Hemodynamic Depression of Early Carotid Revascularization on Ischemic Stroke Patients with Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Carotid revascularization is frequently complicated by hemodynamic depression (HD), which can increase the risk of stroke or vascular death. However, no studies yet exist describing the correlation between the timing of carotid revascularization and HD. The present study investigated whether carotid revascularization in the early phase of a stroke had an impact on the incidence of HD. METHODS: A retrospective study of consecutive ischemic stroke patients who underwent carotid revascularization was designed to compare the incidence of HD between early and late carotid revascularization. Early carotid revascularization was defined as carotid artery stenting or endarterectomy within two weeks of stroke onset. HD was defined as hypotension or bradycardia within five days of carotid revascularization. RESULTS: Of 69 carotid revascularizations, HD occurred in 29 (42.0%). The incidence of HD did not differ significantly between the early and late phase groups (48.0% vs. 38.6%, respectively, P =0.449). Patients with HD had undergone more carotid artery stenting than those without HD (79.3% vs. 35%, respectively, P < 0.001). Age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, antihypertensive medication, and severity of carotid stenosis did not differ between patients with and without HD. CONCLUSION: The present research suggests that early carotid revascularization is as safe as late carotid revascularization with regard to HD.