Stroke risk after transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with carotid stenosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

BackgroundStroke is a feared complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Patients undergoing TAVR typically have multiple comorbidities, such as carotid artery stenosis (CAS). We conducted the present meta-analysis to determine the risk of stroke and mortality following TAVR in patients with CAS. MethodsWe searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Clinical Trials databases for clinical studies that compared CAS ≥50% and CAS ≥70% versus non-CAS TAVR population. The endpoints included the 30-day incidence of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and 30-day all-cause of mortality. ResultsWe identified seven studies that included 12,418 patients in the CAS group and 102,316 in the control group. CAS ≥50% was not associated with an increased risk of 30-day stroke or TIA after TAVR [risk ratio (RR): 1.38; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.95–2.02; p = 0.09]. However, patients with CAS ≥70% had an increased risk of stroke or TIA (RR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.02–2.01; p = 0.04). No difference in 30-day all-cause mortality was observed between CAS ≥50% or CAS ≥70% and control groups (RR: 1.09; 95% CI: 0.79–1.52; p = 0.59 and RR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.85–1.45; p = 0.43, respectively). ConclusionsCAS ≥70% was associated with an increased risk of stroke or TIA following TAVR compared with patients without CAS.