Carotid intervention following transient ischaemic attack: What are we waiting for?

Abstract

Transient ischaemic attack secondary to carotid stenosis has the highest risk of stroke recurrence compared with other aetiological subtypes. International guidelines advocate carotid intervention within one to two weeks of the index neurological event. Traditionally, delayed carotid intervention was perceived to be a safer management strategy, yet classic trials of endarterectomy and recent meta-analysis of carotid intervention demonstrate the safety of hyperacute carotid intervention. Data from international studies suggest that targets are not being met, the reasons for which are multifactorial, but patients suffering transient or ocular symptoms are particularly delayed. Efforts should be made to conduct regional studies investigating the root causes of delayed intervention, with subsequent policy adjustment to expedite intervention, and interim optimisation of medical management to reduce the incidence of recurrent stroke.