[Scanner and carotid artery surgery]

The utility of CT scan imaging in patients with hemispheric cerebrovascular accidents suspected of being of carotid artery origin was investigated by analysis of case reports of 57 patients treated recently. A low density image was found in 38.5% of cases, superficial and deep localizations being of equal number. A silent infarct was detected in 13.6% of the patients and a meningioma was able to be diagnosed by the scanner. CT scan imaging is indispensable for care of these patients: --dissuasive in case of cerebral tumor, severe infarction or extensive cerebral destruction; --persuasive in case of major carotid artery lesions and/or those threatening with normal scanner image. Carotid artery surgery can then protect cerebral capital; --directive in case of "watershed" infarct, of enhancement, of silent infarct or an occurring accident. In all such cases, it appears indispensable.