Long-term follow-up and clinical outcome of carotid restenosis

The efficacy of carotid endarterectomy is dependent on the inherent ability of the operation to prevent stroke as well as the incidence of restenosis and associated symptoms. To examine the long-term effects of restenosis, 301 patients having carotid endarterectomy were followed by serial duplex scanning for an average of 4 years. Carotid restenosis, defined as 50% or greater diameter reduction by duplex scanning, occurred after 78 of the endarterectomies; regression of recurrent stenosis occurred in 20 arteries. By life-table analysis the cumulative incidence of restenosis at 7 years was 31%, and the cumulative incidence of regression was 10%. Thus the prevalence of recurrent stenosis at 7 years was 21%. Restenosis developed in women more frequently than men (p = 0.01). Transient ischemic attack occurred in 12% of patients with restenosis, and stroke occurred in 3%; however, the cumulative incidence of stroke or transient ischemic attack was not statistically different in those patients with and without restenosis. Similarly, cumulative survival at 7 years was no different. Carotid restenosis usually occurs early in the postoperative period and tends to regress or remain stable during long-term follow-up. A conservative approach to treatment appears justified, since transient ischemic attacks and stroke were rarely associated with restenosis.