[Asymptomatic carotid stenosis: is surgical prevention of infarct still justified?]

The present retrospective study compared the incidence of TIA, stroke, and death in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis (greater than 50%) during a follow-up period of 24 to 30 months. 65 patients were operated and 193 treated medically. The incidence of death was comparable in both groups. Death in most patients was due to cardiac disease or cancer. The annual incidence of TIA and stroke was not different between the two populations. Despite the low incidence of perioperative complications (%) surgery of asymptomatic carotid stenosis cannot be recommended at the present time.