Table 1.3.
| Indication | Appropriate Use Score (1–9) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16. | • Normal prior examination (no plaque, no stenosis) | I (1) | ||
| Surveillance Frequency During First Year | At 3 to 5 months | At 6 to 8 months | At 9 to 12 months | |
|
| ||||
| 17. | • Plaque without significant stenosis of the ICA (plaque, normal ICA velocity) | I (1) | I (1) | I (1) |
| 18. | • Mild ICA stenosis (eg, <50%) | I (1) | I (1) | I (1) |
| 19. | • Moderate ICA stenosis (eg, 50% to 69%) | I (2) | U (6) | U (6) |
| 20. | • Severe ICA stenosis (eg, 70% to 99%) | U (5) | A (7) | U (6) |
| Surveillance Frequency After First Year | Every 6 months | Every 12 months | Every 24 months or greater | |
|
| ||||
| 21. | • Plaque without significant stenosis of the ICA (plaque, normal ICA velocity) | I (1) | I (3) | I (1) |
| 22. | • Mild ICA stenosis (eg, <50%) | I (2) | U (5) | U (6) |
| 23. | • Moderate ICA stenosis (eg, 50% to 69%) | I (3) | A (7) | U (6) |
| 24. | • Severe ICA stenosis (eg, 70% to 99%) | A (7) | A (7) | U (6) |
A = appropriate; I = inappropriate; ICA = internal carotid artery; U = uncertain.
*
In the setting of interval development of clinical symptoms in a previously asymptomatic patient or for rapid progression of stenosis during subsequent follow-up (eg, stenosis category change during a limited period of time), more intensive surveillance may be indicated.
†
Carotid artery occlusion to be addressed in the text of the document. Periodic surveillance duplex ultrasound should be performed according to the severity of stenosis of the contralateral side.