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Li J, Bian Y, Wu F, Fan Z, Zhang C, Zhao X, Ji X, Yang Q. Association of Morphology of Lenticulostriate Arteries and Proximal Plaque Characteristics With Single Subcortical Infarction: A Whole-Brain High-Resolution Vessel Wall Imaging Study. J Am Heart Assoc 2024; 13:e032856. [PMID: 38726896 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.032856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the association of characteristics of lenticulostriate artery (LSA) morphology and parental atheromatous disease (PAD) with single subcortical infarction (SSI) and to explore whether the LSA morphology is correlated with proximal plaque features in asymptomatic PAD. METHODS AND RESULTS Patients with acute SSI were prospectively enrolled and classified as large- and small-SSI groups. The clinical data and imaging features of LSA morphology (branches, length, dilation, and tortuosity) and middle cerebral artery plaques (normalized wall index, remodeling index, enhancement degree, and hyperintense plaques) were evaluated. Logistic regression was performed to determine the association of large SSIs with morphologic features of LSAs and plaques. The Spearman correlation between the morphologic characteristics of LSAs and plaque features in asymptomatic PAD was analyzed. Of the 121 patients recruited with symptomatic PAD, 102 had coexisting asymptomatic contralateral PAD. The mean length of LSAs (odds ratio, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.73-0.95]; P=0.007), mean tortuosity of LSAs (odds ratio, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.05-1.22]; P=0.002), dilated LSAs (odds ratio, 22.59 [95% CI, 2.46-207.74]; P=0.006), and normalized wall index (odds ratio, 1.08 [95% CI, 1.01-1.15]; P=0.022) were significantly associated with large SSIs. Moreover, the normalized wall index was negatively correlated with the mean length of LSAs (r=-0.348, P<0.001), and the remodeling index was negatively correlated with the mean tortuosity of LSAs (r=-0.348, P<0.001) in asymptomatic PAD. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that mean length of LSAs, mean tortuosity of LSAs, dilated LSAs, and normalized wall index are associated with large SSIs. Moreover, plaque features in asymptomatic PAD are correlated with morphologic features of LSAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Department of Radiology Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Yueyan Bian
- Department of Radiology Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Radiology Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Zhaoyang Fan
- Department of Radiology, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California Los Angeles CA USA
| | - Chen Zhang
- MR Research Collaboration, Siemens Healthineers Beijing China
| | - Xihai Zhao
- Center for Biomedical Imaging Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering Tsinghua University School of Medicine Beijing China
| | - Xunming Ji
- Department of Neurology Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University Beijing China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Radiology Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing China
- Key Lab of Medical Engineering for Cardiovascular Disease Ministry of Education Beijing China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine Beijing China
- Laboratory for Clinical Medicine Capital Medical University Beijing China
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Zhao Y, Gu Y, Liu Y, Guo Z. Evaluation of the Correlation Between Distribution Location and Vulnerability of Carotid Plaque in Patients with Transient Ischemic Attack. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2024; 20:77-87. [PMID: 38464675 PMCID: PMC10922953 DOI: 10.2147/vhrm.s447418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To analyze the relationship among distribution location, characteristics, and vulnerability of carotid plaque using CTA and provide more information on the risk factors of carotid atherosclerotic plaque. Patients and Methods We retrospectively analyzed the CTA images of the head and neck of 93 patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis was developed in 148 carotid arteries. The plaques were divided into a high-risk plaque group and a low-risk plaque group according to whether the plaques had high-risk characteristics. The maximum cross-sectional area of carotid artery bifurcation plaque on the axial image was selected, and the cross-sectional lumen was equally divided into four 90-degree sectors, ventral side wall, dorsal side wall, inner side wall, and outer side wall. The differences in the characteristics and distribution locations of the plaques in the two groups were analyzed. The characteristic parameters of the cross-sectional plaques at the bifurcation of the carotid artery. The logistic regression analysis was used to further analyze the risk factors associated with plaque vulnerability. Results Among 148 carotid arteries,80 were classified as high-risk and 68 as low-risk groups. There were significant differences between the two groups concerning the thickness, length, maximum cross-sectional area, burden, and cross-sectional distribution of the plaques (P < 0.05). The plaque distribution on the dorsal side wall of the carotid bifurcation was higher in the high-risk group than that in the low-risk group (P < 0.05), dorsal side wall plaque-independent risk factors for the development of vulnerability of plaques in transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients (95% CI:1.522~6.991, P<0.05). Conclusion High-risk plaques tend to occur on the dorsal side wall of the carotid bifurcation, whereas low-risk plaques tend to occur on the outer side wall of the carotid bifurcation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinan Zhao
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Gu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated First People’s Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongping Guo
- Department of Radiology, The Affiliated Lianyungang Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, People’s Republic of China
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Takai H, Matsubara S, Minami-Ogawa Y, Hirai S, Shikata E, Yagi K, Oyama N, Yagita Y, Uno M. Association between Carotid Bifurcation Angle and Vulnerable Plaque Volume Using Black Blood Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo) 2023; 63:437-442. [PMID: 37495520 PMCID: PMC10687671 DOI: 10.2176/jns-nmc.2023-0034] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The morphology of the internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation is increasingly being recognized as the cause of atherosclerosis and vulnerable plaque leading to cerebral infarction. In this study, we investigated the relationship between carotid bifurcation angle and carotid plaque volume evaluated using black blood magnetic resonance imaging (BB-MRI). Among the 90 patients who underwent revascularization for atherosclerotic symptomatic carotid stenosis between April 2016 and October 2022 using BB-MRI, carotid plaque was evaluated in 57 patients. Relative overall signal intensity (roSI) was defined as the signal intensity of the plaque on T1-weighted images relative to the signal intensity of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the same slice as the common carotid bifurcation. Regions showing roSI ≥ 1.0 were defined as plaque, and the plaque volume and relative plaque volume were measured from roSI ≥1.0 to ≥2.0 in 0.1 increments. We calculated the angles between the common carotid artery (CCA) and the ICA and between the CCA and the external carotid artery (ECA) on magnetic resonance angiography. We classified two groups according to carotid bifurcation angles based on the ICA angle: Group A = <35° and Group B = ≥35°. Compared with Group A (n = 42), Group B (n = 15) showed a greater relative plaque volume between roSI ≥ 1.3 and roSI ≥ 1.5. A significant correlation was identified between relative plaque volume with roSI ≥ 1.4 and ICA angle (p = 0.049). Vulnerable plaque was significantly more frequent in the group with an ICA angle of ≥35. Moreover, the ICA angle was significantly greater in patients with a roSI of ≥1.4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Takai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kawasaki Medical School
| | | | | | | | - Eiji Shikata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kawasaki Medical School
| | - Kenji Yagi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kawasaki Medical School
| | - Naoki Oyama
- Department of Stroke Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School
| | | | - Masaaki Uno
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kawasaki Medical School
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Tornifoglio B, Johnston RD, Stone AJ, Kerskens C, Lally C. Microstructural and mechanical insight into atherosclerotic plaques: an ex vivo DTI study to better assess plaque vulnerability. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2023; 22:1515-1530. [PMID: 36652053 PMCID: PMC10511397 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-022-01671-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive microstructural characterisation has the potential to determine the stability, or lack thereof, of atherosclerotic plaques and ultimately aid in better assessing plaques' risk to rupture. If linked with mechanical characterisation using a clinically relevant imaging technique, mechanically sensitive rupture risk indicators could be possible. This study aims to provide this link-between a clinically relevant imaging technique and mechanical characterisation within human atherosclerotic plaques. Ex vivo diffusion tensor imaging, mechanical testing, and histological analysis were carried out on human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. DTI-derived tractography was found to yield significant mechanical insight into the mechanical properties of more stable and more vulnerable microstructures. Coupled with insights from digital image correlation and histology, specific failure characteristics of different microstructural arrangements furthered this finding. More circumferentially uniform microstructures failed at higher stresses and strains when compared to samples which had multiple microstructures, like those seen in a plaque cap. The novel findings in this study motivate diagnostic measures which use non-invasive characterisation of the underlying microstructure of plaques to determine their vulnerability to rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Tornifoglio
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - R D Johnston
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - A J Stone
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Kerskens
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C Lally
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Department of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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Ren L, Xu R, Zhao C, Li W, Wang S, Cao C, Gong Y, Zhu J, Feng X, Ren B, Xia S. Tortuosity and Proximal-Specific Hemodynamics Associated with Plaque Location in the Carotid Bulb Stenosis. J Vasc Res 2023; 60:160-171. [PMID: 37499638 DOI: 10.1159/000531584] [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: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerotic plaque locations in the carotid bulb increasingly have been found to be associated with patterns of ischemic lesions and plaque progression. However, the occurrence of carotid bulb plaque is a complex process. We aimed to investigate plaque characteristics and geometric and hemodynamic parameters among patients with body and apical plaques of the carotid bulb and to identify the mechanism of bulb plaque formation and location. METHODS Consecutive patients with single carotid bulb stenosis (50-99%) were enrolled retrospectively. Patients were divided into body and apical plaque groups based on plaque location. Plaque location and characteristics were identified and measured on high-resolution vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging. Geometric parameters were derived from time-of-flight magnetic resonance imaging. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed to quantify wall shear stress (WSS) and four associated WSS-based metrics on the plaque side, on the non-plaque side, and in different parts of the lesion. Plaque characteristics and geometric and hemodynamic parameters were compared, and their associations with the plaque location were determined. RESULTS Seventy patients were recruited (41 body plaques and 29 apical plaques). WSSplaque values were lower than WSSnon-plaque values for all plaques (median [interquartile range], 12.59 [9.83-22.14] vs. 17.27 [11.63-27.63] Pa, p = 0.001). In a multivariate binary logistic regression, the tortuosity of the stenosed region, the magnitudes of the mean relative residence time, and the minimum transverse WSS in the proximal part of the lesion were the key factors independently associated with plaque location (p = 0.022, 0.013, and 0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Plaque formation was associated with the local flow pattern, and the tortuosity and proximal-specific hemodynamics were significantly associated with plaque location in the carotid bulb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Ren
- Department of Radiology, First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Radiology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Rongjie Xu
- College of Computer Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chenxi Zhao
- Department of Radiology, First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenfei Li
- Department of Radiology, First Central Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Radiology, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Chen Cao
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin University Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Radiology, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinxia Zhu
- MR Collaboration, Siemens Healthineers Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Xuequan Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Ren
- College of Computer Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuang Xia
- Department of Radiology, Medical Imaging Institute of Tianjin, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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Liu Y, Jiang G, Wang X, An X, Wang F. The relationship between geometry and hemodynamics of the stenotic carotid artery based on computational fluid dynamics. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2023; 231:107860. [PMID: 37390570 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2023.107860] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this work was to investigate the relationship between the geometric factors and the hemodynamics of the stenotic carotid artery. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed data of patients with carotid stenosis (40%-95%). The Navier-Stokes equations were solved using ANSYS CFX 18.0. Correlation analysis was based on Spearman's test. Geometric variables (p < 0.1 in the univariate analysis) were entered into the logistical regression. A receiver-operating characteristics analysis was used to detect hemodynamically significant lesions. RESULTS 81 patients (96 arteries) were evaluated. The logistic regression analysis revealed that the translesional pressure ratio was significantly correlated with the stenosis degree (OR = 1.147, p < 0.001) and the angle between internal carotid artery and external carotid artery (angle γ) (OR = 0.933, p = 0.01). The translesional wall shear stress ratio was significantly correlated with stenosis degree (OR = 1.094, p < 0.001), lesion length (OR = 0.873, p = 0.01), lumen area of internal carotid artery (OR = 0.867, p = 0.002), and lumen area of common carotid artery (OR = 1.058, p = 0.01). For predicting low translesional pressure ratio, the AUC was 0.71 (p < 0.001) for angle γ, and was 0.87 (p < 0.001) for stenosis degree. For predicting high translesional wall shear stress ratio, the AUC was 0.62 (p = 0.04) for lumen area of internal carotid artery, and was 0.77 (p < 0.001) for stenosis degree. CONCLUSIONS Apart from stenosis degree, other geometric characteristics of lesions may also have an influence on hemodynamics of the stenotic carotid artery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsheng Liu
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Guinan Jiang
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xuwen Wang
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiangbo An
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
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Shan D, Wang S, Wang J, Lu J, Ren J, Chen J, Wang D, Qi P. Computed tomography angiography-based radiomics model for predicting carotid atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1151326. [PMID: 37396779 PMCID: PMC10312009 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1151326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) significantly contributes to ischemic stroke. Neovascularization within plaques is an emerging biomarker linked to plaque vulnerability that can be detected using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a common method used in clinical cerebrovascular assessments that can be employed to evaluate the vulnerability of CAPs. Radiomics is a technique that automatically extracts radiomic features from images. This study aimed to identify radiomic features associated with the neovascularization of CAP and construct a prediction model for CAP vulnerability based on radiomic features. CTA data and clinical data of patients with CAPs who underwent CTA and CEUS between January 2018 and December 2021 in Beijing Hospital were retrospectively collected. The data were divided into a training cohort and a testing cohort using a 7:3 split. According to the examination of CEUS, CAPs were dichotomized into vulnerable and stable groups. 3D Slicer software was used to delineate the region of interest in CTA images, and the Pyradiomics package was used to extract radiomic features in Python. Machine learning algorithms containing logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), light gradient boosting machine (LGBM), adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and multi-layer perception (MLP) were used to construct the models. The confusion matrix, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, accuracy, precision, recall, and f-1 score were used to evaluate the performance of the models. A total of 74 patients with 110 CAPs were included. In all, 1,316 radiomic features were extracted, and 10 radiomic features were selected for machine-learning model construction. After evaluating several models on the testing cohorts, it was discovered that model_RF outperformed the others, achieving an AUC value of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88-0.99). The accuracy, precision, recall, and f-1 score of model_RF in the testing cohort were 0.85, 0.87, 0.85, and 0.85, respectively. Radiomic features associated with the neovascularization of CAP were obtained. Our study highlights the potential of radiomics-based models for improving the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosing vulnerable CAP. In particular, the model_RF, utilizing radiomic features extracted from CTA, provides a noninvasive and efficient method for accurately predicting the vulnerability status of CAP. This model shows great potential for offering clinical guidance for early detection and improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezhi Shan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Siyu Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junjie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junhong Ren
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Daming Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Qi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Strecker C, Kopczak A, Saam T, Sepp D, Hennemuth A, Mayerhofer E, Poli S, Ziemann U, Poppert H, Schindler A, Harloff A. Carotid geometry is independently associated with complicated carotid artery plaques. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1177998. [PMID: 37378412 PMCID: PMC10291134 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1177998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Complicated carotid artery plaques (cCAPs) are associated with an increased risk of rupture and subsequent stroke. The geometry of the carotid bifurcation determines the distribution of local hemodynamics and could thus contribute to the development and composition of these plaques. Therefore, we studied the role of carotid bifurcation geometry in the presence of cCAPs. Methods We investigated the association of individual vessel geometry with carotid artery plaque types in the Carotid Plaque Imaging in Acute Stroke (CAPIAS) study. After excluding arteries without plaque or with insufficient MRI quality, 354 carotid arteries from 182 patients were analyzed. Individual parameters of carotid geometry [i.e., internal carotid artery (ICA)/common carotid artery (CCA) ratio, bifurcation angle, and tortuosity) were derived from time-of-flight MR images. The lesion types of carotid artery plaques were determined according to the American Heart Association classification of lesions by multi-contrast 3T-MRI. The association between carotid geometry and a cCAP was studied using logistic regression after adjusting for age, sex, wall area, and cardiovascular risk factors. Results Low ICA/CCA ratios (OR per SD increase 0.60 [95%CI: 0.42-0.85]; p = 0.004) and low bifurcation angles (OR 0.61 [95%CI: 0.42-0.90]; p = 0.012) were significantly associated with the presence of cCAPs after adjusting for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors, and wall area. Tortuosity had no significant association with cCAPs. Only ICA/CCA ratio remained significant in a model containing all three geometric parameters (OR per SD increase 0.65 [95%CI: 0.45-0.94]; p = 0.023). Conclusions A steep tapering of the ICA relative to the CCA and, to a lesser extent, a low angle of the carotid bifurcation were associated with the presence of cCAPs. Our findings highlight the contribution of bifurcation geometry to plaque vulnerability. Thus, assessment of carotid geometry could be helpful in identifying patients at risk of cCAPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Strecker
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anna Kopczak
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Dominik Sepp
- Department of Neuroradiology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Anja Hennemuth
- Institute for Imaging Science and Computational Modelling in Cardiovascular Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ernst Mayerhofer
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sven Poli
- Department of Neurology and Stroke and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology and Stroke and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Holger Poppert
- Department of Neurology, Helios Klinikum München West, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Schindler
- Institute of Neuroradiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Harloff
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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9
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Cheng R, Xu X, Yang S, Mi Z, Zhao Y, Gao J, Yu F, Ren X. The underlying molecular mechanisms and biomarkers of plaque vulnerability based on bioinformatics analysis. Eur J Med Res 2022; 27:212. [PMID: 36303246 PMCID: PMC9615401 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00840-7] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The study aimed to identify the underlying differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and mechanism of unstable atherosclerotic plaque using bioinformatics methods. Methods GSE120521, which includes four unstable samples and four stable atherosclerotic samples, was downloaded from the GEO database. DEGs were identified using LIMMA. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed using the Database for metascape Visualization online tool. Based on the STRING database, protein–protein interactions (PPIs) network among DEGs were constructed. Regulatory networks were visualized using Cytoscape. We use the xCell to analyze the different immune cell subtypes. Results A total of 1626 DEGs (1034 up-regulated and 592 down-regulated DEGs) were identified between unstable and stable samples. I pulled 62 transcription factors (34 up-regulated TFs and 28 down-regulated TFs) from the Trust database. The up-regulated TFs were mainly enrichment in positive regulation of myeloid leukocyte differentiation, and the down-regulated TFs were mainly enrichment in connective tissue development. In the PPI network, RB1, CEBPA, PPARG, BATF was the most significantly up-regulated gene in ruptured atherosclerotic samples. The immune cell composition enriched in CD cells and macrophages in the unstable carotid plaque. Conclusions Upregulated RB1, CEBPA, PPARG, BATF and down-regulated SRF, MYOCD, HEY2, GATA6 might perform critical promotional roles in atherosclerotic plaque rupture, furthermore, number and polarization of macrophages may play an important role in vulnerable plaques. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40001-022-00840-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Cheng
- Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.,Department of Endocrinology, the Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, 382 Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaojiang Xu
- Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.,Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, 63# Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Shurong Yang
- Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.,Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, 63# Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Zhongqian Mi
- Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.,Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, 63# Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China.,Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, 63# Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhua Gao
- Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, 63# Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiyan Yu
- Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China. .,Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, 63# Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China. .,Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Taiyuan, 030001, China.
| | - Xiuyun Ren
- Shanxi Medical University, 56 Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China. .,Shanxi Medical University School and Hospital of Stomatology, 63# Xinjian South Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, People's Republic of China. .,Shanxi Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases Prevention and New Materials, Taiyuan, 030001, China.
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10
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Kotlyarov S, Kotlyarova A. The Importance of the Plasma Membrane in Atherogenesis. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:1036. [PMID: 36363591 PMCID: PMC9698587 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12111036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are an important medical problem due to their high prevalence, impact on quality of life and prognosis. The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is an urgent medical and social problem, the solution of which may improve the quality of diagnosis and treatment of patients. Atherosclerosis is a complex chain of events, which proceeds over many years and in which many cells in the bloodstream and the vascular wall are involved. A growing body of evidence suggests that there are complex, closely linked molecular mechanisms that occur in the plasma membranes of cells involved in atherogenesis. Lipid transport, innate immune system receptor function, and hemodynamic regulation are linked to plasma membranes and their biophysical properties. A better understanding of these interrelationships will improve diagnostic quality and treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Kotlyarov
- Department of Nursing, Ryazan State Medical University, 390026 Ryazan, Russia
| | - Anna Kotlyarova
- Department of Pharmacy Management and Economics, Ryazan State Medical University, 390026 Ryazan, Russia
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11
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Identification Markers of Carotid Vulnerable Plaques: An Update. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091192. [PMID: 36139031 PMCID: PMC9496377 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Vulnerable plaques have been a hot topic in the field of stroke and carotid atherosclerosis. Currently, risk stratification and intervention of carotid plaques are guided by the degree of luminal stenosis. Recently, it has been recognized that the vulnerability of plaques may contribute to the risk of stroke. Some classical interventions, such as carotid endarterectomy, significantly reduce the risk of stroke in symptomatic patients with severe carotid stenosis, while for asymptomatic patients, clinically silent plaques with rupture tendency may expose them to the risk of cerebrovascular events. Early identification of vulnerable plaques contributes to lowering the risk of cerebrovascular events. Previously, the identification of vulnerable plaques was commonly based on imaging technologies at the macroscopic level. Recently, some microscopic molecules pertaining to vulnerable plaques have emerged, and could be potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets. This review aimed to update the previous summarization of vulnerable plaques and identify vulnerable plaques at the microscopic and macroscopic levels.
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12
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Che F, Mi D, Wang A, Ju Y, Sui B, Geng X, Zhao X, Zhao X. Extracranial carotid plaque hemorrhage predicts ipsilateral stroke recurrence in patients with carotid atherosclerosis – a study based on high-resolution vessel wall imaging MRI. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:237. [PMID: 35764942 PMCID: PMC9238155 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02758-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is a hallmark of carotid plaque vulnerability. We aim to investigate the association between IPH and recurrent ipsilateral ischemic stroke.
Methods
Patients with a recent stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) were prospectively recruited and underwent an ultrasonographic examination and carotid HR VWMRI on the side consistent with symptoms. Carotid plaque was defined as carotid intima-media-thickness (IMT) by ultrasound≥1.5 mm. IPH was determined that the ratio of the plaque signal intensity relative to that of adjacent muscle was > 1.5. All enrolled patients were clinically followed until an ipsilateral ischemic stroke, TIA, carotid endarterectomy (CEA)/carotid artery stenting (CAS), or death within 12 months. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the correlation between clinical characteristics and IPH. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and a log-rank test were used to compare recurrence-free survival time between the IPH and non-IPH groups. Cox regression models evaluated IPH as the predictor of ipsilateral stroke recurrence.
Results
A total of 171 patients (mean age, 60.13 ± 10.04 years; 118 males) were included in the final analysis. Thirty-two patients (18.7%) showed carotid IPH. During the follow-up, patients with carotid IPH suffered 60.9% (14 of 23) of recurrent ipsilateral strokes and 60.0% (3 of 5) TIA. Multivariate Cox regression analysis proved IPH as a strong predictor of ipsilateral stroke; the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 6.64 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.84–15.54, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, Cox regression analysis also proved that IPH could predict recurrent ischemic events; the adjusted HR was 8.08 (95% CI, 3.65–17.91, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Carotid intraplaque hemorrhage is strongly associated with recurrent ischemic events and could predict recurrent ipsilateral stroke.
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13
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Gaisenok OV. What Is Hidden Behind The Gender Differences Of Carotid Atherosclerosis? RUSSIAN OPEN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.15275/rusomj.2022.0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This review article reveals possible causes that may underlie gender differences of carotid atherosclerosis: vascular anatomy, localization and morphology of atherosclerotic plaques, different effects and prevalence of known risk factors between genders (arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, depression / stress). A separate place in the review is given to markers of inflammation and the protective effect of female sex hormones.
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14
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Hou D, Yang X, Wang Y, Huang S, Tang Y, Wu D. Carotid Siphon Calcification Predicts the Symptomatic Progression in Branch Artery Disease With Intracranial Artery Stenosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2022; 42:1094-1101. [PMID: 35652332 PMCID: PMC9311467 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.317670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Arterial calcification in the aortic arch, carotid bifurcation, or siphon on computed tomography was associated with cardiovascular disease. The association between arterial calcification prevalence and progression of branch atheromatous disease (BAD) in intracranial artery atherosclerosis was little investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duanlu Hou
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. (D.H., X.Y., Y.W., S.H., D.W.)
| | - Xiaoli Yang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. (D.H., X.Y., Y.W., S.H., D.W.)
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. (D.H., X.Y., Y.W., S.H., D.W.)
| | - Shengwen Huang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. (D.H., X.Y., Y.W., S.H., D.W.)
| | - Yuping Tang
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. (Y.T.)
| | - Danhong Wu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. (D.H., X.Y., Y.W., S.H., D.W.)
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15
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Kotlyarov S, Kotlyarova A. Involvement of Fatty Acids and Their Metabolites in the Development of Inflammation in Atherosclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031308. [PMID: 35163232 PMCID: PMC8835729 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite all the advances of modern medicine, atherosclerosis continues to be one of the most important medical and social problems. Atherosclerosis is the cause of several cardiovascular diseases, which are associated with high rates of disability and mortality. The development of atherosclerosis is associated with the accumulation of lipids in the arterial intima and the disruption of mechanisms that maintain the balance between the development and resolution of inflammation. Fatty acids are involved in many mechanisms of inflammation development and maintenance. Endothelial cells demonstrate multiple cross-linkages between lipid metabolism and innate immunity. In addition, these processes are linked to hemodynamics and the function of other cells in the vascular wall, highlighting the central role of the endothelium in vascular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Kotlyarov
- Department of Nursing, Ryazan State Medical University, 390026 Ryazan, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Kotlyarova
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Ryazan State Medical University, 390026 Ryazan, Russia;
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16
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Guo XJ, Wu M, Pei SF, Xie P, Wu MY. Influence of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Levels at Bifurcation on Short-Term Functional Outcomes Among Non-Cardiogenic Ischemic Stroke Patients with and without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2022; 15:897-906. [PMID: 35356702 PMCID: PMC8958197 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s351679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The intima-media thickness (IMT) is broadly reported to have relationships with non-cardiogenic ischemic stroke and with diabetes. But how does IMT affect the short-term prognosis of stroke seems unknown yet. We investigated the influence of the intima-media thickness at carotid bifurcation (IMTbif) on short-term functional outcomes among non-cardiogenic ischemic stroke patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 314 patients with non-cardiogenic ischemic stroke (122 with T2DM and 192 without diabetes) were included in this retrospective study. Poor functional outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) > 2 at 3 months after stroke onset. Group comparisons were done in favorable and poor outcome groups. Linear regression analysis was utilized to verify the associations between IMTbif and mRS in subgroups with and without diabetes, respectively. RESULTS The median IMTbif of total patients was 1.40mm. Patients with poor outcomes were significantly older, had higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, lower haemoglobin, higher fasting glucose and higher systolic blood pressure values. Their IMTbif levels were also markedly higher. Among 122 included stroke patients with T2DM, IMTbif levels and NIHSS were independently associated with functional outcomes at 3 months, whereas there was no significant association between IMTbif levels and short-term functional outcomes among patients without diabetes. CONCLUSION The IMTbif levels were significantly associated with 3-month functional outcomes in non-cardiogenic ischemic stroke patients with T2DM. The ultrasound detection of the IMTbif therefore suggests a prognostic value among patients with stroke and T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jing Guo
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mian Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shao-Fang Pei
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ping Xie
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Min-Ya Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Min-Ya Wu, Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 242 Guangji Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 15151429862, Email
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17
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Che F, Liu Y, Gong X, Wang A, Bai X, Ju Y, Sui B, Jing J, Geng X, Zhao X. Extracranial Carotid Plaque Hemorrhage Is Independently Associated With Poor 3-month Functional Outcome After Acute Ischemic Stroke-A Prospective Cohort Study. Front Neurol 2022; 12:780436. [PMID: 34970212 PMCID: PMC8712340 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.780436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Carotid plaque hemorrhage (IPH) is a critical plaque vulnerable feature. We aim to elucidate the association between symptomatic extracranial carotid atherosclerotic IPH and poor 3-month functional outcome after acute ischemic stroke by high-resolution vessel wall MRI (HRVMRI). Methods: We prospectively studied consecutive patients with a recent stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) of carotid atherosclerotic origin. All patients underwent a High-Resolution (HR) VWMRI scan of ipsilateral extracranial carotid within 1 week after admission. The patients recruited were interviewed by telephone after 3 months after stroke onset. The primary outcome was a 3-month functional prognosis of stroke, expressed as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score. A poor prognosis was defined as a 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≥ of 3. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the correlation between risk factors and IPH. The relation between IPH and 3-month functional outcome was analyzed by Logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 156 patients (mean age, 61.18 ± 10.12 years; 108 males) were included in the final analysis. There were significant differences in the age, gender, smoking history, national institutes of health stroke scale (NIHSS) on admission, and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on admission between the IPH group and the non-IPH group (all p < 0.05). During the follow-up, 32 patients (20.5%) had a poor functional outcome. According to the prognosis analysis of poor functional recovery, there was a significant difference between the two groups [36.7 vs. 16.7%; unadjusted odds ratio (OR), 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.12–4.81, p = 0.024). Even after adjusting for confounding factors [such as age, gender, smoking history, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) on admission, DBP on admission, stenosis rate of carotid artery (CA), calcification, loose matrix, lipo-rich necrotic core (LRNC), and statins accepted at 3 months], IPH was still a strong predictor of poor 3-month outcome, and the adjusted OR was 3.66 (95% CI 1.68–7.94, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Extracranial carotid IPH is significantly associated with poor 3-month outcome after acute ischemic stroke and can predict the poor 3-month functional prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengli Che
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfang Liu
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiping Gong
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Anxin Wang
- Tiantan Neuroimaging Center for Excellence, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Bai
- Department of Neuroradiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Ju
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Binbin Sui
- Tiantan Neuroimaging Center for Excellence, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neuroradiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Jing
- Tiantan Neuroimaging Center for Excellence, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaokun Geng
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurology, China-America Institute of Neuroscience, Beijing, China
| | - Xingquan Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Tiantan Neuroimaging Center for Excellence, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Research Unit of Artificial Intelligence in Cerebrovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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18
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Strecker C, Krafft AJ, Kaufhold L, Hüllebrandt M, Treppner M, Ludwig U, Köber G, Hennemuth A, Hennig J, Harloff A. Carotid Geometry and Wall Shear Stress Independently Predict Increased Wall Thickness-A Longitudinal 3D MRI Study in High-Risk Patients. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:723860. [PMID: 34765650 PMCID: PMC8576112 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.723860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Carotid geometry and wall shear stress (WSS) have been proposed as independent risk factors for the progression of carotid atherosclerosis, but this has not yet been demonstrated in larger longitudinal studies. Therefore, we investigated the impact of these biomarkers on carotid wall thickness in patients with high cardiovascular risk. Methods: Ninety-seven consecutive patients with hypertension, at least one additional cardiovascular risk factor and internal carotid artery (ICA) plaques (wall thickness ≥ 1.5 mm and degree of stenosis ≤ 50%) were prospectively included. They underwent high-resolution 3D multi-contrast and 4D flow MRI at 3 Tesla both at baseline and follow-up. Geometry (ICA/common carotid artery (CCA)-diameter ratio, bifurcation angle, tortuosity and wall thickness) and hemodynamics [WSS, oscillatory shear index (OSI)] of both carotid bifurcations were measured at baseline. Their predictive value for changes of wall thickness 12 months later was calculated using linear regression analysis for the entire study cohort (group 1, 97 patients) and after excluding patients with ICA stenosis ≥10% to rule out relevant inward remodeling (group 2, 61 patients). Results: In group 1, only tortuosity at baseline was independently associated with carotid wall thickness at follow-up (regression coefficient = −0.52, p < 0.001). However, after excluding patients with ICA stenosis ≥10% in group 2, both ICA/CCA-ratio (0.49, p < 0.001), bifurcation angle (0.04, p = 0.001), tortuosity (−0.30, p = 0.040), and WSS (−0.03, p = 0.010) at baseline were independently associated with changes of carotid wall thickness at follow-up. Conclusions: A large ICA bulb and bifurcation angle and low WSS seem to be independent risk factors for the progression of carotid atherosclerosis in the absence of ICA stenosis. By contrast, a high carotid tortuosity seems to be protective both in patients without and with ICA stenosis. These biomarkers may be helpful for the identification of patients who are at particular risk of wall thickness progression and who may benefit from intensified monitoring and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Strecker
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Axel Joachim Krafft
- Department of Radiology-Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lilli Kaufhold
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen, Germany.,Institute for Imaging Science and Computational Modeling in Cardiovascular Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Hüllebrandt
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen, Germany.,Institute for Imaging Science and Computational Modeling in Cardiovascular Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Treppner
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ute Ludwig
- Department of Radiology-Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Göran Köber
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Anja Hennemuth
- Fraunhofer MEVIS, Bremen, Germany.,Institute for Imaging Science and Computational Modeling in Cardiovascular Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hennig
- Department of Radiology-Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Harloff
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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19
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Kotlyarov S. Diversity of Lipid Function in Atherogenesis: A Focus on Endothelial Mechanobiology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11545. [PMID: 34768974 PMCID: PMC8584259 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is one of the most important problems in modern medicine. Its high prevalence and social significance determine the need for a better understanding of the mechanisms of the disease's development and progression. Lipid metabolism and its disorders are one of the key links in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Lipids are involved in many processes, including those related to the mechanoreception of endothelial cells. The multifaceted role of lipids in endothelial mechanobiology and mechanisms of atherogenesis are discussed in this review. Endothelium is involved in ensuring adequate vascular hemodynamics, and changes in blood flow characteristics are detected by endothelial cells and affect their structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Kotlyarov
- Department of Nursing, Ryazan State Medical University, 390026 Ryazan, Russia
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20
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Evaluation of Plaque Vulnerability via Combination of Hemodynamic Analysis and Simultaneous Non-Contrast Angiography and Intraplaque Hemorrhage (SNAP) Sequence for Carotid Intraplaque Hemorrhage. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11090856. [PMID: 34575633 PMCID: PMC8465016 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess the vulnerability of plaque using a combination of simultaneous non-contrast angiography, intraplaque hemorrhage (SNAP) sequence, and local hemodynamic analysis in an intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), and to evaluate the association between morphological and hemodynamic factors and IPH by comparing the IPH (presence of IPH) and non-IPH (plaque with absence of IPH) groups. In total, 27 IPH patients and 27 non-IPH patients were involved in this study, and baseline characteristics were collected. For morphological factors, diameters, and areas of the internal carotid artery (ICA), external carotid artery, and common carotid artery were measured, and bifurcation angle (α) and ICA angle (β) were also measured for comparison between the IPH group and non-IPH group. For hemodynamic factors, time-averaged wall shear stress (WSS), minimum WSS, maximum WSS, and oscillatory shear index were calculated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. For the qualitative analysis, cross-sectional images with analyzed WSS and SNAP sequences were combined to precisely assess local hemodynamics. Bifurcation angle (α) was significantly different between the IPH and non-IPH groups (39.47 degrees vs. 47.60 degrees, p = 0.041). Significantly higher time-averaged WSS, minimum WSS, and maximum WSS were observed in the IPH group compared to the non-IPH group. In the IPH group, when using the combined analysis with SNAP sequences and WSS, the WSS of the region with IPH was significantly higher than the region without IPH (2.32 vs. 1.21 Pa, p = 0.005). A smaller bifurcation angle (α) and higher time-averaged WSS, minimum WSS, and maximum WSS were associated with IPH. The combined analysis of SNAP sequences and WSS might help to evaluate the risk of carotid IPH.
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21
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Ding W, Li J, Wang L, Zhang M, Zheng F. ClC-2 inhibition prevents macrophage foam cell formation by suppressing Nlrp3 inflammasome activation. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2020; 84:2096-2103. [PMID: 32657644 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2020.1793294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Macrophage foam cell formation and inflammation are a pathological hallmark of atherosclerosis. ClC-2 has been implicated in various pathological processes, including inflammation and lipid metabolic disorder. However, the functional role of ClC-2 in macrophage foam cell formation and inflammation is unclear. Here, we found that ClC-2 was dominantly expressed in macrophages of atherosclerotic plaque and increased in atherogenesis. Knockdown of ClC-2 inhibited ox-LDL -induced lipid uptake and deposition in macrophages. The increase in CD36 expression and the decrease in ABCA1 expression induced by ox-LDL were alleviated by ClC-2 downregulation. Further, ClC-2 lacking limited the ox-LDL-induced secretion of inflammatory cytokines and chemokine, and suppressed Nlrp3 inflammasome activation. Restoration of Nlrp3 expression reversed the effect of ClC-2 downregulation on macrophage lipid accumulation and inflammation. Collectively, our study demonstrates that ClC-2 knockdown ameliorates ox-LDL-induced macrophage foam cell formation and inflammation by inhibiting Nlrp3 inflammasome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyuan Ding
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University , Jinan, China
| | - Jiamin Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University , Jinan, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University , Jinan, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University , Jinan, China
| | - Fei Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University , Jinan, China
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