Efficacy and Outcome of Carotid Endarterectomy for Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis

Carotid stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the carotid arteries, is a significant concern due to its potential to cause debilitating strokes. As individuals age, the prevalence of moderate to severe carotid artery stenosis increases, particularly after the age of 50, and it affects men more than women. When a physician detects the presence of carotid bruit, an ultrasound examination or CTA/MRA is typically prescribed to confirm the presence and severity of carotid stenosis .

Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is characterized by the thickening of the arterial walls due to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, leading to a reduction in the diameter of the artery. The arterial structure is composed of three layers of tissue: tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica adventitia. The tunica intima, which contains a monolayer of endothelial cells, plays a crucial role in facilitating blood movement. In response to injury, the endothelium triggers a biochemical signal for inflammatory cell migration, leading to the formation of fatty streaks and subsequently atherosclerotic plaque. Various factors such as hemodynamic, metabolic, environmental, and genetic risks contribute to inflammatory responses, cell proliferation, and plaque progression. The formation of atheroma in the arterial lumen ultimately results in arterial stenosis, which can lead to transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke .

The management of carotid stenosis involves two main interventions: carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS). CEA is a surgical procedure that entails the removal of atherosclerotic material causing stenosis at the carotid bifurcation. It can be performed under local or general anesthesia, with local anesthesia offering the advantage of enabling direct observation and monitoring of the patient's neurological status throughout the procedure. On the other hand, CAS is often carried out under local anesthesia and involves the placement of a stent across the stenosis to restore the normal luminal diameter. Prior to these interventions, patients are typically prescribed lipid-lowering and antithrombotic medications to stabilize the plaque and discourage thrombosis. The indications for CEA and CAS are similar, with considerations for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients based on the degree of stenosis and the perceived long-term risk of stroke .

. Stroke is prevalent ailment that impacts a substantial number of individuals globally, resulting in both physical impairment and mortality. One of its major causes is carotid artery stenosis. The symptoms and degree of stenosis are key indications for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). In this study, we highlight the indications and outcomes of carotid endarterectomy .

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is known to reduce stroke risk in patients with symptomatic, moderate to severe carotid stenosis but has no apparent impact in patients with symptomatic, mild (less than 50%) carotid stenosis. However, recent development of noninvasive imaging modalities has shown that a certain subgroup of patients are at high risk for further ischemic events despite antiplatelet therapy. This study, therefore, aimed to clarify the patients' clinical features and explore the impact of CEA for them.

Carotid artery stenting is an alternative to carotid endarterectomy for the treatment of atherosclerotic carotid artery stenosis.