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Abstract Details

The Role of Carotid Ultrasound in Patients with Non-Focal Neurological Complaints
Cerebrovascular Disease and Interventional Neurology
Cerebrovascular Disease and Interventional Neurology Posters (7:00 AM-5:00 PM)
181
N/A
Despite no clear indication for carotid ultrasound (CUS) in the absence of focal neurological complaints, the study is still considered part of the routine work-up.  In this study, we evaluated the benefit of ordering a CUS in this patient population.
We conducted a chart review to assess the degree and laterality of internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis in patients with non-focal neurological complaints. Patient's demographics for carotid disease were determined.  The primary endpoint was to determine the prevalence of moderate and severe ICA stenosis among all patients.
Among 280 patients, the percentage with ICA stenosis was 93.21%, 2.86%, and 3.93% for mild (0-49%), moderate (50-69%), and severe (70-99%) stenosis, respectively.  The most common non-focal neurological complaint serving as indication for CUS was syncope.  There was no significant association between specific non-focal neurological complaints and ICA stenosis. Medical management was changed in only 6 patients with moderate to severe stenosis.  There was no significant association between resolution of symptoms one year after the initial study and the degree of stenosis.

The percentage of patients with non-focal neurological complaints who were found to have moderate-severe ICA stenosis of >50% was slightly higher than that reported by other studies, but lower than that in patients who present with syncope. The percentage of patients who were found to have severe stenosis of >70% was slightly higher than that described among the general asymptomatic population.  The number of patients with moderate stenosis of 50-69% was comparable to that in asymptomatic individuals in the general population. The percentage of patients who had a change in medical management was higher than that reported by other studies.

Our study adds to the existing literature describing the minimal clinical utility in performing a CUS in patients with non-focal neurological complaints.
Authors/Disclosures
Shweta Varade, MD
PRESENTER 		Dr. Varade has nothing to disclose.
John E. Castaldo, MD (The Villages Health Brownwood Care Center) Dr. Castaldo has nothing to disclose.
No disclosure on file
Ramiro G. Castro Apolo, MD (Lehigh Valley Health Network) Dr. Castro Apolo has nothing to disclose.
Megan C. Leary, MD Dr. Leary has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving as a Consultant for Boston Clinical Research Institute. Dr. Leary has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Baim Clinical Research Institute. Dr. Leary has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Syneos Health. Dr. Leary has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.
Hussam A. Yacoub, DO (The Lehigh Valley Health Network) Dr. Yacoub has nothing to disclose.