Common Carotid Artery Stenosis and Amaurosis Fugax

Abstract

Clinical characteristics of common carotid artery (CCA) stenosis have been reported relatively rarely, compared with those of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. The current retrospective study aimed to clarify the symptomatology of CCA stenosis. Summarized records of patients admitted were reviewed to identify patients with CCA stenosis or extracranial ICA stenosis. Clinical histories and neurologic symptoms were identified and analyzed. CCA stenosis was present in 12 patients (symptomatic, n = 8; asymptomatic, n = 4). Among symptomatic patients, 4 (50%) had amaurosis fugax. Among 137 patients with symptomatic extracranial ICA stenosis, amaurosis fugax occurred in 9 patients (6.6%). Frequency of amaurosis fugax was significantly higher in CCA stenosis than in ICA stenosis. Patients with CCA stenosis may be susceptible to transient hemodynamic insufficiency of the retina as a result of simultaneous reductions in blood supplies from both the external carotid artery and the ICA.