Prevention of stroke caused by carotid bifurcation stenosis

Prevention of stroke caused by carotid bifurcation stenosis can be achieved by accurate identification and evaluation of patients at risk. A consensus report from the National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke has standardized diagnostic criteria and symptoms related to this disease. Recent prospective, randomized trials have identified effective treatment for both asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid stenosis. The risk factors for carotid stenosis are similar to those for atherosclerosis--hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking and hyperlipidemia. A carotid bruit is the most common clinical finding, although its positive predictive value is only about 60 to 70 percent. Recent clinical trials have identified patient groups that benefit from surgical and medical therapy, depending on the degree of carotid stenosis and the presence or absence of symptoms. Symptomatic patients with carotid stenosis greater than 70 percent benefit from surgical therapy. Asymptomatic patients who have carotid stenosis greater than 60 percent and are good surgical candidates should be referred for surgical consultation.