Carotid endarterectomy: update on the gold standard treatment for carotid stenosis.

Many prospective, randomized clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) versus medical management in the prevention of ischemic stroke were performed in the 1990s. Clinical trials are underway that will compare CEA outcomes to carotid stenting; however, relatively few studies have examined the outcomes of modern CEA. The purpose of this report is to examine current outcomes of CEA and evaluate hospital costs and length of stay.

Examination of sex as an independent risk factor for adverse events after carotid endarterectomy.

Background: The incidence of adverse events after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for women compared with men is controversial. This report compares the incidence of perioperative stroke and death in men and women by examining the effect of comorbidities and hospital setting on CEA outcomes.

Methods: All CEAs performed in non-Federal acute-care Virginia hospitals between 1997 and 2001 were reviewed.

Preoperative MR imaging in hyperparathyroidism: results and factors affecting parathyroid detection.

Objective: To determine the sensitivity of MR imaging for the detection of abnormal parathyroid glands in patients with biochemical evidence of hyperparathyroidism and to identify the factors affecting detection.

Subjects And Methods: Between 1985, 82 patients with biochemical proof of hyperparathyroidism were referred for MR imaging of the parathyroid glands prior to surgery. Axial T1- (600/20 [TR/TE]) and T2-weighted (2500/40, 80) spin-echo images were obtained using an anterior neck surface coil.

Magnetic resonance angiography of the distal lower extremity.

Objective: To assess magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) for demonstration of arterial patency in the ankle and foot of patients with peripheral vascular disease.

Methods: Peripheral MRA of the ankle and foot was performed on 34 limbs of 31 insulin-dependent diabetics. 2-D time-of-flight MRA (TR 33 ms/TE 7.