Carotid stenting for severe radiation-induced extracranial carotid artery occlusive disease.

PURPOSE: To present our experience with carotid artery stenting as an alternative treatment to endarterectomy in patients with radiation-induced carotid artery occlusive disease.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

Fourteen patients (10 males; mean age 61 years, range 52 to 79) underwent percutaneous stenting of 15 carotid arteries for severe radiation-induced extracranial stenoses. Technical success was achieved in all patients, with reduction of the mean stenosis from 77% +/- 6% to 8% +/- 2%. In 2 patients, ipsilateral vertebral artery lesions were stented concomitantly. One patient had a minor stroke after the procedure but recovered fully in 2 days. No other complications were encountered. Nine (64%) patients had 6-month follow-up imaging (angiography or duplex scanning) that showed no evidence of restenoses (obstruction > or = 50%). At 18 +/- 2 months, 3 (21%) patients had died from unrelated causes. No neurological events occurred, and no repeat carotid artery interventions were required in the remaining patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Carotid stenting is an effective treatment option for severe radiation-induced carotid artery occlusive disease.