Effect of Carotid Stenting on Neurocognitive Function in Patients with Atherosclerotic Carotid Stenosis

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is among the leading cause of death worldwide. Carotid stenosis has been identified as a risk factor for stroke. The prevalence of carotid stenosis increases with age in both women and men. To reduce the risk of stroke, Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) and Carotid Artery Stenting (CAS) are performed. Aim: To find the effect of carotid stenting on neurocognitive function in Atherosclerotic Carotid Stenosis. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out at a tertiary care teaching hospital, over a 12-months duration. Twenty five patients were included in the study, after getting their informed consent. The patients underwent Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination preoperatively and were reassessed on 28 days and three months, postoperatively. The pre and postoperative scores were compared with the help of the paired t-test. Qualitative data were analysed with the help of frequency and percentage tables. Association among the study groups was assessed with the help of Bivariate analysis and Chi-square test and a p-value <0.05 was taken as significant. Results: The mean age of the patients was 65.52±9.34 years. Twenty two patients in the study group were male and three were female. Addenbrooke’s Score improved at 28 days and three months, postoperatively. There was a positive and significant correlation between preoperative Addenbrooke’s Score and postoperative Addenbrooke’s Score (r=0.748 and r=0.442, respectively). However, there was no statistically significant correlation noted with age, sex, and co-morbid condition like diabetes and hypertension and postoperative Addenbrooke’s score. Conclusion: The study showed that stent placement for patients with carotid stenosis improved the cognitive function.