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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis are at increased vascular risk but optimal treatment is controversial. We reviewed the current evidence for medical and surgical intervention in these patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Optimal medical treatment is the most important aspect of management of patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. On the basis of previous trials, endarterectomy is only of overall benefit in men, and this benefit may now be obviated by improved medical treatment. There is insufficient evidence to advocate the routine use of carotid angioplasty or stenting in patients with asymptomatic stenosis. Inaccuracy in the measurement of carotid stenosis may contribute to conflicting estimates of stroke risk in relation to the degree of asymptomatic stenosis. Advances in noninvasive imaging of plaque morphology and inflammation and the detection of microembolic signals may help to risk stratify patients but data on clinical usefulness are lacking. SUMMARY: Absolute benefit from endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid stenosis is small, but can sometimes be justified in men. Further research is required to determine long-term benefit in women and to risk stratify patients, particularly in the light of advances in medical treatment.

Original publication

DOI

10.1097/WCO.0b013e328012da60

Type

Journal article

Journal

Curr Opin Neurol

Publication Date

02/2007

Volume

20

Pages

58 - 64

Keywords

Anticoagulants, Antihypertensive Agents, Carotid Arteries, Carotid Stenosis, Endarterectomy, Carotid, Humans, Hypolipidemic Agents, Risk Assessment, Sex Distribution, Stroke