Carotid Artery Stenting and Its Impact on Cognitive Function: A Prospective Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is a primary treatment for carotid revascularization to prevent strokes.
• Limited data exists on CAS's impact on cognitive function (CF), particularly in Indian populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of CAS on cognitive function (CF) in Indian patients.
• To assess immediate and delayed complications associated with CAS in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, observational, single-center study.
• Cognitive function assessed using Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE) pre- and post-stenting (3 months).
• Demographic, clinical parameters, and complications were monitored.

Main Results:

• 31 patients included; 3 lost to follow-up. No procedure-related complications occurred.
• Statistically significant improvement in overall ACE scores and memory post-CAS.
• Subgroup analysis revealed improvements in visuospatial function and ACE scores; left CAS showed greater memory and language improvements.

Conclusions:

• CAS is linked to significant improvements in cognitive function (CF).
• The procedure is safe with no immediate or delayed complications observed in this cohort.