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Updated: May 23, 2026

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis
09:36

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

Published on: August 12, 2025

Evidence-based management of carotid artery disease

Sibu P Saha1, Thomas F Whayne, Debabrata Mukherjee

  • 1Gill Heart Institute and the Divisions of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.

The International Journal of Angiology : Official Publication of the International College of Angiology, Inc
|April 6, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Carotid artery stenosis, caused by atherosclerotic plaques, is a major stroke cause. Prevention and management strategies, including medical and surgical interventions, are key to avoiding stroke-related disability and death.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide.
  • Carotid artery stenosis, resulting from atherosclerotic plaques, is a primary contributor to ischemic stroke.
  • Effective prevention and management of carotid atherosclerosis are crucial for reducing stroke incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of carotid artery stenosis and its role in stroke.
  • To outline diagnostic methods and therapeutic strategies for carotid stenosis.
  • To emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in stroke prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current medical literature on carotid artery stenosis and stroke.
  • Analysis of diagnostic techniques, including noninvasive testing.
  • Evaluation of medical management (plaque stabilization, antiplatelet therapy) and surgical interventions (carotid endarterectomy, angioplasty stenting).

Main Results:

  • Noninvasive testing enables accurate diagnosis of carotid stenosis.
  • Medical management, including plaque stabilization and platelet inhibition, is vital for stroke prevention.
  • Surgical options like carotid endarterectomy and angioplasty stenting are effective for advanced lesions.
  • A collaborative medical-surgical approach improves stroke avoidance outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Carotid artery stenosis is a significant, yet manageable, risk factor for stroke.
  • A combination of medical and surgical strategies, tailored to individual patient risk, offers the best approach to stroke prevention.
  • Multidisciplinary care is essential for optimizing outcomes in patients with carotid stenosis.

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