Intermediate
Technical
IVT
carotid stenosis
Narrowing of the carotid arteries in the neck, a major risk factor for stroke and target for preventive intervention.
Full Definition
Carotid stenosis refers to narrowing of the internal carotid arteries, most commonly caused by atherosclerotic plaque formation at the carotid bifurcation. This condition is a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke due to potential for plaque rupture and embolization to cerebral circulation. Stenosis severity is typically categorized as mild (less than 50%), moderate (50-69%), severe (70-99%), or occluded (100%), with treatment recommendations varying by degree and symptom status.
Usage
Usage note: Specify measurement criteria used (NASCET vs ECST) when reporting stenosis percentages.
In Context
- "Severe carotid stenosis was identified as the likely source of the patient's transient ischemic attacks." — clinical evaluation
- "The degree of carotid stenosis was quantified using North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial criteria." — diagnostic imaging report
Also known as
carotid artery stenosis
carotid narrowing
Don't confuse with
carotid occlusion
vertebral stenosis