Is carotid revascularization worthwhile in patients waiting for kidney transplantation?

Abstract

Renal failure and haemodialysis are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients undergoing renal transplantation undergo rigorous pre-operative vascular assessment, including optimisation of risk factors for stroke. The indication for carotid intervention and the threshold for carotid endarterectomy in asymptomatic patients with incidental carotid disease has not been clarified in the context chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review aims to analyse outcomes following carotid endarterectomy in patients with CKD, in order to ascertain whether general guidelines for carotid artery revascularisation apply to this specific cohort. The current literature suggests that outcomes following internal carotid artery (ICA) revascularisation are worse in symptomatic and asymptomatic CKD patients compared to the non-CKD population. Consequently, asymptomatic patients with renal failure should be managed conservatively prior to renal transplantation, whilst those with symptomatic disease should be treated according to general guidelines but be informed of higher associated risk of stroke and death. Multidisciplinary optimisation remains essential in all patients waiting for potential renal transplantation.