[Occurrence of carotid stenosis in patients with cerebrovascular symptoms]

Stenosis of the internal carotid artery is a well known risk factor and is estimated to be the cause of 20-30% of all strokes. As ultrasonography easily can demonstrate arterial stenosis and causal surgical treatment is available we found it of interest to investigate the occurrence of stenosis found among consecutive non selected patients with focal neurological symptoms. Results of duplex scanning from consecutive patients with various symptoms were collected. Seventeen percent of the patients who had had transient ischaemic attacks were found to have stenosis of 50% or greater. For the patients with persistent central neurological symptoms (stroke) we found stenosis greater than 50% in 23%. Only a few patients with uncharacteristic, non focal symptoms were found to have stenoses. Carotid stenosis is found in approximately 20% of patients with focal neurological symptoms. Hence ultrasound investigation is indicated for patients suited for surgical treatment.