The prevalence of carotid artery stenosis in an unselected hospitalized stroke population

Aim. The aim of this study was to describe the number and severity of carotid artery stenosis in an unselected stroke population in hospital. Methods. The carotid arteries were investigated consecutively with color-coded duplex scanning in patients suspected of having stroke and admitted to a stroke unit during a 6-month period. Percent internal carotid artery stenosis by diameter reduction was described. Results. A total of 144 patients were included in the investigation and the mean age was 75 years. The final diagnosis was stroke in 126 patients, while 18 had transient ischemic attacks. On the side, relevant to the neurologic deficit, a stenosis of >70% diameter reduction was observed in 4 patients and occlusion in 3. Severe stenosis and occlusion was found to have almost the same incidence on the contralateral side. Altogether 46 stenoses >30% (16.3%) were observed in 282 arteries investigated. The distribution was equal between the two sides. Conclusion. These findings indicate that few patients are eligible for surgery. However, routine duplex ultrasound examination in stroke patients gives information whether there are carotid arterial lesions, which could be a source of emboli. Such information can also be a guide for further medical treatment and lifestyle modification.