RESUMO
BACKGROUND: String-like mobile echodensities (SLMEs) are sometimes found on postoperative duplex ultrasound (DUS) performed after carotid endarterectomy (CEA); however, they may not be visible on intraoperative DUS. The reasons for these echo findings and associated clinical course remain unknown. METHODS: Routine postoperative DUS evaluation after CEA was retrospectively examined in 101 consecutive patients (107 lesions) who underwent CEA between April 2015 and December 2021, at our institution. RESULTS: Ten SLMEs were identified in eight patients. All SLMEs were 1-3 mm long, mobile, and extended straight from the intima-media complex of the wall of the common carotid artery or carotid bulb. Most lesions resolved spontaneously; a few lesions were observed repeatedly, albeit not causing cerebral infarction or transient ischemic attacks. CONCLUSIONS: SLMEs can be observed in a small percentage of patients after CEA, and they do not seem to be of clinical significance.