Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine
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Although carotid shunting is occasionally necessary to prevent cerebral ischemia during carotid endarterectomy, there is no reliable indication for this procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether acetazolamide stress brain-perfusion SPECT can predict the need for carotid shunting during carotid endarterectomy. ⋯ A reduced cerebrovascular reserve can predict the development of cerebral ischemia during carotid clamping. Acetazolamide stress brain-perfusion SPECT may be useful as a complementary method in determining selective carotid shunting during carotid endarterectomy.