Development of carotid stenosis.

A group of 29 patients with carotid artery stenosis was analyzed with the purpose of following-up the development of stenosis, and performing duplex scanner of carotid arteries. The follow-up was performed on the very first day of the study and six months later. There were 49 stenoses of internal carotid arteries in 29 patients. Carotid stenoses were classified into six categories. Most carotid stenoses were unchanged during the six month period (57.2%), or progressed (36.7%), but spontaneous regression was found in 6.1%. The ultrasonic characterization of carotid plaques was made in four types. Regression was noticed mainly in ulcerative plaques, while hard and fibrous plaques remained unchanged or progressed. Soft plaques progressed in all cases. Intraplaque hemorrhage was found in 2 patients. The most common risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis were hypertension, hyperlipidemia and cigarette smoking.