LAUSR

therapeutic window. This study aimed to resume evidence on the subject. Methods: Systematic review of all published articles reporting CEA performed after intravenous IVT between 1990 and November 2016 (inclusive). Results: Through electronic search, 2053 references were identified, and 14 potentially relevant reports were selected by two independent reviewers. After detailed review in full, a final set of nine articles were selected. eCEA after IVT was performed in 596 patients (5.8%), who were younger (69 vs 71) and presented a lower prevalence of arterial hypertension. Symptoms at presentation were less severe in patients who performed eCEA after IVT as 476 (79.9%) had amaurosis fugax, transient ischemic attack, or crescendo transient ischemic attack. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale decreased in median 4 points. The incidence of hemorrhagic transformation, postprocedure stroke, death, and any cerebrovascular complication was not different between groups. Some selection criteria seem to be consistent between studies showing good performance: female younger patients, with stable neurologic deficits and a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale <10, no cardiac arrhythmia and valvular heart disease, with fully recanalized cerebral arteries after IVT and recent ischemic hemispheric brain infarct <33% of the middle cerebral artery area regardless of blood-brain barrier disruption on computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging, seem to benefit the most from the intervention. Conclusions: Data retrieved are mainly based on single-center experiences, retrospective cohort studies, and registers, but the safety of eCEA after IVT can be assured. Patient selection criteria should be defined by prospective studies.