Outcomes after carotid revascularization for symptomatic carotid artery web: A multi-institutional cohort study

Michael T Bounajem1, Allison Liang1, Annie Trang2

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Neurosciences Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.

Insights

Carotid web treatment with stenting (CAS) or endarterectomy (CEA) is safe and effective for preventing recurrent strokes. Both procedures showed similar low complication and stroke recurrence rates in a study of symptomatic carotid web patients.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Carotid webs can cause clot formation and lead to thromboembolic stroke.
  • Current antiplatelet therapy shows high recurrent stroke rates despite optimal medical management.
  • Symptomatic carotid web necessitates evaluation for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of carotid artery stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for symptomatic carotid web.
  • To compare recurrent stroke rates and postoperative complications between CAS and CEA.
  • To assess the long-term outcomes of interventions for carotid web-induced stroke or TIA.

Main Methods:

  • A multi-institutional retrospective registry of adult patients with symptomatic carotid web was analyzed.
  • Patients treated with either CAS or CEA for ipsilateral acute ischemic stroke or TIA were included.
  • Demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, treatment details, and follow-up outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • 71 patients (32.4% CEA, 67.6% CAS) were included, with a mean age of 52.4 years.
  • Perioperative stroke occurred in 1.41% of patients; no myocardial infarctions were reported.
  • During a mean follow-up of 14.8 months, only one patient (1.41%) experienced asymptomatic recurrent stroke.

Conclusions:

  • Both carotid artery stenting and endarterectomy are safe and effective treatments for carotid web.
  • These interventions significantly reduce the risk of subsequent stroke in patients with symptomatic carotid web.
  • Further research is needed to determine the optimal timing and procedural choice for carotid web treatment.