The perioperative outcomes of eversion carotid endarterectomy in diabetic patients aged 80 years or older

Prevention and Treatment of Acute Stroke in the Nonagenarians and Beyond: Medical and Ethical Issues

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

As one of the fastest growing portions of the population, nonagenarians will constitute a significant percentage of the stroke patient population in the near future. Nonagenarians are nevertheless not specifically targeted by most clinical guidelines. In this review, we aimed to summarise the available evidence guiding stroke prevention and treatment in this age group.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several recent observational studies have shown that the benefits of anticoagulation for the oldest old patients with atrial fibrillation may outweigh the bleeding risk. A sub-analysis of the IST-3 trial has shown for the first time that thrombolysis treatment in acute ischaemic stroke may be beneficial and safe even in octogenarian patients and older. Several recent observational studies have assessed thrombolysis in nonagenarians. The latest of these has shown better disability outcomes without increased rates of symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage with thrombolysis. Nonagenarian stroke patients may benefit from similar preventative and therapeutic strategies as their younger counterparts. A few important exceptions include primary prevention using aspirin or statins. Patient selection is nevertheless essential given the increased adverse event rates. Patient preference should play a key role in the decision-making process. Clinical trials including more nonagenarian patients are required to yield more robust evidence.

Carotid Artery Stenosis

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death in the world and carotid artery stenosis is a major cause of ischaemic strokes. Symptomatic patients are often treated with either carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS). Asymptomatic patients can be treated with best medical therapy, CEA or CAS. While guidelines exist for the management of carotid artery stenosis, the results of recent studies are controversial regarding the safety of CAS compared with CEA. This review aims to outline the current guidelines while reviewing up-to- date studies and analyses. Future studies and emerging technologies are outlined in an attempt to provide an evaluation of the current data and management of this complex problem.