String-like mobile echodensities on postoperative ultrasound after CEA: A retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND

String-like mobile echodensities (SLMEs) are sometimes found on postoperative duplex ultrasound (DUS) performed after carotid endarterectomy (CEA); however, they may not be visible on intraoperative DUS. The reasons for these echo findings and associated clinical course remain unknown.

METHODS

Routine postoperative DUS evaluation after CEA was retrospectively examined in 101 consecutive patients (107 lesions) who underwent CEA between April 2015 and December 2021, at our institution.

RESULTS

Ten SLMEs were identified in eight patients. All SLMEs were 1-3 mm long, mobile, and extended straight from the intima-media complex of the wall of the common carotid artery or carotid bulb. Most lesions resolved spontaneously; a few lesions were observed repeatedly, albeit not causing cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attacks.

CONCLUSIONS

SLMEs can be observed in a small percentage of patients after CEA, and they do not seem to be of clinical significance.