Abstract
Background: Internal carotid artery stenosis (ICS) is relatively common in elderly people and is a major cause of disabling stroke. We examined surgical treatment and clinical features in elderly patients with ICS.
Methods: A total of 157 consecutive patients with ICS and a mean age of 73.3 years were enrolled at Kyushu Rosa Hospital between 2013 and 2015, and 3-month follow-up was performed to assess postoperative outcomes.
Results: Of 57 surgically treated patients (mean age 73.1 years), 52 underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and 5 underwent carotid artery stenting (CAS). Of these, 47 patients were symptomatic and 10 were asymptomatic. All 15 patients older than 80 years underwent CEA for unstable plaques. The morbidity rate at 3 months was 3.5% (2 patients aged >80 years who underwent CEA).
Conclusion: CEA achieves acceptable outcomes regarding stroke prevention in elderly patients, but appropriate perioperative management is mandatory.
