw light on and pinpoint many areas where international literature has not yet provided us with sufficiently encouraging data.