The effect of antipiatelet therapy on the incidence of carotid plaque hemorrhage

Abstract

Hemorrhage into the carotid atheroma has recently been gaining attention with respect to the pathophysiology of cerebrovascular disease. Many patients are currently receiving platelet agents for various vascular diseases. Some researchers have postulated that antipiatelet therapy may be detrimental by possibly inducing intraplaque hemorrhage or by increasing preexisting hemorrhage. This retrospective study was undertaken to determine if the use of antipiatelet therapy increases the incidence of carotid plaque hemorrhage. © 1986 American Heart Association, Inc.