Adverse effects of aspirin in the treatment of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Discussion

We prospectively analyzed adverse effects of aspirin in a multicentered cooperative study undertaken to determine the role of endarterectomy in the treatment of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Persons with active peptic ulcer disease or known intolerance to aspirin were excluded from the study. Patients initially received 650 mg aspirin twice daily. After a 54-month recruitment period, 111 patients in 11 centers were followed up for as many as 8 years (mean 47.9±27.9 months). Patients intolerant to 650 mg aspirin twice daily could be switched to enteric-coated aspirin or «low-dose» aspirin (80 to 325 mg daily)