| Methods |
Randomised trial with concurrent eligible patients outside of the RCT. We do not know why the non‐RCT patients were not in the RCT, but they consented to follow up. Diagnosis of asymptomatic carotid stenosis, both sexes, age 17 to 79 years. Outcomes were assessed by neurologists and surgeons. No losses to follow up. |
| Data |
Characteristics of non‐RCT patients presented and compared to RCT patients who received the same treatment. 69% of the surgery RCT patients were over 65 years old, 16 women and 20 men. 63% of the surgery non‐RCT patients were over 65 years old, 6 women and 26 men. |
| Comparisons |
Two RCT arms, each of them were compared with similarly treated eligible non‐RCT patients. Experimental: carotid arteriography and endarterectomy, either unilateral or bilateral at the discretion of the surgeon. Control: medically treated patients were given aspirin (80 mg/day orally). All patients received treatment as indicated for other cerebrovascular risk factors. |
| Outcomes |
Clinical outcomes were assessed in all the patients. Patients were followed for an average of 24 months. Main outcome was ischaemic events. |
| Notes |
The experimental treatment was significantly less beneficial than the control treatment. |
