Using Machine Learning and Silver Nanoparticle-Based Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Classification of Cardiovascular Disease Biomarkers.

Characterizing complex biofluids using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) coupled with machine learning (ML) has been proposed as a powerful tool for point-of-care detection of clinical disease. ML is well-suited to categorizing otherwise uninterpretable, patient-derived SERS spectra that contain a multitude of low concentration, disease-specific molecular biomarkers among a dense spectral background of biological molecules. However, ML can generate false, non-generalizable models when data sets used for model training are inadequate. It is thus critical to determine how different SERS experimental methodologies and workflow parameters can potentially impact ML disease classification of clinical samples. In this study, a label-free, broadband, Ag nanoparticle-based SERS platform was coupled with ML to assess simulated clinical samples for cardiovascular disease (CVD), containing randomized combinations of five key CVD biomarkers at clinically relevant concentrations in serum. Raman spectra obtained at 532, 633, and 785 nm from up to 300 unique samples were classified into physiological and pathological categories using two standard ML models. Label-free SERS and ML could correctly classify randomized CVD samples with high accuracies of up to 90.0% at 532 nm using as few as 200 training samples. Spectra obtained at 532 nm produced the highest accuracies with no significant increase achieved using multiwavelength SERS. Sample preparation and measurement methodologies (e.g., different SERS substrate lots, sample volumes, sample sizes, and known variations in randomization and experimental handling) were shown to strongly influence the ML classification and could artificially increase classification accuracies by as much as 27%. This detailed investigation into the proper application of ML techniques for CVD classification can lead to improved data set acquisition required for the SERS community, such that ML on labeled and robust SERS data sets can be practically applied for future point-of-care testing in patients.

Capsule robot pose and mechanism state detection in ultrasound using attention-based hierarchical deep learning.

Ingestible robotic capsules with locomotion capabilities and on-board sampling mechanism have great potential for non-invasive diagnostic and interventional use in the gastrointestinal tract. Real-time tracking of capsule location and operational state is necessary for clinical application, yet remains a significant challenge. To this end, we propose an approach that can simultaneously determine the mechanism state and in-plane 2D pose of millimeter capsule robots in an anatomically representative environment using ultrasound imaging. Our work proposes an attention-based hierarchical deep learning approach and adapts the success of transfer learning towards solving the multi-task tracking problem with limited dataset. To train the neural networks, we generate a representative dataset of a robotic capsule within ex-vivo porcine stomachs. Experimental results show that the accuracy of capsule state classification is 97%, and the mean estimation errors for orientation and centroid position are 2.0 degrees and 0.24 mm (1.7% of the capsule's body length) on the hold-out test set. Accurate detection of the capsule while manipulated by an external magnet in a porcine stomach and colon is also demonstrated. The results suggest our proposed method has the potential for advancing the wireless capsule-based technologies by providing accurate detection of capsule robots in clinical scenarios.

CoreValve Prosthesis Depth: What is the Optimal Measurement Target?

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: A major drawback of the transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure using the self-expandable Medtronic CoreValve (MCV) prosthesis is the high incidence of conduction disturbances and the need for postprocedural permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation. The depth of prosthesis implantation may be an important contributing factor. The study aim was to determine the relationship between angiographic measurements of the MCV prosthesis depth and the occurrence of new conduction disturbances and need for PPM after TAVR. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 157 consecutive patients who had undergone TAVR procedures with the MCV between 2009 and 2013. Patients with pre-existing pacemakers (n = 27) were excluded. Prosthesis depth was defined as the angiographic distance from the lowest part of the prosthesis to the base of the non-coronary cusp (NCcD) and the base of the left coronary cusp (LCcD). RESULTS: A 26 mm MCV was implanted in 50% of patients, and a 29 mm MCV in 38%. The rate of new ≥2nd degree atrioventricular block (AVB) after TAVR was 5%, and the incidence of new left ventricular bundle branch block (LBBB) was 23%. PPMs were implanted in 13 patients (10%) within 30 days after the procedure. Freedom from new ≥2nd degree AVB, LBBB and the need for PPM after TAVR was significantly higher among patients with NCcD <6 mm or LCcD <8 mm (90% and 89%, respectively) compared to patients with NCcD ≥6 mm or LCcD ≥8 mm (53% and 54%, respectively) (p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Prosthesis depth, measured relative to either the NCcD or LCcD, strongly predicted the occurrence of conduction disturbances and the need for PPM following TAVR with the MCV prosthesis.

Assessment of the longitudinal changes in infarct heterogeneity post myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Infarct heterogeneity, as assessed by determination of the peri-infarct zone (PIZ) by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, has been shown to be an independent predictor for the development of cardiac arrhythmias and mortality post myocardial infarction (MI). The temporal evolution of the PIZ post MI is currently unknown. Thus, the main objective of our study was to describe the temporal evolution of the PIZ over a 6 month time period in contemporarily managed ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Further, given the poor prognosis associated with microvascular obstruction (MVO) post STEMI, we sought to compare the temporal evolution of the PIZ in patients with and without MVO. We hypothesized that patients with MVO would show a relative persistence of PIZ over time when compared to those without MVO. METHODS: Twenty-one patients post primary percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled and treated with evidence based therapy. Each patient had three cardiac MRI scans at 48 h, 3 weeks and 6 months post infarction. Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the evolution of core infarct size and peri-infarct zone size across the three time frames. RESULTS: The patients in this study were predominantly male, with ~40 % LAD territory infarction and a mean LVEF of 46 ± 7 %. Core infarct size and PIZ size both decreased significantly across the three time frames. The presence of microvascular obstruction (MVO), a known adverse prognostic factor, influenced PIZ size. Both patients with and without MVO had a significant reduction in core infarct size over time. Patients with MVO did not have a significant change in PIZ size over time (11.9 ± 6.8 %, 12.2 ± 7.5 %, 10.7 ± 6.6 % p = 0.77). In contrast, non-MVO patients did have a significant decrease in PIZ size over time (7.0 ± 5.5 %, 7.1 ± 6.5 %, 2.7 ± 2.6 %, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Peri-infarct zone size, like core infarct size, varies depending upon the timing of measurement. Patients with MVO displayed a persistence of the PIZ over time.

Postpartum spontaneous coronary, vertebral, and mesenteric artery dissections: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a rare cause of myocardial infarction that must always be considered on a clinician's differential diagnosis, particularly in patients <50-years old with a paucity of typical vascular risk factors. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a case of a 33-year-old white woman, 3 weeks postpartum, presenting with retrosternal chest and back pain, neck pain and stiffness, and intermittent headaches. Subsequent workup revealed concurrent spontaneous dissections in three separate medium-sized arterial beds. CONCLUSIONS: She was successfully managed in a conservative fashion, highlighting that percutaneous or surgical revascularization can often be foregone in favor of conservative medical therapy.

Diabetes is an independent predictor of right ventricular dysfunction post ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is estimated to become the 7th leading cause of death by 2030. Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) complicating ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is independently associated with a higher mortality; however the relationship between DM and RVD is currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether DM is an independent predictor for the presence of right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) post STEMI. METHODS: 106 patients post primary PCI for STEMI were enrolled in the study. Cardiac MRI was performed within 48-72 h after admission in order to assess ventricular function. Statistical analysis consisted initially of descriptive statistics including Chi square, Fisher's exact, or the Wilcoxon rank sum as appropriate. Subsequently, logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of RVD. RESULTS: The median age in the study was 58 years (IQR 53, 67). 30 % of the patients had diabetes. Of 99 patients for which RV data was available, 40 had RVD and 59 did not. Patients with DM were significantly more likely to have RVD when compared to those without diabetes (45 vs 22 %, p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in age, hypertension, smoking status, dyslipidemia, serum creatinine or peak CK levels between the two groups. After adjusting for other factors, presence of DM remained an independent predictor for the presence of RV dysfunction (OR 2.78, 95 % CI 1.12, 6.87, p = 0.03). Amongst diabetic patients, those with HbA1C ≥ 7 % had greater odds of having RVD vs those with HbA1C < 7 % (OR 5.58 (1.20, 25.78), p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of DM conferred an approximately threefold greater odds of being associated with RVD post STEMI. No other major cardiovascular risk factors were independently associated with the presence of RVD.

Advanced MRI for carotid plaque imaging.

Atherosclerosis is the ubiquitous underling pathological process that manifests in heart attack and stroke, cumulating in the death of one in three North American adults. High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is able to delineate atherosclerotic plaque components and total plaque burden within the carotid arteries. Using dedicated hardware, high resolution images can be obtained. Combining pre- and post-contrast T1, T2, proton-density, and magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo weighted fat-saturation imaging, plaque components can be defined. Post-processing software allows for semi- and fully automated quantitative analysis. Imaging correlation with surgical specimens suggests that this technique accurately differentiates plaque features. Total plaque burden and specific plaque components such as a thin fibrous cap, large fatty or necrotic core and intraplaque hemorrhage are accepted markers of neuroischemic events. Given the systemic nature of atherosclerosis, emerging science suggests that the presence of carotid plaque is also an indicator of coronary artery plaque burden, although the preliminary data primarily involves patients with stable coronary disease. While the availability and cost-effectiveness of MRI will ultimately be important determinants of whether carotid MRI is adopted clinically in cardiovascular risk assessment, the high accuracy and reliability of this technique suggests that it has potential as an imaging biomarker of future risk.

Identification of Cardiac and Aortic Injuries in Trauma with Multi-detector Computed Tomography.

Blunt and penetrating cardiovascular (CV) injuries are associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Rapid detection of these injuries in trauma is critical for patient survival. The advent of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) has led to increased detection of CV injuries during rapid comprehensive scanning of stabilized major trauma patients. MDCT has the ability to acquire images with a higher temporal and spatial resolution, as well as the capability to create multiplanar reformats. This pictorial review illustrates several common and life-threatening traumatic CV injuries from a regional trauma center.

Assessment of atherosclerosis in chronic granulomatous disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) experience immunodeficiency because of defects in the phagocyte NADPH oxidase and the concomitant reduction in reactive oxygen intermediates. This may result in a reduction in atherosclerotic injury. METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively assessed the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, biomarkers of inflammation and neutrophil activation, and the presence of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography quantified subclinical atherosclerosis in the carotid and coronary arteries of 41 patients with CGD and 25 healthy controls in the same age range. Univariable and multivariable associations among risk factors, inflammatory markers, and atherosclerosis burden were assessed. Patients with CGD had significant elevations in traditional risk factors and inflammatory markers compared with control subjects, including hypertension, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and low high-density lipoprotein. Despite this, patients with CGD had a 22% lower internal carotid artery wall volume compared with control subjects (361.3±76.4 mm(3) versus 463.5±104.7 mm(3); P<0.001). This difference was comparable in p47(phox)- and gp91(phox)-deficient subtypes of CGD and independent of risk factors in multivariate regression analysis. In contrast, the prevalence of coronary arterial calcification was similar between patients with CGD and control subjects (14.6%, CGD; 6.3%, controls; P=0.39). CONCLUSIONS: The observation by magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography of reduced carotid but not coronary artery atherosclerosis in patients with CGD despite the high prevalence of traditional risk factors raises questions about the role of NADPH oxidase in the pathogenesis of clinically significant atherosclerosis. Additional high-resolution studies in multiple vascular beds are required to address the therapeutic potential of NADPH oxidase inhibition in cardiovascular diseases. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01063309.

Evaluation of the interpretation of serial ultrasound examinations in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis in children: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: To assess ultrasound intrascan variability and the potential error rate of serial ultrasounds in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis in children. METHODS: A retrospective cohort review of imaging results of children having at least 3 serial ultrasound examinations of the same region within a 2-month period. The results were interpreted as either (1) inadequately visualized or (2) the absence or presence of deep venous thrombosis, and were categorized by location. Serial imaging findings then were further categorized based on results and clinical information. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients and 157 vessel segments were included in the study. Deep venous thrombosis was documented in 58 patients. Concordant results were observed in 26 patients (40.1%), clot resolution in 17 patients (26.6%), clot formation in 12 patients (18.8%), and discordant results in 9 patients (14%). Twenty-one of 64 patients (32.8%) had at least 1 vessel inadequately imaged. CONCLUSIONS: The inconsistency of serial ultrasound results in up to 25% of patients calls attention to the potential inaccuracy of ultrasound for diagnosis and follow-up of deep venous thrombosis in children. The high proportion of patients with at least 1 inadequately visualized vessel also highlights the limitation of ultrasound in the diagnosis of pediatric deep venous thrombosis.

Carotid artery plaque morphology and composition in relation to incident cardiovascular events: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).

PURPOSE: To determine if carotid plaque morphology and composition with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can be used to identify asymptomatic subjects at risk for cardiovascular events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review boards at each site approved the study, and all sites were Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant. A total of 946 participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) were evaluated with MR imaging and ultrasonography (US). MR imaging was used to define carotid plaque composition and remodeling index (wall area divided by the sum of wall area and lumen area), while US was used to assess carotid wall thickness. Incident cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction, resuscitated cardiac arrest, angina, stroke, and death, were ascertained for an average of 5.5 years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, C statistics, and net reclassification improvement (NRI) for event prediction were determined. RESULTS: Cardiovascular events occurred in 59 (6%) of participants. Carotid IMT as well as MR imaging remodeling index, lipid core, and calcium in the internal carotid artery were significant predictors of events in univariate analysis (P < .001 for all). For traditional risk factors, the C statistic for event prediction was 0.696. For MR imaging remodeling index and lipid core, the C statistic was 0.734 and the NRI was 7.4% and 15.8% for participants with and those without cardiovascular events, respectively (P = .02). The NRI for US IMT in addition to traditional risk factors was not significant. CONCLUSION: The identification of vulnerable plaque characteristics with MR imaging aids in cardiovascular disease prediction and improves the reclassification of baseline cardiovascular risk.

Evolution of right ventricular function post-acute ST elevation myocardial infarction.

PURPOSE: To characterize the evolution of right ventricular (RV) function post-myocardial infarction (MI), to describe the culprit vessel involved with RV injury and to assess the concordance between RV injury on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and RV infarct on electrocardiogram (EKG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) examinations at three time frames post-ST elevation MI (STEMI). RESULTS: Of those with an initial normal scan, RV function did not significantly change over time (60.6 ± 6.3, 57.8 ± 6.0, 55.4 ± 5.7, P > 0.05). However, in those whose RVEF (RV ejection fraction) was initially low, it significantly increased from the first scan to the third scan (46.2 ± 3.6, 50 ± 6.6, 51.3 ± 5.2, P < 0.01). Post-hoc testing revealed a significant difference between the 48-hour and the 6-month scan, and between the 48-hour and the 3-week scan; however, there was no significant difference between the 3-week and 6-month scans. Interestingly, 23% of patients with low RVEF at baseline had the left anterior descending (LAD) as the culprit vessel. Only 15% of the low RVEF at baseline group were classified as having an RVMI by EKG criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal timepoint to assess for RV injury via CMR may be 3 weeks post-acute MI. Standard EKG criteria may underestimate RV injury when compared to CMR.

The value of carotid artery plaque and intima-media thickness for incident cardiovascular disease: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Carotid artery plaques are associated with coronary artery atherosclerotic lesions. We evaluated various ultrasound definitions of carotid artery plaque as predictors of future cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) events. METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied the risk factors and ultrasound measurements of the carotid arteries at baseline of 6562 members (mean age 61.1 years; 52.6% women) of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). ICA lesions were defined subjectively as >0% or ≥25% diameter narrowing, as continuous intima-media thickness (IMT) measurements (maximum IMT or the mean of the maximum IMT of 6 images) and using a 1.5-mm IMT cut point. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios for incident CVD, CHD, and stroke. Harrell's C-statistics, Net Reclassification Improvement, and Integrated Discrimination Improvement were used to evaluate the incremental predictive value of plaque metrics. At 7.8-year mean follow-up, all plaque metrics significantly predicted CVD events (n=515) when added to Framingham risk factors. All except 1 metric improved the prediction of CHD (by C-statistic, Net Reclassification Improvement, and Integrated Discrimination Improvement. Mean of the maximum IMT had the highest NRI (7.0%; P=0.0003) with risk ratio of 1.43/mm; 95% CI 1.26-1.63) followed by maximum IMT with an NRI of 6.8% and risk ratio of 1.27 (95% CI 1.18-1.38). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-derived plaque metrics independently predict cardiovascular events in our cohort and improve risk prediction for CHD events when added to Framingham risk factors.

Identifying a high risk cardiovascular phenotype by carotid MRI-depicted intraplaque hemorrhage.

Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), a component of late-stage complicated plaque, identified within carotid endarterectomy surgical specimens has been recently demonstrated to predict cardiovascular (CV) events. MRI is able to depict carotid IPH. We investigated the ability of carotid MR-depicted IPH (MR-IPH) to identify high-risk CV patients. From January 2008 to April 2011, 216 patients (mean age, 67.5 years; range 31-100) referred for neurovascular MRI at an academic tertiary care centre, underwent 3T carotid MRI with adjunct 3D high-spatial-resolution coronal imaging to detect MR-IPH. Five experienced neuroradiologists made a binary decision on the presence or absence of MR-IPH. Patients' charts were reviewed blindly for demographic and CV outcomes data. Of the patients with and without MR-IPH, 62.5 % (15/24) and 19.8 % (38/192) had a composite CV event (defined as a past myocardial infarction, coronary intervention (i.e., angioplasty, stenting or bypass graft) and/or peripheral vascular disease), respectively. The odds ratio (OR) of a composite CV event in the MR-IPH group was 6.75 (Bivariable analysis, 95 % CI 2.75-16.6, p < 0.0001) and 3.25 (Multivariable regression analysis, 1.14-9.37, p = 0.028). MR-IPH had the highest OR of a prior CV event compared to other variables including age, sex, hypertension and stenosis. The OR of individual CV events was also significant: MI (3.35, 95 % CI 2.11-14.2, p < 0.01), coronary stenting (26.4, 95 % CI 8.80-79.4, p < 0.01), coronary angioplasty (21, 95 % CI 4.84-91.1, p < 0.01), and PVD (3.35, 95 % CI 1.09-10.3, p < 0.05). MR-IPH is independently associated with prior CV events in patients who are evaluated for neurovascular disease. Carotid MR-IPH, employed easily in routine clinical practice, is emerging as an indicator of systemic vascular disease and may potentially be a useful surrogate marker of CV risk including in those already undergoing neurovascular imaging.

Carotid artery plaque and progression of coronary artery calcium: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Carotid and coronary atherosclerosis are associated with each other in imaging and autopsy studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether carotid artery plaque seen on carotid ultrasound can predict incident coronary artery calcification (CAC). METHODS: Agatston calcium score measurements were repeated in 5,445 participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA; mean age, 57.9 years; 62.9% women). Internal carotid artery lesions were graded as 0%, 1% to 24%, or >25% diameter narrowing, and intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured. Plaque was present for any stenosis >0%. CAC progression was evaluated with multivariate relative risk regression for CAC scores of 0 at baseline and with multivariate linear regression for CAC score > 0, adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, body mass index, ethnicity, and common carotid IMT. RESULTS: CAC was positive at baseline in 2,708 of 5,445 participants (49.7%) and became positive in 458 of 2,837 (16.1%) at a mean interval of 2.4 years between repeat examinations. Plaque and internal carotid artery IMT were both strongly associated with the presence of CAC. After statistical adjustment, the presence of carotid artery plaque significantly predicted incident CAC with a relative risk of 1.37 (95% confidence interval, 1.12-1.67). Incident CAC was associated with internal carotid artery IMT, with a relative risk of 1.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.25) for each 1-mm increase. Progression of CAC was also significantly associated (P < .001) with plaque and internal carotid artery IMT. CONCLUSIONS: In individuals free of cardiovascular disease, subjective and quantitative measures of carotid artery plaques by ultrasound imaging are associated with CAC incidence and progression.

Interstitial myocardial fibrosis assessed as extracellular volume fraction with low-radiation-dose cardiac CT.

PURPOSE: To develop a cardiac computed tomographic (CT) method with which to determine extracellular volume (ECV) fraction, with cardiac magnetic resonance (MR) imaging as the reference standard. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study participants provided written informed consent to participate in this institutional review board-approved study. ECV was measured in healthy subjects and patients with heart failure by using cardiac CT and cardiac MR imaging. Paired Student t test, linear regression analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis were used to determine the relationship between cardiac CT and MR imaging ECV values and clinical parameters. RESULTS: Twenty-four subjects were studied. There was good correlation between myocardial ECV measured at cardiac MR imaging and that measured at cardiac CT (r = 0.82, P < .001). As expected, ECV was higher in patients with heart failure than in healthy control subjects for both cardiac CT and cardiac MR imaging (P = .03, respectively). For both cardiac MR imaging and cardiac CT, ECV was positively associated with end diastolic and end systolic volume and inversely related to ejection fraction (P < .05 for all). Mean radiation dose was 1.98 mSv ± 0.16 (standard deviation) for each cardiac CT acquisition. CONCLUSION: ECV at cardiac CT and that at cardiac MR imaging showed good correlation, suggesting the potential for myocardial tissue characterization with cardiac CT.

Coronary artery calcium is associated with degree of stenosis and surface irregularity of carotid artery.

OBJECTIVES: Carotid stenosis and plaque stability are critical determinants of risk for ischemic stroke. The aim of this study is to elucidate the association of CAC with carotid stenosis and plaque characteristics. METHODS: We examined data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a prospective cohort study of subclinical cardiovascular disease in multiethnic participants (N = 6814). The association between CAC measured by computed tomography and carotid ultrasonography of carotid plaque was examined using multiple logistic linear models adjusting for traditional vascular risk factors including ethnicity. We also developed ethnic specific models to compare the relationship between CAC and carotid disease across the four ethnicities. RESULTS: Significant carotid stenosis was associated with the presence of CAC (OR 1.73; 95% CI, 1.20-2.49) and log-transformed Agatston score (OR per 1 point increase, 1.18; 95% CI 1.04-1.35). Overt carotid stenosis was also associated with the presence of CAC (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.93-2.83) and log-transformed Agatston score (OR per 1 point increase, 1.53; 95% CI 1.38-1.69). Irregular plaque surface was associated with the presence of CAC (OR, 1.87; 95% CI 1.50-2.32) and the log-transformed Agatston score (OR per 1 point 1 increase, 1.31; 95% CI 1.16-1.48). Associations between CAC and stenosis/stability were not different across ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS: Both the presence of CAC and log-transferred Agatston score are independently associated with significant/overt carotid stenosis and carotid plaque surface irregularity regardless of ethnicity. The subjects with a positive or increased CAC score are more likely to have carotid disease potentially increasing their risk for future ischemic stroke.