A Profile of Nonstenotic Carotid Plaques in Cryptogenic Stroke

An observational study identified an association between the location of large, nonstenotic carotid plaques and embolic-appearing strokes of unknown source.

Most patients with ischemic stroke undergo diagnostic imaging tests such as carotid duplex ultrasound, echocardiography, and cardiac monitoring for atrial fibrillation. When the tests do not reveal a likely stroke mechanism, the stroke is labeled “cryptogenic.” Recently, the term “embolic stroke of unknown source” (ESUS) has been used for embolic-appearing ischemic lesions without a definite cause. In an observational study that used computed tomography (CT) angiography to identify the thickness of nonstenotic (<50% stenosis) carotid plaques, investigators compared plaques ipsilateral versus contralateral to the ESUS event.

Among 85 patients with ESUS (median age, 70; median NIH Stroke Scale score, 7), plaques ≥5 mm thick were present in 11%…

Reviewing Author

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

A Profile of Nonstenotic Carotid Plaques in Cryptogenic Stroke

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Reviewing Author