Mid-term outcomes of the Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) in currently asymptomatic carotid stenosis patients with previous stroke history

Objective: There has been an increase in the incidence and mortality of stroke and carotid disease accounts for 20% of cerebral ischemic events. In this study, we present our experiences and mid-term outcomes of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in currently asymptomatic carotid stenosis patients with previous stroke history. Patients and Methods: From February 2009 to August 2012, a total of 18 patients (20 operations) who had previous stroke history were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The mean age was 71.53 ± 6.39 years and male patients were 15 (17 operations). The strokes have occurred 4.22 ± 6.75 months before CEA and the major stroke lesion was the middle cerebral artery territory (n = 15). Total operation time was 153.37 ± 46.21 minutes. Three patients were found with small and multiple acute cortical infarction lesions on the postoperative imaging study. However, there were no neurologic symptoms and these lesions were completely recovered. Patients were discharged or transferred after 8.47 ± 3.36 hospital days of the operation. During short-term follow up periods (20.35 ± 10.30 mo), there was no recurrence of stroke, re-stenosis and mortality. Conclusions: CEA is a safe procedure and has good protective effect from ischemic events in currently asymptomatic carotid stenosis patients with previous stroke history.