Recurrent stenosis by duplex scan following carotid endarterectomy.

Abstract

Between June 1984 and January 1986, 155 carotid endarterectomies were performed with routine shunting. Serial duplex scanning was performed during an 18-month period on 124 vessels. The results of this duplex scan review revealed the following data: A normal scan was obtained in 87/124 (70.1%). Recurrent stenosis was identified in 35/124 (28.1%), and an occluded vessel was identified in 2/124 (1.6%). Of the total recurrent stenosis group, recurrent stenosis was graded mild in 22/124 (17.7%), moderate in 7/124 (5.6%), and severe in 6/124 (4.8%). Of the 35 vessels with recurrent stenosis by duplex scanning, 22/35 (62.8%) were in female patients, and 13/35 (37.2%) were in male patients. Of the vessels with severe recurrent stenosis, 5/6 (83%) were in female patients. Recurrent stenosis following carotid endarterectomy is more common than appreciated clinically, and female patients in particular may be more prone to recurrent stenosis.