What is the recommendation for imaging the cervical carotid arteries for patients with nondisabling (mRS score 0 2) AIS in the carotid territory?
A new recommendation is that noninvasive imaging of the cervical carotid arteries should be performed routinely within 24 hours of admission for patients with nondisabling (mRS score 0 2) AIS in the carotid territory who are candidates for CEA or stenting. This is supported by a meta-analysis by De Rango that demonstrates high rates of complications when treated <48 hours after the initial event and no difference in risks when treated between 0 and 7 days and 0 and 15 days. Revascularization between 48 hours and 7 days after initial stroke is supported by the data in cases of nondisabling stroke (mRS score 0 2). Imaging within 24 hours of admission is feasible and recommended to facilitate CEA/carotid angioplasty and stenting in eligible patients in the 48- to 72-hour window.