Long-term outcome in patients with carotid artery stenting and contralateral carotid occlusion: a single neurovascular center prospective analysis

Introduction

The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical features and early and late outcome of patients treated with carotid artery stenting for carotid stenosis with occlusion of the contralateral vessel (CAS-CCO), and compare them to patients without occlusion (CAS-NO).

Methods

From 1999 through 2010, 426 patients with 479 procedures were prospectively recorded, 61 patients (14.3%) CAS-CCO, and 365 patients CAS-NO. Immediate CAS complications, complications within the first 30?days and long-term complications were documented through annual clinical and ultrasonological follow-up visits. Stenosis rate was recorded.

Results

Patients with mean age of 68.4?years, 80% men had: (1) periprocedural stroke in three cases (0.7%), (2) cumulative 30-day stroke, ischemic cardiopathy, and death in 4.2%, without differences between groups (CAS-CCO 3.3%, CAS-NO 4.4%). Mean follow-up period was 55?±?32.78?months, median 56?months. (3) Stroke during the follow-up in 8%, without differences between CAS-CCO and CAS-NO groups (3.7% and 8.8%). (4) Myocardial infarction in 11.2% and (5) global mortality in 24.3%, without statistical differences between groups. Of the 254 cases enrolled in the restenosis analysis, 44 patients (17.3%) had restenosis of any grade during a mean follow-up period of 52?months, without statistical differences between CAS-CCO and CAS-NO groups. Only 7.5% presented restenosis?≥?50%. Its occurrence was statistically associated with previous neck radiation.

Conclusions

Periprocedural risks and long-term outcomes of patients treated with CAS and presenting a contralateral carotid occlusion does not differ from regular patients treated with CAS. Based on the low stenosis rate of our study, our results do not give credit to extra surveillance measures in patients with contralateral carotid occlusion.