The Timing of Carotid Endarterectomy Post Stroke

The timing of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) post stroke remains a controversial area. Most authorities have advocated waiting at least 2 to 6 weeks after stroke before performing a CEA. More recently, these recommendations have been challenged. This article reviews the background leading to advocacy of delayed CEA after stroke, current literature recommendations regarding CEA after subacute stroke, current literature regarding neuroradiologic imaging findings and their implications in decision making regarding CEA after stroke, and the role of CEA for stroke in evolution.