Carotid artery stenosis overview

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Vascular Imaging in Patients With Vertebral Artery Disease

Atherosclerotic Risk Factors in Patients With Vertebral Artery Disease

Occlusive Disease of the Subclavian and Brachiocephalic Arteries

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Carotid arterial stenosis is a narrowing of the lumen of the carotid artery, usually by atheroma (a fatty lump or plaque causingatherosclerosis). Atheroma's may cause transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) and cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) as it obstructs the bloodstream to the brain. It also has the potential to generate emboli (blood clots) that obstruct the cerebral arteries.

The narrowing can either be asymptomatic (causing no medical problems) or presents with symptoms such as TIAs and CVAs.

Pathophysiology

Embolism of atherosclerotic lesions in the carotid is the most common mechanism of stroke in patients with carotid artery disease. Thrombosis of the cerebral arteries is also a possible, less common cause of stroke.

Causes

The most common cause of carotid artery stenosis is atherosclerosis. The process of atherosclerotic plaque formation starts in the early adulthood but it takes years for it to cause symptoms. Uncommon causes include Marfan's syndrome and fibromuscular dysplasia.

References


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