Long-term progression of contralateral carotid artery disease after endarterectomy: is there a need for Duplex surveillance?

AIM: The aim of this paper was to define the incidence of disease progression of the contralateral internal carotid artery (CICA) in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and to identify factors influencing disease progression.

METHODS: Patients from our primary catchment area that had undergone CEA between 2002 and 2005 were included. The study cohort was divided in four groups based on the preoperative stenosis grade (normal ICA <40%, N.=56; mild 40-60%, N.=41; moderate 61-80%, N.=12; severe 81-99%, N.=7). Patients initially planned or already submitted to contralateral CEA or with contralateral occlusion were excluded.

RESULTS: One hundred and seventeen patients were analysed. Disease progression occurred in 13 (11%) patients after a mean of 47.6 months (SD 1.6 months). A moderate preoperative CICA stenosis was associated with disease progression (P=0.017). Late neurologic events referable to the CICA independently of progression occurred in 13 (11%) patients. There were 4 (30.7%) events in the 13 carotids with progression and only 9 (7%) in the 117 without progression (P=0.060). .Moderate and severe preoperative CICA stenosis and renal insufficiency were associated with postoperative ipsilateral neurological symptoms (P=0.001 and 0.009, respectively).

CONCLUSION: Disease progression of the CICA after CEA is not uncommon. The preoperative degree of CICA stenosis is related to subsequent disease progression and to the occurrence of symptoms. More studies are needed to identify risk factors influencing the progression of ICA disease.