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Semin Neurol 2013; 33(05): 456-461
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1364218
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis

Bradley N. Bohnstedt
1   Department of Neurological Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
,
Ryan Dhaemers
2   Department of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
,
Daniel Hsu
3   Goodman Campbell Brain and Spine, Indianapolis, Indiana
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
06 February 2014 (online)

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Abstract

The management of patients with extracranial carotid artery stenosis remains controversial. Randomized controlled studies established the value of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) over optimal medical therapy for patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. For patients with carotid stenosis, optimal medical therapy includes antiplatelet agents, antihypertensives, and lipid-lowering medications along with lifestyle modifications. Some studies and experts have challenged these treatment methods and consider carotid artery stenting with distal protection as an alternative to CEA. In this article, the authors review current guidelines and supporting studies and suggest practical approaches to this common clinical problem.

Keywords

carotid stenosis - carotid endarterectomy - carotid artery stenting
 

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