Screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.

Abstract

Update of the 2007 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for carotid artery stenosis. The USPSTF commissioned a systematic review to synthesize the evidence on the accuracy of screening tests, externally validated risk-stratification tools, the benefits of treatment of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAAS), the benefits from medications added to current standard medical therapy, and the harms of screening and treatment with CEA or CAAS. This recommendation applies to adults without a history of transient ischemic attack, stroke, or other neurologic signs or symptoms. The USPSTF recommends against screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis in the general adult population. (D recommendation).