Objective: Evaluation of the therapeutical efficacy of emergency carotid en
darterectomy (CEA) in neurologically unstable patients. Patients and Method
s: Three groups of a consecutive series of 71 emergency CEAs performed from
1980 to July 1998 were classified: (1) acute onset of severe stroke (n = 1
6), (2) progressive stroke/stroke in evolution (n = 34), and (3) crescendo
transient ischemic attacks (n = 21). Cerebral coma, cerebral haemorrhage, a
nd major ischemic stroke established in cranial computed tomography scans w
ere contraindications for surgery. The neurological outcome was assessed by
the modified Rankin scale. Long-term survival and long-term stroke recurre
nces were analyzed. Results: The recovery/minor stroke rates (Rankin 0-3) i
n acute stroke, progressive stroke, and crescendo transient ischemic attack
s were 56.3, 76.4 and 80.9%, respectively; the combined major stroke/mortal
ity rates (Rankin 4-6) were 43.7, 23.6 and 19.1%, respectively. Intraoperat
ive angiography in 39 patients detected early carotid reocclusions in 2 and
intracranial embolism in 7 patients. Local application of thrombolytic age
nts (n = 5) may contribute to a better neurological outcome in emergency CE
A. Life table probabilities of major stroke-free survival were 74.5, 71.6,
and 53.7% after 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively (including perioperative st
rokes). Life table probabilities to suffer no stroke recurrence during foll
ow-up were 96.7, 96.7 and 85.3%, respectively (perioperative strokes exclud
ed). Conclusions: Emergency CEA may be worthwhile in selected patients. Com
pletion angiography is mandatory. Emergency CEA should be included in thera
peutic strategies for ischemic stroke.