In a final recommendation statement published on February 2 in JAMA ^[1] US Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis: US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. JAMA. 2021;325(5):476-81. , The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has advised against screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis in the general adult population. Screening tools include duplex ultrasound, CT angiography, and MR angiography.

The statement reaffirms its 2014 recommendation, which was based on a lack of evidence demonstrating that early detection leads to improved outcomes in asymptomatic individuals. Previously duplex ultrasound had been widely used for screening based on the assumption that early detection and intervention would lead to a reduction in incidence of stroke. Subsequent studies have shown no benefit, and have in fact found that screening studies lead to poorer outcomes related to unnecessary interventions.

Carelon’s guideline for vascular imaging aligns with this recommendation, as the literature does not show net benefit for screening for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis in the general adult population. As always, Carelon’s goal is to support care for patients that is appropriate and safe; Carelon will continue to monitor the research in this area as it develops.