Are echolucent internal carotid artery plaques a risk factor for stroke?
Echolucent plaques in ICAs are an independent risk factor for ischaemic stroke even if they have no impact on haemodynamics of blood flow. Clear characterization of plaques in CAs, especially vulnerable plaques, together with estimation of the degree of stenosis, may improve the selection of patients for invasive secondary prevention methods.
The combined therapy of i.v. low-dose flecainide followed by oral pilsicainide might be a promising strategy for the outpatient treatment of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.