Abstract
Introduction: Acute symptomatic occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is associated with unfavorable prognosis. However, no clear definition of its optimal treatment exists.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and risks of urgent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in patients with ischemic stroke due to acute extracranial ICA occlusion. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of all consecutive patients undergoing urgent CEA for acute extracranial ICA occlusion during the period from July 2014 to June 2021.
The primary outcome was functional independence at three months defined as modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score =2 points was achieved in 36 patients (85.7%). Symptomatic ICH occurred in one patient (2.4%) and one patient (2.4%) died.
A good clinical outcome was achieved in 34 patients (81.0%) after three months. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that patients with ischemic stroke due to acute extracranial ICA occlusion may benefit from urgent CEA.