The prevalence of carotid stenosis in patients presenting with ischaemic stroke: a one-year prospective observational study

Background: Carotid stenosis is regarded as a common cause of ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Despite a rising recognition and centralisation of stroke services there has been a decline in interventions for carotid stenosis in recent years. The aim of this study is to determine the current prevalence and management of carotid stenosis in the United Kingdom. Methods: A one-year prospective observational study was performed on consecutive patients presenting with ischaemic stroke, TIA or ischaemic retinal artery occlusion to a central London hyper-acute stroke unit. Patients with significant carotid stenosis , was defined as atherosclerotic narrowing ≥50%, underwent multidisciplinary team (MDT) discussion to determine cause of stroke and carotid stenosis as symptomatic or ‘incidental’. Conclusion: Carotid stenosis is common in 1 in 5 patients presenting with stroke. Careful MDT discussion may avoid unnecessary intervention and should be standard of care