Urgent Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) Versus Delayed CEA in Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis (SPREAD-STACI II)

Eligibility Criteria Inclusion Criteria: Patients presenting with the following characteristics: De novo stenosis of the carotid bifurcation and/or internal carotid artery origin, equal to or greater than 50% (NASCET method), diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasound, MR angiography (MRA), CT angiography (CTA), or catheter angiography. TIA or minor ischemic stroke (NIHSS ≤ 5) ipsilateral to the carotid stenosis, occurring within the previous 24 hours. Preserved consciousness and neurologically stable symptoms. No evidence of ongoing cerebral ischemia, or evidence of cerebral ischemia with a diameter \<25 mm. Age between 45 and 90 years. ASA score \< 4. Ability to comply with follow-up requirements as specified. Willingness to provide informed consent for participation in the study. A patient with an NIHSS ≤ 5 who is aphasic may be unable to provide consent. In these cases: The attending physician assesses the feasibility of including the patient. Family members are informed but, under Italian law, cannot provide consent. A third-party physician certifies that the patient meets the inclusion criteria. The attending physician signs the appropriate form, and randomization proceeds. If and when the patient regains the ability to provide or refuse consent, the informed consent form will be presented to them. Should they decline, their data will be removed from the study database. Additionally, the study includes patients who underwent thrombolysis and/or mechanical thrombectomy after the onset of the index symptom, followed by a brain CT/MRI without secondary cerebral hemorrhage (PH1, PH2, or PHr). Exclusion Criteria: Stenosis \< 50% (NASCET method) at the bifurcation and/or internal carotid artery origin, diagnosed by ECD, CTA, or MRA. Carotid thrombosis or dissection. NIHSS \> 5. Cerebral hemorrhage. Impaired consciousness or neurologically unstable condition. Cancer, any condition with a poor prognosis, major cardiopathy, or any severe neurological disorder. CT or MRI evidence of cerebral ischemia \> 25 mm in diameter. CT or MRI evidence of cerebral lesions of uncertain origin. Recurrent TIA or stroke-in-evolution. Age \< 45 years or \> 90 years. ASA risk score = 4. Lack of informed consent. Inability to undergo CEA within 72 hours of the initial ischemic symptom. Inability to participate in a 90-day follow-up after the initial ischemic symptom. Previous CEA or stenting of the examined carotid artery.