Restenosis after carotid angioplasty and stenting: a follow-up study with duplex ultrasonography

Objectives: To prospectively document the incidence, location, risk factors for and clinical consequences of restenosis after carotid artery angioplasty and stenting (CAS). Methods: Serial duplex and neurological examinations were performed in 217 patients one day (n = 216), 3 (n 189), 12 (n = 129) and 24 (n = 48) months, after CAS. The relationship between patient, lesion and procedure variables and restenosis was determined at 12 months. Results: The prevalence of restenosis greater than or equal to 50% was 14, 16, 18, and 21%, respectively, and was only significantly related with loss of proximal stent apposition (odds ratio 3.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.0-11.7, p < 0.05). Four restenoses were symptomatic. Conclusions: Restenosis after CAS is common, unpredictable but infrequently symptomatic.