Atherosclerotic Disease of the Carotid Artery Questions & Answers

Updated: Mar 22, 2023
  • Author: Jake F Hemingway, MD; Chief Editor: Vincent Lopez Rowe, MD, FACS  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

Which conditions are associated with atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

When is carotid endarterectomy (CEA) indicated for the treatment of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

When is carotid endarterectomy (CEA) contraindicated for the treatment of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

Which studies are performed in the workup of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

How is the treatment for atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery determined?

Which medications are used in the treatment of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is the endovascular treatment of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is the anatomy of the carotid artery relevant to atherosclerotic disease?

What is the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is the prevalence of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is the prognosis of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

How does the prognosis of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery vary between surgically and medically managed patients?

How does the prognosis of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery vary following CEA or stenting?

What is the prognosis for transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) for atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

Presentation

Which clinical history findings are characteristic of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

Which physical findings are characteristic of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What are the possible complications of surgery for atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

Who should be screen for atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

Workup

Which lab tests are performed in the evaluation of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is the role of computed tomography angiography (CTA) in the workup of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is the role of ultrasonography in the workup of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is the role of arteriography in the workup of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is the role of CT and MRI in the diagnosis of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is the role of ECG in the diagnosis of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is the role of MRA in the diagnosis of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

Treatment

What are the risk factors for atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is the role of pharmacologic therapy in the treatment of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

When is CEA indicated for the treatment of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

When is CEA contraindicated for the treatment of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What are the AHA recommendations for cardiac evaluation prior to performing CEA for atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is the role of preoperative imaging prior to CEA for atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

Which anatomic issues are unfavorable for CEA to treat atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What are the advantages of local anesthesia during CEA to treat atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of general anesthesia during CEA to treat atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

How is CEA performed to treat atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is postoperative care following CEA for atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is the role of carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) in the treatment of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What are the indications for CAS to treat atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

Which angiographic features increase the risk of CAS for atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

How is CAS performed for atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What is the role of transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) in the treatment of atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

What are the possible complications of surgical intervention for atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

Medications

What are the goals of medical treatment for atherosclerotic disease of the carotid artery?

Which medications in the drug class Lipid-Lowering Agents, Statins are used in the treatment of Atherosclerotic Disease of the Carotid Artery?

Which medications in the drug class Anticoagulants, Hematologic are used in the treatment of Atherosclerotic Disease of the Carotid Artery?

Which medications in the drug class Antiplatelet Agents, Cardiovascular are used in the treatment of Atherosclerotic Disease of the Carotid Artery?