Vascular SurgeryPending review

Carotid Artery Stenosis

Atherosclerotic narrowing of the internal carotid artery that sheds platelet or cholesterol emboli into the cerebral circulation, causing transient or permanent ischaemic events whose timing after symptoms dictates how urgently the artery must be fixed.

In a nutshell

Carotid stenosis causes stroke mainly by embolisation of unstable plaque material into the cerebral or retinal circulation, not by simple flow reduction. Stroke risk is highest in the days after a symptomatic event, making the timing of endarterectomy the central management decision.

Classic presentation

Sudden transient monocular vision loss (amaurosis fugax) or contralateral limb weakness and dysphasia lasting minutes to hours, with a carotid bruit.

Key points

The mechanism is embolic, not haemodynamic: the circle of Willis usually protects against flow-related ischaemia even with tight stenosis, so debris from the unstable plaque surface is the danger.

You’ve reached the end of the preview

This topic is part of full high-yield access. Create a free account to read every key point, first-line investigation and exam trap — or browse the free sample topics without one.

Educational content pending clinical review. Not medical advice.