Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis.

Abstract

Severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis is associated with a stroke risk of approximately 2% per annum. Aggressive management of risk factors is recommended, including cessation of smoking, and treatment of hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia. Patients should be treated with antiplatelet agents. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with greater than or equal to 60% stenosis reduces the risk of stroke by approximately 1% per annum overall. The benefit is greatest for men and younger patients. There may be no benefit for women or for older patients. Carotid angioplasty and stenting is not recommended as an alternative to CEA until there is clinical trial evidence of efficacy in asymptomatic stenosis, except in some patients with technical contraindications to CEA. There is no evidence that patients with asymptomatic severe carotid stenosis should undergo carotid revascularization prior to other surgical procedures, including coronary bypass surgery.