Screening for carotid artery stenosis: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.

DESCRIPTION Update of the 1996 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force statement about screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in the general population. METHODS The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force examined the evidence on the natural history of CAS; systematic reviews of the accuracy of screening tests; observational studies of the harms of screening and treatment of asymptomatic CAS; and randomized, controlled trials of the benefits of treatment for CAS with carotid endarterectomy. RECOMMENDATION Do not screen for asymptomatic CAS in the general adult population. (Grade D recommendation).