Carotid endarterectomy for nonhemispheric transient ischemic attacks.

Fifty carotid endarterectomies were performed in 46 patients with nonhemispheric transient ischemic attacks. There was no mortality. Three patients had temporary strokes postoperatively. Ninety-five percent of the patients were improved and remained so at follow-up examination. Clinical improvement was not related to the presence or absence of vertebral or subclavian stenosis. In retrospect, the two patients who were unimproved had been improperly selected.