Elders and mental capacity: Using a qualitative approach to examine views on independence and protection across the Balkans.

OBJECTIVE: How do people in contemporary Balkans think about elders and mental capacity, a particular medical and legal concept? SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Different interpretations and applications regarding elders' mental capacity are explored through in-depth semi-structured interviews and field notes of 28 Greeks, 27 Bulgarians and 10 Romanians of varying ages, all living in Northern Greece. This study attempts to shed some light on the perceptions of ageing, mental disease, civil capacities, family and state involvement across three nearby nations. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), an approach to psychological qualitative research that aims to offer insights into how a given person, in a given context, makes sense of a given phenomenon was used for the first time applied to this topic. RESULTS: Four areas for focus were formed, each relating to the elders and the aging process and presenting the associated themes drawn from the participants' accounts: 1) Discovering the altered-self of the elder, family and society, 2) General experience with old age and capacities in everyday life, 3) Ways of thinking and acting towards old age and capacity issues, and 4) Feelings and comparison thoughts towards old age and capacity issues. Education, occupation, life experience, and especially religious beliefs were all found to be involved in the ways that people from three cultural groups understand the concept of mental capacity and incapacity of elders in their everyday life. A main finding is that the more educated Bulgarians and Romanians tend to speak more easily and to be more positive towards the social construct of aging, while Greeks regardless of their gender, education, religious beliefs, and financial status, tend to consider in their narratives old age as equal to loss of mental capacity, which equals to loss of autonomy and total dependency on others. The process of old age for the group of Greeks begins with retirement which is perceived to reflect withdrawal from social life. This is primarily related to behaviors from individuals and society that result to deprivation of freedom. CONCLUSION: The similarities and differences among these three ethnic groups are discussed, which according to the interviewees discourse reveal peculiar cultural understandings about subordinate themes such as power and its relationship to the self and superordinate themes on emotional control, choice, and individualism.

Connections between radial and ulnar nerve at high humeral level in cadavers: incidence, topography, and literature review.

PURPOSE: Although communications between branches and cords of the brachial plexus have been extensively published, there is a scarcity of reports concerning radial and ulnar nerve (RN-UN) communication in the arm. The current study aims to demonstrate the incidence, topography, and length of communicating branches between RN and UN. Any additional coexisted variations were also recorded. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and sixty-six upper limbs collected from one hundred and thirty-three (81 males and 52 females) Greek cadavers were dissected. RESULTS: Three out of one hundred and thirty-three cadavers, accounting for an incidence of up to 2.3%, were found to have an atypical communicating branch originating at a high humeral level from RN towards UN. In two cadavers, communicating branches were detected on the left side and in one cadaver bilaterally. CONCLUSIONS: The study of atypical communications between RN and UN attracts great attention for its clinical importance, mainly in cases of peripheral neuropathies with diagnostic dilemma or upper limb nerve injury producing an otherwise unexpected symptomatology due to the aberrant nerve supply. Familiarity with these variations is crucial in avoiding misdiagnosis and preserving valuable communicating branches, thus achieving an uneventful outcome in cases of upper limb nerve injury repair.

The size of the foramen ovale regarding to the presence and absence of the emissary sphenoidal foramen: is there any relationship between them?

BACKGROUND: The study investigates the size of the foramen ovale (FO) in relation to the presence and absence of the emissary sphenoidal foramen (ESF). Any possible alteration of the FO size in relation to the ESF (unilateral or bilateral) presence and absence was also examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and ninety-five (117 male and 78 female) Greek adult dry skulls were investigated. RESULTS: The ESF was present in 40% of the skulls (21.5% bilaterally and 18.5% unilaterally). No statistical significant difference was detected between ESF presence or absence and its unilateral or bilateral occurrence. The ESF existence had no relation to the FO size. CONCLUSIONS: The ESF absence or presence has no effect on FO size. The emissary sphenoidal vein is an additional venous pathway connecting cavernous sinus with the pterygoid venous plexus. These findings enhance that the venous plexus of the FO is a constant trait. The meticulous knowledge of the middle cranial fossa anatomy is of paramount importance during transovale procedures, as the outcome of cannulation may be affected by the existence of ESF, the confluence FO-ESF, the existence of osseous spurs and bridging into the FO. (Folia Morphol 2018; 77, 1: 90-98).

Anemia and stroke: Where do we stand?

Anemia seems to have a clear relationship with cerebrovascular events (CVEs), as there is a direct connection between central nervous system, blood supply, and tissue oxygen delivery. Anemia is considered a hyperkinetic state which disturbs endothelial adhesion molecule genes that may lead to thrombus formation. Furthermore, blood flow augmentation and turbulence may result in the migration of this thrombus, thus producing artery-to-artery embolism. It is for this reason that anemia is characterized as "the fifth cardiovascular risk factor." Anemia is consistently present in patients with acute stroke, ranging from 15% to 29%, while the mortality rate was significantly higher in patients suffering from anemia at the time of admission. Different types of anemia (sickle cell disease, beta thalassemia, iron deficiency anemia [IDA]) have been associated with increased cardiovascular and CVE risk. The relation between hemoglobin level and stroke would require further investigation. Unfortunately, treatment of anemia in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease still lacks clear targets and specific therapy has not developed. However, packed red blood cell transfusion is generally reserved for therapy in patients with CVEs. What is more, treatment of IDA prevents thrombosis and the occurrence of stroke; although iron levels should be checked, chronic administration favors thrombosis. Regarding erythropoietin (EPO), as there is lack of studies in anemic stroke patients, it would be desirable to utilize both neuroprotective and hematopoietic properties of EPO in anemic stroke patients. This review aims to clarify the poorly investigated and defined issues concerning the relation of anemia and CVEs.

Transtendinous course of the infrapatellar branch of saphenous nerve. A contribution to the aetiology of entrapment neuropathy and modification of the existing classification.

BACKGROUND: The course of the infrapatellar branch of saphenous nerve (IPBSN) in relation to the Sartorius muscle has been classified into presartorial, transsartorial and retrosartorial types. Mechanical compression of the IPBSN within the Sartorius tendon has been surgically recognised as a cause of entrapment neuropathy. Purpose of the present study was to differentiate the IPBSNs penetrating the Sartorius tendon from those penetrating the Sartorius muscle, from an anatomical and clinical point of views and thus modifying the existing classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The IPBSN was bilaterally dissected in 27 cadavers. The cases of the IPBSNs penetrating the Sartorius tendon were recorded separately from those penetrating the Sartorius muscle belly. RESULTS: In 11 out of 54 limbs (20.4%) the IPBSN ran through the Sartorius muscle belly. In 3 out of 54 (5.6%) limbs, the IPBSN penetrated the Sartorius tendon. CONCLUSIONS: The penetrating type of IPBSN includes two distinct subtypes: the muscle-penetrating type and the tendon-penetrating type. These subtypes are also distinct from a clinical point of view, since only the tendon-penetrating type has been associated with the IPBSN entrapment neuropathy. According to these findings we suggest a modification of the current classification. Further clinical studies are necessary to fully demonstrate whether the tendon-penetrating type should be considered as a predisposing factor for the IPBSN entrapment neuropathy. Distinguishing the two subtypes might be helpful for that purpose.

The impact of athrosclerosis on cognition and disability in multiple sclerosis patients: the ATHUS score.

AIM: Atherosclerosis of the large arteries of the neck could be related to the cognitive and motor deficit. We investigated if the atherosclerosis of common carotid and femoral arteries in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is directly linked with a disability and has an inverse relationship with cognitive performance. METHODS: We enrolled, in this prospective study, a random sample of 105 patients with MS and 22 healthy controls. All participants received a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. The physical disability was quantified with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). We utilized ultrasound of the carotid and femoral arteries to evaluate the degree of stenosis and intima-media thickness (IMT). We created a novice ultrasound index of atherosclerosis (ATHUS score) based on the arterial stenosis and the IMT of the carotid and femoral arteries. We then compared the results of the psychometric assessment and EDSS with the ATHUS score. RESULTS: The analysis demonstrated that higher cognitive function is correlated with lower values of ATHUS score (p =0.01). Also, there was a direct correlation between the ATHUS score and EDSS (p =0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the degree of atherosclerosis, as calculated by the ATHUS score, is directly related to low cognitive score and higher sensory and motor disability. HIPPOKRATIA 2019, 23(2): 81-86.

An Ultrasonographic Multiparametric Carotid Plaque Risk Index Associated with Cerebrovascular Symptomatology: A Study Comparing Color Doppler Imaging and Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Various ultrasonographic features of carortid plaques have been associated with the occurence of stroke, highlighting the need for multi-parametric assessment of plaque's vulnerability. Our aim was to compare ultrasonographic multiparametric indices using color Doppler imaging and contrast-enhanced sonography between symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study recruiting 54 patients (72.2% male; median age, 61 years) undergoing sonography and contrast-enhanced sonography. Patients were included if a moderately or severely stenotic internal carotid artery plaque was detected, with the plaque being considered symptomatic if it was ipsilateral to a stroke occuring within the last 6 months. A vulnerability index, previously described by Kanber et al, combined the degree of stenosis, gray-scale median, and a quantitative measure of surface irregularities (surface irregularity index) derived from color Doppler imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, resulting in 2 vulnerability indices, depending on the surface irregularity index used. Mann-Whitney U and t tests were used to compare variables between groups, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: Sixty-two plaques were analyzed (50% symptomatic), with a mean degree of stenosis of 68.9%. Symptomatic plaques had a significantly higher degree of stenosis (mean, 74.7% versus 63.1%; P < .001), a lower gray-scale median (13 versus 38; P = .001), and a higher Kanber vulnerability index based both on color Doppler imaging (median, 61.4 versus 16.5; P < .001) and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (median, 88.6 versus 25.2; P < .001). The area under the curve for the detection of symptomatic plaques was 0.772 for the degree of stenosis alone, 0.783 for the vulnerability index-color Doppler imaging, and 0.802 for the vulnerability index-contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, though no statistical significance was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic plaques had a higher degree of stenosis, lower gray-scale median values, and higher values of the Kanber vulnerability index using both color Doppler imaging and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography for plaque surface delineation.

A case of peduncular hallucinosis due to a pontine infarction: a rare complication of coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral thromboembolism is a rare, but well-recognized complication of angiographic procedures. Peduncular hallucinosis (PH) is a form of complex visual hallucinations usually associated with lesions in the midbrain and thalamus. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 79-years-old male patient with internuclear ophthalmoplegia and vivid lilliputian visual hallucinations (peduncular hallucinations), caused by a pontine infarction following coronary artery catheterization. The patient was started on quetiapine treatment with good results and tolerance. In the next three months, the medication has been discontinued, and the patient is without symptomatology thereafter. CONCLUSION: An understanding of how different pathologies may produce complex visual hallucinations can lead to an appropriate treatment, depending on the site and the nature of the lesion. Furthermore, cerebral embolism due to any angiographic procedure, although rare, should always be taken into consideration, upon any neurological manifestation, visual hallucinations included. Hippokratia 2015; 19 (3): 268-269.

Reproducibility of computer-quantified carotid plaque echogenicity: can we overcome the subjectivity?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We sought to assess the reproducibility, interobserver variability, and application to clinical studies of a new method for the quantitative assessment of carotid plaque echogenicity. METHODS: Carotid plaques were scanned with the use of ultrasound, and their images were stored in a computer. They were normalized by assigning certain gray values to blood and adventitia, and the gray scale median (GSM) was used to quantify their echogenicity. The variability between storage media, between degrees of magnification, and between probes was assessed. The method was applied to 232 asymptomatic carotid plaques causing 60% to 99% stenosis in relation to the presence of ipsilateral CT-demonstrated brain infarcts. In all parts of the study the plaque GSM was measured before and after normalization to evaluate its effect. Interobserver agreement for the scanning process was assessed. RESULTS: The GSM mean difference before and after normalization for variability studies of storage media, degrees of magnification, and probes was -14.5 and -0.12, 2.24 and 1.68, and -8.3 and -0.7, respectively. The median GSM of plaques associated with ipsilateral nonlacunar silent CT-demonstrated brain infarcts was 14, and that of plaques that were not so associated was 30 (P:=0.003). The interobserver GSM difference was -0.05 (95% CI, -1.7 to 1.6). CONCLUSIONS: Our method decreases the variability between storage media and between probes but not the variability between degrees of magnification. It separates echomorphologically the carotid plaques associated with silent nonlacunar CT-demonstrated brain infarcts from plaques that are not so associated.

Vascular surgical society of great britain and ireland: platelet function during carotid endarterectomy and the antiplatelet effect of dextran 40

BACKGROUND: Dextran 40 has been shown to reduce cerebral embolization following carotid endarterectomy (CEA). This study aimed to determine changes in platelet function during CEA and the antiplatelet effect of dextran 40. METHODS: Platelet function was measured by whole-blood flow cytometry in the peripheral arterial blood of patients during CEA and 24 h later. The binding index of P-selectin and PAC-1 expression were measured as markers of activation and aggregation. Patients were kept on aspirin 75-150 mg until the day of surgery and received an intravenous bolus of 5000 units unfractionated heparin before carotid artery clamping. High-intensity transient signals (HITS) in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery were measured with transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography before, during and after operation. Results are presented as median (interquartile range) and statistical significance was determined using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients undergoing CEA were studied. The P-selectin binding index rose significantly from incision (0.9 (0.2-2.7)) after carotid clamping (1.5 (0.6-3.6); P < 0.01), clamp release (1.7 (0. 3-3.0); P < 0.01), 1 h after operation (1.5 (0.3-2.6); P < 0.05) and 24 h after operation (1.3 (0.6-2.5); P < 0.05). PAC-1 binding index increased from incision (0.4 (0.1-0.8)) after carotid clamping (2.0 (0.4-4.2); P < 0.01) and clamp release (1.8 (0.3-2.9); P < 0.05). TCD monitoring showed an increase in preoperative HITS per 30 min (2 (0-3)) during dissection (8 (1-15); P < 0.05), after clamp release (16 (2-27); P < 0.01) and during recovery (10 (2-29); P < 0.01). After operation, patients with more than 50 HITS per 30 min were started on an infusion of dextran 40. Six patients had a dextran 40 infusion. The P-selectin binding index decreased from 1.6 (0.7-1.9) to 0.6 (0.3-1.5) 1 h after dextran (P < 0.05) and 0.1 (0.1-0.2) 24 h after dextran (P < 0.05). PAC-1 expression decreased from 0.4 (0.3-0. 5) to 0.1 (0.1-0.1) 24 h after dextran (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Significant platelet activation and aggregation occurs during CEA despite the use of antiplatelet treatment. A simultaneous increase in HITS was demonstrated with TCD. Dextran 40 was shown to have an antiplatelet effect after CEA; this is further evidence that it may have a role in reducing thromboembolic complications.

Significance of sonographic tissue and surface characteristics of carotid plaques.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our hypothesis was that symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid plaques are different. The aim of this study was to identify the sonographic tissue and surface characteristics of plaques and their degree of stenosis that corresponded to these two clinical presentations. METHODS: We studied 81 symptomatic and 111 asymptomatic plaques (150 patients) having 50% to 99% stenosis on duplex scanning. These plaques were imaged on duplex and captured in a computer. We evaluated the gray-scale median (GSM) to distinguish hypoechoic (low GSM) from hyperechoic (high GSM) plaques, and the bending energy (BE), to distinguish plaques with irregular (high BE) versus smooth (low BE) surfaces. RESULTS: The symptomatic group corresponded to hypoechoic (median GSM, 4) and severely stenosed (median stenosis, 85%) plaques, whereas the asymptomatic group corresponded to hyperechoic (median GSM, 35) and moderately stenosed (median stenosis, 70%) plaques (P <.05 for both variables). The BE failed to separate the two groups; the mean BEs were 1.63 and 1.68 for the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, respectively (P =.38). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that echogenic characteristics and the degree of stenosis are the strongest predictors of carotid plaque behavior. The sonographic surface characteristics failed to qualify as an index of plaque instability.

Echomorphologic and histopathologic characteristics of unstable carotid plaques.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our hypothesis was that the carotid plaques associated with retinal and cerebrovascular symptomatology and asymptomatic presentation may be differ from each other. The aim of this study was to identify the sonographic and histopathologic characteristics of plaques that corresponded to these three clinical manifestations. METHODS: The echo process involved duplex preoperative imaging of 71 plaques (67 patients, 21 plaques were associated with retinal, 25 with cerebrovascular symptoms, and 25 were asymptomatic), which was performed in a longitudinal fashion. Appropriate frames were captured and digitized via S-video signal in a computer and digitized sonograms were normalized by two echo-anatomic reference points: the gray scale median (GSM) of the blood and that of the adventitia. The GSM of the plaques was evaluated to distinguish dark (low-GSM) from bright (high-GSM) plaques. Subsequent to endarterectomy, the plaques were sectioned transversely, and a slice at the level of the largest plaque area was examined for the relative size of necrotic core and presence of calcification and hemorrhage. RESULTS: Retinal symptomatology was associated with a hypoechoic plaque appearance (median GSM: 0), asymptomatic status with a hyperechoic plaque appearance (median GSM: 34), and cerebrovascular symptomatology with an intermediate plaque appearance (median GSM: 16) (P = .001). The histopathologic characteristics did not disclose differences between the three clinical groups. The hypoechoic plaque appearance was associated only with the presence of hemorrhage (median GSM for the hemorrhagic plaques, 6, and for the non-hemorrhagic ones, 20 [P = .04]). The relative necrotic core size and the presence of calcification did not show any echomorphologic predilection. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that distinct echomorphologic characteristics of plaques were associated with retinal and cerebrovascular symptomatology and asymptomatic status. Histopathologically, only the presence of hemorrhage proved to have an echomorphologic predilection.

Peter B. Samuels Award. Restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Determine the feasibility of studying the natural history of the atherosclerotic plaque following percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), using duplex scanning. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with 40 stenoses (>70% and <5 cm in length) in the iliac and femoro-popliteal segments were studied by duplex scanning before PTA, on day 1, weekly for 8 weeks, and at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The following measurements were made: thickness of the plaque, minimal lumen diameter (MLD), and peak systolic velocity ratio (PSVR). A PSVR >2.0 was used to indicate >50% lumen diameter reduction. RESULTS: Thirty stenoses were available for measurement and analysis. Mean reduction in plaque thickness after angioplasty was greater in echolucent plaques (2.33 +/- 0.9 mm) than echogenic plaques (0.83 +/- 0.6 mm; P < 0.0001). Successful angioplasty (PSVR <2.0) and increase in MLD in echolucent plaques was the result of plaque compression; in echogenic plaques, of wall dilatation. The incidence of restenosis (PSVR >2.0) at 6 months was 12 of 30 (40%) remaining unchanged at 1 year; of the lesions that restenosed, 33% recurred before week 8 and the remainder between weeks 8 and 24, suggesting different mechanisms. During follow-up, all plaques showed "growth"; <2 mm in 17 (57%; group A) and >2 mm in the remaining 13 (43%; group B). The incidence of restenosis (PSVR >2.0) was 4 of 17 (23%) in group A and 8 of 13 (61%) in group B (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Duplex scanning provides valuable information on both luminal diameter and plaque thickness; it may be used to study the natural history of plaques following angioplasty and also the effects of therapeutic agents aimed at reducing restenosis.

The relative effect of carotid plaque heterogeneity and echogenicity on ipsilateral cerebral infarction and symptoms of cerebrovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative effect of carotid plaque heterogeneity and echogenicity as measured by computer on the incidence of ipsilateral cerebral infarction and symptoms of cerebrovascular disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 138 patients with 209 carotid plaques producing > 50% stenosis were studied. 110 plaques were from symptomatic sides. All patients had computer tomography (CT) brain scans. Images of the carotid plaques obtained by duplex scanner were transferred to a computer. Using an image analysis program plaque echogenicity, measured as the grey scale median (GSM) and heterogeneity, evaluated as the heterogeneity index (HI) was calculated. RESULTS: 42% of plaques were associated with cerebral infarction. Symptomatic plaques and those associated with cerebral infarction were more echolucent and less heterogeneous than asymptomatic plaques and those not associated with cerebral infarction. Plaques with GSMs below or equal to 32 were associated with a significantly higher incidence of cerebral infarction. Plaques with GSMs below or equal to 32 were associated with a significantly higher incidence of cerebral infarction and symptoms of cerebrovascular disease than those with GSMs above this level (p < 0.01). Plaques with HIs below or equal to 20 were associated with a significantly higher incidence of symptoms of cerebrovascular disease as compared to those with HIs above this level (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Computer analysis of carotid plaque morphology is an objective tool that can identify high risk plaques. The potential of such analysis in the identification of asymptomatic patients with advanced carotid stenosis at a high risk of stroke should be explored in a natural history study.

The effect of B-mode ultrasonic image standardisation on the echodensity of symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid bifurcation plaques.

BACKGROUND: To develop a method that allows B-mode ultrasonic images of carotid plaques to be standardised so that measurements of plaque echodensity become comparable and clinically useful. METHODS: Design. Cross sectional study. Setting. Teaching hospital, England. PATIENTS: a random consecutive series of 23 patients in part I, 19 in part II and 77 in part III. Measures. Part I: twenty-three images of carotid bifurcation plaques from 2 duplex scanners were digitised. Images were standardised by 4 observers so that the grey scale median (GSM) would be 0-5 for blood and 185-195 for adventitia. Part II: the effect of three different recording media: video, magneto-optical disk (MOD) and thermal paper on the echodensity of 19 plaques' images was determined. Part III: the echodensity of 91 carotid bifurcation plaques with greater than 50% stenosis was correlated to the presence or absence of ipsilateral hemispherical symptoms. RESULTS: Part I: the coefficient of variation (CV) among 4 observers was 0.7%, 0% and 4.7% after image standardisation for the adventitia, blood and plaques respectively. Part II: a near perfect agreement was obtained between the GSM of plaques from images on video and MOD (r = 0.97) after standardisation. Part III: after standardisation, the GSM of symptomatic plaques was lower (21 +/- 14.8) than in asymptomatic plaques (38 +/- 26) p = 0.002. Plaque echolucency was more likely to be associated with symptoms (relative risk 4.1 90% CI 1.8-9.4). CONCLUSIONS: Images from different scanners by different ultrasonographers and through different peripherals can be standardised so that measurements of plaque echodensity may become comparable. The method is recommended for use in future natural history studies on carotid plaques where stroke is the end-point.

Brain CT infarction in patients with carotid atheroma. Does it predict a future event?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to investigate the predictive value for subsequent stroke of different patterns of brain CT infarction in patients with carotid atheroma. METHODS: Prospective study on 138 patients, with 138 carotid plaques, having, on presentation, a greater than 50 percent stenosis on duplex scanning and associated with an ipsilateral (to the plaque) amaurosis fugax (AF), hemispheric transient ischaemic attack (HTIA) or which were asymptomatic. This carotid artery defined the side of interest. All patients had a brain CT scan on presentation and subsequently were followed for a period of 1-5 years (mean 3.14). The baseline CT neurovascular findings on the side of interest were classified as pattern A (discrete subcortical and cortical infarctions), pattern B (haemodynamic infarctions, widespread white matter lesions, basal ganglia infarctions and lacunae) and normal CT. RESULTS: On follow-up, 5/27 (18.5 percent) of patients with pattern A, 4/38 (10.5 percent) with pattern B and 3/73 (4.1 percent) with normal CT appearance developed stroke in the hemisphere of interest (Cox regression: p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Pattern A confers an unfavourable prognosis in patients with carotid atheroma who are either asymptomatic or presented with amaurosis fugax or hemispheric transient ischaemic attacks.

Carotid plaque echogenicity and types of silent CT-brain infarcts. Is there an association in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify the differences in echogenicity and the degree of stenosis of asymptomatic carotid plaques associated with different types of ipsilateral silent CT-brain infarcts. METHODS: Some 273 asymptomatic carotid plaques (218 patients) causing 50 to 99% stenosis were studied with high-resolution ultrasound. B-mode images were digitised and normalised by assigning certain grey values to blood and adventitia. The grey scale median (GSM) of the plaque in the normalised image was used to quantify echogenicity. Every patient had a CT-brain scan which an independent neuroradiologist read. The presence of 1) non-lacunar and 2) lacunar silent CT-brain infarcts ipsilateral to the carotid plaque was noted. RESULTS: The mean GSM of plaques associated with non-lacunar silent CT-brain infarcts was 19.6, of plaques associated with lacunar infarcts was 35.5 and of those associated with no infarcts was 32 (p=0.008, ANOVA). The mean degree of stenosis was 79%, 72% and 73% respectively (p = 0.1, ANOVA). Plaque echogenicity (p = 0.007) and not the degree of stenosis (p = 0.07) predicted the presence of non-lacunar silent CT-brain infarcts (logistic regression). CONCLUSIONS: Carotid bifurcation plaques, which are associated with non-lacunar silent CT-brain infarcts, are significantly more hypoechoic than those associated with lacunar or no infarcts. Plaques associated with lacunar silent infarcts and no infarcts have the same echogenicity and degree of stenosis. These findings suggest an embologenic mechanism of non-lacunar silent CT-brain infarcts that may have prognostic implications in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Prospective studies of asymptomatic carotid stenosis should assess the significance of 1) plaque echogenicity and 2) the presence of different types of silent CT-brain infarcts and atheroembolic stroke.

The Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis and Risk of Stroke (ACSRS) study. Aims and results of quality control.

AIM: The results of the Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerosis Study (ACAS) study have provided the first scientific evidence that in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis greater than 60% carotid endarterectomy reduces the risk of stroke from 2% to 1% per year. The implications are that approximately 20 operations need to be performed in order to prevent 1 stroke in 5 years. The aims of the Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis and Risk of Stroke (ACSRS) study are to identify a subgroup or subgroups at a risk for stroke higher than 4% and a group at a risk for stroke less than 1% per year using systemic and local risk factors (plaque characterization) in addition to the degree of stenosis. The aim of this paper is to present the protocol and the results of the quality control. METHODS: The ACSRS is a multicentre natural history study of patients with asymptomatic internal carotid diameter stenosis greater than 50% in relation to the bulb. The degree of stenosis is graded using multiple established ultrasonic duplex criteria. In addition, ultrasonic plaque characterization is performed and clinical risk factors and medications are recorded. Training is provided centrally. All carotid ultrasound examinations are recorded on video-tape which together with CT-brain scans and ECG are analysed at the coordinating centre with feedback information to partner centres. RESULTS: The video recordings and analysis of data centrally with feed back information have provided quality control with a significant improvement not only in the completion of data forms but also in the grading of internal carotid stenosis and plaque recordings using ultrasound. CONCLUSION: The high level of quality of data collected will add credibility to the results of the ACSRS study and may eventually promote the development of international standards of plaque imaging and characterization.

Stroke: management and rehabilitation. Part III of III.

The aim of this review is to present the current knowledge regarding stroke. It appears in three parts (in part I the epidemiology, clinical picture, and risk factors were discussed, while part II dealt with the pathogenesis, investigations, and prognosis). In this part (III) the management is presented. In an acute stroke the role of the following is discussed in detail: Thrombolysis, anticoagulant agents, and prophylactic neuroprotection with pharmacologic agents. For the prevention of stroke apart from the risk factors, which were presented in part I, the current knowledge with pharmacologic agents is discussed. Also the role of carotid endarterectomy, extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery, carotid artery angioplasty and stenting, and the treatment of cerebral hemorrhage are described. Finally the means and possibilities of rehabilitation are discussed.