Rationale for screening selected patients for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Approximately 15% of all first-ever strokes occur due to atheroembolism from a previously undetected/untreated asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS). Despite that, international guidelines do not recommend screening for ACS. The rationale for not recommending screening include: (a) the harm associated with screening, (b) the questionable clinical benefit associated with surgery, (c) the...