Carotid endarterectomy and race: do clinical indications and patient preferences account for differences?
Contrary to prior research, patient's race was not associated with receipt of invasive carotid imaging or CE for older male veterans. These findings persist after controlling for patient preferences, comorbid illness, and quality of life. For patients enrolled in an equal-access health care system, clinical status was the primary determinant of the receipt of CE.
The SSDI is a strong tool for following up on participants lost to follow up in certain populations but is weaker in others. The SSDI would be particularly useful in a population that is largely older, Caucasian, or has malignant disease.