Impaired cognitive function in patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis and correlation with ultrasound strain measurements

Patients with large carotid plaques (> 70% stenosis) exhibit significant difficulties in mental status whether classically symptomatic or asymptomatic. While language deficits may be a non-specific marker for stroke symptoms, visuospatial deficits are seen before classic symptoms, suggesting that carotid disease may become symptomatic earlier and more subtly than previously suspected. Abnormal strain distribution with pulsation may be related to cognition.