Early carotid endarterectomy following thrombolysis in the hyperacute treatment of stroke

Abstract

Abstract Background Thrombolysis with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator improves the probability of complete neurological recovery if given promptly following the onset of acute ischaemic stroke. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) can reduce the risk of further embolic stroke in selected patients and is most effective within 14 days of the incident event. The safety of surgery so soon after thrombolysis is unknown. The aim of this study was to report the immediate outcomes of this management strategy early in the unit experience and to encourage pooling of data, recognizing that this will be an uncommon procedure even in busy stoke units with an active lysis programme. Methods Data were extracted from two prospectively collected databases, and included patient demographics, type of stroke, type and timing of surgical procedure, and immediate outcome. On presentation with a stroke, all patients underwent urgent computed tomography (CT) of the brain. Those eligible received thrombolysis according to the unit protocol. They underwent CT angiography 24 h after thrombolysis and patients with a severe carotid stenosis had surgery. Results Ten of a cohort of 450 patients who had received lysis underwent CEA. Seven of these were women and eight of the procedures were carried out under local anaesthetic. Surgery was performed a median of 8 (range 2–23) days after the index event; there were no major complications. Conclusion Few patients with acute stroke are eligible, but CEA performed soon after thrombolytic therapy for stroke appears to be safe.