CT angiography in the follow-up after carotid endarterectomy

To prove the usefulness and clinical value of early CT angiography with maximum intensity projection after carotid endarterectomy: for demonstrating postoperative results. In 16 patients with angiographically confirmed 20 high grade stenoses of internal carotid artery CT angiography was performed before and after carotid surgery within 7 days. The evaluation of successful surgery was related to complete plaque removal and patency of internal carotid artery after endarterectomy based on preoperative CT angiography. Classification of stenosis was performed according to the NASCET study. In 2/20 cases severe stenoses remained after surgery, which were demonstrated using CT angiography and confirmed by digital subtraction arteriography. 3/20 cases showed mild stenosis and 15/20 were normal. CT angiography is best suited to evaluate results after carotid surgery. The method enables delineation of complete removal of calcified plaque and patency of carotid artery.