Cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome following carotid endarterectomy

Abstract

The haemodynamic changes following CEA are complex and vary between patients.^5–7 The main reason to perform CEA is removal of the source of emboli originating from carotid plaques. However, following successful endarterectomy there is increased blood flow in the ipsilateral carotid artery in almost all patients, related to the degree of pre-operative stenosis and hypoperfusion. In patients without pre-operative hypoperfusion, flow velocities generally peak on the first post-operative day and return to pre-operative values after 4–5 days. However, in patients with pre-operative hypoperfusion, flow velocities may remain high for many weeks.^8, , ⁹