Iris Quasar Grunwald MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Tillman Supprian, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Tobias Struffert, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Peter Falkai, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Christoph Krick, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maria Politi, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Wolfgang Reith MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

et al, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The aim was to test for changes in cognitive performance after carotid artery stenting

10 patients were neuropsychologically tested at least 24 hours before and 48 hours after carotid artery stenting. To diminish thromboembolic events we used a proximal protection device. The following neuropsychplogical tests were selected: MMSE, symbol digit test and subtests of the CERAD battery (verbal fluency test, constructional practice, word list memory, delayed recall). Affective state was determined by the BECK Depression Inventory.

None of the patients suffered from depression (BDI<1) or dementia (MMSE 29.9+-1.5). 9/10 patients (p=0.12) showed increased speed in ZVT (corresponding to trail making test). Most patients showed better or at least similar results concerning delayed recall(p=0,31). No change was observed concerning digit symbol test, word list memory and verbal fluency and constructional practice.

After carotid stenting cognitive and memory performance seems to improve. As this is, to our knowledge, the first study comparing neuropsychological performance after stenting further studies with different time intervals and more refined testing are needed.

Grunwald, I, Supprian, T, Struffert, T, Falkai, P, Krick, C, Politi, M, Reith, W, et al, , Cognitive Changes after Carotid Artery Stenting.  Radiological Society of North America 2005 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 27 - December 2, 2005 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2005/4417374.html