Complications in carotid endarterectomy are predicted by qualifying symptoms and preoperative CT findings

To relate the 30-day perioperative rate of stroke or death in carotid endarterectomy (CEA) to preoperative qualifying symptoms and to the presence of cerebral infarction (CI) demonstrated on computed tomography (CT).

Retrospective clinical study.

Two hundred and seventy-two consecutive CEAs for symptomatic stenosis in 262 patients were analysed.

The total complication rate was 5.9%. Patients with retinal symptoms (n = 81) had no complications, TIA patients (n = 76) had 6.6% (p < 0.001). Patients qualifying with minor stroke (n = 113) had complications in 9.7% (N.S. compared to TIA patients). Patients qualifying with cortical symptoms had a significantly higher complication rate compared to those with retinal (8.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.004). The presence of a preoperative CT-verified infarction resulted in a higher risk for stroke or death (9.8% vs 2.8%, p = 0.008). Within the subgroup presenting with minor stroke, the presence of CI resulted in stroke or death in 13.9%. In patients without CI the corresponding figure was 2.4% (p = 0.017).

The qualifying symptoms and the presence of CI visualized by CT influence the complication rate in CEA. When evaluating risk and comparing outcome, these parameters should be included in reporting standards.