ADVANCES IN MANAGEMENT OF CAROTID ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Carotid artery stenosis is a common and potentially treatable cause of stroke. Stroke risk is increased as the degree of carotid stenosis in creases, as well as in patients with neurological symptoms referable t o the stenosed carotid artery. Carotid stenosis can be quantified by u ltrasound imaging, magnetic resonance angiography, or conventional ang iography. Medical treatment with platelet antiaggregants reduces strok e risk in some patients; other patients are best treated with carotid endarterectomy, Experimental treatments for carotid stenosis, includin g carotid angioplasty with or without stenting, are under investigatio n. We summarize the current literature and provide treatment recommend ations for patients with atherosclerotic carotid artery disease.