Death associated with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis : long-term clinical evaluation. Discussion

Purpose: As part of a prospective clinical trial on the efficacy of carotid endarterectomy in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis, we studied the risk factors for death in 444 male patients. Methods: At entry to the trial, patients were judged to be healthy enough to be randomized to operative intervention and were judged to be free of any disease that would preclude a minimal 5-year life expectancy after randomization. Results: Patients were treated with aspirin and optimal medical care and were monitored for an average of 4 years. Combined mortality rate was 37% (9% per year) for the medical group (38%) and surgical group (35%)