Vol 10, No 1 (2004)
Review paper
Published online: 2004-02-24
Vulnerable carotid plaque in the assessment of the risk of ischaemic stroke - a review
Acta Angiologica 2004;10(1):1-13.
Abstract
The aim of the publication was to present the current knowledge regarding the carotid plaque stability.
Authors described the present indications for carotid endarterectomy and the results of surgical treatment
of carotid arteries. They pointed out the fact, that the majority of patients with neurologic symptoms has
mild or moderate carotid stenosis, which currently is contraindication for carotid surgery. They also presented
a variety of aspects directly linked to carotid plaque stability, which may have a major impact in
reassessment of surgical indications for carotid surgery. This may probably represent an element of continuous
degenerative and reparative processes, that occur in the plaque leading to plaque rupture or vascular
remodeling. The authors suggest that morphological analysis of the carotid plaque may become one of the
major criteria among the other indications for carotid surgery.
Keywords: vulnerable carotid plaqueatherosclerosisultrasonography