Asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis: state of the art management

In 2011, numerous guidelines were updated to advise on the optimal management of patients with asymptomatic carotid disease. Despite being based on interpretation of the same body of literature, there was actually little international consensus. Whilst we now know much more about what constitutes "state of the art" medical management, we still cannot identify the small proportion of "high risk for stroke" patients in whom to target carotid endarterectomy or carotid artery stenting. This is essential, as about 95% of patients undergoing either treatment strategy will ultimately undergo an unnecessary intervention. There is compelling evidence that the annual risk of stroke (on medical therapy) in patients with asymptomatic carotid disease has declined significantly. Guideline makers cannot continue to extrapolate rationales for justifying "mass interventions" in contemporary practice that are based on historical trial data. Accordingly, there is no consensus as to what should be considered "state of the art" management of asymptomatic carotid disease.