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Updated: May 13, 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

Management of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis

Marc P Bonaca1, Joshua Beckman

  • 1Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA, mbonaca@partners.org.

Current Treatment Options in Cardiovascular Medicine
|March 23, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Managing atherosclerotic asymptomatic carotid artery disease involves intensive risk factor modification to prevent ischemic stroke. Selected patients may benefit from revascularization, but overall cardiovascular risk reduction is key.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Atherosclerotic asymptomatic carotid artery disease increases the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including ischemic stroke.
  • Intensive risk factor modification is crucial for managing this patient population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the management strategies for atherosclerotic asymptomatic carotid artery disease.
  • To highlight the importance of risk factor modification and patient selection for revascularization.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current evidence-based guidelines and emerging therapies.
  • Analysis of patient and lesion characteristics influencing revascularization outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Intensive risk factor modification significantly reduces adverse cardiovascular events.
  • Carotid endarterectomy or stenting may benefit carefully selected patients with severe stenosis.
  • Novel therapies show promise in further reducing cardiovascular event risk.

Conclusions:

  • The primary goal in managing asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis is comprehensive cardiovascular risk reduction.
  • Patient and lesion selection are critical for optimizing outcomes of revascularization procedures.
  • Emerging medical therapies offer additional avenues for risk mitigation.
Abstract

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