Regressing calcifications in the carotid artery: What's going on? A case series.

This case series describes a finding that carotid calcifications could decrease during follow-up, as the predominant idea is that calcifications either progress or stabilize over time. This novel finding is of great interest considering that potential regression of calcifications could affect prevention strategies for atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke. We describe 3 patients (3 men, age ranging from 72 to 75 years) with decrease in carotid calcifications during 2-year follow-up. All 3 patients had macrocalcifications and used different medications during follow-up. This remarkable finding gives new insights in the natural course of atherosclerosis as a main cause of ischemic stroke. Further study is needed to investigate whether this is a harmful or beneficial process and to unravel pathophysiological mechanisms.