Evaluation of aspirin resistance and the presence of unstable carotid plaque in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy.

Background: Antiplatelet therapy using low dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is routinely recommended in patients undergoing surgical or endovascular treatment of carotid artery disease. Despite this treatment, a significant proportion of postoperative complications may result from inadequate response to antiplatelet therapy which may contribute to the development of unstable plaques.

Aim: Assessment of correlation between ASA resistance and the presence of unstable carotid plaque in patients after carotid endarterectomy.