Clinical characteristics and imaging patterns of cerebral infarction with outcomes of carotid artery stenting in symptomatic carotid stenosis: An eight-year journey

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) for symptomatic carotid stenosis (SCS) has emerged as an attractive option in recent times. CAS and topographical patterns of stroke in symptomatic stenosis have been inadequately addressed. With this objective, we conducted a study to analyze infarct patterns and complications of carotid stenting and determine outcome predictors after stenting. A single-center retrospective study from January 01, 2015, to December 31, 2022, on patients with SCS, who underwent carotid stenting with at least six months of follow-up was conducted. Infarct patterns, angiographic findings, procedural complications, and outcomes (favorable [modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤2] or unfavorable [mRS >2]) were recorded. Chi-square, analysis of variance for qualitative and quantitative variables was employed. Significant variables on univariate analysis were entered into regression and outcome predictors were determined. Ninety-six records were included in the study. Forty-six (47.91%), 12 (12.50%), and 38 (39.58%) patients had territorial infarcts (TIs), border-zone infarcts (BZIs), and mixed infarcts (MIs). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) <5 and transient ischemic attack (TIA) were significant (P < 0.05) while the circle of Willis anomalies were comparable in TI versus BZI versus MI. Bradycardia (54.16%) and vessel spasm (19.79%) were noted during stenting. Successful revascularization (residual stenosis <20%) was achieved in 97.87%. Procedural complications were comparable in TI versus BZI versus MI. Minor cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS) with headache (9.57%), seizure (2.12%) peaking between 6 and 12 h, and severe with basal ganglia hemorrhage and death occurred. There were no major strokes. 64.13% and 75.28% achieved a favorable mRS at one and six months, respectively. NIHSS ≤10, early intervention (≤ 2 weeks), absence of diabetes, hypertension, or ischemic heart disease were significant (P < 0.05) for a favorable outcome. NIHSS ≤10, absence of hypertension at one month and NIHSS ≤10, absence of diabetes at six months were predictors of a favorable outcome. Severe carotid disease predisposed to CHS. Overall, CAS was a safe and effective procedure with 74.15% achieving favorable outcomes at six months.