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Takeshita S, Inoue K, Ogata T, Ishii A, Uesugi N, Hamasaki M, Abe H, Tsugawa J. Impact of distribution of carotid intraplaque neovessels on plaque vulnerability. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2024; 33:107859. [PMID: 38997050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2024.107859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Intraplaque neovessels (INVs) are considered important contributors to carotid plaque vulnerability. The purpose of this study was to examine whether differences in INV distribution affect plaque vulnerability. METHODS The study cohort comprised 110 patients with significant stenosis of the carotid artery who had undergone carotid endarterectomy. The distribution of INVs within carotid plaques was assessed by immunohistochemical studies using anti-CD-34 antibody as a marker for endothelial cells. First, we divided the patients into M group and S group depending on the numbers of INVs in middle and shoulder region. Next, we categorized carotid plaques into four categories according to the distributions of INVs: Shoulder, Middle, Mixed, and Scarce. We then compared total area of intraplaque hemorrhage, cholesterol, and calcification, width of thinnest fibrous cap, and number of INVs between the four categories of plaque. RESULTS The area of intraplaque hemorrhage was significantly larger in the M group than in the S group (P = 0.011). Meanwhile, symptomatic carotid stenosis was significantly more frequently associated with the Middle and Mixed than the Shoulder and Scarce categories (P < 0.01). The area of intraplaque hemorrhage was significantly different between the four groups (P = 0.022). Rupture of the fibrous cap was more frequently detected in the Middle and Mixed than the other categories (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS INVs in the middle region of carotid plaques are strongly associated with symptomatic carotid stenosis, intraplaque hemorrhage, and rupture of the fibrous cap. Our findings indicate that the distribution of INVs may affect plaque vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Takeshita
- Department of Neurology, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Kenichi Inoue
- Department of Neurology, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshiyasu Ogata
- Department of Neurology, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Neurology, Japan Red Cross Fukuoka Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ayako Ishii
- Department of Neurology, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Noriko Uesugi
- Department of Pathology, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Hiroshi Abe
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jun Tsugawa
- Department of Neurology, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Habib S, Hafeez MS, Yuo TH, Subramaniam K. The Unstable Carotid Plaque. Anesthesiol Clin 2022; 40:737-749. [PMID: 36328626 DOI: 10.1016/j.anclin.2022.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Carotid revascularization is performed to prevent cerebrovascular events in patients with symptomatic (>50%) and asymptomatic high degree (>70%) carotid stenosis. As this operation carries significant risks for perioperative stroke, careful selection of patients who will benefit from the procedure is essential. Certain plaque characteristics, including texture, are associated with increased tendency for rupture and can be used to identify high-risk patients. Medical therapy, carotid endarterectomy, and carotid stenting are the mainstays for patient management. With careful selection of patients, all anesthesia techniques (general anesthesia, monitored anesthesia care, and regional anesthesia) can be used safely for these revascularization procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salim Habib
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15143, USA
| | - Muhammad Saad Hafeez
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15143, USA
| | - Theodore H Yuo
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15143, USA
| | - Kathirvel Subramaniam
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, 3471 5th Avenue Ste 402, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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3
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Advances in Noninvasive Carotid Wall Imaging with Ultrasound: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11206196. [PMID: 36294515 PMCID: PMC9604731 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11206196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Carotid atherosclerosis is a major cause for stroke, with significant associated disease burden morbidity and mortality in Western societies. Diagnosis, grading and follow-up of carotid atherosclerotic disease relies on imaging, specifically ultrasound (US) as the initial modality of choice. Traditionally, the degree of carotid lumen stenosis was considered the sole risk factor to predict brain ischemia. However, modern research has shown that a variety of other imaging biomarkers, such as plaque echogenicity, surface morphology, intraplaque neovascularization and vasa vasorum contribute to the risk for rupture of carotid atheromas with subsequent cerebrovascular events. Furthermore, the majority of embolic strokes of undetermined origin are probably arteriogenic and are associated with nonstenosing atheromas. Therefore, a state-of-the-art US scan of the carotid arteries should take advantage of recent technical developments and should provide detailed information about potential thrombogenic (/) and emboligenic arterial wall features. This manuscript reviews recent advances in ultrasonographic assessment of vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic plaques and highlights the fields of future development in multiparametric arterial wall imaging, in an attempt to convey the most important take-home messages for clinicians performing carotid ultrasound.
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Sztajzel RF, Engelter ST, Bonati LH, Mono M, Slezak A, Kurmann R, Nedeltchev K, Gensicke H, Traenka C, Baumgartner RW, Bonvin C, Hirt L, Medlin F, Burow A, Kägi G, Kapauer M, Vehoff J, Lovblad KO, Curtin F, Lyrer PA. Carotid plaque surface echogenicity predicts cerebrovascular events: An Echographic Multicentric Swiss Study. J Neuroimaging 2022; 32:1142-1152. [PMID: 35848388 PMCID: PMC9796934 DOI: 10.1111/jon.13026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To determine the prognostic value for ischemic stroke or transitory ischemic attack (TIA) of plaque surface echogenicity alone or combined to degree of stenosis in a Swiss multicenter cohort METHODS: Patients with ≥60% asymptomatic or ≥50% symptomatic carotid stenosis were included. Grey-scale based colour mapping was obtained of the whole plaque and of its surface defined as the regions between the lumen and respectively 0-0.5, 0-1, 0-1.5, and 0-2 mm of the outer border of the plaque. Red, yellow and green colour represented low, intermediate or high echogenicity. Proportion of red color on surface (PRCS) reflecting low echogenictiy was considered alone or combined to degree of stenosis (Risk index, RI). RESULTS We included 205 asymptomatic and 54 symptomatic patients. During follow-up (median/mean 24/27.7 months) 27 patients experienced stroke or TIA. In the asymptomatic group, RI ≥0.25 and PRCS ≥79% predicted stroke or TIA with a hazard ratio (HR) of respectively 8.7 p = 0.0001 and 10.2 p < 0.0001. In the symptomatic group RI ≥0.25 and PRCS ≥81% predicted stroke or TIA occurrence with a HR of respectively 6.1 p = 0.006 and 8.9 p = 0.001. The best surface parameter was located at 0-0.5mm. Among variables including age, sex, degree of stenosis, stenosis progression, RI, PRCS, grey median scale values and clinical baseline status, only PRCS independently prognosticated stroke (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION In this pilot study including patients with at least moderate degree of carotid stenosis, PRCS (0-0.5mm) alone or combined to degree of stenosis strongly predicted occurrence of subsequent cerebrovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman F Sztajzel
- Department of Neurology and Stroke CenterUniversity Hospital Geneva and Medical School
| | - Stefan T Engelter
- University of Basel,Neurorehabilitation Unit University of Basel and University Center for Medicine of Aging and Rehabilitation
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Christophe Bonvin
- Department of Neurology and Stroke CenterUniversity Hospital Geneva and Medical School
| | | | | | | | - Georg Kägi
- Department of NeurologyCantonal Hospital and Stroke CenterSt. Gallen
| | - Monika Kapauer
- Department of NeurologyCantonal Hospital and Stroke CenterSt. Gallen
| | - Jochen Vehoff
- Department of NeurologyCantonal Hospital and Stroke CenterSt. Gallen
| | - Karl O Lovblad
- University Hospital Geneva and Medical School and Department of Neuroradiology
| | - Francois Curtin
- Felix Platter Hospital, Basel, Department of Clinical PharmacologyUniversity Hospital Geneva
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5
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Saba L, Brinjikji W, Spence JD, Wintermark M, Castillo M, Borst GJD, Yang Q, Yuan C, Buckler A, Edjlali M, Saam T, Saloner D, Lal BK, Capodanno D, Sun J, Balu N, Naylor R, Lugt AVD, Wasserman BA, Kooi ME, Wardlaw J, Gillard J, Lanzino G, Hedin U, Mikulis D, Gupta A, DeMarco JK, Hess C, Goethem JV, Hatsukami T, Rothwell P, Brown MM, Moody AR. Roadmap Consensus on Carotid Artery Plaque Imaging and Impact on Therapy Strategies and Guidelines: An International, Multispecialty, Expert Review and Position Statement. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2021; 42:1566-1575. [PMID: 34326105 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Current guidelines for primary and secondary prevention of stroke in patients with carotid atherosclerosis are based on the quantification of the degree of stenosis and symptom status. Recent publications have demonstrated that plaque morphology and composition, independent of the degree of stenosis, are important in the risk stratification of carotid atherosclerotic disease. This finding raises the question as to whether current guidelines are adequate or if they should be updated with new evidence, including imaging for plaque phenotyping, risk stratification, and clinical decision-making in addition to the degree of stenosis. To further this discussion, this roadmap consensus article defines the limits of luminal imaging and highlights the current evidence supporting the role of plaque imaging. Furthermore, we identify gaps in current knowledge and suggest steps to generate high-quality evidence, to add relevant information to guidelines currently based on the quantification of stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Saba
- From the Department of Radiology (L.S.), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - J D Spence
- Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre (J.D.S.), Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Wintermark
- Department of Neuroradiology (M.W.), Stanford University and Healthcare System, Stanford, California
| | - M Castillo
- Department of Radiology (M.C.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - G J D Borst
- Department of Vascular Surgery (G.J.D.B.), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Q Yang
- Department of Radiology (Q.Y.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - C Yuan
- Departments of Radiology (C.Y., J.S., N.B.)
| | - A Buckler
- Elucid Bioimaging (A.B.), Boston, Massachusetts
| | - M Edjlali
- Department of Neuroradiology (M.E.), Université Paris-Descartes-Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, IMABRAIN-INSERM-UMR1266, DHU-Neurovasc, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Paris, France
| | - T Saam
- Department of Radiology (T.S.), University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Radiologisches Zentrum (T.S.), Rosenheim, Germany
| | - D Saloner
- Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (D.S., C.H.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - B K Lal
- Department of Vascular Surgery (B.K.L.), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - D Capodanno
- Division of Cardiology (D.C.), A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco," University of Catania, Italy
| | - J Sun
- Departments of Radiology (C.Y., J.S., N.B.)
| | - N Balu
- Departments of Radiology (C.Y., J.S., N.B.)
| | - R Naylor
- The Leicester Vascular Institute (R.N.), Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - A V D Lugt
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (A.v.d.L.), Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - B A Wasserman
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science (B.A.W.), Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - M E Kooi
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (M.E.K.), CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - J Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (J.W.), United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute and Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - J Gillard
- Christ's College (J.G.), Cambridge, UK
| | - G Lanzino
- Neurosurgery (G.L.) Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - U Hedin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery (U.H.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Vascular Surgery (U.H.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - D Mikulis
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging and the Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory (D.M.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Gupta
- Department of Radiology (A.G.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - J K DeMarco
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (J.K.D.), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - C Hess
- Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (D.S., C.H.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - J V Goethem
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences (J.V.G.), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - T Hatsukami
- Surgery (T.H.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - P Rothwell
- Centre for Prevention of Stroke and Dementia (P.R.), Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, UK
| | - M M Brown
- Stroke Research Centre (M.M.B.), Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, University College of London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK
| | - A R Moody
- Department of Medical Imaging (A.R.M.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Li Y, Kwong DLW, Wu VWC, Yip SP, Law HKW, Lee SWY, Ying MTC. Computer-assisted ultrasound assessment of plaque characteristics in radiation-induced and non-radiation-induced carotid atherosclerosis. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2021; 11:2292-2306. [PMID: 34079702 DOI: 10.21037/qims-20-1012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background This study investigated the feasibility of using a computer-assisted method to evaluate and differentiate the carotid plaque characteristics in radiation-induced and non-radiation-induced carotid atherosclerosis. Methods This study included 107 post-radiotherapy (post-RT) nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients and 110 subjects with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs). Each participant had a carotid ultrasound examination, and carotid plaques and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were evaluated with grey scale ultrasound. The carotid plaque characteristics were evaluated for grey-scale median (GSM) and detailed plaque texture analysis (DPTA) using specific computer software. In DPTA, five different intra-plaque components were colour-coded according to different grey scale ranges. A multivariate linear regression model was used to evaluate the correlation of risk factors and carotid plaque characteristics. Results Post-RT NPC patients have significantly higher CIMT (748±15.1 µm, P=0.001), more patients had a plaque formation (80.4%, P<0.001) and more plaque locations (2.3±0.2, P<0.001) than CVRF subjects (680.4±10.0 µm, 38.2% and 0.5±0.1 respectively). Among the five intra-plaque components, radiation-induced carotid plaques had significantly larger area of calcification (4.8%±7.7%, P=0.012), but lesser area of lipid (42.1%±16.9%, P=0.034) when compared to non-radiation-induced carotid plaques (3.0%±5.7% and 46.3%±17.9% respectively). Age, radiation and number of CVRF were significantly associated with the carotid atherosclerosis burden (P<0.001). Besides, age was significantly associated with the amount of lipid and calcification within carotid plaques (P<0.001). Conclusions Radiation caused more severe carotid artery disease than CVRF with larger CIMT and more prevalent of carotid plaque. Radiation-induced carotid plaques tended to have more intra-plaque calcifications, whereas non-radiation-induced carotid plaques had more lipids. Ultrasound aided by computer-assisted image analysis has potential for more accurate assessment of carotid atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanxi Li
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dora Lai-Wan Kwong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vincent Wing-Cheung Wu
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shea-Ping Yip
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Helen Ka-Wai Law
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shara Wee-Yee Lee
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Michael Tin-Cheung Ying
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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Saba L, Agarwal N, Cau R, Gerosa C, Sanfilippo R, Porcu M, Montisci R, Cerrone G, Qi Y, Balestrieri A, Lucatelli P, Politi C, Faa G, Suri JS. Review of imaging biomarkers for the vulnerable carotid plaque. JVS Vasc Sci 2021; 2:149-158. [PMID: 34617065 PMCID: PMC8489200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvssci.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of carotid artery atherosclerosis is conventionally based on measurements of luminal stenosis. However, histopathologic studies demonstrate considerable differences between plaques with identical degrees of stenosis and indicate that certain plaque features are associated with increased risk for ischemic events. As a result of the rapid technological evolution in medical imaging, several important steps have been taken in the field of carotid plaque imaging allowing us to visualize the carotid atherosclerotic plaque and its composition in great detail. For computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and ultrasound scan, evidence has accumulated on novel imaging-based markers that confer information on carotid plaque vulnerability, such as intraplaque hemorrhage and lipid-rich necrotic cores. In terms of the imaging-based identification of individuals at high risk of stroke, routine assessments of such imaging markers are the way forward for improving current clinical practice. The current review highlights the main characteristics of the vulnerable plaque indicating their role in the etiology of ischemic stroke as identified by intensive plaque imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nivedita Agarwal
- Section of Radiology, Santa Maria del Carmine Hospital, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cau
- Department of Radiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Clara Gerosa
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Sanfilippo
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Michele Porcu
- Department of Radiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Montisci
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Cerrone
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Yang Qi
- Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Pierleone Lucatelli
- Vascular and Interventional Unit, Department of Radiological Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carola Politi
- Department of Radiology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jasjit S. Suri
- Stroke Diagnosis and Monitoring Division, AtheroPoint™, Roseville, Calif
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8
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Tosun H, Kamışlı S, Tecellioğlu M, Alan S, Tecellioğlu FS, Öztanır MN, Kablan Y. Red and White Thrombus Characteristics in Patients Undergoing Carotid Endarterectomy. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2020; 30:105451. [PMID: 33278805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study aimed to compare the characteristics of red and white thrombi in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted in 81 patients with ischemic stroke who underwent carotid endarterectomy for carotid artery stenosis. Carotid plaques were graded by two pathologists. Thrombus materials were divided into two groups: white and red. The parameters of assessment were plaque rupture, lipid core, fibrous cap thickness, inflammation, intraplaque hemorrhage, calcification, necrotic core, and neovascularization. Normally distributed data were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U and Chi-squared tests. RESULTS The ratio of white and red thrombus was 19.8% and 80.2%, respectively. Lipid core, plaque rupture, necrotic core, neovascularization, intraplaque hemorrhage, obstruction, and inflammation were observed more in red thrombus, which were statistically significant. Calcification and fibrous cap thickness were not statistically significant in the two groups. Moreover, intimal smooth muscle cells were present in all thrombus types. CONCLUSION In our study, we found that red thrombi had more unstable characteristics than white thrombi. Thus, the risk for ischemic cerebrovascular events is more in red thrombi. However, this finding cannot be generalized due to the small number of patients in this study. Therefore, studies involving more patients are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Saadet Alan
- Turgut Özal Medical Center, Malatya, Turkey.
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9
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Vessel Wall–Imaging Biomarkers of Carotid Plaque Vulnerability in Stroke Prevention Trials. JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2020; 13:2445-2456. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2020.07.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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10
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Paraskevas KI, Nicolaides AN, Kakkos SK. Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis and Risk of Stroke (ACSRS) study: what have we learned from it? ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1271. [PMID: 33178803 PMCID: PMC7607063 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis and Risk of Stroke (ACSRS) study is the largest natural history study on patients with 50–99% asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS). It included 1,121 ACS individuals with a follow-up between 6 and 96 months (mean: 48 months). During the last 15 years, several important ACSRS substudies have been published that have contributed significantly to the optimal management of ACS patients. These studies have demonstrated that specific baseline clinical characteristics and ultrasonic plaque features after image normalization (namely carotid plaque type, gray scale median, carotid plaque area, juxtaluminal black area without a visible echogenic cup, discrete white areas in an echolucent part of a plaque, silent embolic infarcts on brain computed tomography scans, a history of contralateral transient ischemic attacks/strokes) can independently predict future ipsilateral cerebrovascular events. The ACSRS study provided proof that by use of a computer program to normalize plaque images and extract plaque texture features, a combination of features can stratify patients into various categories depending on their stroke risk. The present review will discuss the various reported predictors of future ipsilateral cerebrovascular events and how these characteristics can be used to calculate individual stroke risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew N Nicolaides
- Department of Surgery, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Stavros K Kakkos
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
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11
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Chrencik MT, Khan AA, Luther L, Anthony L, Yokemick J, Patel J, Sorkin JD, Sikdar S, Lal BK. Quantitative assessment of carotid plaque morphology (geometry and tissue composition) using computed tomography angiography. J Vasc Surg 2019; 70:858-868. [PMID: 30850296 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2018.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Quantification of carotid plaque morphology (geometry and tissue composition) may help stratify risk for future stroke and assess plaque progression or regression in response to medical risk factor modification. We assessed the feasibility and reliability of morphologic measurements of carotid plaques using computed tomography angiography (CTA) and determined the minimum detectable change in plaque features by this approach. METHODS CTA images of both carotid arteries in 50 patients were analyzed by two observers using a semiautomatic image analysis program, yielding 93 observations per user (seven arteries were excluded because of prior stenting). One observer repeated the analyses 4 weeks later. Measurements included total plaque volume; percentage stenosis (by diameter and area); and tissue composition for calcium, lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH). Reliability of measurements was assessed by intraclass and interclass correlation and Bland-Altman plots. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and modified Hausdorff distance (MHD) assessed reliability of geometric shape measurements. We additionally computed the minimum amount of change in these features detectable by our approach. RESULTS The cohort was 51% male (mean age, 70.1 years), and 56% had a prior stroke. The mean (± standard deviation) plaque volume was 837.3 ± 431.3 mm3, stenosis diameter was 44.5% ± 25.6%, and stenosis area was 58.1% ± 29.0%. These measurements showed high reliability. Intraclass correlation coefficients for plaque volume, percentage stenosis by diameter, and percentage stenosis by area were 0.96, 0.87, and 0.83, respectively; interclass correlation coefficients were 0.88, 0.84, and 0.78. Intraclass correlations for tissue composition were 0.99, 0.96, and 0.86 (calcium, LRNC, and IPH, respectively), and interclass correlations were 0.99, 0.92, and 0.92. Shape measurements showed high intraobserver (DSC, 0.95 ± 0.04; MHD, 0.16 ± 0.10 mm) and interobserver (DSC, 0.94 ± 0.05; MHD, 0.19 ± 0.12 mm) luminal agreement. This approach can detect a change of at least 3.9% in total plaque volume, 1.2 mm3 in calcium, 4.3 mm3 in LRNC, and 8.6 mm3 in IPH with the same observer repeating measurements and 9.9% in plaque volume, 1.9 mm3 in calcium, 7.9 mm3 in LRNC, and 6.8 mm3 in IPH for two different observers. CONCLUSIONS Carotid plaque geometry (total volume, diameter stenosis, and area stenosis) and tissue composition (calcium, LRNC, and IPH) are measured reliably from clinical CTA images using a semiautomatic image analysis program. The minimum change in plaque volume detectable is ∼4% if the same observer makes both measurements and ∼10% for different observers. Small changes in plaque composition can also be detected reliably. This approach can facilitate longitudinal studies for identifying high-risk plaque features and for quantifying plaque progression or regression after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Chrencik
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md; Vascular Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Md
| | - Amir A Khan
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, Va
| | - Lauren Luther
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md; Vascular Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Md
| | - Laila Anthony
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md; Vascular Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Md
| | - John Yokemick
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md; Vascular Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Md
| | - Jigar Patel
- Imaging Service, VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, Md
| | - John D Sorkin
- Baltimore VA Medical Center Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Md; Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md
| | | | - Brajesh K Lal
- Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md; Vascular Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Md.
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12
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Gaba K, Bulbulia R. Identifying asymptomatic patients at high-risk for stroke. THE JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR SURGERY 2019; 60:332-344. [PMID: 30785251 DOI: 10.23736/s0021-9509.19.10912-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting, in addition to good medical therapy, halve long-term stroke risk in asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis. Since the absolute benefits following successful intervention are moderate, identification of asymptomatic patients at high-risk of future stroke could maximize the effectiveness of carotid interventions. The aim of this paper is to summarize the evidence for high-risk features associated with increased long-term stroke risk in asymptomatic patients. There is a paucity of reliable data describing the effect of clinical features, imaging findings and plaque characteristics on increased long-term stroke risk. Clinical and imaging features such as contralateral symptoms, silent brain infarcts/embolic signals, progression of stenosis and impaired cerebrovascular reactivity may be associated with increased future risk of stroke. Plaque characteristics such as echolucency, large plaque size (≥80 mm), intra-plaque hemorrhage, lipid-rich necrotic core and thinned/ruptured fibrous cap may also increase future risk of stroke. Whilst these form the basis for European guidelines targeting carotid intervention in asymptomatic patients with tight stenosis, conclusive evidence of their utility is lacking. Results from ongoing large, multicenter randomized clinical trials comparing carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery stenting with good medical therapy may be consistent with earlier trials, showing a halving of the long-term risk of stroke following successful carotid revascularization. However, they may well lack sufficient statistical power to identify higher-risk subgroups in whom the absolute gains of treatment are significantly higher. Large contemporary cohort studies are needed to provide further clarity regarding high-risk features associated with increased long-term stroke risk in asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamran Gaba
- Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Bulbulia
- Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK - .,Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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13
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Carotid artery plaque echomorphology and its association with histopathologic characteristics. J Vasc Surg 2018; 68:1772-1780. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2018.01.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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14
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Paraskevas KI, Veith FJ, Spence JD. How to identify which patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis could benefit from endarterectomy or stenting. Stroke Vasc Neurol 2018; 3:92-100. [PMID: 30022795 PMCID: PMC6047337 DOI: 10.1136/svn-2017-000129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Offering routine carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) to patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis (ACS) is no longer considered as the optimal management of these patients. Equally suboptimal, however, is the policy of offering only best medical treatment (BMT) to all patients with ACS and not considering any of them for prophylactic CEA. In the last few years, there have been many studies aiming to identify reliable predictors of future cerebrovascular events that would allow the identification of patients with high-risk ACS and offer a prophylactic carotid intervention only to these patients to prevent them from becoming symptomatic. All patients with ACS should receive BMT. The present article will summarise the evidence suggesting ways to identify these high-risk asymptomatic individuals, namely: (1) microemboli detection on transcranial Doppler, (2) plaque echolucency on Duplex ultrasound, (3) progression in the severity of ACS, (4) silent embolic infarcts on brain CT/MRI, (5) reduced cerebrovascular reserve, (6) increased size of juxtaluminal hypoechoic area, (7) identification of intraplaque haemorrhage using MRI and (8) carotid ulceration. The evidence suggests that approximately 10%-15% of patents with asymptomatic stenosis might benefit from intervention; this will become more clear after publication of ongoing studies comparing stenting or endarterectomy with best medical therapy. In the meantime, no patient should be offered intervention unless there is evidence of high risk of ipsilateral stroke, from modalities such as those discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosmas I Paraskevas
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Frank J Veith
- Department of Vascular Surgery, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, USA
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - J David Spence
- Stroke Prevention & Atherosclerosis Research Centre, Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Canada
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15
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Aitbaev KA, Murkamilov IT, Fomin VV, Murkamilova JA, Yusupov FA. MicroRNA in ischemic stroke. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2018; 118:48-56. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20181183248-56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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16
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Lee J, Kil J, Kim DW, Kang SD. Usefulness of Plaque Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Identifying High-Risk Carotid Plaques Irrespective of the Degree of Stenosis. J Cerebrovasc Endovasc Neurosurg 2017; 19:291-300. [PMID: 29387630 PMCID: PMC5788837 DOI: 10.7461/jcen.2017.19.4.291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Measurement of the degree of stenosis is not enough to decide on the treatment strategy for patients with carotid stenosis. Plaque morphology examination is needed for such a decision-making. Thus, we evaluated the usefulness of plaque magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to decide on the modality of treatment for patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Materials and Methods Fifteen patients presenting with carotid stenosis between 2014 and 2016 were included. They underwent angiography for measurement of the degree of stenosis. Carotid plaques were visualized using MRI. Results There were six (40%) stable and nine (60%) unstable plaques. Seven symptomatic patients (77.7%) had unstable lesions and two symptomatic patients (33.3%) had stable lesions (p = 0.096). There were six (40%) intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) cases. There were six symptomatic patients (100%) in the IPH group and three symptomatic patients (33.3%) in the non-IPH group (p = 0.013). The mean stenosis degree was 58.9% in the IPH group and 70.4% in the non-IPH group (p = 0.094). Symptoms occurred irrespective of the degree of the stenosis in the IPH groups. In the IPH group, the recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular event rate was 33.3%. Particularly, the recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular event rate was 66.7% in the IPH group with mild stenosis treated with medications. Conclusion IPH in plaque MRI is significantly associated with ischemic symptoms and has a high risk for subsequent ischemic cerebrovascular events irrespective of the degree of stenosis. Plaque MRI is a useful tool in predicting symptomatic risks for carotid stenosis irrespective of the degree of such stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinseong Lee
- Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
| | - Jinsang Kil
- Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
| | - Dae-Won Kim
- Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
| | - Sung-Don Kang
- Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Iksan, Korea
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Maitrias P, Metzinger-Le Meuth V, Nader J, Reix T, Caus T, Metzinger L. The Involvement of miRNA in Carotid-Related Stroke. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2017; 37:1608-1617. [PMID: 28775076 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.117.309233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Stroke is associated with a marked disability burden and has a major economic impact; this is especially true for carotid artery stroke. Major advances in primary and secondary prevention during the last few decades have helped to tackle this public health problem. However, better knowledge of the physiopathology of stroke and its underlying genetic mechanisms is needed to improve diagnosis and therapy. miRNAs are an important, recently identified class of post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and are known to be involved in cerebrovascular disease. These endogenous, small, noncoding RNAs may have applications as noninvasive biomarkers and therapeutic tools in practice. Here, we review the involvement of several miRNAs in cell-based and whole-animal models of stroke, with a focus on human miRNA profiling studies of carotid artery stroke. Lastly, we describe the miRNAs' potential role as a biomarker of stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Maitrias
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Amiens University Hospital, France (P.M., J.N., T.R., T.C.); University Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cite, UFR SMBH, Bobigny, France (V.M.-L.M.); INSERM Unit-1088, Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences of Cardiovascular Calcifications, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, University Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France (P.M., V.M.-L.M., J.N., T.C., L.M.); Medicine College, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France (P.M., T.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, Center of Human Biology, Amiens University Hospital, France (L.M.).
| | - Valérie Metzinger-Le Meuth
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Amiens University Hospital, France (P.M., J.N., T.R., T.C.); University Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cite, UFR SMBH, Bobigny, France (V.M.-L.M.); INSERM Unit-1088, Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences of Cardiovascular Calcifications, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, University Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France (P.M., V.M.-L.M., J.N., T.C., L.M.); Medicine College, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France (P.M., T.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, Center of Human Biology, Amiens University Hospital, France (L.M.)
| | - Joseph Nader
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Amiens University Hospital, France (P.M., J.N., T.R., T.C.); University Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cite, UFR SMBH, Bobigny, France (V.M.-L.M.); INSERM Unit-1088, Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences of Cardiovascular Calcifications, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, University Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France (P.M., V.M.-L.M., J.N., T.C., L.M.); Medicine College, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France (P.M., T.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, Center of Human Biology, Amiens University Hospital, France (L.M.)
| | - Thierry Reix
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Amiens University Hospital, France (P.M., J.N., T.R., T.C.); University Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cite, UFR SMBH, Bobigny, France (V.M.-L.M.); INSERM Unit-1088, Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences of Cardiovascular Calcifications, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, University Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France (P.M., V.M.-L.M., J.N., T.C., L.M.); Medicine College, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France (P.M., T.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, Center of Human Biology, Amiens University Hospital, France (L.M.)
| | - Thierry Caus
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Amiens University Hospital, France (P.M., J.N., T.R., T.C.); University Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cite, UFR SMBH, Bobigny, France (V.M.-L.M.); INSERM Unit-1088, Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences of Cardiovascular Calcifications, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, University Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France (P.M., V.M.-L.M., J.N., T.C., L.M.); Medicine College, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France (P.M., T.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, Center of Human Biology, Amiens University Hospital, France (L.M.)
| | - Laurent Metzinger
- From the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Amiens University Hospital, France (P.M., J.N., T.R., T.C.); University Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cite, UFR SMBH, Bobigny, France (V.M.-L.M.); INSERM Unit-1088, Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences of Cardiovascular Calcifications, Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, University Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France (P.M., V.M.-L.M., J.N., T.C., L.M.); Medicine College, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France (P.M., T.R.); and Department of Biochemistry, Center of Human Biology, Amiens University Hospital, France (L.M.)
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18
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Cires-Drouet RS, Mozafarian M, Ali A, Sikdar S, Lal BK. Imaging of high-risk carotid plaques: ultrasound. Semin Vasc Surg 2017; 30:44-53. [PMID: 28818258 DOI: 10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2017.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Duplex ultrasonography has a well-established role in the assessment of the degree of stenosis caused by carotid atherosclerosis. This assessment is derived from Doppler velocity changes induced by the narrowing lumen of the artery. New research into the mechanisms for plaque rupture and atheroembolic stroke indicates that the degree of narrowing is an imperfect predictor of stroke risk, and that other factors, such as plaque composition and remodeling and biomechanical forces acting on the plaque, can play a role. New advances in ultrasound imaging technology have made it possible to investigate these measures of plaque vulnerability to identify pre-embolic unstable carotid plaques. Efforts have been made to quantify the morphologic appearance of the plaque in B-mode images and to correlate them with histology. Additional research has resulted in the first generation of clinically available 3-dimensional ultrasound transducers that reduce operator-dependence and variability. Finally, ultrasonography provides real-time imaging and physiologic information that can be utilized to measure disruptive forces acting on carotid plaques. We review some of these exciting developments in ultrasonography and discuss how these may impact clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael S Cires-Drouet
- Center for Vascular Diagnostics, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 South Greene Street, S10-B00, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Mahvash Mozafarian
- Center for Vascular Diagnostics, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 South Greene Street, S10-B00, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Amir Ali
- Center for Vascular Diagnostics, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 South Greene Street, S10-B00, Baltimore, MD 21201; Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
| | | | - Brajesh K Lal
- Center for Vascular Diagnostics, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 South Greene Street, S10-B00, Baltimore, MD 21201; Vascular Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, MD.
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19
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Liu Y, Hua Y, Feng W, Ovbiagele B. Multimodality ultrasound imaging in stroke: current concepts and future focus. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2016; 14:1325-1333. [PMID: 27785921 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2016.1254043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Ultrasound is a real-time imaging technique that is inexpensive, portable, non-invasive, and safe, with high diagnostic accuracy. Ultrasonic imaging can provide useful direct and indirect information about the characteristics of various vessels in the both intracranial and extracranial segments. Areas covered: In this review, we will discuss multimodal applications of ultrasonic imaging in stroke prevention and management including checking carotid intima-media thickness progression, evaluating the plaque morphology, calibrating the degree of stenosis, detecting the presence of patent foramen ovale, monitoring microembolization, and screening for stroke risk in patients with sickle cell disease. We present the conventional ultrasonography as well as the novel ultrasound techniques including gray scale median, 3-dementional ultrasound, elastography, intravascular ultrasound, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. Expert commentary: Ultrasonography is a non-invasive, low-cost, safe, fast, and real-time imaging technology for stroke risk assessment. Each modality has its own advantage as well as limitation. Future research should be focused on developing new technologies that can improve the quality of imaging and accuracy of diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Liu
- a Department of Vascular Ultrasound , Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China.,b Department of Neurology, MUSC Stroke Center , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , USA
| | - Yang Hua
- a Department of Vascular Ultrasound , Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University , Beijing , China
| | - Wuwei Feng
- b Department of Neurology, MUSC Stroke Center , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , USA
| | - Bruce Ovbiagele
- b Department of Neurology, MUSC Stroke Center , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , USA
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) primarily caused by atherosclerosis is a major cause of death and disability in developed countries. Sonographic carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is widely studied as a surrogate marker for detecting subclinical atherosclerosis for risk prediction and disease progress to guide medical intervention. However, there is no standardized CIMT measurement methodology in clinical studies resulting in inconsistent findings, thereby undermining the clinical value of CIMT. Increasing evidences show that CIMT alone has weak predictive value for CVD while CIMT including plaque presence consistently improves the predictive power. Quantification of plaque burden further enhances the predictive power beyond plaque presence. Sonographic carotid plaque characteristics have been found to be predictive of cerebral ischaemic events. With advances in ultrasound technology, enhanced assessment of carotid plaques is feasible to detect high-risk/vulnerable plaques, and provide risk assessment for ischemic stroke beyond measurement of luminal stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Sin Yee Ho
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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21
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Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a systemic condition that eventually evolves into vulnerable plaques and cardiovascular events. Pathology studies reveal that rupture-prone atherosclerotic plaques have a distinct morphology, namely a thin, inflamed fibrous cap covering a large lipidic and necrotic core. With the fast development of imaging techniques in the last decades, detecting vulnerable plaques thereby identifying individuals at high risk for cardiovascular events has become of major interest. Yet, in current clinical practice, there is no routine use of any vascular imaging modality to assess plaque characteristics as each unique technique has its pros and cons. This review describes the techniques that may evolve into screening tool for the detection of the vulnerable plaque. Finally, it seems that plaque morphology has been changing in the last decades leading to a higher prevalence of 'stable' atherosclerotic plaques, possibly due to the implementation of primary prevention strategies or other approaches. Therefore, the nomenclature of vulnerable plaque lesions should be very carefully defined in all studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Gonçalves
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Sciences Malmö, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - H den Ruijter
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology and Research Laboratory Clinical Chemistry (LKCH), UMCU, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - M Nahrendorf
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Simches Research Building, 185Cambridge St., Boston, MA02114, USA
| | - G Pasterkamp
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology and Research Laboratory Clinical Chemistry (LKCH), UMCU, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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22
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Yang D, Iyer S, Gardener H, Della-Morte D, Crisby M, Dong C, Cheung K, Mora-McLaughlin C, Wright CB, Elkind MS, Sacco RL, Rundek T. Cigarette Smoking and Carotid Plaque Echodensity in the Northern Manhattan Study. Cerebrovasc Dis 2015; 40:136-43. [PMID: 26227885 DOI: 10.1159/000434761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to determine the association between cigarette smoking and carotid plaque ultrasound morphology in a multiethnic cohort. METHODS We analyzed 1,743 stroke-free participants (mean age 65.5 ± 8.9 years; 60% women; 18% white, 63% Hispanic, 19% black; 14% current and 38% former smokers, 48% never smoked) from the Northern Manhattan Study using an ultrasound index of plaque echodensity, the Gray-Scale Median (GSM). Echolucent plaque (low GSM) represents soft plaque and echodense (high GSM) more calcified plaque. The mean GSM weighted by plaque area for each plaque was calculated for those with multiple plaques. Quintiles of GSM were compared to no plaque. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess associations of cigarette smoking with GSM, adjusting for demographics and vascular risk factors. RESULTS Among subjects with carotid plaque (58%), the mean GSM scores for quintiles 1-5 were 48, 72, 90, 105, and 128, respectively. Current smokers had over a two fold increased risk of having GSM in quintile 1 (odds ratio (OR) = 2.17; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.34-3.52), quintile 2 (OR = 2.33; 95% CI, 1.42-3.83), quintile 4 (OR = 2.05; 95% CI, 1.19-3.51), and quintile 5 (OR = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.27-3.56) but not in quintile 3 (OR = 1.18; 95% CI, 0.67-2.10) as compared to never smokers in fully adjusted models. Former smokers had increased risk in quintile 2 (OR = 1.46; 95% CI, 1.00-2.12), quintile 3 (OR = 1.56; 95% CI, 1.09-2.24), quintile 4 (OR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.13-2.42), and quintile 5 (OR = 1.73; 95% CI, 1.19-2.51), but not in quintile 1 (OR = 1.05; 95% CI, 0.72-1.55). CONCLUSIONS A nonlinear, V-shaped-like relationship between current cigarette smoking and plaque echodensity was observed. Former smokers were at the highest risk for plaques in high GSM quintiles. Thus, current smokers were more likely to have either soft or calcified plaques and former smokers were at greater risk of having only echodense plaques when compared to those who have never smoked. Further research is needed to determine if plaque morphology mediates an association between smoking and clinical vascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dixon Yang
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Fla., USA
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Masabni K, Raza S, Blackstone EH, Gornik HL, Sabik JF. Does preoperative carotid stenosis screening reduce perioperative stroke in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting? J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2015; 149:1253-60. [PMID: 25816954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2015.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
A number of institutions routinely perform carotid artery ultrasound screening before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to identify carotid artery disease requiring revascularization before or during CABG, with the expectation of reducing perioperative neurologic events. The assumptions are that carotid disease is causally related to perioperative stroke and that prophylactic carotid revascularization decreases the risk of post-CABG neurologic events. Although carotid artery stenosis is a known risk factor for perioperative stroke in patients undergoing CABG, it might be a surrogate marker for diffuse atherosclerotic disease rather than a direct etiologic factor. Moreover, the benefit of prophylactic carotid revascularization in patients with asymptomatic unilateral carotid disease is uncertain. Therefore, we have reviewed the literature for evidence that preoperative carotid artery screening, by identifying patients with significant carotid artery stenosis and altering their management, reduces perioperative neurologic events in those undergoing CABG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Masabni
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sajjad Raza
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Eugene H Blackstone
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Heather L Gornik
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Joseph F Sabik
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
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24
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Singh P, Kaur R, Kaur A. Clot composition and treatment approach to acute ischemic stroke: The road so far. Ann Indian Acad Neurol 2014; 16:494-7. [PMID: 24339566 PMCID: PMC3841587 DOI: 10.4103/0972-2327.120433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent histological studies of thrombi retrieved from patients with an acute ischemic stroke using the endovascular thrombectomy devices and correlation with early vessel computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics have given relevant insights into the pathophysiology of thrombotic lesions and may facilitate the development of improved reperfusion treatment approaches. We present a review of recent studies on the histopathologic analysis of thrombi, studies of MRI, and CT imaging correlation with thrombus histology, and detailed structural analysis of thromboemboli retrieved by thrombectomy devices during an acute ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paramdeep Singh
- Department of Radiology, Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot, Punjab, India
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25
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Teng Z, Sadat U, Brown AJ, Gillard JH. Plaque hemorrhage in carotid artery disease: pathogenesis, clinical and biomechanical considerations. J Biomech 2014; 47:847-58. [PMID: 24485514 PMCID: PMC3994507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2014.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Stroke remains the most prevalent disabling illness today, with internal carotid artery luminal stenosis due to atheroma formation responsible for the majority of ischemic cerebrovascular events. Severity of luminal stenosis continues to dictate both patient risk stratification and the likelihood of surgical intervention. But there is growing evidence to suggest that plaque morphology may help improve pre-existing risk stratification criteria. Plaque components such a fibrous tissue, lipid rich necrotic core and calcium have been well investigated but plaque hemorrhage (PH) has been somewhat overlooked. In this review we discuss the pathogenesis of PH, its role in dictating plaque vulnerability, PH imaging techniques, marterial properties of atherosclerotic tissues, in particular, those obtained based on in vivo measurements and effect of PH in modulating local biomechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongzhao Teng
- University Department of Radiology, University of Cambridge, UK; Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK.
| | - Umar Sadat
- Department of Surgery, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Adam J Brown
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
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26
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Carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic low-grade carotid stenosis. J Vasc Surg 2014; 59:25-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2013.06.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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27
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Singh AS, Atam V, Jain N, Yathish BE, Patil MR, Das L. Association of carotid plaque echogenicity with recurrence of ischemic stroke. NORTH AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2013; 5:371-6. [PMID: 23923112 PMCID: PMC3731869 DOI: 10.4103/1947-2714.114170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis is related to various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events like cerebral infarction. Recurrence of ischemic stroke is specifically related to atherosclerotic load as determined by the presence of carotid atheromatous plaques and its echogenicity. AIM This study was to evaluate the association of recurrence of stroke with echogenic characteristics of carotid plaque in ischemic stroke patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Carotid sonography using high-resolution 7.5 MHz along with gray-scale technique was done in each ischemic stroke patient to find the occurrence of plaque and its echogenicity according to Mannheim Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Consensus (2004-2006). Followup of patient done to know the recurrence of stroke during 6-month duration and its association with plaque echogenicity. RESULTS A significant association found between the presence of plaque and known cerebrovascular risk factors. Also significant association found between recurrence of stroke and echolucent character of carotid plaque in bivariate analysis (P = 0.0028). CONCLUSIONS Recurrence of stroke is related to advanced stage of atherosclerosis that is specified by carotid plaque and its characteristics. It will help us to identify groups of patients at different risk for stroke and planning better strategies to prevent such events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Shankar Singh
- Department of Medicine, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
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28
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MRI plaque imaging detects carotid plaques with a high risk for future cerebrovascular events in asymptomatic patients. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67927. [PMID: 23894291 PMCID: PMC3722215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate prospectively whether MRI plaque imaging can identify patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis who have an increased risk for future cerebral events. MRI plaque imaging allows categorization of carotid stenosis into different lesion types (I-VIII). Within these lesion types, lesion types IV-V and VI are regarded as rupture-prone plaques, whereas the other lesion types represent stable ones. METHODS Eighty-three consecutive patients (45 male (54.2%); age 54-88 years (mean 73.2 years)) presenting with an asymptomatic carotid stenosis of 50-99% according to ECST-criteria were recruited. Patients were imaged with a 1.5-T scanner. T1-, T2-, time-of-flight-, and proton-density weighted studies were performed. The carotid plaques were classified as lesion type I-VIII. Clinical endpoints were ischemic stroke, TIA or amaurosis fugax. Survival analysis and log rank test were used to ascertain statistical significance. RESULTS Six out of 83 patients (7.2%) were excluded: 4 patients had insufficient MR image quality; 1 patient was lost-to-follow-up; 1 patient died shortly after the baseline MRI plaque imaging. The following results were obtained by analyzing the remaining 77 patients. The mean time of follow-up was 41.1 months. During follow-up, n = 9 (11.7%) ipsilateral ischemic cerebrovascular events occurred. Only patients presenting with the high-risk lesion types IV-V and VI developed an ipsilateral cerebrovascular event versus none of the patients presenting with the stable lesion types III, VII, and VIII (n = 9 (11.7%) vs. n = 0 (0%) during follow-up). Event-free survival was higher among patients with the MRI-defined stable lesion types (III, VII, and VIII) than in patients with the high-risk lesion types (IV-V and VI) (log rank test P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS MRI plaque imaging has the potential to identify patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis who are particularly at risk of developing future cerebral ischemia. MRI could improve selection criteria for invasive therapy in the future.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although MRI is widely used to observe atherosclerosis impacts on the vessel lumen, MRI also depicts the size of the plaque itself, its composition, and plaque inflammation, providing information beyond simple stenosis. This article summarizes the state of evidence for a clinical role for MRI of carotid atherosclerosis. CONCLUSION MRI of carotid atherosclerosis has a proven role in pharmaceutical trials and may improve patient management once large-scale clinical trials have been completed.
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30
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The size of juxtaluminal hypoechoic area in ultrasound images of asymptomatic carotid plaques predicts the occurrence of stroke. J Vasc Surg 2013; 57:609-618.e1; discussion 617-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2012.09.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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31
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Saito H, Kuroda S, Hirata K, Magota K, Shiga T, Tamaki N, Yoshida D, Terae S, Nakayama N, Houkin K. Validity of Dual MRI and18F-FDG PET Imaging in Predicting Vulnerable and Inflamed Carotid Plaque. Cerebrovasc Dis 2013; 35:370-7. [DOI: 10.1159/000348846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Kinsella JA, Tobin WO, Hamilton G, McCabe DJH. Platelet activation, function, and reactivity in atherosclerotic carotid artery stenosis: a systematic review of the literature. Int J Stroke 2012; 8:451-64. [PMID: 23013536 DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-4949.2012.00866.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
An important proportion of transient ischemic attack or ischemic stroke is attributable to moderate or severe (50-99%) atherosclerotic carotid stenosis or occlusion. Platelet biomarkers have the potential to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of vascular events in this patient population. A detailed systematic review was performed to collate all available data on ex vivo platelet activation and platelet function/reactivity in patients with carotid stenosis. Two hundred thirteen potentially relevant articles were initially identified; 26 manuscripts met criteria for inclusion in this systematic review. There was no consistent evidence of clinically informative data from urinary or soluble blood markers of platelet activation in patients with symptomatic moderate or severe carotid stenosis who might be considered suitable for carotid intervention. Data from flow cytometry studies revealed evidence of excessive platelet activation in patients in the early, sub-acute, or late phases after transient ischemic attack or stroke in association with moderate or severe carotid stenosis and in asymptomatic moderate or severe carotid stenosis compared with controls. Furthermore, pilot data suggest that platelet activation may be increased in recently symptomatic than in asymptomatic severe carotid stenosis. Excessive platelet activation and platelet hyperreactivity may play a role in the pathogenesis of first or subsequent transient ischemic attack or stroke in patients with moderate or severe carotid stenosis. Larger longitudinal studies assessing platelet activation status with flow cytometry and platelet function/reactivity in symptomatic vs. asymptomatic carotid stenosis are warranted to improve our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for transient ischemic attack or stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Kinsella
- Department of Neurology, The Adelaide and Meath Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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33
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Magge R, Lau BC, Soares BP, Fischette S, Arora S, Tong E, Cheng S, Wintermark M. Clinical risk factors and CT imaging features of carotid atherosclerotic plaques as predictors of new incident carotid ischemic stroke: a retrospective cohort study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2012; 34:402-9. [PMID: 22859283 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a3228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Parameters other than luminal narrowing are needed to predict the risk of stroke more reliably, particularly in patients with <70% stenosis. The goal of our study was to identify clinical risk factors and CT features of carotid atherosclerotic plaques, in a retrospective cohort of patients free of stroke at baseline, that are independent predictors of incident stroke on follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS We identified a retrospective cohort of patients admitted to our emergency department with suspected stroke between 2001-2007 who underwent a stroke work-up including a CTA of the carotid arteries that was subsequently negative for acute stroke. All patients also had to receive a follow-up brain study at least 2 weeks later. From a random sample, we reviewed charts and imaging studies of patients with subsequent new stroke on follow-up as well as those who remained stroke-free. All patients were classified either as "new carotid infarct patients" or "no-new carotid infarct patients" based on the Causative Classification for Stroke. Independently, the baseline CTA studies were processed using a custom, CT-based automated computer classifier algorithm that quantitatively assesses a set of carotid CT features (wall thickness, plaque ulcerations, fibrous cap thickness, lipid-rich necrotic core, and calcifications). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to identify any significant differences in CT features between the patient groups in the sample. Subsequent ROC analysis allowed comparison to the classic NASCET stenosis rule in identifying patients with incident stroke on follow-up. RESULTS We identified a total of 315 patients without a new carotid stroke between baseline and follow-up, and 14 with a new carotid stroke between baseline and follow-up, creating the main comparison groups for the study. Statistical analysis showed age and use of antihypertensive drugs to be the most significant clinical variables, and maximal carotid wall thickness was the most relevant imaging variable. The use of age ≥ 75 years, antihypertensive medication use, and a maximal carotid wall thickness of at least 4 mm was able to successfully identify 10 of the 14 patients who developed a new incident infarct on follow-up. ROC analysis showed an area under the ROC curve of 0.706 for prediction of new stroke with this new model. CONCLUSIONS Our new paradigm of using age ≥ 75 years, history of hypertension, and carotid maximal wall thickness of >4 mm identified most of the patients with subsequent new carotid stroke in our study. It is simple and may help clinicians choose the patients at greatest risk of developing a carotid infarct, warranting validation with a prospective observational study.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Magge
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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34
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Momjian-Mayor I, Kuzmanovic I, Momjian S, Bonvin C, Albanese S, Bichsel D, Comelli M, Pereira VM, Lovblad KO, Sztajzel RF. Accuracy of a Novel Risk Index Combining Degree of Stenosis of the Carotid Artery and Plaque Surface Echogenicity. Stroke 2012; 43:1260-5. [DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.111.634766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background and Purpose—
The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of a risk index in symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid stenoses.
Methods—
Consecutive patients presenting 50% to 99% carotid stenoses were included. A semiautomated gray scale-based color mapping (red, yellow, and green) of the whole plaque and of its surface was achieved. Surface was defined as the region located between the lumen (Level 0) and, respectively, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mm. Risk index was based on a combination of degree of stenosis and the proportion of the red color (reflecting low echogenicity) on the surface or on the whole plaque.
Results—
There were 67 (36%) symptomatic and 117 (64%) asymptomatic carotid stenoses. Risk index values were higher among symptomatic stenoses (0.46 mean versus 0.29;
P
<0.0001); on receiver operating characteristic curves, risk index presented a stronger predictive power compared with degree of stenosis or surface echogenicity alone. Also, in a regression model including age, gender, degree of stenosis, surface echogenicity, gray median scale of the whole plaque, and risk index, risk index measured within the surface region located at 0.5 mm from the lumen was the only parameter significantly associated with the presence of symptoms (OR, 4.89; 95% CI, 2.7–8.7;
P
=0.0000002). The best criterion to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic stenoses was a risk index value >0.36 (sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 65%, respectively).
Conclusions—
Risk index was significantly higher in the presence of symptoms and could therefore be a valuable tool to assess the clinical risk of a carotid plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Momjian-Mayor
- From the Departments of Neurology (I.M.-M., I.K., C.B., R.F.S.), Neurosurgery (S.M., D.B.), and Neuroradiology (V.M.P., K.O.L.), University Hospital Geneva and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland; the Department of Statistics (S.A.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland; and the Department of Statistics (M.C.), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Igor Kuzmanovic
- From the Departments of Neurology (I.M.-M., I.K., C.B., R.F.S.), Neurosurgery (S.M., D.B.), and Neuroradiology (V.M.P., K.O.L.), University Hospital Geneva and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland; the Department of Statistics (S.A.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland; and the Department of Statistics (M.C.), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Shahan Momjian
- From the Departments of Neurology (I.M.-M., I.K., C.B., R.F.S.), Neurosurgery (S.M., D.B.), and Neuroradiology (V.M.P., K.O.L.), University Hospital Geneva and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland; the Department of Statistics (S.A.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland; and the Department of Statistics (M.C.), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Christophe Bonvin
- From the Departments of Neurology (I.M.-M., I.K., C.B., R.F.S.), Neurosurgery (S.M., D.B.), and Neuroradiology (V.M.P., K.O.L.), University Hospital Geneva and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland; the Department of Statistics (S.A.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland; and the Department of Statistics (M.C.), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefane Albanese
- From the Departments of Neurology (I.M.-M., I.K., C.B., R.F.S.), Neurosurgery (S.M., D.B.), and Neuroradiology (V.M.P., K.O.L.), University Hospital Geneva and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland; the Department of Statistics (S.A.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland; and the Department of Statistics (M.C.), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Denis Bichsel
- From the Departments of Neurology (I.M.-M., I.K., C.B., R.F.S.), Neurosurgery (S.M., D.B.), and Neuroradiology (V.M.P., K.O.L.), University Hospital Geneva and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland; the Department of Statistics (S.A.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland; and the Department of Statistics (M.C.), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario Comelli
- From the Departments of Neurology (I.M.-M., I.K., C.B., R.F.S.), Neurosurgery (S.M., D.B.), and Neuroradiology (V.M.P., K.O.L.), University Hospital Geneva and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland; the Department of Statistics (S.A.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland; and the Department of Statistics (M.C.), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vitor Mendez Pereira
- From the Departments of Neurology (I.M.-M., I.K., C.B., R.F.S.), Neurosurgery (S.M., D.B.), and Neuroradiology (V.M.P., K.O.L.), University Hospital Geneva and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland; the Department of Statistics (S.A.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland; and the Department of Statistics (M.C.), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Karl O. Lovblad
- From the Departments of Neurology (I.M.-M., I.K., C.B., R.F.S.), Neurosurgery (S.M., D.B.), and Neuroradiology (V.M.P., K.O.L.), University Hospital Geneva and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland; the Department of Statistics (S.A.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland; and the Department of Statistics (M.C.), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roman F. Sztajzel
- From the Departments of Neurology (I.M.-M., I.K., C.B., R.F.S.), Neurosurgery (S.M., D.B.), and Neuroradiology (V.M.P., K.O.L.), University Hospital Geneva and Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland; the Department of Statistics (S.A.), Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland; and the Department of Statistics (M.C.), University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Standish BA, Spears J, Marotta TR, Montanera W, Yang VXD. Vascular wall imaging of vulnerable atherosclerotic carotid plaques: current state of the art and potential future of endovascular optical coherence tomography. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2012; 33:1642-50. [PMID: 22403778 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a2753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
As stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term morbidity worldwide, the research community has studied cardiac embolic sources, as well as vessel wall pathologies. For the latter, attention has been focused on defining morphologic tissue features associated with catastrophic events stemming from the carotid artery. Multiple noninvasive imaging modalities are currently being used to image and classify carotid atherosclerotic plaques, such as MR imaging, CT, and sonography, in an effort to provide clinically relevant predictive metrics for use in patient risk stratification and to define appropriate treatment options. This article compares and contrasts these existing clinical imaging modalities along with discussion of a new endovascular technique originally developed for cardiology, OCT, with which 3D comprehensive high-resolution images of the arterial wall can be acquired.
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Affiliation(s)
- B A Standish
- Biophotonics and Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Physics, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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36
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Figueroa AL, Subramanian SS, Cury RC, Truong QA, Gardecki JA, Tearney GJ, Hoffmann U, Brady TJ, Tawakol A. Distribution of Inflammation Within Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques With High-Risk Morphological Features. Circ Cardiovasc Imaging 2012; 5:69-77. [DOI: 10.1161/circimaging.110.959478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amparo L. Figueroa
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology and Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A.L.F., S.S.S., R.C.C., Q.A.T., U.H., T.J.B., A.T.); Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA (A.L.F.); Baptist Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Miami, FL (R.C.C.); the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Q.A.T., A.T.); Harvard Medical School Wellman Center
| | - Sharath S. Subramanian
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology and Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A.L.F., S.S.S., R.C.C., Q.A.T., U.H., T.J.B., A.T.); Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA (A.L.F.); Baptist Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Miami, FL (R.C.C.); the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Q.A.T., A.T.); Harvard Medical School Wellman Center
| | - Ricardo C. Cury
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology and Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A.L.F., S.S.S., R.C.C., Q.A.T., U.H., T.J.B., A.T.); Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA (A.L.F.); Baptist Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Miami, FL (R.C.C.); the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Q.A.T., A.T.); Harvard Medical School Wellman Center
| | - Quynh A. Truong
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology and Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A.L.F., S.S.S., R.C.C., Q.A.T., U.H., T.J.B., A.T.); Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA (A.L.F.); Baptist Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Miami, FL (R.C.C.); the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Q.A.T., A.T.); Harvard Medical School Wellman Center
| | - Joseph A. Gardecki
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology and Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A.L.F., S.S.S., R.C.C., Q.A.T., U.H., T.J.B., A.T.); Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA (A.L.F.); Baptist Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Miami, FL (R.C.C.); the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Q.A.T., A.T.); Harvard Medical School Wellman Center
| | - Guillermo J. Tearney
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology and Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A.L.F., S.S.S., R.C.C., Q.A.T., U.H., T.J.B., A.T.); Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA (A.L.F.); Baptist Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Miami, FL (R.C.C.); the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Q.A.T., A.T.); Harvard Medical School Wellman Center
| | - Udo Hoffmann
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology and Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A.L.F., S.S.S., R.C.C., Q.A.T., U.H., T.J.B., A.T.); Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA (A.L.F.); Baptist Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Miami, FL (R.C.C.); the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Q.A.T., A.T.); Harvard Medical School Wellman Center
| | - Thomas J. Brady
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology and Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A.L.F., S.S.S., R.C.C., Q.A.T., U.H., T.J.B., A.T.); Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA (A.L.F.); Baptist Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Miami, FL (R.C.C.); the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Q.A.T., A.T.); Harvard Medical School Wellman Center
| | - Ahmed Tawakol
- From the Cardiac MR PET CT Program, Department of Radiology and Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A.L.F., S.S.S., R.C.C., Q.A.T., U.H., T.J.B., A.T.); Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA (A.L.F.); Baptist Cardiac and Vascular Institute, Miami, FL (R.C.C.); the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (Q.A.T., A.T.); Harvard Medical School Wellman Center
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Lal BK, Beach KW, Sumner DS. Intracranial collateralization determines hemodynamic forces for carotid plaque disruption. J Vasc Surg 2011; 54:1461-71. [PMID: 21820834 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2011.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2010] [Revised: 05/04/2011] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Percent diameter reduction provides an imperfect assessment of the risk for stroke from carotid atheroembolism. Stroke associated with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis commonly results from plaque disruption brought about by hemodynamic shear stress and Bernoulli forces. The aim of the present study was to predict the effect of incomplete intracranial collateralization through the circle of Willis (COW) on disruptive hemodynamic forces acting on carotid plaques. METHODS A simple circuit model of the major pathways and collaterals that form and supply the COW was developed. We modeled the intra- and extracranial arterial circuits from standard anatomic references, and the pressure-flow relationships within these conduits from standard fluid mechanics. The pressure drop caused by (laminar and turbulent) flow along the internal carotid artery path was then computed. Carotid circulation to the brain was classified as being with or without collateral connections through the COW, and the extracranial carotid circuit as being with or without severe stenosis. The pressure drop was computed for each scenario. Finally, a linear circuit model was used to compute brain blood flow in the presence/absence of a disconnected COW. RESULTS Pressure drop across a carotid artery stenosis increased as the flow rate within the carotid conduit increased. Poststenotic turbulence from a sudden expansion distal to the stenosis resulted in an additional pressure drop. Despite the stenosis, mean brain blood flow was sustained at 4.15 mL/s bilaterally. In the presence of an intact (collateralized) COW, this was achieved by enhanced flow in the contralateral (normal) carotid artery. However, in a disconnected COW, this was achieved by sustained systolic and enhanced diastolic flow through the stenosed artery. For a similar degree of stenosis, flow and velocity across the plaque was much higher when the COW was disconnected compared with an intact COW. Furthermore, the pressure drop across a similar stenosis was significantly higher with a disconnected COW compared with an intact COW. CONCLUSIONS Incomplete intracranial collateralization through the COW results in increased flow rates and velocities, and therefore large pressure drops across a carotid artery stenosis. This exerts large disruptive shear stress on the plaque compared with patients with an intact COW. Percent diameter reduction provides an inaccurate assessment of risk for atheroembolic stroke. An assessment of carotid flow rates, flow velocities, and the intracranial collateral circulation may add independent information to refine the estimation of stroke risk in patients with asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brajesh K Lal
- Center for Vascular Diagnostics, Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Fei W, Tong T, Yifeng P, Jingli T, Weizhong G, Guangyu T, Daoying G, Yingsheng C. A modified rabbit model of carotid atherosclerotic plaque suitable for the stroke study and MRI evaluation. Int J Neurosci 2011; 121:662-9. [PMID: 21793783 DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2011.608138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
In order to induce a modified rabbit model of carotid atherosclerotic plaque suitable for the stroke study and to evaluate the lesion with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Eight rabbits of group A were fed with high-fat diet only. Atherosclerosis at the right common carotid artery was induced in rabbits of group B (n = 12) by high-fat diet and balloon catheter injury to the endothelium 4 weeks later. The rabbits were examined in vivo with a 1.5-T MRI. After 4 weeks on the high-fat diet, the serum lipid levels were markedly increased, which became significantly higher than the baseline levels. The lesions on both MRI and histology were remarkable. One week after balloon injury, the signal of injured right common carotid was higher on all the contrast-weighted images than the left side. The extent of abnormal signal was reduced 9 weeks after balloon injury. Hemorrhage was detected on all the contrast-weighted images. In conclusion, the rabbit model established by the authors is such a feasible one to the study of stroke caused by carotid atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Fei
- Department of Radiology, Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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Automated versus manual segmentation of atherosclerotic carotid plaque volume and components in CTA: associations with cardiovascular risk factors. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2011; 28:877-87. [PMID: 21614484 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-011-9890-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to validate automated atherosclerotic plaque measurements in carotid arteries from CT angiography (CTA). We present an automated method (three initialization points are required) to measure plaque components within the carotid vessel wall in CTA. Plaque components (calcifications, fibrous tissue, lipids) are determined by different ranges of Hounsfield Unit values within the vessel wall. On CTA scans of 40 symptomatic patients with atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid artery automatically segmented plaque volume, calcified, fibrous and lipid percentages were 0.97 ± 0.51 cm(3), 10 ± 11%, 63 ± 10% and 25 ± 5%; while manual measurements by first observer were 0.95 ± 0.60 cm(3), 14 ± 16%, 63 ± 13% and 21 ± 9%, respectively and manual measurement by second observer were 1.05 ± 0.75 cm(3), 11 ± 12%, 61 ± 11% and 27 ± 10%. In 90 datasets, significant associations were found between age, gender, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, smoking and previous cerebrovascular disease and plaque features. For both automated and manual measurements, significant associations were found between: age and calcium and fibrous tissue percentage; gender and plaque volume and lipid percentage; diabetes and calcium, smoking and plaque volume; previous cerebrovascular disease and plaque volume. Significant associations found only by the automated method were between age and plaque volume, hypercholesterolemia and plaque volume and diabetes and fibrous tissue percentage. Significant association found only by the manual method was between previous cerebrovascular disease and percentage of fibrous tissue. Automated analysis of plaque composition in the carotid arteries is comparable with the manual analysis and has the potential to replace it.
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Gurm GS, Tawakol A. Beyond stenosis: further progress in multi-modal evaluation of carotid disease. J Nucl Cardiol 2011; 18:204-6. [PMID: 21290206 DOI: 10.1007/s12350-011-9341-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Funaki T, Iihara K, Miyamoto S, Nagatsuka K, Hishikawa T, Ishibashi-Ueda H. Histologic characterization of mobile and nonmobile carotid plaques detected with ultrasound imaging. J Vasc Surg 2011; 53:977-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2010.10.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2010] [Revised: 10/15/2010] [Accepted: 10/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Esposito L, Saam T, Heider P, Bockelbrink A, Pelisek J, Sepp D, Feurer R, Winkler C, Liebig T, Holzer K, Pauly O, Sadikovic S, Hemmer B, Poppert H. MRI plaque imaging reveals high-risk carotid plaques especially in diabetic patients irrespective of the degree of stenosis. BMC Med Imaging 2010; 10:27. [PMID: 21118504 PMCID: PMC3004802 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2342-10-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Plaque imaging based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) represents a new modality for risk assessment in atherosclerosis. It allows classification of carotid plaques in high-risk and low-risk lesion types (I-VIII). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM 2) represents a known risk factor for atherosclerosis, but its specific influence on plaque vulnerability is not fully understood. This study investigates whether MRI-plaque imaging can reveal differences in carotid plaque features of diabetic patients compared to nondiabetics. Methods 191 patients with moderate to high-grade carotid artery stenosis were enrolled after written informed consent was obtained. Each patient underwent MRI-plaque imaging using a 1.5-T scanner with phased-array carotid coils. The carotid plaques were classified as lesion types I-VIII according to the MRI-modified AHA criteria. For 36 patients histology data was available. Results Eleven patients were excluded because of insufficient MR-image quality. DM 2 was diagnosed in 51 patients (28.3%). Concordance between histology and MRI-classification was 91.7% (33/36) and showed a Cohen's kappa value of 0.81 with a 95% CI of 0.98-1.15. MRI-defined high-risk lesion types were overrepresented in diabetic patients (n = 29; 56.8%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed association between DM 2 and MRI-defined high-risk lesion types (OR 2.59; 95% CI [1.15-5.81]), independent of the degree of stenosis. Conclusion DM 2 seems to represent a predictor for the development of vulnerable carotid plaques irrespective of the degree of stenosis and other risk factors. MRI-plaque imaging represents a new tool for risk stratification of diabetic patients. See Commentary: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/8/78/abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- L Esposito
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität, Munich, Germany.
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Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current clinical techniques that rely on stenosis measurement alone appear to be insufficient for risk prediction in atherosclerosis patients. Many novel imaging methods have been developed to study atherosclerosis progression and to identify new features that can predict future clinical risk. MRI of atherosclerotic vessel walls is one such method. It has the ability to noninvasively evaluate multiple biomarkers of the disease such as luminal stenosis, plaque burden, tissue composition and plaque activity. In addition, the accuracy of in vivo MRI has been validated against histology with high reproducibility, thus paving the way for application to epidemiological studies of disease pathogenesis and, by serial MRI, in monitoring the efficacy of therapeutic intervention. In this review, we describe the various MR techniques used to evaluate aspects of plaque progression, discuss imaging-based measurements (imaging biomarkers), and also detail their validation. The application of plaque MRI in clinical trials as well as emerging imaging techniques used to evaluate plaque compositional features and biological activities are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinnan Wang
- Clinical Sites Research Program, Philips Research North America, Briarcliff Manor, NY, 10510
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109
| | - Niranjan Balu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109
| | - Gador Canton
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98109
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Dempsey RJ, Vemuganti R, Varghese T, Hermann BP. A review of carotid atherosclerosis and vascular cognitive decline: a new understanding of the keys to symptomology. Neurosurgery 2010; 67:484-93; discussion 493-4. [PMID: 20644437 PMCID: PMC2908960 DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000371730.11404.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This review encourages the reader to consider cerebral vascular disease beyond the traditional clinical end points of major motor and speech strokes and to consider the possible impact of embolic cerebral vascular disease on vascular cognitive decline. This article examines the issue of "silent" strokes in the relationship between the structural stability of atherosclerotic carotid plaque and the development of nonmotor symptomatology, including cognitive decline. It addresses the question of the role of carotid emboli in silent stroke and their cognitive sequelae. In a study of endarterectomy patients, we relate plaque elasticity and its development of mechanical strain features and thinning of stabilizing fibrous cap at the point of these mechanical strain features. The possibility that microemboli from such mechanically unstable carotid plaques could contribute to silent strokes led to a study of cognitive function in such patients. A linear relationship between the process of mechanically unstable areas of carotid plaques and cognitive decline suggests a contributory role for such a process in silent strokes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Dempsey
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Neurological Surgery, Madison, Wisconsin 53792, USA.
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Juxtaluminal hypoechoic area in ultrasonic images of carotid plaques and hemispheric symptoms. J Vasc Surg 2010; 52:69-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2010.02.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2009] [Revised: 02/03/2010] [Accepted: 02/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Saba L, Potters F, van der Lugt A, Mallarini G. Imaging of the fibrous cap in atherosclerotic carotid plaque. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2010; 33:681-9. [PMID: 20237780 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-010-9828-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2009] [Accepted: 02/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In the last two decades, a substantial number of articles have been published to provide diagnostic solutions for patients with carotid atherosclerotic disease. These articles have resulted in a shift of opinion regarding the identification of stroke risk in patients with carotid atherosclerotic disease. In the recent past, the degree of carotid artery stenosis was the sole determinant for performing carotid intervention (carotid endarterectomy or carotid stenting) in these patients. We now know that the degree of stenosis is only one marker for future cerebrovascular events. If one wants to determine the risk of these events more accurately, other parameters must be taken into account; among these parameters are plaque composition, presence and state of the fibrous cap (FC), intraplaque haemorrhage, plaque ulceration, and plaque location. In particular, the FC is an important structure for the stability of the plaque, and its rupture is highly associated with a recent history of transient ischaemic attack or stroke. The subject of this review is imaging of the FC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Saba
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Cagliari, Polo di Monserrato, ss 554 Monserrato, Cagliari 09045, Italy.
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Watanabe Y, Nagayama M. MR plaque imaging of the carotid artery. Neuroradiology 2010; 52:253-74. [PMID: 20155353 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-010-0663-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 01/13/2010] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic carotid plaque represents a major cause of cerebral ischemia. The detection of vulnerable plaque is important for preventing future cardiovascular events. The key factors in advanced plaque that are most likely to lead to patient complications are the condition of the fibrous cap, the size of the necrotic core and hemorrhage, and the extent of inflammatory activity within the plaque. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has excellent soft tissue contrast and can allow for a more accurate and objective estimation of carotid wall morphology and plaque composition. Recent advances in MR imaging techniques have permitted serial monitoring of atherosclerotic disease evolution and the identification of intraplaque risk factors for accelerated progression. The purpose of this review article is to review the current state of techniques of carotid wall MR imaging and the characterization of plaque components and surface morphology with MR imaging, and to describe the clinical practice of carotid wall MR imaging for the determination of treatment plan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Watanabe
- Department of Radiology, Kurashiki Central Hospital, 1-1-1 Miwa, Kurashiki, 710-8602, Japan.
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Hatsukami TS, Yuan C. MRI in the early identification and classification of high-risk atherosclerotic carotid plaques. IMAGING IN MEDICINE 2010; 2:63-75. [PMID: 20953294 PMCID: PMC2953811 DOI: 10.2217/iim.09.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and long-term morbidity. As a means for stroke prevention, an estimated 99,000 carotid endarterectomy procedures were performed in the USA in 2006. Traditionally, the degree of luminal stenosis has been used as a marker of the stage of atherosclerosis and as an indication for surgical intervention. However, prospective clinical trials have shown that the majority of patients with a history of recent transient ischemic attack or stroke have mild-to-moderate carotid stenosis. Using stenosis criteria, many of these symptomatic individuals would be considered to have early-stage carotid atherosclerosis. It is evident that improved criteria are needed for identifying the high-risk carotid plaque across a range of stenoses. Histological studies have led to the hypothesis that plaques with larger lipid-rich necrotic cores, thin fibrous cap rupture, intraplaque hemorrhage, plaque neovasculature and vessel wall inflammation are characteristics of the high-risk, 'vulnerable plaque'. Despite the widespread consensus on the importance of these plaque features, testing the vulnerable plaque hypothesis in prospective clinical studies has been hindered by the lack of reliable imaging tools for in vivo plaque characterization. MRI has been shown to accurately identify key carotid plaque features, including the fibrous cap, lipid-rich necrotic core, intraplaque hemorrhage, neovasculature and vascular wall inflammation. Thus, MRI is a histologically validated technique that will permit prospective testing of the vulnerable plaque hypothesis. This article will provide a summary of the histological validation of carotid MRI, and highlight its application in prospective clinical studies aimed at early identification of the high-risk atherosclerotic carotid plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas S Hatsukami
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Imaging Lab, University of Washington, 815 Mercer Street, Box 358050, Seattle, WA 98109, USA, Tel.: +1 206 543 3061, ,
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A pathobiologic link between risk factors profile and morphological markers of carotid instability. Atherosclerosis 2010; 208:572-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2009] [Revised: 07/24/2009] [Accepted: 07/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Xu X, Ju H, Cai J, Cai Y, Wang X, Wang Q. High-resolution MR study of the relationship between superficial calcification and the stability of carotid atherosclerotic plaque. Int J Cardiovasc Imaging 2010; 26 Suppl 1:143-50. [DOI: 10.1007/s10554-009-9578-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2009] [Accepted: 12/21/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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