CAROTID STENOSIS

DEFINITION

Carotid stenosis is a narrowing of the lumen of the carotid artery, usually caused by atherosclerosis. The unqualified term "carotid stenosis" in common medical usage refers to the stenosis in the proximal part of the internal carotid artery (at the carotid bulb), as this is the by far the most common site of stenosis within the carotid arteries. Stenosis in other parts of the carotid arteries does occur. Carotid stenosis is usually diagnosed by color flow duplex ultrasound scan of the neck arteries. This involves no radiation, no needles and no contrast agents that may cause allergic reactions. A Cat Scan and MRI may also be preferred to establish the diagnosis of Carotid Stenosis.

The goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of stroke (cerebrovascular accident). Intervention (carotid endarterectomy or carotid stenting) can cause stroke, however where the risk of stroke from medical management alone is high, intervention may be beneficial.

Clinically, risk of stroke from carotid stenois is evaluated by the presence or absence of symptoms and the degree of stenosis on imaging.